Steps to Selling a Home.

Save yourself from the stress associated with selling your home by following these seven simple steps.

1. Determine the price:

The selling price can be determined either by a home evaluation or by an appraisal. A real estate agent or realty professional can determine your home's value through a home evaluation. He or she will establish a selling price by examining the general condition of the home, its square footage, any amenities, the surrounding communities and the prices of what similar houses have recently sold for. An appraisal is more objective and is performed by a professional appraiser. This is the only estimate most banks will use. Before you can be pre-approved for a loan, the bank must have an appraisal of your house.

2. Make repairs:

During the evaluation and or appraisal, the realty professional might make repair suggestions. Whether you're selling now or in the future, fixing up your home can increase its resale value and is generally a good investment to make.

3. Get pre-approved for a home loan:

After you know how much you can sell your house for, use this information to get pre-approved for a home loan. You and the bank should both have a good idea of how much profit you will make from the sale, so you can generate an accurate mortgage for your next home purchase.

4. Determine your selling needs:

Whether you need access to the MLS listings or a full-time agent to sell the house, sit down and determine what type of services you are capable of and willing to do on your own and what type of services you need professional assistance to complete.

5. Estimate selling expenses:

It's the seller's responsibility to pay for broker fees and commissions. A full-time broker will normally charge between 5 percent and 7 percent commission on the sale of a house. Be sure to subtract the estimated expenses from the selling price when you get pre-approved for a loan.

6. Prepare to show it:

Make an emotional connection with potential buyers by pleasing their senses. A few hints can help.

• Remove as much furniture as possible. When viewing a home, people like to imagine themselves and their possessions in their new location. In addition, removing excess couches or chairs helps to make the home look more spacious.
• Paint the walls neutral colors. Neutral tones are more inviting and are easier for people to look at.
• Leave a pleasant smell in the house. Cookies and cakes are both something that will leave a pleasant smell for the house. When people smell these items, they remember positive experiences associated with these smells.
• Remove yourself. We are all proud of our homes and of the work we have done to make them unique. But, it is easy for sellers to become too emotional when talking to potential buyers. It's best to let someone show your house who is a professional.

7. Be objective and positive:

Throughout the selling process, remain positive. A positive attitude can say a lot about a person and about the neighborhood he or she lives in. When people ask you questions about the house, give them objective and honest answers. Potential buyers will remember your honest attitude more than the answer you gave them.

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