• Step 1: Creating a Marketing Plan
• Step 2: Setting the Price
• Step 3: Showtime
• Step 4: Protecting Yourself
• Step 5: Making the Deal

• Price Your Home to Sell
• If Your Price is Too High
• Your Seller Disclosure Statement
• Less Time on the Market = Higher Price
• Prepare your Home to Sell
• Prepare for Showings

Step 4: Protecting Yourself

In some cases, a home sale can also be an invitation for danger. Here are some things you can do to make the process safer.

• Ask for identification
• Ask for pre-approval letters.
• Lock up and hide collectibles and valuables.
• Remember "For Sale" signs bring in buyers. Do not allow children to open doors to strangers.
• If you have pets, make sure they are controlled.
• Remove any dangerous items.
• Talk to your Century 21 Sales Professional about additional safety tips to help protect you and your family.

Step 5: Making the Deal

A buyer has made an offer - now it is time to negotiate. Rely on your real estate professional to guide you through this process. He or she will help you arrive at an acceptable price, terms and conditions. Once you have accepted an offer, help keep the deal together by meeting deadlines and criteria, including home inspections, appropriate buyer visits, scheduled deposits and other steps. In fact, during this period there may be a renegotiation of the accepted offer price depending on the outcomes of these visits. As the closing nears, you may also need to perform repairs or do additional work to the house as agreed upon in your contract. In addition, you will need to have the house "broom clean" prior to the closing so that the buyer can complete a final walk through. When you finally arrive at the closing table, come prepared with the appropriate certificates and approvals as required by your town, county and state. Ask the appropriate agency or get a list of what you need from your local CENTURY 21 Office. Once the money has exchanged hands and all the papers signed it's time to hand over the keys and concentrate on your next big project - getting YOUR new home in order.