1. Make Sure Your Home is Ready: Curb Appeal: First impressions are everything! The first thing a buyer sees is the outside of your home. Many buyers will not even come inside if the exterior puts them off. And no matter how many great features your home has, you must get the buyer through the front door first. A small investment in cosmetic changes can exponentially increase the salability and price of your home. Make sure the paint is good, lawn is well kept, windows are gleaming, porches, patios and garage is clean and all toys are stowed away. Planting flowers is an easy way to increase curb appeal with a small investment.

Neatness: Put Away the Junk! Take a look at your home interior with a critical eye. If you are like most people, you've had a number of years to let unnecessary items collect. Touring model homes in new home neighborhoods will give you ideas. Clear desks, furniture and countertops of papers, personal items and junk. Clean carpets and upholstery and touch up paint where needed. Clean out your closets, laundry room and cabinets and straighten any storage area s. (You'll be glad you did when it's time to move!) Additional small investments to spruce up your interior will also make a big difference. Some new throw pillows, an accent rug or a new shower curtain can do wonders, and you can take them with you when its time to leave.

Get It Fixed: This is the time to make sure everything is in good working order. Replace cracked tiles, repair doors and windows, paint walls and replace carpet and wall paper if necessary. The better sales price of your home will more than pay for your investment and reduce negotiations over repairs.


Make Sure It Smells Good! Deodorize your home if you smoke or have pets. Make sure the refrigerator and bathrooms are sparkling clean. Put out potpourri and scented candles. And nothing is more inviting then the smell of fresh-baked cookies when your home is being shown.

2. Get Your Home Inspection & Warranty Done Upfront:
By having a valid home inspection and warranty, you assure buyers upfront that your home is a sound investment and there will be no surprises that delay the closing of your home. Your EXIT Key West Old Island Real Estate agent can recommend reputable inspectors and warranty companies.


3. Find a Real Estate Agent: Studies show that comparable homes sell faster and for more, through qualified real estate agents, than through the homeowners who sell their homes on their own.

Every agent has their own style and personality, regardless of qualifications. Additionally, many agents specialize in certain areas of real estate. If you are seeking particular qualifications you should find out as much as possible about the agent who will assist you in selling your home. Look at their Web sites, brochures and other personal promotion items. Interview them and get recommendations. And make sure your personalities click. You should trust and feel completely comfortable with the agent you choose.

4. Accept the Right Offer: Your real estate agent will present offers to you personally, avoiding uncomfortable face-to -face negotiations. Keep in mind that you are legally bound to accept an offer for the full asking price, without conditions. Some buyers ask for discounts, part or all of their closing costs, and put other conditions, such as home repairs, on their offers. You may consider these offers, but you are not bound to accept them. You may make a counter-offer or you may simply reject the offer. If your home is priced right and you have done the necessary home preparation, your home should sell quickly in today's market.

Prepare for Closing: A moving checklist will ensure that you are ready to move as soon as you accept an offer. Don't forget to notify your utility companies and other service providers to discontinue service.

EXIT Realty Old Island Key West can assist you with all of your move-related needs including moving van lines, boxes, and more. We reduce time and stress my recommending trusted companies who provide great service and value. Ask your HPW agent for more details!

6. Go to Closing: At closing you will need the all proper identification and items for your buyers (including keys and remote control garage openers). Your real estate agent will recommend a closing attorney, arrange the closing, and will be present to guide you through all the signing of all the legal documents. This process usually takes about an hour. The closing may include the buyer, the buyers agent, closing attorney and a representative from the title company.