Before You Move

So you are thinking of moving to a new place. You have your eyes set on a certain property, and perhaps you are thinking of paying a partial sum or are inquiring about lending policies. However, there is one thing left to do: sell your property. If you have yet to find a buyer, postpone your purchase until someone decides to take your house. Find a good real estate agent whom you can trust to give you an honest appraisal of how much your property is worth. You might find out that there are a few repairs you need to undertake. Although this sounds frustrating, be patient. Repairing essential parts of your house -- the roof, the plumbing, the floor, the walls, the kitchen or the bathroom -- will greatly increase the resale value of your house. Be aware, though, that sometimes, doing too many improvements will not yield your expected returns, specially if the other houses in your area are not in great condition. Ask your real estate agent to gauge how the other houses in your neighbourhood affect the value of your property.

Aside from looking at your own property, you need to ask your agent to give you a comparative market analysis. This will show how your home compares to other offers in the real estate market -- those houses sold, pending or withdrawn from the listing. It is also good to have a profile of your prospective buyers. This means asking your real estate broker to explain to you the current market temperature -- hot, cold, neutral -- so that you can know how reasonably you can price your property. Most of all, have all the necessary documents settled and available.

When you finally get your home prepared for its entry to the market, go over it with your agent and identify its top-selling points. These are the things that you will emphasise in order to lure buyers. Announce your home sale on classified ads and on the Internet. Get the word out through your friends and acquaintances. Organise an open house. This is also the time when you can begin your own hunt for a new home. You will find that selling your house before making a purchase will help make your move smoother and less stressful.