Maybe you're moving to a larger home to accommodate a growing family, relocating for a new career opportunity, or purchasing a townhouse for retirement.  Whatever the reason for the move, you'll need to take the necessary steps to sell your home for the best possible price, within a reasonable amount of time.  Where do you begin?

If you're like most people, you'll start by seeking assistance from a professional.  A local real estate sales associate, who knows your neighborhood, can help you determine a fair market price.  The sales associate should also recommend the extent to which you should make repairs or improvements to your house.

In order to select a real estate professional who's right for you, ask family, friends and neighbors for referrals.  Attend open houses and interview several sales associates to find out how professional or experienced they may be.  Get a written outline of how they plan to market your property and the services they will offer you.

Once you've identified a qualified professional, the rest is chemistry.  Is the sales associate someone with whom you would like to work closely?  Do you feel comfortable with the sales associate as your partner, working with you to give you advice and acting as your representative?  Does he or she practice a consultative selling approach, focusing on the long-term client relationship and on the importance of exceeding client needs and expectations or is he or she caught up in the proverbial 'hard sell?'

The brokerage firm that your agent is associated with is also important.  Research the firm's success rate and commitment to quality service.  Does it survey existing clients in order to ensure customer satisfaction?  What are the results of those surveys? How in tune are they with consumer needs?  Do they offer guidance with mortgages or any discounts for other home related or moving services?

Determining your home's fair market value is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the home-selling/buying process.  Your sales associate can help you set a fair price based on local market conditions.  For instance, she or he will provide sale prices and other statistics of homes similar to yours that have recently been sold.  Prospective buyers will be comparing your home to others on the market.  Therefore, setting a comprehensive price can determine if your property will or will not sell.

For the first offer made, it's rare that the prospective buyer matches the asking price.  If the offer is reasonably close to the asking price, carefully consider the offer before you consider turning it down.  Curiously, it's the first offer that can often be the best offer.  If the first offer is unacceptable to you, it may in your best interest to have your sales associate respond with a counter offer.  Whenever considering an offer, ask yourself if you would purchase the property for the amount being offered.  Always be willing to negotiate, especially if the prospective buyer is pre-qualified for a mortgage. 

Once you decide what terms are acceptable, let your sales associate negotiate with the prospective buyer to work out the best agreement for you.  You'll need to be patient while the buyer arranges financing and as the real estate company compiles and prepares pertinent data.

Careful planning and sound advice from a real estate professional can make selling your home a very satisfying experience.  For further information, please contact, Jamie Wooten  Century 21 Goodyear Green, Midwest City, Oklahoma  405-203-2823

New Roof!

• 1,408 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $85,000 - Cute Brick Home

Bradley, Oklahoma City  -  Very nice home on .24 acres with lots of curb appeal. New roof, diswasher, disposal, some new carpet, new paint and updated bath. Third bedroom could also be used as second living. Home has a koi pond in front yard ready for you to add the koi! Nice sized indoor laundry room.

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One Acre Lot!

• 916 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $78,000 - Diamond in the Rough

Friendly Acres, Midwest City  -  This home has recently been updated with new laminate floor in the kitchen, new countertops in kitchen, Bathroom has new shower surround, new texture and paint, bedrooms have hardwood floors. This home would be great for a family just getting started. Where else can you get such a cute house on an acre for this price?

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• 3,462 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $235,000

Unknown, Midwest City  -  This home has so many pluses it is hard to list them all! Large home with lots of room to roam. Features: tennis court, volleyball court, lg inside storm cellar, lg laundry room, lots of storage, cultured marble window sills,large gameroom w/wetbar, all iterior doors solid wood, 2 ch&a units 2 hot water tanks, 880 SF garage apartment with 1 bedroom and fireplace!

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• 964 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $82,000 - Very Nice Home

Rhapsody Heights, Midwest City  -  Very nice home with new paint, new dishwasher and stove within the last year. Very cute colors. Home has pantry, large backyard, lots of charm here. Check it out!

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Lots of square footage!

• 1,557 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $89,900 - Cute!

Mansfield Third, Del City  -  Very nice home with two large living rooms, 2nd living has freestanding fireplace for those cold winter nights, nice sized kitchen with lots of counter space, bedrooms are nice sized and bathroom has ceramic tile, carpet is newer berber type. This house is possibly the cutest house on the block.

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To view is to love!

• 2,064 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $141,000 - Lots of updates!

Westridge, Yukon  -  This home has recently been updated w/new ceramic tile in kitchen, living, dining, hallway & laundry rm. New roof 9/07. Master bed has fireplace,two walk-in closets & new Stainmaster carpet. Kitchen has lots of counter space,cabinets & bar. There is also a hot tub in the atrium in center of home. Kitchen countertops, sink and faucet are being replaced in the next week or so (Jan 08). This home is almost brand new with all the updates! Check it out!

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