4 smart tips for pricing and showing your home

Selling your house can be an overwhelming experience — especially if you're going to sell it without the help of a real estate agent. Here are four tips that will help you understand exactly what a real estate agent can offer and how to price and show your home to get the most out of it.

The thought of saving the five to seven percent commission inspires many people to sell their home without professional help. To make the best decision for yourself, consider the following:

• A real estate agent will subscribe to the area's online database, which describes all homes listed by all agents in the area.
• A seasoned agent also can offer information about the market, assistance with negotiating and connections with potential buyers (including out-of-town buyers, who almost always use an agent).

If you would like to save some money but you want help with paperwork and details, consider hiring a discount agent.

• They usually charge either a flat fee or a commission of one to three percent of the selling price and will offer fewer services than a full-service agent.
• Services may include paperwork, negotiations and following up on a buyer's mortgage application.

You may also want an appraisal, an estimate of fair market value made by a professional real estate appraiser. He or she will use available market data, calculations of replacement cost, physical depreciation of systems and other factors to determine the market value of your home.

• For selling as well as buying, learning the art of negotiation is very helpful. Seek advice from your agent or read a book on real estate and negotiations. Later, when things are moving quickly, you will be ready to respond to offers with decisiveness, and forge a win-win situation.
• The economic environment determines how much money people will spend. When people are feeling secure in their jobs and interest rates are low, they are more likely to spend more money. When interest rates rise or the stability of the economy is uncertain, the opposite is the case.
• The buyer may expect to share the spoils with you in the form of a lower price if you sell your house without an agent.

• Vacate the premises, taking the dog or cat with you, every time your home is shown. It's awkward for potential buyers to assess a home and difficult to imagine themselves living in it if you are there while they are looking.
• Create an inviting atmosphere. Before you leave, switch on lights and open all the curtains and shades so your home looks bright and inviting.
• Be sure that there is no pet odour or greasy cooking odour.
• Add a subtle homey touch. Place fresh flowers or bowls of fruit out on tables and counters.
• Fill the air with pleasant scents. If you can, bake some rolls or cookies, make some coffee or boil some potpourri on the stove shortly before you leave the house.
• Keep the home furnished. A house empty of furniture, curtains and wall decorations looks cold and uninviting — and it gives the impression that you're desperate to sell.
• If possible, don't set your moving date until the house is sold.

The best way to get the most value out of your house is to price and stage it so it appeals to potential buyers. Consider these four tips before you put your house on the market and create an attractive property!