A Good Motto for Home Sellers

Be prepared. That's what Steve Gavriloff, owner of Westgate Real Estate, a Diamond Certified company, tells his clients who are selling homes Ð prepare yourself early in the process. With all of today's disclosure requirements, it makes good sense for a seller to get termite and home inspection reports done before they put it on the market. That way, you know what you're dealing with and you can make repairs or adjust the asking price accordingly.

If you anticipate the questions buyers will have and address them, you're more likely to have a smoother negotiation process. That's a plus for everyone involved. Besides getting those inspection reports done, Mr. Gavriloff also recommends that sellers freshen up the paint, replace worn flooring, and pay attention to landscaping details. Even though many buyers say they're looking for fixer-uppers, most prefer moving into a house that's already been spiffed up.