Jason Deines

Selling a home is a complex process that takes time and patience. An average home may stay on the market for 60 or more days before selling. That is a long time to be constantly opening your home up to strangers and wondering if this could be the one. Depending on why you are selling your home, the time it takes can affect the stress level associated with such a task. To ease the tension when selling a home it is important to be prepared. Below is a short checklist to help prepare yourself.

1. Determine whether or not to use a local real estate agent to handle the transaction. Most people choose to use an agent but you may know more about the process than the average homeowner and decide to do it yourself. Selling your home takes a lot of effort and time.
   
2. Gather the necessary information pertaining to your home: number of bedrooms, baths, square feet, new upgrades, lot size, etc. Also put together a short list of local amenities that have been helpful. If your neighborhood has something special to offer make a note of it. Also include a short list of local schools. Putting together a well-organized binder with this information can be a considerable help. Leave it on the kitchen table for home viewers to look over when visiting.
   
3. Get your house ready to sell by making minor repairs to the inside and out. Take the necessary steps to make your home look clean and well maintained. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint, if needed.
   
4. Since you are going to be moving anyhow you might as well start packing. Pack any unnecessary items that you don't need. Organize closets and get rid of torn or damaged furniture. Make your home look spacious and clutter free.
   
5. Familiarize yourself with the home selling process along with some of the financial aspects. Be prepared by knowing what to expect at each phase of the process.
   
6. Determine if you will be willing to make any concessions, whether it will be in price, closing costs, or upgrades (such as new carpet).

Knowledge and preparation is key when selling your home. If using a real estate agent they can assist you in most of the above but you will be required to make the decisions. Anything that you can do to speed up the home selling process will benefit you in the long run. By taking the time to do it right you can increase the chances of getting more on the sale of your home.

Below are some key areas to consider when purchasing a new home. When having a home inspected make sure it is done by a professional and pay extra attention to the following areas:

· Fireplace/Chimney and Flue. Be sure all are safe, working, and clean.

· Furnace and Air Conditioner. How old are they? Run them and have them inspected to make sure they are operating properly. Have they been routinely serviced?

· Windows and Doors. Do all window and doors close properly and tightly? Do the doors hang at the right angle or do some sag?

· Plumbing. Are the faucets and drains working properly? Check for leaks under sinks and garage or anywhere pipes are.

· Electrical. Have all circuits and outlets checked.

· Roof. How old is the roof? Does it need any repairs? Look at the home's ceiling for signs of water leakage.

• Foundation. Check for cracks in the foundation, this may indicate a foundation shift or leakage into the basement. Is there termite or pest damage?

Chances are there will be things that need to be addressed, some may need to be fixed before buying the Idaho home while other items may be put off until later.