If you're planning on selling your home this year, chances are you're feeling a little overwhelmed. Selling a house is a big task with a lot of steps, but we're here to take some of the stress out of the process. Here is a simple 10-point guide to putting your Fairborn home on the market this year.

1. Look at your home through a buyer's eyes.
   If you were thinking about buying your house, what would you see as the biggest flaws? Being critical is the best way to find problems, and to fix them.
   
   
2. Make a Timeline.
   Doing this right at the outset will help you stay on target and keep you from getting sidetracked. 
   
   
3. Decide between working with an agent and selling yourself.
   A real estate agent brings a lot of beneficial experience to the table, including knowledge of the local real estate market. An agent will also place ads, make calls, and take other actions to sell your home, freeing up your time to focus on other details.
   
   
4. Have an appraisal done.
   This will let you know what your home is worth, and reveal any problems that you may want to fix before selling. This information will make it easier for you to set a reasonable asking price.
   
   
5. Set a price.
   Find out how much other homes similar to yours are going for in your area. Setting a good price can be tricky when you're selling a house. You don't want it to be so high that no one will buy, but you also don't want to make it so low that you get a bad deal. A real estate agent can help you arrive at a price that is fair for both you and the potential buyer.
   
   
6. Clean and de-clutter.
   Getting your home as spotless as possible is one of the best things you can do to make it sell. If you have limited time, focus on the most important areas: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and entryways. Consider a professional cleaning service if you don't have the time to clean everything yourself.
   
   
7. Make repairs.
   That leaky faucet, those loose shingles—now is the time to make all the minor repairs you've been putting off. It's also a good idea to have a professional make any major repairs necessary before selling a house, but there are probably plenty of small ones you can take care of yourself.
   
   
8. Improve your landscaping.
   The first thing a buyer sees is the outside of your home, so make sure it makes a good impression. That means washing the windows, trimming the hedges and clearing the yard of leaves, debris, garden tools and children's toys.
   
   
9. Stage your home for show days.
   On days when your home is being shown, make the effort to make sure it's seen at its best. Open up the windows to let some light and fresh air in, bake cookies for the homey smell, and put out some fresh fruit or flowers. Little touches make a big difference!
   
   
10. Organize for the move.
    Once you've found a buyer, a whole new process begins: getting ready to move out. Start organizing as soon as possible to make the whole transition as smooth as possible.

Contact Wright-Patt Realty, Inc. today to learn more about preparing your home for sale. Our REALTORS® have decades of experience when it comes to selling homes in Fairborn and the surrounding areas near Wright-Patterson Afb.