Never sold a home before? Everyone has to start that journey somewhere, and now it's your turn — listing your home among Beavercreek homes for sale. Yes, there's a lot to know, but you can do it, and you can do it successfully if you follow a few basic rules.

Have a look at the following tips, compiled by our REALTORS®, who are ready to work with you on selling your home.

1. Find the right real estate agent.
   There are, of course, hundreds of real estate agents and Realtors®. There are lots of ways to find a listing agent who's familiar with your area. Ask your friends, neighbors, and work colleagues if they can make recommendations. If you were satisfied with the agent who sold you your house, make inquiries to see if this person is still working in your area. You can also look online or go through social media such as Facebook to find likely prospects. Check out For Sale signs in your area and contact the agents. 
   What if you want to sell your home yourself? You can do that, but just be aware you'll be without the background, experience, support and negotiating skills of a trained real estate agent or Realtor®.
   
   
2. Decide on a list price.
   Your agent will do a comparative analysis with other similar homes in your neighborhood to determine how much you should be asking for your home. Your asking price (which may not be how much you ultimately can get) will depend on the condition of your property, the market where you live, and the time of year.
   
   
3. To renovate or not to renovate.
   Sellers often struggle with whether or not to renovate their homes. Renovations make your home look more attractive to buyers, so that you may be able to ask for more. However, some renovations may be more expensive and, ultimately, not worth the cost when you're trying to sell your home. You have to weigh renovations that can boost your sale without breaking the bank vs. those that are beautiful but may be too extravagant. It's probably best to concentrate on repairs for basics such as plumbing, electricity, roof, and foundation to make your home more salable. You might put off the kitchen renovation and other fancy frills.
   
   
4. Stage your home.
   Start with a deep cleaning. And we mean deep. It can be more important than renovations. A clean home will be more appealing to buyers. Hire a cleaning service if you're not up to the job. Then, remove as much of your personal life from the "stage" as you can. That means personal pictures, mementos, souvenirs, and bric-a-brac. Move out some furniture, so your home feels more spacious. The idea is to allow buyers to picture themselves living in your home. They can do that better when not crowded by your stuff.
   
   
5. Market your home.
   The agent will market your home in various ways, including ads in real estate publications and online; social media; open houses; For sale signs; virtual tours; and in-person tours. Be sure to hire a professional photographer to shoot good-quality pictures of your home.
   
   
6. Sell your home.
   Usually, a seller accepts the highest bid, but that could change if there are cash offers; contingencies; or the buyer is applying for a loan, and whether or not he or she has preapproval or just prequalification.
   
   
7. Anticipate costs.
   There may be extra costs, such as closing costs, capital gains tax, and moving expenses.

More questions? We can answer them. Contact Wright-Patt Realty today.