First-Time Home Seller?

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What can I get for my house? Do I sell it alone or use an agent? How do I know if features aren’t up to code?

These are just some of the questions homeowners may consider when contemplating their first sale.

The home is many people's single largest investment. Naturally, homeowners are protective of that equity.

But how can a home-seller reach the right balance and walk away with maximum profit, rather than attracting zero buyers or selling for less than a house is worth?

The price is … right?
As real estate pros know, it’s more painful to drop a too-high list price than to set the right price initially. But how do you determine the right price? Researching public records is one way. “Using the library’s public records databases can help patrons make informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling a home,” says Cynthia Lopuszynski, head of adult services at Crystal Lake (Ill.) Public Library. “Someone can see when a property was sold and for what price.” This knowledge can help you frame up realistic expectations.

Beyond bricks and mortar
“When you are looking to sell your home, letting potential buyers know about the cultural and historical richness of an area can be a great selling point,” says Holley Wesley, reference librarian at Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Practical selling points aside, do you really know your neighborhood’s character? Consulting with local library staff can help you uncover quirky origins of beloved community traditions or unusual tidbits about local points of interest. All else being equal, if yours is the property with neighborhood charm to spare, that just might tip the real estate scales in your favor.

To pay or not to pay
Whether you’re selling solo or with an agent, a little self-education can go a long way. Regardless of your choice, that path will be more pleasant and less surprise-filled when you familiarize yourself with the laws governing property transactions in your state. Learn about applicable real estate codes, laws and regulations at your library. Many libraries, like Morgan County (Ind.) Public Library, also provide access to legal databases with downloadable forms, important if you’re considering for sale by owner.

About that leaky faucet
To make sure your home shines its brightest for potential buyers during walk-throughs, look for library-sponsored Do-It-Yourself (DIY) workshops. Ocean County (N.J.) Library, recently partnered with The Home Depot for a DIY program, including primers on cutting molding, patching sheetrock, and making minor plumbing repairs. “This is an example of the way Ocean County Library looks to serve the whole community’s needs with the support of our local businesses,” said librarian Rachel Montanez. These free classes can help you reap dividends when it comes down to negotiating repairs with a potential buyer. You may even score useful swag! “The program was well attended and Home Depot provided free giveaways such as T-shirts, recycle bags with the Home Depot logo and energy saver bulbs for each attendee,” added Montanez.

Selling your home can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Going from “For Sale” to “Sold” is possible. Let the library show you how!

More Resources

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Selling Your Home
by Katie Severance and Nancy Gentile

Seven Steps to Sold: The Secrets to Selling Your Home for Big Bucks … Fast!
by Donna Freeman, Shannon Freeman, and Craig Boreth.

Buying and Selling a Home for Dummies
by Melanie Bien

Staying Sane When You’re Buying or Selling Your Home
by Pamela K. Brodowsky and Evelyn M. Fazio

Quick Tips For Selling Your Home
by Steven P. Ebben

Home Staging: The Winning Way to Sell Your House for More Money
by Barb Schwarz and Mary Seehafer Sears

20 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Home
by Steven Holzner and Nancy Conner

Get the Best Deal When Selling Your Home
by Ken Deshaies

The Real Estate Process: Pros Discuss Buying & Selling Your Home
by Vi Brown, Kelly Orr, Robert Hughes and Josee Lalonde.

Century21 Guide to Selling Your Home by Century 21

Selling Your Home: Tips for Selecting a Real Estate Professional
by United States Bureau of Competition

Strategies for Selling Your Home
by Charles Kraus