Pretending to pick up your dog’s poop seems to be harder than just picking it up. So I did. Here. Actor: Chris Loveless.

Strike while the iron is hot. The renewal of the first time homebuyer credit, and the addition of the existing homeowner credit, has created the perfect opportunity for home sellers with limited equity. With a $9.36 sign, a digital camera, internet access, and a bit of follow-up, you can successfully market your home following these simple tips.

1. Clean your house and pack away the clutter- This simple tip will help you make the best of every showing. Clean the windows, floors, and every surface in sight.

2. Finish as much “deferred maintenance” as possible- Mow the lawn, clean the gutters, touch-up scuffed or worn areas with fresh paint, caulk around tubs, sinks and windows if necessary.

3. Take a lot of photos- Once your house is clean and ready, take as many photos as needed to showcase the features of your home.

4. Price your home aggressively- Go to your tax assessors website to see if they offer local comparables sold in the last few months. If not, Zillow.com should offer comparables for your home and a free pricing analysis. Warning: Use online services with caution, only an expert in your market will be able to accurately determine a price range for your home.

5. Buy a For Sale by Owner sign- Once your house is ready to show, and you’ve chosen the price you want to market your home at, put a simple for sale sign in the front yard with your phone number. Lowes sells them for $9.36.

6. Market your home online- Post your listing, with as many photos and details allowed, to Craigslist.org, Zillow.com, Trulia.com and Postlets.com. These websites have lots of potential home buyers looking for homes in your area. They all offer free listings and will allow you to post your contact info.

7. Social networking- If you Facebook, Twitter, or use any other social networking site, use your Postlets listing to market to your friends and acquaintances.

8. Canvas your neighborhood- Let your neighbors know that your home is for sale. On occasion, your neighbor will have a friend or family neighbor who would like to move in the community. Tell them “it’s always best to choose your new neighbor!” You may find that your neighbor would like to purchase your home as a rental or for other reasons.

9. Follow-up on every lead- There is a lot of inventory on the market. When you choose to market your home by owner, you have to step into the role of a salesperson. The key to sales is to follow-up on every lead until conclusion.

Follow these tips and you will be able to successfully market your home to potential home buyers. Be sure to leverage the internet for maximum exposure and let your friends and neighbors know your home is for sale. Follow-up on every inquiry until you get a yes or a no and you’ll put that $9.36 investment to the best use. Marketing your home by owner is just the start. When you find a buyer, make sure you consult a professional concerning the best way to move forward.

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