1. I am prepared to spend the time necessary to deep-clean the house before putting it on the market.
2. I am prepared to spend the time needed to make necessary repairs inside and outside the house before putting it on the market. 
3. I understand the importance of “curb appeal” when attracting buyers and will spend the time, money, and effort it takes to get the lawn, shrubbery, walkways and driveways in proper showing condition. 
   
4. I am prepared to paint any faded or peeling areas, especially in important areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and near the front door of the home.     
   
5. I will clear all of the clutter in the home, putting away unnecessary items before placing the home on the market. 
   
6. I will make sure flooring in the kitchen, bathroom, and living room is spotless at all times when showing the home to prospective buyers.       

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you have a better-than-average chance of completing this stage of home selling on your own or with only a moderate amount of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #2: Test Your Ability to Gather Property Information and Price Your Property

1. I will obtain a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help verify the market value of the property.       
   
2. I will obtain the legal description and tax information of the property from either the courthouse or title company. 
   
3. I am capable of collecting and double-checking property facts and amenities and completing the property information sheet for prospective buyers.     
   
4. I am capable of measuring and evaluating the square footage of the house and the dimensions of the lot. 
   
5. I can obtain and complete the property disclosure form and present and describe it to potential buyers (if required). 
   
6. I will gather all information regarding homeowner’s insurance, zoning regulations and conditions, covenants, and restrictions of the property to present to prospective buyers. 

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you have a better-than-average chance of completing this stage of home selling on your own or with only a moderate amount of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #3:  Test Your Ability to Market Your Property

1. I am web savvy and will put information about the property on various no-cost or low-cost web sites in order to attract buyers. 
   
2. I am capable of writing effective advertising and placing it in various print, web, and other mediums.       
   
3. I know the profile of the buyer most likely to buy my home and will target all advertising (including signage) to attract him or her.     
   
4. I am aware of the market type (seller’s or buyer’s) and will structure my advertising to attract the best buyer prospects at this time. 
   
5. I will design my property information fact sheet to address the most critical needs of my target buyer. 
   
6. I will deliver copies of my property information fact sheet to at least twenty homes across from, behind, and adjacent to my home to enlist their help in finding eligible buyers.     

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you have a better-than-average chance of completing this stage of home selling on your own or with only a moderate amount of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #4: Test Your Ability to Find and Pre-approve the Buyer

1. I know the pre-screening questions I will ask of all prospective buyers before allowing them to make an appointment to view the house.     
   
2. I will never show the house alone when no one else is home.     
   
3. I understand the difference between a buyer that is pre-qualified and one that is pre-approved and will allow only pre-approved buyers to view the house. 
   
4. If a motivated buyer is not pre-approved, I have measures in place to assist them in becoming pre-approved. 
   
5. I know the proper closing questions to ask prospective buyers as they view the house. 
   
6. I will follow up within twenty-four hours with each prospective buyer that tours the house, asking them what they liked and disliked about the house. 

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you have a better-than-average chance of completing this stage of home selling on your own or with only a moderate amount of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #5: Test Your Ability to Prepare the Purchase Agreement and Negotiate with the Buyer

1. I will spend time understanding the property purchase agreement most commonly used in my area and will be able to complete it to serve my best interests in any offer or counter-offer I receive.     
   
2. I will design a negotiating strategy to prioritize what I want to accomplish while allowing the buyer to win on issues of importance to him or her.        
   
3. I am able to determine my costs of sale (including closing costs) before accepting any offer from the buyer.       
   
4. I understand the procedures and legal implications of offers and counter-offers in real estate negotiating. 
   
5. I understand numerous contingency clauses in purchase and sale agreements, including the ramifications they have on my bargaining position as a seller. 
   
6. I consider myself a strong yet fair negotiator when it comes to financial issues.

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you have a better-than-average chance of completing this stage of home selling on your own or with only a moderate amount of help.

Seller’s Checkpoint #6:  Test Your Ability to Troubleshoot the Sale and Close the Deal

1. I understand and the sequence of events in closing a real estate transaction and can effectively navigate each one on my own.           
   
2. I will prioritize the time and effort it takes to monitor the buyer’s mortgage process, keep myself updated on the progress of the closing with service providers, and be available to answer questions and troubleshoot the sale to closing. 
   
3. I know the approach to take, what to look for, and the documentation required when the buyer makes the final walk-through inspections before the closing. 
   
4. I am capable of reviewing and interpreting all closing documents without needing help.     
   
5. I am able to calculate the approximate amount of net proceeds I will receive at the time of closing.     
6. If necessary, I am capable of renegotiating any or all terms of sale with the buyer before closing.                                         

 If you answered “yes” to three or more of these questions, you have a better-than-average chance of completing this stage of home selling on your own or with only a moderate amount of help.