There are two main things to consider when planning to sell your house: choosing the right realtor to represent you and preparing your home properly for the market. If these steps are carefully covered, the sale will follow!

Your Home may be the largest financial investment you have made. It is essential that you work with a reputable and experienced full service realtor. This should be a highly skilled agent who knows how to prepare and present your house so it sells for the highest price possible. You need an agent who has a proven track record, is an excellent negotiator and can resolve any unexpected difficulties in a resourceful manner.

When interviewing a realtor for the job of selling your home, be sure all of the following information is covered to your satisfaction.

• Have they completed their research on your property? This includes all of the land registry information available on your house and all of the listings of comparable houses sold in your area for the last six months. Have they personally inspected all of the homes similar to yours presently on the market in the area so they can describe what the competing properties are like? All of this information will help you determine a proper listing price.

• Were they interested in a thorough tour of your home? Did they ask questions and take notes?

• Did they advise you of improvements that would enhance your resale value?

• Did they go over various ideas for staging your home?

• They should outline and write down for you all costs associated with selling the home.

• Is their marketing plan for your house thorough? Did they discuss video tours, flyers to the neighbourhood, extensive internet exposure, open houses and feature sheets?

• In the end, you have to feel comfortable working with this realtor. Did they listen to your needs and wishes? Do you feel you can communicate easily with them?

• A well presented, properly priced home will stand out in a very competitive market place and help you achieve a sale that you are happy with. Here are some tips for improving your home for the biggest cash return.

• Curb Appeal: landscaping and a clean and well maintained exterior provide a positive first impression of your home. Well placed garden furniture hints at a lifestyle that includes relaxed entertaining.

• Paint any areas that show wear. Fresh paint presents a cared for ambiance. Soft neutral colours are best as they have universal appeal.

• Remove any clutter and extra furniture and thoroughly clean your house. This allows buyers to see themselves living in the house. It also makes room sizes seem larger and helps purchasers to focus on the unique features of the property.

• Address any mechanical or structural problems. Your realtor will help you with this item.

• If you are selling an older home, a pre-inspection by a qualified home inspector is a good idea. It will alert you to any major structural defects that may need to be attended to. This report inspires confidence in potential buyers as well, especially if there is a chance there will be a bidding war for the property.