SELLERS TOP 5

• Have all necessary documents on hand before going to market.

• Discuss renovations, repairs and staging with your agent so that your home is in top condition to appeal to a large pool of buyers.

• Make sure your home is clean and in polished condition for open houses and showings. Display fresh flowers to add to the environment and remove any personal effects.

• Allow your agent to schedule showings at the time of day when your property looks best.

• Remove any pets and arrange to be elsewhere when your home is being shown.

BUYERS TOP 5

• Get qualified for a mortgage before you start looking.

• Interview real estate agents with an eye towards their professionalism and expertise. Be sure to hire an agent that listens and whose company you enjoy.

• Review with your agent recent sales of comparable properties.

• Ask if there were any major repairs, and when and what was recently renovated in the home.

• Do complete due diligence on the property to estimate any expenses. Be sure to have a professional home inspection done on the home.