Your 'To Do List' before putting your house on the market.

The average time a home is on the market is 90 days. It typically takes about 45 days from offer acceptance to closing if it involves financing. Cash offers typically take 30 days or less.

Here is a list of items to consider before putting your home on the market:

1. Get your paperwork ready: Copies of permits for past renovations. Septic permit. Tax bills. Utility bills. Mortgage payoff statement. Second mortgage & Home Equity Line of Credit statements and any other property liens.        2. If you are unsure of your home's current condition you might want to consider getting a pre-listing inspection. This might prevent the deal from falling through due to an unknown material fact. Issues that have been              profesionally repaired might not have to be revealed, otherwise a leaking roof or most recent flooded basement might need disclosing. Address any necessary repairs before putting your house on the market.                      3. Ask for 'honest' feedback. You may be desensitized to undesirable features in your home if you have lived in it for a long time. Ask your neighbor, friends and real estate agent what they think about your house.                    4. Prioritize and sort what you want to keep, store, toss or donate and start packing things away. Go room by room. Declutter as much as you can which will allow any potential buyers to imagine themselves in your home. 5. Create curb appeal as the first thing buyers will see is the exterior of your house. Poor curb appeal can cause a buyer to decide it's not worth coming inside. Landscape, mow the lawn regularly or paint the front door.            6. Clean your house. Professionally cleaning your carpets does not cost a lot and will help with unpleasant odors and superficial stains. Painting walls is also one of the least expensive preparations you can do.            7. Interview a few Real Estate Agents to make sure you find the right fit. It is very important to find an agent that understands your needs and expectations and will have the time, tools and expertise to assist you in selling.