Market Value

The first step you take when putting your home on the market is establishing the price. A professional market analysis can help you determine what the property is worth. Contact a real estate agent who is familiar with your area to get prices on the homes that are for sale and to see how long they have been on the market.

Your real estate agent will be able to provide you with information about the actual sale prices of homes that are similar to yours. He or she can also tell you about the features that influence the value of each property, such as the number of rooms, the overall condition, and the extra amenities — home office, finished basement, luxury bathroom, hardwood flooring.

You can establish a market value for your home by putting all of this information together. If you price your home within 5% of the established market value, it should sell quickly.