FOR SALE BY OWNER
For sale by owner is an alternative to working with an experienced Realtor. If you follow through with this option, be prepared for a lot of work. It can and has been done, of course, but if you don’t have the time and energy to commit to it (or need to sell in a hurry); this option might not be for you.

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Most prospective buyers will want to know about the local schools, shopping, parks, transportation, etc. Be prepared so that you can knowledgeably answer their questions.

ESTABLISH A MARKETING BUDGET
How much are you willing to spend to sell your house?

INVESTIGATE
Investigate the real estate sections of the local newspaper and other publications. Which will get you the most “bang for you buck”? Are there “throwaway: (i.e., free) real estate publications in your area that accept ads from individual sellers? In the local paper(s) it is better (in your area) to run a text-only classified, or do they have “photo boxes” where you can both text and a photo of your property? Don’t forget the internet. See if you can get your home listed on a website that features local properties. Some newspapers automatically (or for an extra fee) offer internet advertising tied in to their traditional print ads. Find out the rates and deadlines for each publication, and then decide which one (or more) is best for you and your market.

ESTABLISH A MARKETING PLAN.
Now that you know what advertising will cost, create a plan on how to best (within your budget) reach prospective buyers, both local and out of town. Since many people do relocate from a distance, be sure to include internet advertising in your plan. If your town is large enough, the “local” newspaper might have national edition that you want to place your ad in, at least periodically.

ESTABLISH A MAKETING PLAN.
Now that you know what advertising will, create a plan on how to best (within your budget) reach prospective buyers, both local and out of town. Since many people do relocate from a distance, be sure to include internet advertising in your plan. If your town is large enough, the “local” newspaper might have a national edition that you want to place your ad in, at least periodically.

WRITE THE TEXT AND/OR DESIGN YOUR SD.
At the least, you will need a well-written few sentences that will run as a classified ad or a photo box ad. In addition, you might decide to run a larger, custom-designed ad in the paper and/or to use as flyers to hand out open houses (or anywhere else you might meet prospective buyers). Don’t skimp on this. A professional, well-crafted ad can attract buyers while a poorly designed and executed one can turn buyers off to your property.

CLEAR YOU’RE SCHEDULE.
Make arrangements so that you have free time to schedule appointments at the prospective buyer’s convenience, as well as for any “open houses” that you hold.

PURCHASE AND INSTALL A “FOR SALE” SIGN. This should be well-made, attractive and weatherproof, and should be placed where it can clearly be seen from the street.

PREPARE A FACT SHEET.
Design a single sheet description of your property listing the features and benefits that will draw in prospective buyers. This should be attractive and professional looking. Have enough copies on hand to give out at open house showings.

PURCHASE “OPEN HOUSE” SIGNS.
Make sure that they include a place to writhe the address of your property and the date/time of the open house. In addition to one for the front yard, you’ll want to place several in conspicuous locations around the neighborhood, such as main streets leading to your house. For these, directional arrows can point prospective buyers to your house even if they don’t know the area. Make sure that you take these signs down as soon as soon as the open house is over, as you don’t want people showing up on your doorstep at all hours of the day and night.

SET UP A SCHEDULE OF OPEN HOUSES.
While most are held on the weekend, this is not convenient for all buyers. Make sure that you coordinate your print advertising to include information about your next open house.

KEEP A LIST OF PROSPECTIVE BUYERS.
As people come through during open houses, or as they call from reading your ads or seeing the sign out front, keep a list with their names and phone numbers. Concentrate your attention on those who seem serious about your property, as opposed to those who are just checking out the neighborhood or whiling away a Sunday afternoon. Make sure that you make follow up telephone calls to all those who seem seriously interested in your property.

ONCE YOU HAVE AN OFFER
Leave your emotions behind when you enter negotiations. You neither want to get angry, nor do you want to give away that you are overly eager.

GET YOUR FORMS IN ORDER.
A number of forms are required for the legal sale of your property. In addition to the contract of purchase and any counter-offers, there are approximately 20 other forms that the seller is required to provide to the buyer. If is necessary to review the contract carefully to determine when these forms/documents are due and what the buyer’s right are once they receive the document. The form and content of many of documents are prescribed by Texas or Federal law and must be adhered to in their entirety.

NEGOTIATE FINAL TERMS OF THE SALE
With the buyer(s), come to an agreement (in writing) regarding the following:

•	Price
•	Inspection contingencies
•	Financing
•	Date of closing
•	Date of possession
•	It would be prudent for you to have an attorney review any and all contracts before the deal is finalized.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH
When both the buyers and a witness can be present, you should schedule a final walk-through of the house. This should be done before you complete settlement in order to determine that the property being conveyed meets the expectations of all parties involved. Resolve any disputer before the transfer of title.

FIND AND MAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR NEW
Unless you have already built or bought a new residence, you’ll need to be the “buyer” for a new property while simultaneously being the “seller” for your current home. If possible, schedule both transactions to close at the same time, or else close your purchase shortly before closing your sale. You need to be moved out before the new owners take possession.