Because most of you have to sell your property before buying Santa Fe property, I thought it appropriate to share with you some tips on marketing your home for sale.

Locate a local Realtor® who listens to you needs. Utilize an experienced Realtor® to use your time efficiently and educate you to your marketplace.

Pursue market research to determine a range of market value for your property. You have the option of ordering an appraisal, though sold MLS listings and an experienced Realtor gives you solid information to determine value. (Remember New Mexico is a non-disclosure state and many private sales comparables may only be accessed by an appraiser).

Discuss real estate agency with your Realtor®. Establish seller agency appropriate to the seller's needs. Exclusive Right to Sell Agency establishes fiduciary loyalty to the seller while guaranteeing commission to the selling agent. Sign an agency agreement and be sure you receive your copy of this and all listing/sales documents.

Establish a sales price considering: sales within last six months, condition, location, mortgage payoff, realtor commissions and any other financial considerations. Start with your highest sales price and lower as time and circumstance dictate. Leave room in your price range so you can negotiate. Decide upon a sales strategy before offers are made. Your highest and best opportunity to sell is within the first ninety days of a listing.

Eliminate clutter on your property. Clean all areas, repaint where necessary, repair all the details you never had time to pursue. Take your Realtor's recommendations seriously to clean and improve the property. If you do not have the time, hire a local handyman to facilitate your process.

Pre pack your home. First go through entire house and create a pile of unwanted items you donate to charity. Get rid of the clutter and try not to be too sentimental, as you will not miss the stuff anyway. Then pack items not necessary for you daily needs.

Utilize your Realtor to market your property. Marketing and advertising include: showings, open houses, signage, flyers, MLS listings, advertising in real estate venues like: newspapers, periodicals, direct mail, internet and email. Cross marketing of all the media leads to the most effective results in the shortest period of time.

Receive offers and try to appreciate the position of the buyer. Make sure the buyer's are qualified and that their underwriter will give you a letter verifying the approved loan. Consider the amount of earnest deposit relative to the price offered. Is the buyer trying to get something for nothing? Is the buyer trying to negotiate in good faith? After several counter offers you will know. Consider all other dates regarding: moving, inspection, title, survey, appraisal, closing, funding.

Negotiate in good faith and counteroffer toward the middle. Being greedy or egoistic about the value of your home has sunk many a deal. Think of the big picture by closing on your property and moving onto your desired lifestyle choice.

Agree to contract terms, deposit of earnest monies - get a reciept !

Pursue all contingencies and meet all deadlines in your contract. Resolve contingencies with your Realtor's assistance and sign off on contingencies as they are met. Verify closing date and closing costs with your title company.

Close on the property, receive funding, move on with your life.