Well, as this story shows, there’s more to an offer than the price tag. Factors you should consider:

• Is this offer at, near or above my asking price?
• Are there clauses and additions in their offer that change the terms and final price substantially?
• How long since I had another offer, or expect another offer? Can I wait?

Remember every month you’re probably still paying mortgage, taxes and insurance. If you have several offers... remember that an offer isn’t a completed sale.

Compare the risk and likelihood of a completed sale for each buyer including things like “contingencies”, where your sale depends on their sale. and whether they’re pre-approved for the offer they’re making.

Remember you have three options for an offer - accept it reject it or prepare a counter-offer that improves the terms for you in some way.

Professional “staging” may include the exterior, but if you’re doing it all yourself, try the five things outlined in this video.

1 - Landscape & lawn.

That’s the first impression; make it a good one.

Mow, prune, edge and get rid of junk!

2 - Paint And Clean!

You don’t have to do the whole house, but the front door and lintels should either be painted or cleaned.

3 - Leaks & Repairs

Small visible problems can become large mental objections and change how someone feels about your house.

Fix ‘em beforehand.

4 - Pets

Some people have allergies and concerns.

Time for Fido to visit a friend.

You weren’t including him with the house anyway.

5 - Get Fresh Eyes

Have your realtor or a friend who’s willing to be candid tell you what you missed. Or pay a staging professional for a report.

We don’t really see familiar things well - so let them be your

‘test buyer’ so you can present the best first impression to the real ones.