When you sell your own home, you will be selling a valuable item and you will want to get as much for it as you should. By all means, plan carefully so that you bring as much expertise to its sale as possible.

Following are general considerations when you sell your own home:

• Check the internal and external appearance and condition of your home.
  
• Estimating market value and setting your asking price are important considerations. If your asking price is too high, good prospects will be turned away and your house will not sell. Conversely, if your asking price is too low, you will not get the price you should.
  
• Visit your local financial institution and talk to the loans officer. Have them explain to you what you should do if the buyer asks about securing a mortgage in the present market. However, do not presume that you are an expert after your discussion with the loans officer. Refer the buyer to the loans officer, because they are the ones who must complete the mortgage application form.
  
• If you do not use a real estate agent and are not trained in law, you should see an attorney experienced in real estate matters before you place your house on the market. They will advise you on legal procedures regarding selling, including how to enter into a sales agreement, what it should contain, and what taxes are involved in transferring real estate. Money spent in advance on an attorney's fee could save you many problems and much more money later.
  
• Be cautious when letting unknown persons go through your home for an inspection by potential purchasers. There are many instances where persons posing as potential buyers gain entrance for other purposes. Make sure you are not alone when a buyer inspects. Make sure you get and verify his name, address and telephone number in advance. And schedule showings on an appointment basis only.