Over the next several issues, I will be discussing ways in which the overall home ownership experience can be enhanced. Regardless of whether you are buying, selling or simply seeking value added services for your current home, the process should be an enjoyable one — all it takes is the right guidance.

I like to think of the home ownership experience as a cycle. From buying to selling to the time you spend between the two living in your home. To have a successful home ownership experience, it helps to understand each stage individually and how one affects the other in the cycle. In this series I will define these stages for you and describe their impact on one another.

To begin, I’d like to discuss the home seller. It’s a natural place to begin because almost every homeowner becomes a home seller at some point. Selling a home is likely to be one of the largest financial transactions you will make in a lifetime. But before you can begin packing those boxes, there is a lot to be done. To aid in this process, it is first important to find a real estate agent that you trust and are comfortable with. Choosing a real estate agent to guide you through the sale of your home is a vital part of making the transaction seamless, and even enjoyable.

Real estate has changed dramatically over the years and a successful agent will make the most of these changes. Not so long ago, marketing your home simply meant sticking a sign in the yard and running a newspaper ad. Today, things are quite different. Modern tools, such as the Internet, allow agents to list their clients’ homes in a place that potential buyers can instantly view them.

There are some basic marketing strategies to follow when preparing your home for sale. The first key to successfully marketing your home is appropriate pricing. It’s important to follow your agent’s advice on pricing your property. A comparative market analysis of homes in your area should be used in determining price, which I highly encourage you to review. The first thirty days of a sale are the most important because it’s the only time your home is considered “new on the market,” so attaining correct pricing from the start is vital.

Next, it is important to “package” your property so your home makes a good first impression on all potential buyers. Some ways to successfully accomplish this is by grooming the grounds, washing the windows, shampooing the carpet and updating the walls with a fresh coat of paint. It’s important to look at your property objectively and try to view it through a buyer’s eyes. A few dollars spent getting your home into shape can add up to a lot of value for you in the end.

When your home has been appropriately prepared for sale, your agent will utilize several methods to market your home. Everything from online virtual tours to good-old-fashioned newspaper advertising is successful in attracting potential buyers. During this time, it’s important that your agent has access to show your home. Flexibility and cooperation will only lead to increased exposure and a more positive home selling experience.

Today’s market is very fast paced, so it’s important to maximize your chances. Selling a home is a complex process, but by following certain steps and working closely with your agent, the overall experience can be positive and successful for everyone involved

(Editor’s Note: J. Lennox Scott, is president of John L. Scott Real Estate. He may be reached at realnews@johnlscott.com, or visit his firm’s award-winning website at www.johnlscott.com.).