Selling a property can seem challenging even in the best markets. Since the housing downturn of the past few years, it helps to take some proactive steps in the process.

1. By Todd Beardsley

2. Selling a property can seem challenging even
in the best markets. Since the housing
downturn of the past few years, it helps to
take some proactive steps in the process.

3. 1. Leverage your agent’s marketing know-how. An
experienced professional understands which methods
bring the greatest visibility to your home.
2. Mentally prepare yourself. While you may begin
with emotional ties to the property, to really
succeed, you need to separate yourself from the
home.
3. Remove extra items. Sometimes, it helps to rent a
storage unit. Buyers appreciate less furniture, which
clarifies a room’s purpose.
4. Clean thoroughly. Vacuum regularly, remove
mildew and cobwebs, and put out fresh towels in the
kitchen and bathrooms.
5. Straighten up outside. Make sure the flowerbeds
do not include weeds, trim bushes, and use the
lawnmower.

4. An experienced real estate agent, Todd
Beardsley has spent the past five years as a
Broker with Menlo Atherton Realty in Menlo
Park, California. Mr. Beardsley previously
worked with Sotheby’s International Realty
and Fireside Realty.