Years ago I stopped saying that I "sell" real estate. Realtors don't sell real estate; they market it. The only one who can sell real estate is the owner, the title holder. Thus the owner is usually called the "seller" for a good reason. The owner sells the real estate; the Realtor assists by marketing it.

  True, the Realtor employs selling skills when listing property or showing it to buyers. But it's the owner who needs to prepare the property to be marketed by the Realtor. The owner makes it a sellable property; otherwise, the Realtor's marketing will be in vain. If the owner wishes to attract a buyer, he or she must make the property attractive. The Realtor then markets an attractive property, and there's a good chance it will attract a buyer. The owner may then sell the property.

  In today's tight real estate market, it's more important than ever to make your real estate for sale attractive. You're competing against a huge inventory of unsold properties including many foreclosures. Buyers are cherry picking and looking for bargains. To compete, you as the seller must make your property as attractive as practicable.

  Many improvements to real estate for sale don't cost much, and have the potential to pay for themselves many times over. A neat yard is inviting to a buyer; a messy yard is a turn-off. A coat of paint can make your house much more attractive than your competition down the street. De-clutter the inside of your home so the buyer will see its good features, not its mess.

  In one sense, houses sell themselves. If your house is attractive, the buyer will be favorably impressed. The Realtor will make sure the buyer appreciates your property's good features, will answer all questions, and will tactfully move the buyer toward signing an offer to buy. On the other hand, if your house is not attractive, nothing the Realtor can say will make the buyer like it. Unless you're trying to unload a dump at any price, prepare your property to sell at market value.

  What's market value? You and your buyer are going to determine that when your property actually sells. Ultimately, it's you who sells your property. To get the best price, give your Realtor an attractive property to market for you, a property that will attract a buyer who will pay you a fair price. The Realtor markets your property; only you can sell it.

  For help marketing your property, email: michael@michaeldixonrealty.com; phone 229-924-3089.