The Georgia Association of Realtors has prepared a brochure to help sellers with the home selling process. The brochure contains general suggestions on how sellers can protect themselves during the home selling process. The information below is only a brief overview of the brochure.

For additional information regarding this brochure, contact a Realtor that is a member of the Georgia Association of Realtors.

• Be realistic in setting a sales price; every seller wants to get the highest and best possible sales price for his or her home. However, if you set the sales price too high, your house may not sell. A Realtor can help you determine a sales price/range by studying the listing and sales prices of other comparable houses in your neighborhood.

• Understand your disclosure obligations. Sellers have a duty to disclose latent or hidden defects in their properties that are not readily apparent from a reasonable inspection of the property. The Georgia Association of Realtors has prepared the form Seller’s Property Disclosure as an exhibit to the purchase and sale contract to help sellers make proper disclosure. A Realtor who is a member of the Georgia Association of Realtors will have access to this disclosure.

• Prepare the property for showing. Your house should be clean, clutte-free, inviting and accessible. A Realtor can help make recommendations on how to best prepare your house.

• Have important information ready for the buyer. Buyers are growing more sophisticated in making house buying decisions. They will ask sellers for information such as surveys, termite reports, utility costs, etc. A Realtor can help you identify other specialized information that buyers may request.

• Remember that real estate sales contracts must be in writing to be enforceable. Verbal offers and acceptances will not create an enforceable contract. A Realtor can assist you with the writing of a contract.

• Read and keep a copy of contracts.

• A contract is not a guarantee. Many contracts contain a due diligence period during which a buyer can inspect and evaluate the property and terminate the contract without penalty. A Realtor can further explain this part of the process to you.

• Be proactive with issues of concerns for the buyer. Buyers tend to fear the unknown far more than the known.

• Understand obligations to convey title to the property. Most contracts require the seller to convey good and marketable legal title to the property at closing free and clear of mortgages, liens, and title defects. Therefore, you should know how much money you will need to pay off mortgages and other liens on the property. If you know of potential title problems with the property, discuss this with your Realtor.

• Comply with fair housing laws. You cannot discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status when selling your house. Realtors also have a commitment and obligation to provide equal housing opportunities to all.

Article prepared and submitted by Joanna Jackson, sales manager/associate broker with Jackson Realty.