Marketing outside of real estate internet sites is much more important to a high-net-worth seller of real estate. One of my most powerful tools is my network: my past and present clients, my professional contacts and associates, firms and brokerages I'm affiliated with. My clients want to be reassured that I have the connections necessary to spread the word.

You can check if you’re eligible for financial programs or loans available through the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) or the VA (U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs). If you’re a first-time buyer, for instance, you may qualify for an FHA loan or a home buying program.

If you meet the criteria for a VA-backed loan, you might not have to make a down payment on a home. You’ll also receive better terms and interest rates compared to most traditional bank loans.

For additional ways to save, financial experts recommend saving up for a 20% down payment on a home. Doing this will ensure that you won’t have to pay for private mortgage insurance, which can cost anywhere from .3% to 1.2% of a loan’s principal balance every month.

Lastly, home buyer rebates (also known as commission rebates) are currently available in 42 states and could potentially save buyers thousands. With a home buyer rebate, the real estate agent or broker shares a percentage of the payment they receive at closing.

Depending on the location, closing costs might also include real estate attorney fees, pest inspections, or natural disaster certifications.

Buyers can negotiate with sellers about who should be responsible for covering the closing costs, but be aware of seller contribution maximums. These guidelines limit how much a seller can pay for closing costs based on your mortgage type.

The typical cost is around 5% - 6% of the sales price.

When preparing to sell your home, the first thing to do is make it presentable. This means giving the entire house a thorough cleaning and making small repairs.

Mop the floors, scrub the bathrooms, and get rid of all the grime in the kitchen.

Little things like patching holes in the wall, changing burned-out lightbulbs, and repairing broken appliances can make your place stand out in a crowded market.

And don’t forget about paint — returning the walls to a neutral color can help your house sell quicker. White, creams, and grays can make rooms seem bigger and help potential buyers see themselves living there.

If you’re not moving out before listing your home, you’ll also need to depersonalize and declutter.

Put away your family photos, knick-knacks, and other personal items. You may need to rent a storage unit if you don’t have a place to put them all.

Since many sellers are eager to close deals before summer ends and school begins, buyers can expect to see plenty of price reductions in August. However, April is the most popular month for new listings, whereas November is the best time to find a good deal.