I'm thinking about selling my house, pretty serious. I want to do a for sale by owner thing. I've never sold a house before. Any tips?
Are you moving out of ABQ?
As has been stated... Have a real estate lawyer at the ready to help you. I'd also look into a mortgage loan officer as a qualifier if you have an interested party. They need to be qualified BEFORE you sign a contract. (And never word any contingencies about loan qualification into the contract!)
Put away personal pictures and think "model home." Clean up clutter, put into boxes and store offsite. CLEAN EVERYTHING!
DO NOT ask a lot for your house. People like to negotiate, yes.... But a high price can scare others away without them even making an offer! Ask a fair price and have a number in mind you won't go below. Make a list of things you'd be willing to throw into the deal as sweeteners... Can they keep all the appliances? (Varies by state) How about the washer and dryer? Certain furniture that you purchased for specific places in the house they might have difficulty finding? TVs, window decorations, etc.
Do you have some place to move to? Will you rent? Are you buying another place?
A good realtor is worth 200% what you will pay! Random strangers wandering through, (perhaps casing your house,) you sitting waiting for the numerous no-shows (after you have spic&spanned for them!). And then the ones that declare heartfelt interest & couldn't qualify to buy your shed.
Plus a good realtor will make suggestions on increasing the saleability... do not get defensive, Listen!
How to stage your house to sell