Here are 7 tips that you can use when selling your home on your own.

1. Value your property

You need to know just how much your property is worth on the open market. You can easily get this information about real estate prices in your area by entering your zip code information in an online database, or you can choose to hire a property appraiser. I personally would not recommend a real estate agent, as he/she is likely to try to change your mind. A research can go a long ways.

2. Timing

Location is not the only key to successful real estate dealings. Obviously, some home sales are forced forward due to circumstances that need immediate action; for example, a change of job or a divorce. However, if you have the ability to choose when you will put your house up for sale on the market, then you are going to want to start the selling process when the demand for homes in your area is high. This will assure you a better selling price on your home. You also want to strike when the economy is booming, since people will pay more for your home than in a bad economy.

3. Preparing your home

Presentation is everything in real estate sales. Home buyers are attracted to clean, spacious, and attractive houses. You are going to want to brighten-up the house and remove all of the clutter from counter tops, tables and rooms. Scrub your house from top to bottom before you even consider letting someone inside for a tour. Would you buy a dirty house? No matter what emotional attachments you have for your home, you must always be looking at it from the buyers standpoint, not your own.

4. Get a real estate lawyer

Of course, this will cost some money, but it is worth it. An experienced real estate lawyer can help you evaluate your offers, and they will act as an escrow agent to hold the down payment. In addition, a good real estate attorney will evaluate complex mortgages and/or leases with options to buy, review contracts, and handle your home's closing process. They will also help you to draw up your contracts, etc.

5. Marketing your home

You can use a website like For Sale by Owner.com to help you gain mass exposure for your home. Let's face it; selling your home would be almost impossible if no one knew that it was on the market. You should also place some ads in classifieds and penny savers in your areas as well. Advertise with pictures as much as possible. You want your potential buyers to be excited about your home!

6. Home inspections

All standard real estate contracts are going to give the home buyer the right to inspect your property, so you are going to need to be prepared for this. Have your home inspected before you advertise. Under a general inspection, you are obligated to make major repairs to appliances, plumbing, septic, electrical and heating systems, etc. You can expect your home's roof and foundation. to be inspected too. Any recommendations that are made: do them all!

7. Closing

When it is time to close on an offer that a buyer has made, take the offer to your lawyer and have a deal made.