With the rising cost of gas prices…and no end in sight…everyone wants to save as much money at the gas pump as they possibly can. You may not be able to control the price of gas but you can change certain habits and follow some basic guidelines to help you save as much money as possible.

Rising gas and oil prices each year mean that the average driver, who travels approximately 15,000 miles each year in a car that gets about 20 miles to the gallon, will pay more at the end of the year for his gas costs.

Every time that the price of gas goes up at the fuel pump by 10 cents the cost of the average drivers gas consumption will rise by about $75 over a year.

This e-book will give you some tips, guidelines, and basic advice for helping you keep reduce the amount of money that you spend each week filling up your vehicle.

This e-book will also provide you with basic gasoline and vehicle information as well as provide you with numerous tips and suggestions for saving money at the gas pumps as well driving more efficiently.

We’ll cover subjects such as:

• Average gas prices
• Fuel economy
• Using the Internet to find cheap gas
• Where and how to buy your gas
• Where to find the lowest gas prices
• The importance of maintaining your vehicle
• Taking care of the tires on your vehicle
• Gas saving products
• The importance of EPA fuel economy ratings
• Tips on what to look for in your next car.
• Winter driving tips.
• Warm weather driving tips.
• Commuting encouragement.
• How to drive smarter.
• Current state average gas costs.
• Useful links to websites.

After you have finished reading this e-book you’ll have all the tools and information that you need to start saving money today.

There will be some ideas that may not apply to you at this time but when you purchase your next vehicle, you will find that you have access to smart money saving tips for reducing the amount of money that you spend driving your vehicle.

The information in this e-book is current with gas prices and statistics today. Some of the information will vary for you personally depending on what type of vehicle that you are driving, as well as the age of your car.

If you are driving a newer vehicle you’ll find that your car is already extremely fuel efficient. However you can still apply most of the gas saving tips found in this book to your own pocketbook.

1. Regional Gas Price Averages


• Pacific Coast = $2.14
• Mountain West = $1.92
• Southwest = $1.81
• Southeast = $1,87
• Great Lakes = $1.85
• Midwest = $1.81
Source: http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/

2. Energy Technology and Fuel Economy

Only 15 percent of the fuel that you put into your car gets used and the rest of the energy is lost for many reasons. It is important to maintain your car and have an understanding of how your vehicle operates.

If this information is foreign to you, you may consider taking a basic mechanics course to gain some knowledge.

The more that you understand about the way that your vehicle runs, and what it takes to properly maintain it, the more success you will have when it comes to understanding what steps to take to start saving money.

If only 15 percent of the fuel that you pay for gets used that means that you need to be absolutely certain that the condition in which your car is running is as efficient as it can be.
In addition to a mechanics course you may be able to find fuel saving tips that are available through a small mini-course at your local college.

3. Shop around

You can try to shop around in your local area for the cheapest gas that you can find but you shouldn’t go too far out of your way to try and get that best price unless you’re already traveling in that direction anyway.

Once you start driving around looking for the gas pump that can beat the one in your neighborhood you start to increase the amount of money that you spend on your driving expenses.

Since your goal is to save money you would be defeating the purpose by driving around for too long. Studies done by the AAA indicate that it will cost you approximately 51.7 cents per mile to drive your car this year.

Keep in mind that the IRS will only allow a deduction of 36 cents per mile so driving too far to get the cheapest gas isn’t always cost efficient.

While you are driving to a location that you would normally be going anyway you can of course keep your eyes open for the cheapest gas.

4. Multitask your shopping expeditions

If you know of a certain gas station that consistently sells lower priced gas and it’s out of your way you might want to consider making a weekly or bi-weekly journey to this destination.

This way you can take a day to get gas, buy your groceries, and take a walk in the park within a different area of the city where you live. In effect, what you are doing is multitasking and saving money on your fuel costs at the same time.

5. Paying for your gas the smart way

One of the ways that you can save money at the gas pump is by using a gasoline credit card. When you have a gas card you’ll be able to get 5 or 10 percent rebate back on the purchase of your gas.

This can amount to as much as $75 to $300 each year. If you have multiple drivers in your family you’ll want to make sure that every car driving person carries a gasoline credit card with them so that you can take advantage of multiple gas sales.

Many gasoline companies are joining up with other retailers to give you numerous savings at the gas pump.

You’ll be able to not only save on your gas purchase, but you’ll be able to earn points towards your next purchase with participating retailers.

6. Buy your gas in the morning or evening

Gasoline becomes denser in colder temperatures. Gas pumps are set to measure the volume of the fuel that you pump and not the density.

This means that if you fill up your gas tank in the cooler morning temperatures, or in the colder evening hours, that you’ll be getting better gas price economy. Try to fill up your gas tank later in the evening to avoid the rush of day hours.

7. Use the Internet

Using the Internet to find the lowest gas prices is a great way to have all the information that you need before getting into your car to fuel up.

There are several sites on the Internet that will help you find the cheapest gas in your area.
One of these sites is GasBuddy. GasBuddy has all the information for both the United States and Canada to help you find the lowest gas price on the day that you are filling up your gas tank.

GasBuddy has over 170 websites that it uses to get you the recent best prices.
The price of gas is always changing so having the latest information is going to save you money over a period of time.

There are times that the price of gas will vary by up to 20 percent within a short radius so it’s important to you to stay current with the lowest price of gas.

The information provided by GasBuddy is quite comprehensive. For example, after indicating that you live in the Washington state area you are directed to sites for Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.

Choosing Seattle gives you the following information: (1) lowest price in the last 48 hours, (2) gas station name and address, and (3) time the last price was posted.


When you use GasBuddy you’ll be able to save that much more each time you buy gas for your vehicle.
www.GasBuddy.com/

8. Multi-purchases

There are many other ways that you can use the Internet to help you save money at the gas pumps. Check out coupons in your local area that offer money off certain items, like convenience food.

If you purchase your gas at a service pump that has a convenience store attached then you can use your money-saving coupons for convenience purchases.

Although you are not saving money on your actual gas purchase, just by combining your convenience purchase with you fuel purchase you will find some money saving benefit at shopping and fueling up at a certain gas station.

9. Keep a fuel log

Invest in a small notebook and pen for your car and write down all your gas purchases and mileage that you travel.
Start to develop the habit of knowing exactly how much that you are spending in fuel costs.

You can also use your fuel log to keep track of the best places to buy your gasoline. You want to see a pattern develop so that you can track your gas spending habits and then make changes if needed.

If you are buying a used vehicle privately, or from a dealer, find out if there is an owner’s manual so that you can find out how to take care of your vehicle.

If you’re lucky, there may be fuel log of some kind from the previous car owner.

10. Fuel economy and Co2 emissions

The average fuel economy of new cars and trucks in the United States and Canada has increased by over 130 percent for cars and 75 percent for trucks.

This means a great savings to you at the gas pump since you are driving a much more efficient vehicle that you were several years ago.
This doesn’t mean that you can ignore the cost saving tips in this e-book. What it does mean is that you can achieve even greater savings!

11. Keep an eye on your gas consumption

The more aware you are of the amount of fuel that you use the more you can do to try to reduce your gas costs.

If you notice that your gas efficiency is decreasing it could be an indicating factor that your car needs servicing.

Make weekly comparisons with your fuel log that you keep in you car to see how much your gas consumption is going up and your mileage per gallon is going down.

If you are finding that you are constantly seeing less and less performance from your car and spending more for gas at the fuel pump then you’ll know that you need to take action so that you can start seeing a savings in your gas economy rather than a constant deficit.

12. Buy gas from a busy station

Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy and therefore has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis.
Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground tanks for longer periods of time, leading to gas contamination.

This contamination can mean that the gas you are purchasing is less powerful than fresh gas and will decrease your fuel economy.

Try to time your visits to busier gas stations at those busy times but make sure that you’re not in a rush to get anywhere.

If you’re late for an appointment you may find yourself giving up in frustration if you have to wait to purchase your gas and then find yourself moving over to a gas station that has a higher gas cost for the day.

13. Turn the nozzle

When you have finished filling up your gas tank try turning the nozzle of the hose a full 180 degrees.

This will drain a bit more gas into your tank; in some cases up to an entire half cup that would otherwise be a bonus to the next gas customer.

Once you get into the habit of turning the hose you’ll find yourself doing it without thinking. That extra half cup that you get each time that you fill your gas tank can add up to a lot of extra gas at the end of the year that you never have known about.

14. High octane gas

For most cars these days, buying higher octane gas is a waste of your money. Regular unleaded has approximately 87 octane already and is fine for your vehicle.

By avoiding buying high octane gas you’ll be saving a large amount of money over a period of time.

High octane gas is always more expensive at the gas pumps so the next time that you feel guilty for filling up your SUV with regular gas you can be assured that no harm will come to your vehicle.

Octane is simply a measurement of how difficult it is to ignite the gas in your car and has nothing to do with the quality of the gas. If you are experiencing engine pings, rattles, or knocks you can switch to high octane gas.

However, you shouldn’t be experiencing any of those knocks and rattles if you are keeping your vehicle maintained and making sure that you don’t miss those scheduled maintenance checkups.
If you are driving a new model car you definitely shouldn’t be hearing any pings or rattles and if you are you should take your vehicle to a mechanic.

15. Avoid topping off

Try to avoid “topping off” at the gas pumps. When you purchase just a bit of gas at the gas station the pump doesn’t have enough time to really activate, resulting in short bursts of fuel that may short change you from the amount of gas that you are purchasing.

The best time to replenish your gas tank is when you have half a tank or less left in your vehicle, or when you find a gas price that you just can’t afford to miss.

16. Avoid running your gas tank too close to empty

Try not to drive your car when the gas gauge is on empty.

You may think that you using very little gas when your car is on empty, but you are in fact using more gas because your vehicle is running less efficiently as it tries to accelerate and decelerate in a normal fashion.

Keep your gas level above the quarter tank mark if at all possible.

17. Avoid buying gasohol

You should never purchase gasohol for your car since it contains only two-thirds of the energy of gasoline.

This means that you would need to buy much more gasohol to go the same distance on a tank of gasoline.

Gasohol is a mixture of ethanol (alcohol made from grain) and gas, and is used by some farmers to help cut the amount of pollution in the air.

Even if you are traveling and it seems like the only fuel choice for miles is gasohol try to avoid buying this type of adapted fuel.

18. Avoid buying gas from a just replenished gas station

When a gas station has its underground tanks filled, the particles at the bottom of the tank are stirred up.

These particles can become mixed in with the gas that you are putting into your car, which can lead to efficiency problems. The particles can clog your fuel filter, causing your car to stall and start with some difficulty.
If the gas station that you have decided to stop at has the lowest gas price in your area you may want to think about taking the time to come back at a later time rather than stopping at the next gas station that is offering a higher price for gas.

19. Keep your car well tuned

One of the best things that you can do is to keep your vehicle as well tuned as you possibly can.

This means taking note of those regularly scheduled maintenance checkups that you so often ignore.

Studies indicate that a car with an engine that is poorly tuned will increase the amount of fuel consumption from 10 to 20 percent.

Information found at www.fueleconomy.gov/ shows that when you tune up a car that is due for a checkup or one that has emissions problems, you can increase the gas mileage by up to 4.1 percent.


Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml

Pay attention to the signals that your car is giving you. When the red message light on your dashboard lights up letting you know that it’s time to “check your gauges” make sure that you have your car looked at as soon as you can.

If you are uncertain when the last time was that you had your car serviced you may be able to contact the mechanic that last did the work for you.

If they keep accurate records your mechanic will be able to give you a date for your last maintenance visit and help you schedule a new one at the same time.

20. Change the oil in your car

Change the oil in your car on a regular basis. When you keep the oil in your car clean you reduce the wear that is caused by friction in the moving parts of your car’s engine.

Keeping track of your last oil change will save you money at the gas pump and increase your fuel consumption.

If you are reluctant or unable to change the oil in your car on your own make sure that you fuel up at a gas station that offers you full service.

This way you can ask the gas attendant to help you fill your car with gas as well as take a look under the hood of your car to change the oil.

21. The right grade of oil

Make sure that you are using the right grade of oil that is required by your car or truck. Oil grades are measured in viscosity, which determines how much the oil can resist flow. Grades of oil include:

• 0W (this is the thinnest) (“W” stands for winter)
• 5W to 25W
• 20 to 60 (60 is the thickest)

Check with the owner’s manual that comes with your car for more information about the grade of oil that is required by your car.

Make sure that you use the right grade of oil to ensure that your car runs as smoothly as it should in all types of weather.

If you find that you are always running out of oil when you need it you can buy car oil in bulk at stores such as Costco so that you always have oil available for your vehicle.

If you can’t change the oil in the car yourself ask a family or friend to give you a hand.

22. Replace the air filter in your car

Studies at FuelEconomy.com suggest replacing the air filter in your car on a regular basis. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve the mileage that you get with your car by up to 10 percent.

When you calculate that 10 percent into gasoline savings, you’ll be saving up to 15 cents per gallon. You can ask your mechanic to replace the air filter in your car or you can do it yourself.

23. Replace the fuel filter in your car

Studies show that not only should you be replacing the air filter in your car on a regular basis, you should also be maintaining and regularly replacing the fuel filter.

The cleaner that your fuel filter is the more efficiently your vehicle is going to run, saving you more money in fuel costs.

You can replace the fuel filter yourself or have it replaced when your car is in for a regular maintenance checkup.

24. Check the alignment of your car

You should be paying attention to the alignment in your car. Improper alignment will cause a certain amount of engine drag, which will increase the amount of gas that you are using.

The better maintained that car is the better all around performance that you’ll get. Talk to your mechanic about your next alignment servicing.

One of the ways that you can tell if your car is due for alignment is if there is a pulling on the steering wheel when you are driving.
If you are experiencing a type of pulling action it’s important that you schedule an appointment to have an alignment done.

25. Rotate your tires

When you regularly rotate your tires and check them for uneven use and wear you will find that you are saving in both tires and gas costs.

After you have an alignment done on your car most mechanics will also rotate the tires. This doesn’t by any means mean that you should wait until you need an alignment to get those tires rotated.

Check your tires regularly to see how they are doing on wear and tear.

If your tires are showing signs of balding you’ll want to replace them immediately since the better your tires are the better fuel consumption you’ll see.

26. Tire maintenance

Not only should you be maintaining the engine of your car, you should also be paying attention to the tires that you are driving on.

• Purchase a tire gauge and check your car’s tire pressure every month. When you are driving around on tires that are under-inflated you can reduce the fuel efficiency of your car by up to 2 percent for each pound that the tires are under-inflated.
• Under-inflated tires wear out faster, which again contributes to higher gas consumption.
• Not only will you save on gas consumption when you maintain your tires, studies show that you will also save money on the maintenance of your vehicle by up to $250 each year.
• The best time to check your tire pressure is when it’s cool outside or in the morning after your car has been sitting for several hours without driving.
• Use appropriate tires for each season. When you put away your winter tires in the warm weather you’ll be able to use them for at least two years.


Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml


27. Keep a clean outer car

You can reduce the amount of drag on your car when you keep the exterior clean and waxed. This will add some gas savings into your pocket.

It may seem like a small thing to do, and you most likely won’t notice any difference at all in your fuel consumption, but keep in mind that every little bit helps when it comes to reducing your gas costs and saving at the gas pumps when you fill your car.

Many times when you purchase your gas at a gas station that has a car wash you can receive money off coupons to use when you wash your car.

This is a great way to save money while keeping your car clean.

28. Service your vehicle before the winter
As the colder weather approaches you will want to make sure that your vehicle is in the best condition that it can be to deal with the colder weather.

If you car needs servicing and you decide to wait until the spring weather you will find that your fuel consumption goes up dramatically.
Keep in mind that you may be putting snow tires on your car, further adding to the decrease in fuel economy that you many experience during the months of winter.

If you are traveling greater distances during the winter months you may have to travel over roads that are experiencing winter conditions. Plan your trip accordingly by trying to travel when the roads are clear and there is no forecast of snow.

29. Remove snow tires

When it isn’t winter and there is no snow on the ground you should replace your winter tires with summer tires or all season radials.

Big snow tires with deep treads use more gasoline than lighter tires. Many times people leave their snow tires on all year round so that they can avoid the hassle of taking their car to the mechanic.

The amount of savings that you can get out of changing your tires each season should inspire to make that appointment with your mechanic rather than weigh your car down all through the year, even when there is no evidence of snow.
Store your winter tires in a place where they are free from moisture and dry heat.

The better care you take of your winter tires the longer you can keep them, reducing the amount of money that you spend maintaining your tires and your car.

The same applies when you put your winter tires on your car and store your summer tires or all season radials. You will want to make sure that they are store correctly and are tightly covered.

Many people overlook the important of maintaining tires when it comes to saving at the gas pumps.

To maximize the most savings that you can achieve at the gas pumps you need to pay attention to all the details of maintaining and driving your vehicle.

30. Avoid rough roads

Driving on rough roads, such as those made of gravel or dirt, will reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent.

If there is an alternative route that you can take you should consider taking it if it isn’t going to add too many miles onto your trip.

On a side note, if you are planning a camping trip and are driving a new model car or truck you may want to think about leaving your car at home and finding alternative travel arrangements.

The wear and tear to a vehicle that is being driven over rough gravel road can damage the underside of your vehicle, causing damage that you’re not aware of for some time to come.

This damage, even if minimal, could be a factor towards increasing your gas costs and fuel inefficiency.

31. 12 Month Average for Regular Unleaded

Keep track of the cost of regular unleaded fuel for your records.


Source: www.fuelgaugereport.com/

32. Combine trips

Try to combine as many purposes into one trip as you can for the following reasons:

• You’ll save time and money by combining the number of errands and stops that you make in one trip.
• When you make several smaller trips, especially in cold weather, you will use up to twice as much fuel than if you were taking a multipurpose trip.
• Cold starts for your car use up more gas and are harder on vehicle maintenance than driving for a longer period of time, keeping the engine of your car warm.
• Planning your trip makes your driving more efficient and you spend less time driving aimlessly from location to location.

33. Commuting

There are ways that you can get to work that will help you save on gas consumption for your car.

• When driving to work avoid the peak times for rush hours. This way you’ll use up less fuel and you’ll spend less of you precious time sitting around in heavy traffic.
• Try telecommuting from work if you’re in a position to do so.
• If you are the owner of more than one vehicle you should try to drive the car that has the best gas mileage more often than the one with higher gas mileage. Save the vehicle with the lower gas mileage for those trips when you don’t want your new vehicle damaged or don’t want to put the miles on the odometer.
• Find out about ride-sharing programs and carpools that are available in your local area. By commuting to work with others you’ll be cutting your monthly fuel costs by as much as half. You’ll also be saving on the wear and tear of your car. Many large cities have what is known as the HOV lane (high occupancy vehicle) to encourage drivers to commute to work.


Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/planning.shtml
• Use the public transit service if it’s convenient for you and available where you live. You may be able to drive your vehicle to the bus depot and commute from there. Even though you’re still driving your car part way to work you’ll still notice a substantial savings when it comes to the cost of your commute to and from work.

34. Walk

You will definitely save on gas if you leave your car at home. Try walking to close destinations, or take your bike. Today’s society seems to think that we need to drive everywhere that go.

If more people walked, rode their bikes, or took public transit there would be less pollution. As well, you personally will notice a difference in the amount of money that you spend each month on your gas costs.

35. Avoid fast getaways at the stoplight

Accelerate slowly when the light turns green. The faster that you accelerate the more gas that you are going to consume.

Make sure you start at the stoplight slow and steady so that you conserve as much fuel as possible while you are going from a stopped position into a driving mode.

It may be tempting for younger people to accelerate and race away from the stoplight. Don’t fall into this trap and you can save up to 20 percent in fuel costs just by being a safe driver.

36. Avoid an idling vehicle

Try to avoid letting your car idle, even on those cold mornings when you try to heat up the car before driving to work.

Studies show that there is no need to let your car idle for more than 30 seconds even in cold weather and that idling will reduce your fuel consumption.

New cars are specifically designed for you to be able to start and drive away immediately without any idle time.
Make sure that you get up early enough to scrape the snow and ice off your car in the winter months. There is no need to start your car while you are cleaning off your windows.

Finish cleaning off your windows and then start your car when you are ready to leave.

37. Remove weight from your car

If you are not specifically hauling around some heavy material make sure that you remove it from your car.

This means not using your car as a storage box for unwanted items that you don’t know where to put. The more weight that you carry in your car, other than passengers, the more fuel that you are going to consume as you drive.

38. Turn off your car

Studies show that it’s more fuel efficient to turn off your car than it is to let it idle for much longer than about 45 seconds.
If you are in a long line up at the ferry, waiting for someone outside the store, or waiting for an accident up ahead to clear you can turn off your car engine and save yourself some money and fuel.

Plan your trips so that you can avoid those long idle moments that will waste your gas and add dollars onto the price of a gallon. It only takes a second to start your car again if you have turned it off while waiting in a traffic jam that doesn’t seem to be moving.

39. Avoid using the air conditioner

When you first get into your hot vehicle try to drive with the windows open to let out the hot air and let in a fresh breeze.

If this fails to lower the temperature in your car you can put on the air conditioning. The air conditioner will work more efficiently and faster if you open up the windows first.

If you need to use the air conditioning in your car you should keep in mind that your fuel economy will be reduced by 10 to 20 percent.

One of the ways to use your air conditioner is to use it for minimal amounts of times. Keep the windows closed when you are using the air conditioning.

Once the car has reached a cooler temperature you can turn off the air conditioning but it is important to note that you should still keep the windows closed since opening them will only allow in the hot air once again.

40. Avoid sudden stops and turns

When you are driving your vehicle you should try to avoid braking suddenly or starting abruptly.

Studies indicate that when you brake gradually, start slowly, and avoid those sudden stops that you can increase your fuel consumption. Drive responsibly and with care to avoid these stops and starts.

41. Drive the speed limit

Make sure that you observe the speed limit. Your gas mileage will decrease rapidly when you travel at speeds over 60 mph.

For every 5 mph that you drive over the 60 mph mark you are adding an extra 10 cents onto each gallon of gas that you purchase.

Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml


Keep in mind that you will be using at least 20 percent more gas when you are traveling at 70 mph than you would driving at 55 mph.

If there are other family members in your home that drive, particularly younger drivers, make sure that you keep them aware of the higher fuel costs that are associated with driving too fast and too much over the recommended speed limit that is posted.


Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml

42. Anticipate driving conditions

If at all possible try to anticipate the driving conditions that you will be taking on your route. If you know the traffic is heavy on a certain road try to take an alternate route.

This also applies to driving conditions that may cause you to tailgate or practice some other inefficient driving procedures.

The cleaner and smoother that your driving is the more fuel costs you will save. Take the time to plan your driving routes accordingly. You’ll find that in the long run you’re saving yourself frustration as well as money.

43. Avoid rush hour

If at all possible you should try to avoid driving during peak rush hours. When the traffic is crawling along you’ll be wasting gas and creating wear and tear on your car.

If you are heading home on a Friday night and know that your commute home is going to be one long slow crawl you may want to consider staying close to where you work and running some errands in the meantime.
There is no need to start your commute home only to find that you are sitting in traffic with your car idling.

44. Accelerate before hills

If you are approaching a hill try to accelerate before you reach the hill. This will help you to use up less gas while you are climbing the hill in your car.

Remember to accelerate in a safe manner or you won’t be able to use this gas saving tip. You in no way want to put your life, or the lives of others, in any danger.

45. Avoid fast driving in lower gears

If you drive at fast speeds using the wrong and often lower gears, you will reduce your fuel economy by as much as 40 percent.

If you are driving a standard vehicle make sure that you know how to properly operate the gears and know when to shift.

This is one of the common mistakes that many drivers make. By paying more attention to your driving techniques you will find that you can reduce some of your fuel costs.

46. Keep your foot off the brake

Try to avoid the habit of keeping your foot on the brake, even lightly, when you are driving. When you rest your foot on the brake you use more gas than you would otherwise and you also will wear out your brakes much sooner.

If you find that you are keeping your foot on the brake without being aware of it you can try sticking a reminder note to yourself on the dashboard of your car.

Start paying attention to your driving habits to see how important they are and to see how efficiently you drive.

47. Buy a smarter vehicle

Consider buying a hybrid vehicle to save on the cost of gasoline. You may find yourself on a waiting list waiting for the first available hybrid but the wait will be well worth it.

The Toyota Prius is one of the most sought vehicles of the year. In the coming years the hybrid will become more available and will be more affordable than it is at this point.

48. Travel Tips

One thing to keep in mind when you are traveling with a carrier or a roof rack is that you will be increasing your fuel cost by as much as 5 percent.

Try to reduce the amount of aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel consumption by placing as much as you can in the trunk of your car.


Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/planning.shtml

Another thing to keep in mind is that when you are carrying heavy objects in your vehicle you reduce your fuel economy by as much as 1 to 2 percent.

If you are going to be doing some heavy hauling you might find it to your benefit to hire a truck or borrow one from a friend so that you can reduces the wear and tear on your car as well as keep down your fuel costs.

49. Tighten the gas cap

It may seem like a small thing to do, but tightening the gas cap on your car will prevent gas from evaporating and escaping into the air.

If you have a gas cap that doesn’t fit tightly, or you’ve lost your gas cap, buy a new one to replace it.

Contact your mechanic or the car dealer of your make of vehicle to see if they have your particular gas cap in stock or if they can place an order for one to be shipped to you.

50. Cruise control

When you are driving on the highway you should be using cruise control whenever possible to maintain a steady pace.

This will help to increase your fuel consumption.

If you are driving a vehicle that currently has no cruise control it’s easy to have installed by your mechanic.

Many newer vehicles come with cruise control as a feature and not as a luxury choice for just this reason: to save on fuel costs.

51. Use overdrive gears on the highway

When you are traveling on the highway try to use your overdrive gears. By using your overdrive gears you can improve the fuel consumption in your car during highway type driving.

The concept behind overdrive gears is that they decrease your engine speed, saving you on engine wear and gas consumption.

If you are uncertain about how to use your overdrive gears, ask a friend or put in a call to your mechanic for some advice.

52. Use gas saving products

Although the studies are still inconclusive you might want to consider using gas saving products to save you money at the gas pump. The following products have been tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Air Bleed Devices. These types of devices are designed to bleed air into the carburetor and are generally installed in your vehicle in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation line.

• Fuel Max
• Aquablast Wyman Valve Air Bleed
• Gas Saving Device
• Grancor Air Computer

Vapor Bleed Devices. These devices are related to the air bleed device but in this case induced air is forced through a container that contains a mixture of water and antifreeze. This device is usually installed in the engine compartment.

• Econo-Mist Vacuum Vapor Injection System
• Mark II Vapor Injection System
• Turbo Vapor Injection System
• Atomized Vapor Injector

Liquid Injection. These types of fuel saving products add liquid to the air and fuel intake system of your car instead of into the combustion chamber of your engine.

• Goodman Engine System-Model 1800
• Waag-Injection System

Ignition Devices. These devices are usually attached to the ignition system of your car. (Can be used as a parts replacement).

• BIAP Electronic Ignition Unit
• Special Formula Ignition Advance Springs
• Magna Flash Ignition Control System
• Baur Condenser

Fuel Line Devices. These devices are used as a cooler or a heater. The fuel is heated just before it is injected into the carburetor. When this type of a device isn’t used the fuel is generally heated by the car’s electrical system, the exhaust, or the engine coolant.

• Russell Fuelmiser
• FuelXpander
• Jacona Fuel System; Optimizer

The above gas saving products may or may not help you save in your gas consumption and cost but if you are seriously looking for a way to save money you may want to consider trying one or two of the products.

53. Use a fuel cost calculator

Using a fuel cost calculator will help you to estimate the specific fuel costs for your car. This will help you in determining how much gas you are using to fuel your vehicle each year

54. EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Fuel economy ratings will help you to make an informed decision when it comes to buying your next car. This is a great way to save money at the pumps by being as informed as you possibly can about your next car purchase.

When you are looking around for your new car many car dealers will be offering you this type of information for a particular car that they want to sell.

Make sure that you make your own decision when it comes to determining what vehicle is best for you and your family.




55. Choose a fuel efficient vehicle

With the information provided to you by the EPA you can make a wise choice when it comes to buying your next car. There are many guides out there to help you with your decision.

Never make a rush decision when you are buying your car or truck. Take your time and make sure that you comparison shop to make sure that you are getting the best deal that you can.
Most of the newer cars that are being produced these days are highly fuel efficient so you can be assured that you will be making the right choice no matter what type of car that you buy.

It will all come down to what car is best for you and which one appeals to you the most. By using consumer guides you can see which cars are the most popular on the market today.


Source: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/choosing.shtml






56. Purchasing a Vehicle

When you are purchasing a vehicle here are some things that you should keep in mind if you are thinking about fuel efficiency:

• Buy a smaller vehicle that will meet your needs in the city. If you want a larger vehicle, that you won’t be using on a daily basis, you might want to think about leasing one.
• Consider putting yourself on the waiting list of the ever popular hybrid car. The amount of money that you’ll save in fuel costs will pay off in a short amount of time.
• Choose fewer of the “power” options that you are offered when you buy your new car. These power options include air conditioning, power windows, and automatic transmission.
• Buy a two wheel drive if you have no real need for a four wheel drive vehicle.

57. Learn to drive efficiently

If it’s been years since you learned to drive you may want to take a refresher course in driver’s education so that you can drive more efficiently and wisely.
You may have some bad habits that you have picked up that could be causing you to drive your car in a way that increases the amount of gasoline use.

Many driving schools will offer special deals for refresher courses for just this reason….to help you become more efficient in your driving habits.

If you have a young person in your home that is learning to drive this is the perfect time for you to become familiar once again with clean and safe driving habits.

58. Tax deduction

The government will give you a payment if you are willing to become more environmentally friendly and want to conserve gas.

The owner of an IRS certified hybrid car is able to deduct $2,000 in the year that the car was first purchased and used.

The cars that qualify under the current law are:

• Toyota Prius (model years 2001-2004)
• Honda Insight (model years 2000-2004)
• Honda Civic Hybrid (model years 2003 and 2004).

Take advantage of these tax deductions if you are buying a hybrid car or are planning to buy one in the future months.

59. Miscellaneous driving tips

• Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of the air conditioner.
• Park in the shade when it's warm.
• Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
• Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
• Don't ride the brake. Drive with a smooth, constant speed.
• Keep the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level.
• If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
• Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
• Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
• Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
• When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off.
• If you can’t find a place to buy low priced gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing.
• Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy that brand of gas.

60. Links for useful information

These websites are a great place for you to find more information about how to save money at the gas pump:

• Advanced engine performance in new model cars. www.gm.com/company/gmability/adv_tech/200_ice/fact_sheets.html
• Understanding fuel economy ratings. www.autorepair.about.com/library/weekly/aa021251b.htm
• Hot new hybrid cars. www.about.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/101677/article.html
• Determine how much in fuel and fuel costs a trip will cost you. www.fuelcostcalculator.com/
• Information about octane gas. www.autorepair.about.com/od/generalinfo/a/aa060504a.htm
• General information about your vehicle and gas consumption. www.fueleconomy.gov/
• Save money on car expenses. www.askmen.com/toys/cars/30_car_review.html
• Fuel consumption calculator. www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/tools/fuel-trip-calculator/fuel-calculator-input.cfm?attr=8
• Gas tips for Canadians. www.gastips.com/
• Car tune-up information. www.autoeducation.com/ask_the_mechanic/answer5.htm
• Another gas pricing site. www.gaspricewatch.com/usgas_index.asp




61. Types of vehicle fuels

Here is a listing of the types of alternate fuels that are available depending on what type of vehicle that you drive.

Researching these different fuel types might give you the incentive to drive a vehicle that uses a lower priced fuel so that you can save money on your transportation costs.

• Biodiesel
• Ethanol
• Battery-electric and hybrid vehicles
• Fuel cells and hydrogen
• Natural gas
• Propane

62. Current state average gas costs

Current gas prices at time of December 8th, 2004. You can purchase software that will give you a daily reading of what the price of gas is in the area in which you live.

Much emphasis has been placed on finding the lowest prices of gas in your local area.

When you pay attention to how much you are paying for your gasoline instead of just stopping at the first convenient gas station you can be assured that you are taking some control for saving money at the gas pump.

Keep a log of gas prices for a few weeks and you may find that you see a pattern emerging. Many gas stations raise the cost of gas on weekends when people are traveling or when they are home with their families and making more trips on a per day basis.

If you see this pattern emerging in the cost of gas prices you will be able to take advantage of the lower prices that gas stations have during the week.

Make sure that you purchase your gas before the weekend so that you can avoid those high costs.

For current information of daily gas prices make sure that you check out the website: www.fuelgaugereport.com/sbsavg.asp
Prices are in US dollars per gallon.

Conclusion
After reading through this e-book you should have all the advice, tips, and information that you need to start saving money at the gas pumps today.

Start by slowly implementing one or two of the money saving tips and before long you’ll start to see a sizeable difference in the amount of money that you spend each week buying gas for your vehicle.

By the end of one year you will have saved yourself from $100 to $500 just by following the suggestions in this e-book.

Keep track of all your auto expenses in safe place so that you can have access to any information that you need in a single moment. This will come in handy if you are trying to determine how much you are spending in fuel costs or when the last time it was that you had your car serviced.

Saving money at the gas pumps is as easy as making a few simple changes in your life and your driving habits.

All this money is yours after reading this e-book!

You don’t need to make big changes all at once but if you try to adopt as many of the tips and suggestions listed in this e-book you’ll be able to spend your saved money elsewhere next year!

So….you’d like to sell your house? Great! Everyone’s doing it. But this is your first time and you’ll be doing the sale yourself. Nervous? Of course!

The fact is, it’s only unnerving because you haven’t got a clue about the dynamics of selling a house – your house. It’s the one asset you have where you’ve plunked down your lifetime savings. Now you want it all back!

That equity you were slowly building over these years will come back to you a hundredfold because you’ve thought about it long enough to realize that there is a handsome profit waiting to be made.

Don’t worry! This episode in your life doesn’t need to be a drama of horrors. In this book, we’ve collected important tips for you – the first timer - all 101 of them, in fact.

And when that check finally lands on your hands and the last box has been shipped out of your house to make way for the new owners, it will be exhilarating – more exhilarating than you’ve ever imagined it to be.

Study the tips. Some you already know, no doubt. But even with 101 or 1001 tips, you’d still need professional advice – you managed to eliminate the real estate agent, but you’ll still need your lawyer (or notary) and your accountant.

You need to consult with other professionals as well – like the professional house inspector who can dish out valuable advice about repairs and maintenance.

These tips can help you map out a selling strategy for your house, and when you turn the lock for the last time, you’ll come out of the experience wiser. And yes, wealthier, too.

The confidence you gain by getting your feet wet the first time could – who knows? – make you want to do it the second time, and then a third time…and more!





Category 1: Knowledge is Power



Tip 1: Before anything else, grab a powerhouse of knowledge.

If you’ve decided to dispense with a real estate agent to avoid paying those ridiculous commissions, then start thinking like one.

How? Three to six months before your target sale, bone up on home selling strategies. If you have friends or colleagues who’ve worked in real estate, talk to them, but don’t tell them you’re thinking of your selling your house so they won’t try to convince you to do otherwise.

Ask them about mistakes they’ve made or mistakes that their relatives and friends have made. Survey the entire landscape. Personal experiences are always an excellent source of knowledge and strategies.

Tip 2: Be a listener, and be a GOOD one

Hold casual conversations with at least 3 real estate agents who work in the area where your house is located. Be attentive to what they say about location. It’s helpful to know how much your civic address is worth.

While location is the predominant argument in real estate, this rule may not always apply. Perhaps location is the least of your potential buyer’s worries. Don’t overlook the fact that buyers have typical and unusual reasons for buying a house. Many have jumped into the arena of investment property.

While most people buy houses so they can live in it, there are those who like to play the market and want to make a killing. Sell your house with an open mind. Don’t let the factor of location discourage you, or encourage you too much.

Tip 3: Basic rule: don’t get locked out of the market because you’ve overpriced your house!

Continue building up on that knowledge base: make it a daily habit of reading real estate ads everyday. Get the average selling price of a house identical to yours.

If you have the luxury of time, you may even want to drive around these houses for sale and judge for yourself whether or not the price they’re asking is justified.

Some homeowners have illusions as to what their houses cost. Is the price they ask reasonable, or way out of proportion to the looks and location of the property?

Tip 4: What are the ads saying?

Get a feel of how real estate ads are worded.
• What are the key words and phrases?
• What ads caught your attention?
• Why?
• Does the ad sound credible?
• Does the ad provide adequate information to provoke interest, or does it leave the reader indifferent?
Use these ads as a model for your own.

Tip 5: Play detective

Do a bit of detective work: try to keep track of real estate ads that appear only a couple of days (house could have been sold in just a matter of days) and ads that seem to be in the paper forever (why can’t the advertiser sell? What’s preventing him from selling?) This is where wording might clue you into the reasons.

Tip 6: Read and devour all that you can!

Build up some more on your knowledge power by visiting your local library, and browsing through books and magazines about real estate in general (and selling homes in particular).

Be on the alert for people who’ve written about their personal experiences in selling their homes. Being well-informed is still your best weapon.



Tip 7: Realistically speaking, my house is really worth…

Set realistic goals: if houses like yours in your area are asking for $250,000.00, don’t think you could make a lot more just because you have a rose garden and your neighbor doesn’t.

Deviating too much from the mainstream can work against you. Don’t stop buyers from calling you because your price is way too much the average prices for your area.

Tip 8: Play the real estate game seriously.

Bear in mind that the “no risk, no gain” philosophy may not always work in real estate. Real estate is a smart, serious business. It’s better to have brains than guts! Feed your brain with information you will need when you finally do sell your house. Real estate information is not a scarcity. There are thousands of web sites dedicated to real estate. And the library holds a wealth of information on the subject.

Tip 9: Get only enough to get you started

Too much analysis leads to paralysis. Arm yourself with adequate knowledge and then get moving! Don’t let fear or over-confidence immobilize you. If you want to sell your house successfully, fear has no place in the grand scheme of things, nor does arrogance.

Category 2: Know thy Area/Community

Tip 10: Good schools? But of course!

Think about what’s special about your community, then conjure up an ad that might attract say, a young couple with school-age children. Find out how many private and public schools there are, and how near are they to your house.

Many times, good schools are the deal clinchers. For young families, schools are a top priority. If the schools in your community have won awards from the private and public sector, or if you hear about any achievements, mention them to your buyers.

Tip 11: It’s the fitness thing, you know.

Do an inventory of your community’s attractions. How many parks, tennis courts are there? Is there a YMCA? All these facilities play a major role in the decision to buy, especially if the husband or wife is a fitness freak.

Tip 12: And what about concerts and that kind of thing?

Don’t overlook the entertainment factor: how many restaurants and movie theaters does your area have? What about concert halls and other cultural activities? Young couples, especially those with no children, like to eat out often.

They also want the assurance that if they don’t feel like entertaining friends for dinner at home, they can go for a concert or a show to spend a relaxing weekend. A very cultural community filled with activities is a huge factor, not only for them, but also for their children.


Tip 13: Will I fit in the area?

The ethnic factor: if your area has a strong multi-cultural presence, this might be an attraction for newly arrived immigrants in search of a house. The feeling of wanting to feel “at home” is a strong motivator. You may think it a trivial matter, but buyers do ask if there’s a sushi restaurant in the area, or if there are any Jewish Synagogues nearby.

Are there meeting places where members of ethnic communities can mingle and share views, cuisine and stores about “back home”?

Tip 14: Is there a doctor in the house?

Does your area have a good hospital? What makes that hospital a plus factor? Families that have aging in-laws in tow would like to know if they can get medical help immediately in case of an emergency.

Also, if your local area hospital is known for a particular specialization make sure you let your buyers know.

Tip 15: How is the transportation system?

How far are the major highways from your house? Where is the next largest city? How developed is your area’s public transportation system? Proximity to a subway station is typically seen by many as a benefit because downtown parking is expensive. This constitutes a great advantage also for teenaged children who attend university downtown.

Tip 16: No gossiping allowed!

Are you in friendly terms with your neighbors? If you’re selling a condo or a duplex, the next owners are usually curious about what kind of neighbors live in the same enclave.

Show your neighborliness, but don’t gossip about the neighbor on your right. Chances are prospective buyers are only interested if the neighbors are quiet or rowdy. They’re not interested in your neighbor’s alcohol problem.



Tip 17: Help, my car’s been snowed in!

How efficient are your city’s services? Does the area have enough firemen, snow removal trucks, and garbage collection systems? What about facilities for recycling waste material?

The more you know about your community’s services, the better you can capitalize on these selling points.

If either the wife or husband has had a hip fracture, efficient snow clearing by the municipal government is reassuring. Not many cities can say that their snow is cleared on time.
Tip 18: Cavities?

Is the city water fluoridated? You’ll be amazed at how some parents make a big deal of this. Studies have revealed that cities where the water has been fluoridated have a lower incidence of tooth decay among school-age children.

Perhaps this looks like a minor detail to you, but remember, the intelligent buyer is taking a thorough inventory of the community and its services.
Category 3: Know thy Abode

Tip 19: Getting to know your house…for the last time

Okay, you have a good understanding of real estate, you know your community, and now it’s time to know your house like the back of your hand.

Every house has a hidden defect or a very visible fault. Take pencil and paper and do a tour, taking down all the weaknesses that can potentially be spotted by buyers when they visit. Go around your house several times to make sure you’ve covered everything.

You want to discover the defect before the buyer does. Spare yourself some embarrassment. Don’t underestimate the buyer’s ability to see through walls!



Tip 20: Did you say an in-ground pool?

If your house comes with a swimming pool, mention it! An in-ground swimming pool adds a lot of value to a house.

Make sure the pool is clean and there are no floating algae or fungi when the buyers come knocking at your door.

If there’s anything that can be quite disconcerting it’s a pool with no water, dead leaves and little creatures floating about, or large cracks in the pool. A pool isn’t fun without a heater. Let your buyer know that the pool’s heater is working.

Tip 21: Put romance back in their lives…

If you live in an area with a colder climate – Minnesota for instance -- a fireplace makes a good sell, so don’t forget to mention it.

This particular detail can go into the ad, or you can surprise your potential buyer when they come to visit. It’s all up to you. Find out what the real estate agents say about fireplaces.

In Florida for example, a fireplace is not something you’d think a house should have, but in upscale, gated communities, families do have nice fireplaces in the living room or basement. Ambiance, that’s why.

Tip 22: See, this garage door is really simple to operate!

Check your garage door mechanism and see if it’s working properly. You’ll want to demonstrate to potential buyers that your garage is in tip top shape.

You may also want to show them your maintenance records (garage doors usually need to be inspected and lubricated once every two years, depending on how recent your garage door and mechanism are).
Tip 23: I never promised you a rose garden.

Check your front and back yards. Are they well-kept or do they look like they’ve been neglected for the last six months? Is your grass healthy and green and well-manicured?
When buyers look for a house, they customarily concentrate on making adjustments inside the house; they understand that part of the house buying process is renovation.

At least they’re prepared for this event, but when they see that the outside of the house also needs major attention, they could get discouraged – and dismayed no doubt – to see such an unkempt front yard and backyard.

Tip 24: You’ll have a roof over your head for the next 25 years.

Make a list of major and minor renovations you’ve undertaken in the last five years. Keep this list in your pocket so that when you give the house tour, you can mention these renovations.

Things like “my husband and I had the roof changed entirely even before the 25-year period. One thing you won’t have in this house is a leaking roof”.

Or else: “These kitchen cabinets and drawers were given a face lift only three months ago”.

Or perhaps: “We decided to install smoked glass in one part of the kitchen to hold our crystal collection”. Then turn on the light of the smoke glass cabinet to show some dramatic effect, the expensive crystal collection and the dim lighting.

Tip 25: Wow, a home spa!

Pay attention to the bathrooms. Make sure they have good lighting, squeaky clean faucets and a shiny, sparkling bathtub. A stained bath tub is unsightly.

Hang some of your best linens for the visit. A bathroom that smells and looks clean can be a persuasion point. Count yourself lucky if you have a whirlpool or a large Roman bath.

For couples just recently married, the whirlpool or spa might just bring you closer to finalizing that deal. One thing with house hunters: they start with a budget in mind, but watch how they’re easily swayed to stretch that budget a little more when they see amenities that they otherwise would not have thought about previously.


Tip 26: A house that’s safe and sound.

Buyers are likely to ask you about insulation and energy efficiency systems in your house. If you don’t know or can’t remember, be honest and say so.

However, it definitely would be to your advantage if you can speak knowledgeably about the “inner character” of your dwelling. The old installation materials of older houses were declared a health risk by the US and Canadian governments many years ago, and house builders have switched to safer insulation materials.

Make sure you mention this if you do know, especially if you’re dealing with a buyer who happens to be a lawyer.

Tip 27: What? No hot water again?

Many people don’t know this, but if you were smart enough to have your water heater checked periodically, say so.

Water heaters, in order for them to work efficiently, have to be inspected regularly. Over time, water heaters get an accumulation of chemicals in the bottom. Even if a new roof costs a lot more than a new water heater, buyers appreciate the present owner’s thorough “sense of maintenance” by looking into details that homeowners usually overlook.

Tip 28: Someone forgot to look up the ceiling…

One real estate agent in Washington DC remarked that she was approached by a couple to sell one of the “cutest houses in the neighborhood”.

It had excellent potential – large backyard, nice French bay windows, a second floor landing area that was large enough to accommodate a family gathering, and solid wooden floors.

The only thing wrong, according to the real estate agent, was the entire lighting system. The lamps and chandeliers looked like they were put there since the time of Adam and Eve.

She suggested to the present owners to replace all the lights and to invest in good quality lamps. The cutest house in the neighborhood eventually sold – just three weeks later – for $900,000.00

Category 4: Your Motives for Selling: Watch out for the Psychological Effect

Tip 29: Why am I selling?

You made the decision of selling the house. You went through the motions of going over your house and looking for things to repair.

Before you get to the next step – advertising your house in the paper and by word of mouth - spend some quiet time to yourself so you can gauge your true feelings about why you want to sell your house.

If you have compelling reasons or circumstances that force you to sell, this may affect your position as a seller. As the property owner, you should always be on the driver’s seat.

Only you can dictate the terms of sale. If you’re emotionally or financially disadvantaged, you may want to put off selling your house until you’re 100% convinced that you’re ready – emotionally and financially.

Tip 30: Not the time to be fickle…

If your house holds much sentimental value and you feel that parting with it will affect you psychologically, assess how strong your emotional attachment to your house is.

Once the house is sold, there is no turning back. Sale contracts are legally binding. You can’t appear at the doorway of the new owners and say, “Sorry, I’ve changed my mind. I acted irrationally by selling. I want my house back!”

Tip 31: Nostalgia is a strong feeling

You want to sell because you’re getting divorced from your husband of 25 years? If you no longer love your husband, but still love your house, think twice about selling.

If the house means that much to you, then perhaps you may want to re-consider. A house is not only a physical structure. It is a refuge, a reservoir of memories of a family that built a future together.

Sell your house if you have to, but if you’ll spend sleepless nights regretting the decision to sell, you might be risking your mental health.

Tip 32: I’m in a bind…

Financially strapped? Many people think of selling their house to acquire much-needed cash. Your house is your only asset and perhaps the only asset that banks will look at if you apply for a loan.

Instead of selling, you may consider the option of using the equity you’ve built up in your home to apply for a loan. But don’t sell just because you need cash. Banks are often willing to give you room to maneuver on your house equity.

Tip 33: My home isn’t a hotel!

If you hesitate about selling your house because you want your children to have a place to stay when they visit, remember that you raised them to be responsible, self-sufficient adults.

If you really want to sell your house, this should be the least of your worries. Your grown children can perfectly manage on their own. Your house isn’t the Four Seasons!

T34: Listen up, but stay with your convictions!

Remind yourself that it’s your house, so buyers should play by your rules. Don’t let some smooth talking buyer convince you that your house isn’t worth that much.

You did your homework, so you’re the only one who knows what you should be getting for your house. Remember it’s the buyer who needs a house, not you. If one buyer is starting to get on your nerves, there are other buyers.

Tip 35: I’m selling, no matter what.

Banish your fears and emotional ups and downs because they only lead to inaction.

Bolster your self-confidence by constantly saying to yourself, “I want to sell my house, I will sell my house, and I will make money from selling my house”. This mantra will guide you and make you stronger as you go through the motions of the eventual sale.

Tip 36: Even well-meaning friends can derail you!

Stay focused. Don’t surround yourself with friends who like to foretell gloom and doom. “You might regret it,” or “There’s just too much stress handling the sale yourself, let the experts do what they’re best at”.

These pieces of advice, no matter how well-intentioned, have no place in your goals. Don’t be easily swayed by what your friends or colleagues tell you. Refuse to listen to horror stories about meeting the strangest of strangers.

Category 5: Getting Serious and Getting Ready

Tip 37: Time to go “pro”

Earlier we provided tips on getting to know your house and going around inside and outside to see what needs to be improved.

Now it’s time to closely inspect your home for hidden defects. It’s time for a professional inspector. Get him to examine those details that can make or break a deal.

One is the electrical wiring. A fire caused by faulty wiring is serious business. Instead of enjoying the cash from the sale of your house, your hard-earned equity is going towards paying damages and lawyers’ fees.
Tip 38: The radon test?

Experts love to mention the radon test. If you run a radon test in your house, this is a huge plus in the eyes of buyers.

The longer the radon test, the more accurate are its results. High radon levels can be fixed. Always do retests, and provide results to your buyers.

Tip 39: This isn’t a multiple choice test.

See to it that the professional inspector or home inspection company you hired provides you with a well written report.

The fill-in-the-blank forms and check boxes type of report may be accurate, but a written, detailed analysis looks better to buyers. It demonstrates to them that you’ve done your sacred duty as seller.

Tip 40: The well’s run dry.

Don’t overlook details that can jeopardize the sale or put you in an awkward position later.

If you have a well (most homes out in the far country still have wells!), have this inspected. If you have a written report, show this as well to the buyers.
Tip 41: What’s that smell?

If you have a septic system, have a percolation test performed. If repairs are necessary, you either repair them before you sell, or disclose them to the buyers. Don’t kill your chances of selling your house because of this detail.

Tip 42: Actually, now that you ask…

Show all repairs in a written report to all prospective buyers. This will eliminate unpleasant surprises later that might delay the sale. Disclosing all house defects and problems will help reduce the time or process leading to the final sale.

Non-disclosure can even cause a re-negotiation of the sale price if the buyers discover the defects themselves. If there is anything you don’t want, it’s being forced to re-negotiate the price down because of non-disclosure of a fact that you were legally required to disclose.

Tip 43: Show that you mean business!

When the professionals have done their inspections and all reports are in your possession, make copies. You’ll want to have as many copies of each report at arm’s length, so you’re not scampering around for them at the last minute.

Show buyers that you’re acting conscientiously and being considerate of their concerns. This will indicate clearly that you’re a serious seller – and a professional one. Make sure the dates are clearly visible on each and every report.



Tip 44: If I were buying this house…

After you’re satisfied that the professional inspectors did their job correctly, act like one. Take one, long last look.

Put on your eagle eyes, and ask yourself: if I were buying this house, what would I want done or repaired?

Tip 45: Is there an expert around?

In terms of repairs and fixes, follow the advice of Bill Effros: there are three categories of things you should fix:

• Legally required repairs;
• Little things that make a BIG difference;
• Big things that make a HUGE difference.

Tip 46: It’s the law, sir.

Fix house problems because the law requires you to. These are usually environmental in nature or hidden hazards that can cause health problems for the buyers and their children. Examples are lead paint and asbestos removal, and harmful insulation material.

Tip 47: You and I are different.

Little things that make a difference are those tasks or jobs that you’ve somehow delayed or never got around to doing.

Remember that what may be petty to you may not be petty at all to your prospective buyer. No two people think the same way. Selling and buying a house are two different perspectives, two different people, and two different mindsets.

Tip 48: Did you inherit these doorknobs from your grandmother?

Try not to overlook old doorknobs and plates on light switches. If they look lifeless and worn, replace them to liven up the living areas. Try to go for neutral designs.

If your buyers are young, upward mobile professionals, you could go for bolder designs. Make sure that whatever you put on, the buyers can take them off easily should they decide to do so.

Tip 49: That noise is driving me nuts!

Has that leaking faucet been bothering you lately? You can be sure that minor things like leaking faucets can make buyers hesitate.

Faucets that have been leaking for some time demonstrate a homeowner’s negligence regarding basic maintenance.

Tip 50: Is this door going to fall on me?

Does your house have doors that sag, don’t close properly, squeak or have a knob missing?

There are beautiful ready-made and custom-made doors in your local home centre, so why don’t you pay them a visit; get an idea of what kind of doors would breathe life into your house?




Tip 51: So, how many insects do you have here?

What about broken screens that have ugly-looking holes gaping at you and your visitors? A simple thing such as broken screens can be a huge turn off so show consideration for your buyers by taking care of these minor fix-its.

Tip 52: For you or the buyer?

Some experts say that little repairs that can potentially annoy you or your buyers must get fixed.

Getting small, minor jobs done will help increase your chances of selling your house.

But getting big things fixed, they say, will only mean profits for the contractor and buyer, not you. This is a matter of personal opinion.

If you take integrity and professionalism to heart, you can proceed with the big repairs and cough up the expense.

Tip 53: Hold your horses!

Here’s what some experts are also saying about undertaking major repairs. If it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg and substantially reduce the sale price of your home, think twice.

For example, your house costs $200.000.00 in the market. You’re thinking of selling it for $250,000.00 – to make a neat little profit of $50,000. Repairs will cost you $30,000.00 that reduces your profit by $20,000. Are the major repairs worth that measly profit?

Crunch some figures before you undertake those major renovations.
Tip 54: I wish you hadn’t done that…

Undertaking major renovations may come out of the goodness of your heart, but have you ever thought of looking at the other side of the coin?

What if the potential buyers don’t particularly like the renovations you’ve done, and would have preferred to renovate the house themselves?
When an individual goes out looking to buy a house, that individual is not just buying a physical piece of property but is also thinking of making his future house an extension of his personality and his lifestyle.

So if you’re thinking of renovating your house before selling to make it look more presentable, those good intentions may backfire. That’s why it’s always good to gauge a buyer’s plans about your house when he/she first makes contact.

Tip 55: Bring in a contractor.

Some people actually think it’s a good idea to bring in a contractor to have a look at their homes after the professional inspection.

Because they know their business inside out, some contractors specialize in preparing homes for sale, and can tell you what should be fixed and what should be left alone.

They can help you save precious dollars. Show them all of the inspection reports. With the contractor’s opinion and the home inspection reports in your possession, you should be able to decide what to fix and what not to fix.

Category 6: Letting the Word Out: “I’m Selling my House!”

Tip 56: Get the word out!

Okay, you’ve had your house inspected and you’ve done your own inspection. It’s time to let the word out.

You can announce the sale of your house through word of mouth or putting an ad on your paper.

Do an experiment: tell your colleagues at work that you’re selling your house. Make a note of the questions they ask. Their questions can serve as an accurate indication of what prospective buyers are also likely to be asking you.

Tip 57: Reach out far and wide!

Your announcement can be published in the national and local community paper. The more people you reach, the more prospects you have. You may also announce in trade papers that are published by real estate associations or the housing authority.

Use as many resources as you can. You have no idea how much more successful you will be in selling when there is a larger audience involved.

You may be slightly inconvenienced by the number of inquiries you’ll get, but if you want to sell that house in a hurry, it’s a question of statistical proportions.

The more you spread the word around in the media, the more people you reach.

Tip 58: Word of mouth is just as powerful as advertising

Ask your office colleagues to tell their families and friends about your house sale. They may know of people who are moving into the area and looking for homes.

The more colleagues you tell, the more you increase your chances of reaching people you don’t even know. After you’ve told them, follow up after a week and ask if they had any questions about your house that you’d be pleased to clarify. Make it known to them that you’re serious about selling, that way they take you seriously and some of them will even want to help you.

Tip 59: Can the company help me?

After you tell your colleagues, speak to the human resources manager of your organization and tell her that if there are executives relocating to your area, you have a house to sell.

You’ll never know what the human resources individual can come up with.

Someone may actually be moving to the area to take up a position in your organization; or your human resources manager may have been approached by other human resources professionals from other companies who are desperately looking for houses for their expatriates or returning executives.
Tip 60: Ah, the old reliable…the bulletin board!

Go one step further: use the public bulletin board to post your house sale. Don’t forget to leave tabs with your telephone number that can be torn out of the main sheet so that people can call you or pass them on to their friends.

Post a clear picture in color with your ad on the bulletin board. You know how the saying goes - a picture is worth a thousand words.

Tip 61: Am I missing the sugar?

Before you even sit down to word that ad for the papers, think about the ingredients of the recipe for successfully selling of your house.

There are five ingredients you need to have, according to Barb Schwarz, a successful realtor.

Let’s take the first ingredient: location. You can’t physically uproot your house to take it to a better location. Note that the price of your house must realistically reflect its location.

Tip 62: Have you been negligent?

Second ingredient for a successful sale: Condition. Remember that this is where a professional inspector and a thorough personal inspection by you can make a lot of sense. Schwarz said that the upkeep of the property is a crucial factor in obtaining the highest possible price for a home. Price, like location, must reflect a house’s condition.

Tip 63: How much do I want?

Third ingredient: Price. This is the # 1 deciding factor in the sale or no sale of a house. There’s a belief among real estate circles that a house is really only worth what a buyer is willing to pay a seller to gain ownership of that house.

Price must have a direct correlation to all the other ingredients for a successful sale. Never mind what the listings or other people say. If your house is overpriced, you won’t have any offers, or else it may take a long time to receive offers.

Tip 64: Will the buyer ask for flexibility?

Fourth ingredient: Terms. The more terms you have on the property, the more potential purchasers you reach. Again, the price of your house must reflect the kinds of terms available to purchase it.

Tip 65: Is this a good time to sell?

Fifth ingredient: Market. Market conditions are influenced by key factors such as interest rates, supply and demand of houses in your area, competition and the general state of the economy.

Real estate is a cyclical phenomenon. The beginning of 2000 witnessed a surge in home building. All of a sudden homes were being sold faster than contractors could build them. When there’s a real estate boom, this is an excellent opportunity to make a killing!

Tip 66: The truth will come out…

So keep those five ingredients uppermost in your mind at all times. Now you’re ready to word that ad.

Be honest.

Don’t say you have a house in excellent condition when your inspection report has a long list of deficiencies and repairs your house will require.
Don’t say you have 3 full bathrooms when you really have only two bathrooms and one powder room. A powder room, as we all know, does not qualify as a full bathroom.

Also, don’t say that you live in a quiet neighborhood when in fact your house is located near a university campus where you hear students partying all night. If you mention that your house has an alarm system, it better work.

Tip 67: Umm, how will I word this ad?

If you aren’t good with words, that is, it’s taking you painstakingly long to draft an ad, go with ads placed in the local and regional papers that you FEEL works for you.

This means putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes: you read the ad, it makes you curious, and you take down the number. If an ad pleases you or strikes you as effective and persuasive, copy the style and content of the ad.

Another alternative would be to refer back to some of the books you read on successful real estate sales and mull over the model ads.

Tip 68: Can you just state the bottom line please?

When you’re ready to write out an ad, clarity and brevity must be your parameters. If your price is reasonable and realistic and you put the ad in the right strategic places, you’ll get at least 20 calls.

Tip 69: Do your thinking before picking up that phone

Don’t do what many people do. They call the classified ads department of their local and regional papers and craft the ad with the person in the other line.

Don’t waste time by providing information only while you’re on the phone. Instead, figure everything out in advance.

And when we say everything, we mean that by the time you call the classified ads person, you know ahead of time what your ad will look like, what it will say, where to put it, what abbreviations to use and whether or not it should have a border (experts say you don’t need a fancy border for your ad to catch the readers’ attention).

Bill Effros who sold his house in five days said that you don’t need a double column or a fancy border for your ad.

Tip 70: Wait and see.

Be careful about how long you want your ad to run. An ad that’s been around too long will give readers the impression that your house is not selling because of major problems. It will also tell them that maybe buyers are coming to see the house only to walk away disappointed.

Some experts say a five-day ad is sufficient. If you don’t get a sufficient number of serious callers, pull out the ad, wait a few weeks, and start all over again. Review the ad’s wording. Perhaps there’s something in the ad that doesn’t sound right that you didn’t notice the first time.

Tip 71: Where should I publish?

Put it in two sure places where it will get read. Again, pretend you’re the buyer looking for a house. Where would you most likely look? That’s the section where you should place your ad.

Your local paper with a small circulation and your regional paper with a much larger circulation should be your target destinations for your ad.

Tip 72: One is enough.

Buyers often don’t really want to buy 4-5 newspapers to look for houses for sale. They’d much rather concentrate on one paper and encircle the ads that could lead to potential visits. They usually go for the paper which is the most popular with the highest number of readers. That’s the paper where your ad must also go.
Tip 73: Cyberspace? Do I really want Martians buying my house?

What about placing my ad on the Internet, you ask? If our guess of the human tendency is right, people may look at the Internet for houses for sale, but may not necessarily be serious buyers.

So the Internet for now would be an alternative to traditional newspaper advertising. Just watch people in cafes who are reading the classified ads. They usually mark the paper, circling those ads that they’re interested in.

On the Internet, the buyer would either copy contact details by hand or print the ad – this can be cumbersome. At least with the newspaper at hand, people can just toss it in the seat of their cars as they drive off to visit the property, and can look at the ad again, if needed.
Tip 74: Do you want to write a house story? Try the home section, not the classified ads

Think twice, even three times before you get that pencil or word processor moving. Avoid flowery words. Avoid expressions like “it will capture your heart”, or “a house of your dreams”, or “here’s a house where you can have many memorable days”.

People are not really looking for something to captivate their hearts or memories. They’re looking for a real house to live in, for a roof over their heads. The dreams and memories can come later, but at this point, buyers are only interested in a physical structure that they claim ownership of.



Tip 75: What should I say?

Word your ad so that it answers the questions that buyers would want to know: location, the fact that you’re selling it yourself (no brokers or agents please), brief description of house, a starting reasonable price.

Mention that you’ll take the best reasonable offer, and put your area code and telephone number. These are the only points that buyers are initially interested in. Other details like amenities and extras and true value can be discussed face to face or during a follow-up telephone call.


Tip 76: This is EXACTLY how I want it

Bill Effros recommends that your ad should be positioned as follows: location, upper top left and “BY OWNER” right hand side top.

Type of house (condo, duplex, cottage, etc) on the next line.

Brief description of major feature on the following line.

Then your starting price, e.g. “$150,000 or best reasonable offer” on the next line, to be followed by inspection times (e.g. Sat-Sun 10-5).

Last line on low bottom left, the words: “HIGHEST BIDDER”, and your telephone number beside it.

Note: your ad is meant to give you as many callers as possible. Details about the property can be provided to them on the phone if they request them.

And to play safe, email or fax the copy of the ad exactly as you want it to appear in the paper. You could be dealing with an ad taker who is taking ads for the first time and may not understand what “flush left” or “flush left” mean.

Tip 77: Screen calls.

If you’re a busy person with a full time job, you may want to filter your calls. Before you call the paper to have your ad put, make sure you set yourself up with an answering machine or an answering service.

You don’t want to be called in the middle of the night or at meal times to answer questions about your house and be forced to make a visit appointment. With an answering machine, you decide who you want to call back.

You will also be able to tell who the serious buyers are versus the frivolous ones. People who leave their names and numbers and are brief in their message make a good impression.

You want to avoid receiving callers who talk incessantly or ask questions the answers of which are already in the ad.

Be wary of people who also try to negotiate the price down over the phone without even asking to see the property.

This should raise your antennas to the fact that one, they probably can’t afford the price to begin with, or second, they can’t get their bank to finance that amount.



Tip 78: Add “Or best reasonable offer”

A famous real estate writer says that it’s not so much the description of the property that will get you a sufficient number of callers; it is the stated price on your ad.

If it is within their price range, they will call. If not, they’ll go on to the next ad. So make sure you don’t omit this detail but add, “or best reasonable offer.”

Tip 79: It’s my favorite day of the week!

Only you will pick the days you want your ad to appear. The approach is to reach as many readers as possible. In the United States, Sundays are when the ads run in the hundreds, and in Canada, Saturday has the highest number of readers.
Wednesday is also ad day in Canada but to a lesser extent than Saturday. Don’t let the ad taker convince you to put your ad on certain days of the week. Go with what you know and what common practice is.

Bear in mind that unless people are really looking for something particular in the paper, they don’t look at the paper during the week.

They are more relaxed during weekends and are likely to pick up the paper from the kitchen table. For anxious buyers however, they deliberately read the papers every morning with the hope that they find the “house of their dreams”.

Tip 80: Would you repeat that please?

Once your ad is published, buy the paper and read your ad a few times, ensuring that all details are correctly listed.

Look at your phone number and make sure it was listed correctly. Do not forget to list your area code.

The same city may have two different area codes – one for the east end district and another for the west end side of town. You could lose hundreds of potential buyers with this omission.


Tip 81: How do I sound?

So the ad has been placed. Brace yourself for calls! They will increase in number as people read your ad and then pass it off to friends and family.

Rehearse your lines. You’ll want to give the impression that you’re a serious seller, so you expect the same from them as buyers.

Don’t panic if you’re getting too many calls or none at all on the first day. Take a deep breath and get ready for the avalanche. While having an answering machine is a good idea for the sake of filtering serious callers from the frivolous, it’s perfectly alright for you to take the call yourself if you feel like it.

Tip 82: Take it down

Have pen and paper ready. Take down each caller’s name and number. Jot down their questions. This will give you an idea of future questions, and you’ll know how to answer them properly the next time.


Tip 83: Are you a (phone) grouch?

When you answer calls, come across as friendly. The impression you DON’T want to give is that of a tired, harassed seller who’s sick and tired of answering questions on the phone.

Practice basic courtesy. Be professional. And sound like one!

Tip 84: Let’s get serious here.

Here’s an important tip: if you get 25 calls by the third day, your ad worked. Getting 25 calls means that 25 people read your ad and dialed your number.

Don’t expect 25 buyers though. Callers and buyers are two separate people.





Category 7: Showing Your Home

Tip 85: It bothers me…

When buyers come to visit, make sure there is nothing about your house that will distract them. Make sure the entrance door is clean, and if it’s winter time, make sure the snow has been cleared.

Ensure that the entranceway is well lit and doesn’t look in disarray. Remove coats and other clothing from their field of vision, no skis by the doorway, no ball or other play objects that may obstruct the path or cause them to trip over. A buyer who trips in your house is a terrible way to start.



Tip 86: Dust collectors.

Buyers must feel that the seller has taste and class. Get rid of clutter before their visit. Dust collecting trophies and souvenir items bought during trips can make an ugly sight especially if they’re too close to one another without any order and are thick with dust!

Tip 87: Surround yourself with beauty.

Of course be old-fashioned: good lights and flowers would be nice (not too much though – your buyer could be allergic to flower scents).


Tip 88: I knew you’d ask that!

Putting up signs to answer frequent questions can save you time. It’s also an efficient way to let you give the tour without being interrupted too many times.

Signs can include things like: condo fees are $150.00 per month, appliances, fixtures and draperies are included with the sale, garage and garden equipment are included, china not included, there are 8 phone jacks on the first floor and 3 on the second floor, there is a wireless connection, shelves are included, etc.

Tip 89: Children OK, animals NO!

Get your pets out of the way. You won’t know in advance who is allergic to dogs and cats. Plus the barking of dogs and the meowing of cats can be very distracting, and an annoyance for non-pet lovers.




Tip 90: Who’s that standing by the door?

Before buyers come, it’s good to have a closer. The closer should be clearly visible to buyers, and should be near the door so he/she can keep track of buyers who arrive and leave the property.

The closer can usually tell by your instincts who are the interested buyers. When the closer asks if they want to know how the bidding process works, those who are not interested will simply say no and leave.

Category 8: Negotiations, Settlement and Contract

Tip 91: Can we talk about your price?

You can be 99% sure that buyers will negotiate to bring the price down; this is why houses are sold and bought as a result of negotiations, which could take days, if you’re lucky, or longer, if you meet buyers who really want your house but don’t want to pay the price you’re asking for.

It’s curious what kind of arguments buyers will come up with to convince you to lower your price. “But your backyard needs a lot of tending”; “The kitchen tiles are not in good shape and we’d have to replace them ourselves”; or “But your house is near a cemetery (or a prison or a quarry), who’d want to buy your house?”

Don’t let buyers run you and your house down. If you want to unburden yourself quickly of your property because you’ve got an important trip scheduled or you need to make a counteroffer on another property, then by all means lower your price.

However, if you’re convinced that your property is worth more (based on the offers you’ve received so far), then be firm with your price.

Buyers will always take advantage of those situations where you show a little hesitation about the price. Tell them your price is final and that you’re not prepared to negotiate.

Tip 92: It doesn’t hurt to be honest.

When negotiations begin, remember that honesty is still the best policy. There is this great temptation to get greedy and you bid against your buyers. Don’t. You may end up still owning your house months later because the bidders couldn’t keep up with the price.

The more important consideration for you is not how much extra thousands of dollars you can get above your original price, but if you’re a decent person, your # 1 concern should be who, among these buyers, will pay me for what I asked for and take good care of my house the way I did?

Tip 93: My home is your home now

Once you’ve found a buyer for your home and all the terms have been negotiated to both parties’ satisfaction, the next step is to transfer ownership of the house. Since you’re on your own, you’ll need to initiate the paper work yourself.

This is where the government can help you. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has published a book entitled “Settlement Costs”. It is free and contains valuable guidelines on settlement matters (the booklet title may have changed, check with your city government).

From this publication, you’ll be able to decide who to consult with in terms of the different steps of the closing process. You will need a lawyer (or notary), or an escrow company or your bank. Settlement procedures vary from state to state and from country to country.

Tip 94: How quickly will he settle this matter for me?

After you have chosen your settlement agent, get the name of the settlement agent of your buyer and provide this to your own agent.

The way it works is the two agents will then work together to contact the banks, arrange for title searches and title insurance, draw up the sale contract and calculate any other fees that have to be paid.

Settlement agents don’t work with the same speed as other agents. If you feel that the process has stalled and it’s not your agent’s fault, then your buyer’s agent may be causing the delays. If delays become major concerns, you may want to seriously consider the next buyer on your list, but inform the first buyer that you can’t afford to wait any longer.

Tip 95: This covers just about everything

When settlement details are finalized, a contract is drawn up. The contract must include the following details:

• Amount/location of property
• Timing of the sale
• Transfer of funds
• Items included in, and excluded from, the sale
• Conveyance of title
• Apportionment of fees to be paid
• Insurance matters

And other such things that are typically part of a sale contract for private property. If there are any clauses that you don’t understand, have your lawyer explain them to you. Ask questions until you’re satisfied that everything is crystal clear.


Tip 96: Can we change this a little bit?

Be prepared for requests from the buyer to modify parts of the contract. Don’t verbally agree to anything until your lawyer confirms that the requested changes are in order.

This part of the exercise may take longer than you expected. Lawyers are shrewd creatures and will make every attempt to get the most for their clients. They’re only doing their job, and they’re doing what they’re best at – arguing and haggling.

It is up to your lawyer to defend your interests so hopefully, the lawyer you hired is as sharp and shrewd as your buyer’s lawyer.

When contract discussions are going on, ask your lawyer’s opinion as to the advantages and disadvantages of agreeing or disagreeing with a particular clause. Discuss potential consequences and how changing a clause could jeopardize your rights as a seller.

And if you do agree to change a clause, ensure that all changes are put in writing either within the body of the contract or as an addendum.


Tip 97: About that money…

Ask your lawyer about asking for a down payment from the buyer. Some contracts require it to protect the seller: This down payment will usually make the buyer live up to his commitment to buy the property within a reasonable amount of time.

This down payment is called “earnest money” by some people. It morally obliges the buyer to finalize a mortgage with his bank, to have the property inspected within a reasonable period and to be prepared to settle by a certain date.

This down payment is not refunded back to the buyer should the sale not take place. Down payments may range from $1,000 to as much as 10% of the purchase price and is kept in escrow by your settlement agent.

Tip 98: Crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s…

As soon as all paperwork is final and parties are ready to sign the contract, the settlement (also called closing in some parts of Canada) takes place in either of the following places: the settlement agent’s office, bank, insurance office, or anywhere where you and the buyer and your respective agents agree to meet and sign papers.

This is the day you will probably get the biggest cash windfall in your life, and when someone else takes ownership of your house.

You can start breathing normally again when that check lands on your hands, and you and your personal effects are physically out of your house!

Tip 99: What, you’ve changed your mind?

Expect last minute surprises. A deal can be called off because:

• The buyer could not get financing and has no money of his own,
• Something went wrong with the title search or an insurance detail was not dealt with,
• Someone suddenly is afraid and wants to back out, or
• Some personal emergencies – like a sudden death in the family or terminal illness – are forcing the parties not to go through with the deal.

Whatever happens, just make sure you’re not walking up the path towards financial ruin.

Tip 100: You’re willing to pay more for my house?

When you put an ad for your house, and the price looks reasonable to the pool of buyers that are out there, you’ll get end buyers.

End buyers are buyers who are looking to buy a house to live in.

You’ll also get professional buyers – they include real estate brokers looking for homes to buy, builders specializing in remodeling and reselling homes or developers who want to buy the property because of the land.

Don’t be afraid of the professional buyers, because they know the true value of your house. They’ll push the bidding price higher because they know what they’re doing, and by pushing up the price, they weed off the end buyers who eventually drop out because the price is beyond their budget.

If a professional buyer offers you a price for your house that will make you happy, then by all means, go with the professional buyer.

Tip 101: Weeding out the curious.

If after you place your ad, you get 100 calls, don’t let that make you comfortable thinking that your house is going to be sold immediately.

The truth is, of those 100 calls, less than half are serious buyers. Or half of them want your home but don’t have the means to buy it.
Of that bunch, there is only 1 truly qualified buyer, and that qualified buyer is the one who can deliver the cash when it’s time to deliver it. The other 99 are just “probably” buyers.

Conclusion

These tips have served as your starter kit. You’ll now need to make a decision about whether you still want to go solo. Many have done so; and after they’ve sold their first house, they wouldn’t hesitate to do it again!

Knowledge is power, that’s how the classic adage goes. And it’s more meaningful when you’re selling your house. Soldiers don’t go to combat without orders, plans, maps and guns.

Entrepreneurs don’t create businesses that will one day flourish without prior knowledge of the product or service they want to peddle.

Surgeons don’t go into the operating room without knowledge of their patient – his disease and the drugs he’s taking.

As a first time seller, these 101 tips are your ammunition, your basic knowledge. And it’s up to you to use them to your advantage. You want this experience to be a win-win situation.

After all, part of your worth as a human being is tied to your house. Your property is a reflection of the long years of hard work and savings you’ve put into it.

If you’re about to sell your house and the market is still hot – like it has been in the last 5-7 years – you’ll have that cash windfall you’ve always dreamed of. Your house will make you rich. So we hope you’ve taken good care of it. When you sign those settlement papers, it’s your house’s turn to take care of you.

Good luck!