Smart buyers take a little time to get prepared for their move, even if it means selling their first home. Most people don't realize just how important it is to prepare to sell their home, or the steps needed to get ready for the sale.

Talk to a Mortgage Consultant

Most home owners think that if they are already qualified for a mortgage loan they won't have any problems getting into another home. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Some home owners make arrangements to sell, only to find out that they really can't afford to buy a more expensive home in the first place.

Before you decide to put your Glendale home up for sale, talk with a mortgage consultant and get prequalified for a new home. That way you'll have an idea of what price range would be appropriate, and you can research to see if there are properties available that fit in your range.

Check Your Mortgage Payoff Amount

Contact your lender and find out what the payoff amount would be for your current loan. This will be important information in determining how much equity you have in your home, and how much of the equity can be used for a down payment.

Find Out What Your House is Worth

Your real estate agent can help you figure out how much your house is worth based on sale of similar homes in the area. You can also check out comparable prices online (although this is just an estimate) through zillow.com. If you want to take it a step further, you can have your home appraised.

Figure Out Your Selling Costs

Most sellers aren't really aware of how expensive it can be to sell a home. There are a number of expenses to consider:

Real estate commissions

Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees

Taxes for sale of property

Prorated costs of expenses, such as property tax and home owner association fees

Surveys, inspections or other fees

Again, your real estate agent can give you a rough estimate of how much your total expense will be based on similar sales.

Estimate Cost for New Home

Think about all the expense that are associated with moving into another home:

Down payment

Home inspections

Title research and title insurance

Hazard insurance

You mortgage agent can help you estimate how much you would need for all closing costs.

Deciding whether to sell your Glendale home is a decision you can best make when you have all the information. Work together with your mortgage consultant and real estate agent and you'll find whether now is the best time to sell that highly desirable property.