|
Ready for Your Next Home?
Dreaming about more space or the perfect retirement
spot? You’ve probably wondered how much more home you can
afford. At least part of the answer rests in the successful sale
of your current home.
|
Well-priced homes that are compellingly marketed sell
quicker for more money. Partnering with an experienced
real estate agent is the best plan to get the most value
out of your current home.
Setting the right price before you list is critical to
getting the most for your home and selling it quickly.
Having a professional with experience in your
neighborhood prepare a Competitive Market Analysis gives
you the facts and insights to set the right price.
Contact
our office or one of our experienced
agents to for a
Competitive Market Analysis or to list your property. |
 |
Tips for Setting Your List Price
When
thinking about selling a home, establishing a reasonable and,
ultimately, profitable listing price is perhaps the biggest
challenge that every homeowner faces. Go too high and risk
getting priced out of the market. Setting it too low is an even
bigger gamble. The professionals at Coldwell Banker Quality
Realtors recommend taking the following steps before settling on
an asking figure.
·
Choose the Right Sales Associate
--View Our Agents Here
While 44 percent of home sellers, according to the National
Association of REALTORS®, use a friend or relative's referral
when selecting a sales associate, it is smart to interview a
variety of prospective associates and invite them to show their
listing presentations. Because
selling a home will require a lot of communication, the seller
should ensure he or she connects with the sales associate’s
personality.
·
Take the Emotion Out of It
While the seller likely has spent years in the home and takes
pride in it, the sales associate will not set the price based on
a seller’s emotion. Instead, the location, condition and size of
the home will significantly impact the list price. A house in a
secluded, exclusive area may be appealing to some buyers, while
others will want to be closer to schools, shopping and health
care facilities. What is the physical condition of the home? Is
it a fixer-upper? Does it make a good first impression? Will it appeal to a growing family, or
is it better suited to empty nesters? The sales associate will
know the type of buyers who will be interested in the home.
·
Determine If It Is a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market
Home
inventory, mortgage interest rates and the economy play a role
in determining whether the buyer or seller has a negotiating
advantage. Interest rates remain at historically low levels even
as the economy shows signs of improving, allowing buyers to be
in a good position to shoulder the “good” debt of homeownership.
·
Do the Math
Do not forget to figure in closing costs, legal fees and other
selling expenses when determining the selling price. After
working with a real estate sales associate to get a Competitive
Market Analysis and considering all the other factors, the list
price will be set.
·
Give It the Once Over
But there is one more step in trying to ensure that the
house sells for that price, or more. Do as much as possible to
improve the home’s appearance: touch up the paint, fix leaks,
seal any cracks, clean the home, eliminate clutter and rid the
home of any pet odors. The house has only one chance to make a
first impression.
|
|
Focus on Curb Appeal
To improve a home’s appearance, water and mow the lawn,
trim the trees, cut back overgrowth and plant some
colorful flowers. Also, properly store bicycles,
gardening equipment, and children’s toys. In
addition, be sure the front door has a “welcome” feeling. A
fresh coat of paint on the front door works wonders for a good
first impression. |
Remove the Clutter:
Virtually all homebuyers are on the lookout for one thing – a
clean, spacious home. Homebuyers tend to show less interest in
an untidy home. A dirty home will likely mean a lower selling
price. The two most important rooms in a buyer’s mind are the
kitchen and bathrooms. Make certain these rooms are sparkling
clean and in good condition. In addition, avoid overflowing
closets or displaying too many family collectibles.
·
Make those Necessary Repairs:
Homebuyers will automatically expect all features in a home to
operate safely and efficiently. If a buyer notices a number of
problems, they may question whether the home has been cared for.
Any faulty or outdated electrical outlets and wiring, furnaces
and water heaters, along with leaking roofs and other plumbing
concerns, should be repaired prior to putting a house on the
market.
·
Eliminate Odors:
Make sure to take out the trash and empty ashtrays. Also be
certain to bathe pets and clean drapes.
·
Work with your Sales Associate:
Being objective is hard. So utilize your real estate sales
professional to gain an even-handed appraisal of what
improvements can and should be made. Sales associates have the
experience and knowledge to help identify potential problem
areas or to suggest necessary improvements that appeal to
potential buyers.
|
