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Sellers:
Due to market changes, there are some important tips that can currently help you make the most out of your home sale process whether you are working with an agent or not.
- First, make sure your home gives off a good impression. I know you've heard this, but it is important. Clear away clutter and personalizing touches, move out unnecessary furniture, and let a potential buyer see your home for what it is architecturally.
- Second, keep furniture in your home if you can help it. Vacant homes don't usually fetch the same prices as non vacant homes. Try to keep the home looking lived in, even if you have to move out. Correctly positioned furniture should give a buyer an idea of what your homes individual spaces could be.
- Third, make sure your listing is correct with NO errors! A good agent should do this for you, but surprisingly some don't. It is essential that your listing correctly states the correct number of bedrooms and baths. There have been endless examples of mistakes in listings causing buyers to discredit a listing at first impression. Remember, buyers will not verify details themselves when they first get your listing, but will assume everything is correct.
- Fourth, make sure your listing description and flyer highlight what makes your home special, unique, and what sets you apart from the competition! A competent agent should do this for you as well, but some of them are much better than others at this. For example, if you don't have HOA dues and homes nearby do, that should be in CAPS on your listing. If you are offering a home warranty (about $200) or help with closing costs that NEEDS to be in your listing. Don't wait for negotiations to bring this up because in this market buyers are looking for the great deals up front. Your listing should show them what a wonderful value the home is, what is included, and anything you can think of that might steer buyers your way.
- Fifth, pictures sell homes! Use lots of pictures, get a virtual tour if you can, and make sure the pictures show off your homes' assets. Again, your agent should do this for you, but you might want to double check this. Unbelievably, there have been stories of listings with unflattering pictures of things like open toilets in them. This is your chance to sell your home to buyers before they ever see it in person!
- Sixth, your home should be showcased on several websites. The internet is increasingly becoming the way that buyer's are finding their homes before they ever come to look in person.
- Seventh, don't give up!!! This type of market can be challenging, but it never completely stops. Homes are selling, just not at a pace like we saw a couple years ago. The good deals still are trickling off the shelves.
- Eighth, if you don't have to sell right now, don't! The majority of the vast inventory of homes that are available need to be sold in order for prices to steady themselves. If you can hold out a bit, the market will eventually cycle again in your favor.
- Ninth, keep a positive attitude. Sellers are still selling. Your sale could happen tomorrow!
- Tenth, make sure you feel adequately and professionally represented. Make sure your agent answers calls on your home. Many a sale has been lost simply because the buyer's agent's phone call was not answered promptly. You might want to have someone check by calling your listing agent to make sure your agent is ALWAYS available during reasonable hours to answer calls on your listing! In this market, and in this age of cell phones, there is no excuse for calls not being returned promptly!
Good Luck! Please don't hesitate to CONTACT ME if I can be of any assistance to you.
"Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!"- Thomas Edison
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