Selling Suggestions

How to obtain Top Dollar

We have all heard that the key to selling a home is location  - location - location. This is true to the extent that the better the location the greater the number of potential buyers. The higher the number of potential buyers the faster a home should sell. However, location means very little unless the home is in good condition and it is priced correctly.

Condition has to do with the normal maintenance. Would you buy a new home if you had to paint it when you moved in? Not likely! You only get one first impression and when it comes to selling your home you only get one impression. If the home is not desirable it will not sell unless it is advertised as a handyman’s special. Your home should be clean, bright, and well kept. Do these things and potential buyers will notice.

Price is the most important factor. If the price is not in line with the value of the home it will not sell. Every homeowner has a special pride of ownership. Buyer's survey the market, look at what is available, and buy the best value in their price range. The seller is selling a home while the buyer is buying a house. A good Realtor® will know the value of a home, what is selling, and will offer you advice on how to price your home. When a buyer comes into town they should be pre-qualified to a price point. Buyers normally do not look at a home that is listed for more than 5% to 10% above their ability to buy. If your price is not realistic (within 5% of what it should sell for), most potential buyers will not even see your home.

Pick the best broker to sell your house. There is a reason one brokerage firm becomes larger than another. The best are normally larger brokers that are part of a national affiliation. Being part of a nationally affiliated company, affords the broker and seller access to a national relocation and referral service.

As you drive around your area you will see many for sale signs. A good Realtor's signs do not stay up long. The Realtor's job is to help you present and market your home. This means advising you on what to do each step of the way. A good Realtor® provides you with feedback from each potential buyer. If the price is out of line they will tell you. If something needs fixing potential buyers will notice and tell your Realtor® who should tell you. That sign in your yard is an advertisement that you want to sell your house. Within a few weeks you should have an offer or the information you need to obtain an offer – providing you act on the feedback you receive. If your home is still on the market after six months, you have to ask yourself if the Realtor is working for you or is your front yard simply a place the broker has placed a billboard. Your goal is to sell your house, not to advertise the broker – pick one that will work for you.

When you are ready to sell, give me a call; Direct Line or Voice Mail 603-501-3803