Planning to Sell in Today's Market?

Remember one thing: homes sell in every market. 

It's no secret that we have been in a Buyer's market for the last three years.  Too many homes for sale has caused homeowners to compete with each other  for too few buyers.  It's a simple case of supply and demand: too many houses and not enough Buyers.

In this type of market, price is key.  The correct price will result in showings.   Once a home has buyers looking, condition is the second key.

Unfortunately, the market does not take into consideration what you paid when you bought your home, what it was worth two years ago, or what you need to net at closing.  In order to achieve a successful sale, 

• You need to know what your home is worth today
• You need to get your home in front of buyers
• You need your home to stand up well, in price and condition, against the other homes for sale, which are your competition. Remember,  buyers are comparison shoppers.  You may have a beautiful home, but there are other beautiful homes for sale. So the question is: how does your home compare with the competition?

Today's market is very challenging. But an experienced real estate agent has the knowledge and expertise to advise you, to keep you informed, and help you to make the decisions that will get your home sold and ultimately get you to wherever you want to go.  No, Realtors don't have  magic wands, but knowledge and experience will serve you just as well.

Some things to consider: 

• The first thing I ask a Seller is "Why do you want to sell"? Do you need to sell, or do you plan to sell only if you can get X dollars? 
• Time is money: the price you set can dictate how long it will take to sell.
• How much equity do you have? The more equity, the more flexibility you'll have to work with a buyer - todays's buyers like to negotiate.
• If you decide that you definitely want to sell,  you absolutely need to talk to several Realtors.  Each one will talk to you about the market, about your home and it's current value, and show you their marketing plan. Once you've completed the interviews, you should have a clear understanding of the time and effort it will take to get the job done.  You'll also know which agent you're most comfortable working with.
• You'll need to have a clear understanding of what's going to happen, from the initial listing, to showings, buyer inspections, the buyer's bank appraisal... everything that could/should happen from the day you list to the day the sale closes.
• One of the most common statements that I hear from Sellers is that they just don't know how they'll get everything done.  They are overwhelmed by the slow market,  they don't know what their house is worth, they're not sure the house will sell at all, and that's only half of the equation.  They're also trying to get everything tied up on the buying end of the process.  Just remember one thing:  an  experienced,  knowledgeable agent who stays in touch with you can take the guesswork out of the process, and keep the stress to a minimum . . . who could ask for anything more?

Call me to find out more about selling your home in today's real estate market.

  Licensed in 1983, I have helped a multitude of Sellers and Buyers settle into new homes.   My clients enjoy working with me, and recognize my dedication, my knowledge,  my integrity and my professionalism in guiding them to their newhome,                            

And I can do the same for you.