How to sell your home in today's market

Want to sell your home in today’s real estate market? Let me give you some advice on how to do that, in a timely manner netting you the best price. First of all, find a good experienced Realtor who understands today’s market. (Yes, this would be me!!)


It’s important to have your home show the best it can. This means some good old cleaning….cleaning closets, getting rid or boxing up any extra items that are not essential. You are going to be moving anyway, so pack it up. This also mean going through the kitchen cabinets and organizing. Wash the windows; make the bathrooms sparkle and shine. Don’t forget the garage and basement.

Look at your home from the buyer’s eye. Make it sparkle and shine. Start with the entry way. Buyers need to find the home appealing from the first look, so clean the patio, weed, mow and make the yard look good. If buyers see weeds and a yard that needs cared for, they think of the work it will take. If buyers are interested in a fix up project, then they will be looking at distressed properties and you don’t want that to be your competition.

Here are some good links for staging ideas.
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/13-home-staging-secrets/pictures/index.html
http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg303

Price it right….it does not matter what the neighbor’s house is on the market for…what matters is what has SOLD. In today’s market, getting a buyer to write an offer on your house is one part of the sale, the other is making sure it will appraise. Appraisers only use the most resent sales….and it must appraise or the buyer will not be able to get their financing.

Look at homes you are in competition with…spend a few hours with your Realtor and preview these homes. This is your competition and in this market….you must want to stand out.

Remember, Realtors do not get paid until the house is sold and closed. Any Realtor that is willing to negotiate their fee will have the same negotiation skills when negotiating for you!

If you are considering making a move, contact me and I will be happy to provide you with all the information you will need to understand what the market is in your neighborhood.