During a Seller's Market, you can list you home for sale and even if it's priced a little high and isn't in perfect condition, you may get showings and offers. Today's market requires more than just deciding it's time to sell. There is so much inventory---so many homes to choose from---buyers are picky about what they even go out to see in person. The home had better look good on the internet or it just won't get shown.
Some of the simplest things can make a big difference in a home getting shown. Buyers simply have too many homes to see, so they must narrow down the number they'll actually visit. How can you assure that your home will make the cut?
- #1 Find an agent who will tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear.
- #2 Listen to your agent. They know what they're doing. They want your home to sell quickly as much as you do. Servicing listings that don't sell creates added time and expense for the agent.
- #3 Don't put your home on the market until your agent says it's ready.
When selling a home, the first 3 to 4 weeks it is on the market are the most critical. It's during this period of time that your home will receive the most attention from prospective buyers. It's like Mom always told you, "You never have a second chance to make a good first impression." Mom was right! Consider also that the people coming to look at your home are accompanied by agents. Even though the buyer the agent is with today is not interested in your home, that agent may know someone who is...so put your best foot forward.
Most homes need a bit of sprucing up. Unless you just moved into your home recently and you had it professionally decorated and you lived with Saran Wrap on all the fixtures and floors...you probably have a little work to do. Do it before you put it your home on the market. Usually, some good old fashioned elbow grease and some tidying up will do the trick. Take an objective walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Better yet, ask a real estate agent to assist you. They know what is going to make a buyer take a serious look at your home and what will turn buyers away.
There are lots of homes on the market today and fewer buyers. Doesn't it just make good sense to put your best foot forward and get your home ready to sell before you put it on the market?
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
Sherman Smith & Associates
Certified Residential Specialist®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
Serving South Orange County, CA
800 777-1775
http://www.livethecaliforniadream.com/
P.S. Who's the next person you know who'll be buying or selling their home? I'm here to help!
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