Looking to sell? Be realistic and don't overprice your home.

I see it every once in awhile as I drive through various neighborhoods in the KC Metro area...overpriced listings.  And I can honestly say that it drives me crazy!  If your want your home to sell in today's market, be realistic and keep these key things in mind:

1. Interview your Real Estate agent.  Talk to more than one if you like...you may find that your estimated home value will suddenly creep upward.  However, any seller that chooses an agent based on a higher estimate will end up losing in the end.  At Pickett Property Group, we take the time to educate our sellers that other factors such as customer service, experience, marketing plans and negotiation abilities are just as important (sometimes, moreso) as strategic home pricing.  Ultimately, it's the marketplace that establishes value.
2. Set reasonable expectations.  Just because Sally Sue's house down the street sold for a high dollar amount, doesn't mean yours will.  Keep in mind things like location, home mainenance, improvements, and upgrades.
3. Timing is everything.  Interest in your home is at it's peak within the first few weeks that your home is listed.  If you start off overpriced and then implement a price reduction a month later, you may have already lost any interested buyers you would have had at the beginning and your house could sit longer.

Choose an agent based on ethics, experience, knowledge, marketing, and competence...and avoid those "pie-in-the-sky" numbers.  Be realistic (and patient) and your home will sell in no time!