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Top 3 Things a Seller Controls

By
Real Estate Agent

 

 

 

 

The Seller's part in the sales process is critical. The factors they control pricing, condition, and accessibility-can make the difference between meeting their real estate goals and languishing on the market.

 

 

 

üPricing.  A good Realtor provides local market information and data on comparable houses that recently sold, are under contract, and those that are listed but not sold.

Using this information, they will suggest a price range to help the seller determine their home’s initial market position. 

Ideally, the seller will position their house to attract a large number of potential buyers.  Studies have shown that the best offer is usually obtained in the first month a home is on the market, so it’s important to price it to attract qualified buyers as soon as it is listed.

üCondition.  Buyers today expect  homes to be sparkling clean with no major repairs needed (unless it is priced accordingly).  A Realtor can provide resources to help prepare a home for sale.

It’s a good idea to de-clutter and de-personalize the home so that rooms appear larger and buyers can imagine how it would look with their belongings. Since the seller has to move anyway, start boxing up non-essential items and put them in storage.

A growing trend is to have homes professionally staged by a designer. This can mean simply rearrangingexisting furniture and adding a few key accessories or renting furniture if the home is vacant. The stager can also advise on paint color and fixtures that need to be replaced.

Buying a house is an emotional decision, so it's smart to create an environment that delights the senses and evokes a feeling of home. 

üAccessibility.  To sell a house quickly,  it must be easy for agents to show, especially in a buyer’s market.  

 

 

 

Comments(6)

Charlie Ragonesi
AllMountainRealty.com - Big Canoe, GA
Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros

nice post especially about the part of the activity and when an offer will come in Most sellers think "I can come down later" That is a kiss of death strategy

May 25, 2010 01:23 AM
Dan Benefield
Benefield Realty - Decatur, GA

Good post Colleen. I think those are the 3 most critical things needed to get a house sold as well.

May 25, 2010 01:24 AM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

Coleen, you have hit the nail on the head. You mention the three most important aspects of selling  a house. I think the biggest hurdle we face is getting sellers to understand that market conditions apply to their homes as well. Nice post...

May 25, 2010 01:34 AM
Holly Weatherwax
Associate Broker, Momentum Realty - Reston, VA
A Great Real Estate Experience

Colleen, I just did a post about seller expectations from the Home Buyer Tax Credit and mentioned almost exactly these same things...it really isn't rocket science, but still needs to be reiterated to sellers over and over again. Great post!

May 25, 2010 01:34 AM
Nancy Maurer
Whitehall Interiors & Home Staging LLC - Sparta, NJ
Home Stager - Serving No. NJ

Hi Colleen,  Great post!  As a professional home stager in New Jersey, I have seen the benefits time and again of assisting sellers to present their homes in ways that highlight the architectural features, create a smooth traffic flow, and present an inviting, warm atmosphere to potential buyers.  First impressions & presentation are what it's all about when selling a home.

May 25, 2010 11:29 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

Hi Colleen, you hit it right on the money!  Excellent post!

Aug 01, 2010 01:17 AM