The Race Is On...Will Your House Sell or Will Your Neighbor Cross the Finish Line??

When your home is on the market, you're in a race.  And the competition is fierce.  Using round numbers, let's just say there are 100 homes for every 20 buyers.  (Not much of a stretch...).  What are you going to do to ensure that your home jumps ahead of the others, giving you the edge you need to make it successfully to the closing table.

If you're not priced competitively, staged to impress their socks off, and willing to negotiate (not just price, but financing terms, repairs, etc.), you're going to be choking on the other guy's dust as he makes that last lap to the finish line.

If you really need to sell your home in a challenging market, you've got to be willing to embrace a true competitive spirit.  Put sentimentality and emotion aside:  your home is now a product.  Can you sell this product?  Heck yes you can, but it's got to be the best looking thing in a 5-mile radius and priced better than the nearest competitor.

It's easy to find out what your neighbors' homes have to offer.  Most homes have multiple photos, detailed descriptions and virtual tours that you can view online.  If the homes are hosting open houses, by all means take a look around.  Knowledge is power, and this will help you determine with your Realtor RIGHT PRICING for your home.

If there's another home very much like yours:  same age, amenities, square footage, etc., price it just under that one and you'll have a great shot at winning out.  But also keep in mind that buyers are sizing up the lots as well when they're shopping.  Two homes may be alike in almost every way, but the competition might have a better lot, more privacy, a better view, etc.  Be sure to compare homes both inside and out.  

This can all seem daunting, but a good - or I should say - great Realtor, can bring all the puzzle pieces together and help you focus on what it's going to take to get your home SOLD!

Jacki Shafer is Lead Listing Specialist with The Shafer Team and Keller Williams Realty Louisville East.