I Guarantee You I Can Sell Your House for $XXX,XXX.00

I Guarantee You I Can Sell Your House for $XXX,XXX.00

In real estate we have come to learn that there are few guarantees and this applies whether we are working with buyers or sellers.  But let's talk about sellers for the moment.

When I hear a real estate agent say "I could have sold that house for $XXX,XXX.00" I always wonder how do they know what they could have sold it for particularly if they never brought a buyer or presented an offer.  Sure listing agents want to paint pictures of themselves in the most favorable light but at the same time, remain realistic while painting that picture.

On listing appointments, I just cringe when I hear a seller say that so and so said they could sell it for $XXX,XXX.00.  The fact is that no one can make that guarantee.  As a listing agent, we are certainly going to aim for achieving that goal, but can we actually guarantee it?  I think not. Unless of course the home is grossly underpriced and everyone realizes that they would be remiss to pass up such an opportunity.  Heck even those not looking to purchase a home may suddenly be drawn to a grossly underpriced home on the market.

But for starters, here's what we can do to heighten the chances of achieving that goal:

• Don't be so caught up in what you want to hear that you loose sight of reality.
• Price the home right from the start based on the available data that we have (what similar homes have sold for within a given area from you home)
• Be honest and recognize what defects and repair needs the home has or what will detract from the price or attract buyers in spite of those defects and needs.
• Never lose sight of the fact that the appraiser is the actual person that determines the fair market value of your home
• If comparable homes have sold, then we know that they were able to appraise to at least the contract price
• By making necessary repairs, buyers can be more confident when the home inspector uncovers only a few minor repair needs.  A laundry list of repairs resulting from a home inspection will always put home buyers on high alert and cause them to suspect that the home hasn't been properly cared for.
• De-cluttering your home so that potential buyers can realize the actual space that can be clouded by too much stuff (when selling a home, less is more).
• Review all offers with a fine tooth comb and consider the offer price as well as the value of the proposed terms before accepting or rejecting an offer
• Be open to negotiating no matter the amount of the offer price

So what's the point of all of this talk?  Simply this:  when selling your home, be realistic about pricing and the condition of the house.  Pay particularly close attention to the facts (sold comps) that the real estate agent presents to you and take into consideration all of the above and you and your agent willl heighten the chances of your home selling at list price (or close to it).

I you do these things, I guarantee that we'll have a greater chance of achieving the goal.

Like I always say, I don't like writing checks that ........................

 

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Charita Cadenhead, Your Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama Real Estate Broker of Choice

Got a question about Metropolitan Birmingham real estate? Just ask Charita. Need a good Realtor(R) to help you find a new home or sell the one you already own?  Just shoot me an email.  In need of a rental property?  Subscribe to be notified whenever we list a new rental or home for sale.

     
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