The ever changing real estate market has taken yet another turn and conditions in most parts of the country are now favoring the buyer. Often referred to as a "buyer's market," this means that the inventory of homes for sale exceeds the demand for homes. As a result, buyers can be more selective and more conservative with their offers.

But that does not mean at all to lose all hope if you need or want to sell your home now. Use these three steps to help your home go from "For Sale" to "Sold" with better timing.

                                                              

1. Price It - The number one thing you can do to help your home sell in a buyer's market, or really any type of market for that matter, is to be realistic by pricing it right. An informed buyer and/or an experienced real estate agent will know value when they see it.  I have seen on many different occasions, where a seller is not doing enough research and putting their house up for sale at a unrealistic price.  If you want to price your home up high, then it better be of a high quality.  If a buyer and/or a real estate agent see your house still on the market after some time has passed, it is highly likely that they will be turned off.  This usually sets a tone that the seller is unwilling to work with any buyer, no matter how true/not true that is.  Always remember that there are other homes being put on the market everyday.

2. Make it Show - I cannot tell you how much of a pet peeve this is for me.  Why do people show their homes in such disarray?  When I go to see a home for sale that's in shambles, I always think: "HOW DO THEY EXPECT TO SELL THIS HOUSE?"  When you want to sell your home, it should always look picture perfect inside AND outside!  This concept is also known as 'STAGING'.  Every time you know your home will be viewed by a potential client, make sure it looks magazine cover perfect!  This will, without a doubt, let the buyer feel at home, or better yet picturing that home as being their own. 

Now, if you no longer live in that home, make sure that it is cleaned on a weekly basis.  Nothing too dramatic mind you, but hire someone to come in and do a little vacuuming, and a little dusting.  You want them to basically make sure that things there are still presentable.  I can not tell you of how many times I have gone to see a home and been utterly disgusted by the dirt and bugs that have taken over.  This will DEFINITELY turn off at least 75% of the buyers that may come to see your home.  In their minds, they are just thinking about how much work that needs to be done before they can think about moving in.

3. Choose Wisely - Hire a real estate professional who has the experience and network to get you a buyer and have your home sold. In a buyer's market it is critical to have a professional who is working non-stop to make sure that your home stands out in the market.  They need to be able to bring you not only potential buyers; but the knowledge of how to set the right price, tell you how to stage the home, and guide you through negotiations. A Realtors® knowledge about the local marketplace is invaluable.