It has been a tough road for some sellers this year. Many, many homes have been put up for sale and languished on the market for months and never did sell. Some homeowners have just given up and some are still trying to find that perfect buyer. For those who are selling you will be happy to hear that we are seeing some improvement in the market, and here are some things to consider. 

Is your house in perfect shape? Or are there some things you have put off? Take some time to read some previous articles that I have written like "23 Questions that help make a home sell faster".  It is all too important to have your home in PERFECT shapewhen a buyer is looking. If your leaves have begun to fall, clean them up! Keep on top of it and get them off of your lawn. What the Buyer sees on the outside makes them want to come in... or not. Once they are in the door, don't scare them away! Keep and make everything perfect. A great sign I saw in a house that I was showing once simply said "Simplify." It said it all... take down unnecessary things off the wall. Fix and fill the holes. Take everything off of the refrigerator, and put away anything that says 'work' - vacuums, lawn mowers, brooms, etc.

Is the stage set to allow the buyer to envision themselves living in your home? Do you understand how and why you should have your home looking this way? There is so much information available on staging, I have written many myself. Look at "50 tips to properly Prepare and Stage your home". If you can't do this yourself, you can hire a professional. There are many "Home Stagers" out there who are very good at what they do.

Was your home priced for it's market? Did you choose the price, did your Real Estate Agent, or did you price it where a Buyer will pay? You may want to read more on "Price your home for it's market." This is a biggie! Many sellers are very fixed on a certain price. But that price may not be what buyers are willing to pay. Remember, the buyers have the money... in every kind of market... no matter whether it's a buyers market or a seller's market... the Buyers always have the money and make the decision of whether or not to buy. THEY want to get the best deal for THEMSELVES. If that means buying a different home then yours, you need to consider that.

Does your home stand out in the crowd? Or is it just another home on the market. Have you considered incentives to help a buyer choose yours over the many others that are for sale? Buyers are being cautious, you would be too if you were a Buyer right now, so consider that and make it worth their while to buy your home over others that are out there. If you don't, someone else will, and they will get the buyer!

If you really want or need to sell your home, it's a great time to have your home on the market. Buyers ARE buying homes! And the number of homes that are currently for sale have dropped some. It's our job as your agent to point out the things that are keeping your home on the market and also our job to make the proper suggestions to draw that buyer to appreciate your home. Don't be afraid to ask your agent if there is anything that you can do? There are so many options that can help!