The best teacher in life is experience and I just wanted to pass this information on to help those who are seriously considering selling their home.

We received a referral from a previous satisfied customer. The property to be sold was a lovely 60's era home.

An indepth price evaluation was done, utilizing SOLDS from the Multiple Listing Service and For Sale By Owner comparable. We compiled other important information as well. Building plans and renovations in the neighborhood; real estate market trends in the area and mortgage rates. Plus, the overall local, state and national economy.

It was decided to offer the property for a sale price of $749900.

Exposure was great! There was generous marketing utilizing newspapers, real estate magazines and internet.

and shortly thereafter a purchase offer of $709000 was presented.

Negotiations went back and forth.

The property bindered at $729000. 

Super! (Considering it was December 2005 and the market was starting to transition.)

The buyers requested a few items be tweaked after the home inspection was completed. Repairs would have cost well under $2000. But, the Seller was not readily agreeable, thinking he would get more money in the spring for the property.

Dutifully we supplied information about market trends based on hard-core research. All possibilities were revealed, including what eventually happened.  But the seller was convinced otherwise about the market because of conflicting real estate reports in the media.

So .. No deal.

The home did sell in the spring for $680,000.