Preparing for change is always exciting. You’re moving, you’ve finally put your house on the market and you've started to imagine all the possibilities to come. After you’ve hired the realtor, hung the sign and had an open house, you’re exhilarated. Then the worst happens; nothing. Then weeks pass and months go by and your house gathers an unwanted aura. Why has it been on the market so long? What’s wrong with it? Now is the time to determine what IS taking so long.
Everything always comes down to price. It’s a more delicate matter than most people realize. There is not one seller out there that doesn’t want to get the most for their home, and inversely, any buyer who wants to pay more than they have to. Having a knowledgeable Realtor price your home according to it’s current market value by comparing similar homes that have sold in the area, along with considering other factors such as condition and location from the get-go will save lots of time, not to mention deflated expectations when your asking price has to come down.
Here are how a few variables can affect your home’s price.
- Condition— If it looks like a fixer-upper, then the money it will take to fix it up will ultimately have to come out of the selling price.
- Decor— I can’t stress it enough. Neutral colors. Just because you think the walls are a pretty fuchsia color, doesn’t mean your buyer won’t be distracted by it and not see the features of your home.
- Location— Unfortunately you might have a great house, and I mean STELLAR amenities, newly remodeled, etc, but if it’s near a paper factory, a power line grid, or a major highway, that will ultimately affect the price.
- Listing Photos— It’s not necessarily going to affect your pricing, but the homebuyers search begins online. In this day and age of competitive listing, you need a realtor who provides appealing pictures of your home to create a good first impression. No dirty dishes in the sink photos of your kitchen, but something that will make that buyer pick up the phone to schedule a viewing.
Having someone in your corner with a marketing plan for your home will really save you lots of time and heartache. Make sure you look for a Realtor who knows the value of investing in professional photography and home staging and you will be able to keep that positive outlook about your bright future ahead!
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