Home Seller's Guide to Listing
15 Home Listing Tips
1. Pricing Your Home Right
Your agent can research comparable sales in your area and advise you
of the appropriate price range for your property.
2. Be Flexible on Financing Terms
Have your agent explain what financing options are available. Flexibility on
financing terms may secure a better selling price.
3. Time It Right
Ask a real estate professional to determine whether the market cycle is
poised to net you the most money.
4. Make Your Property Accessible to Buyers
Lock boxes are a great way to make your home most accessible to agents
for showing. Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive. If your
lifestyle is not compatible with frequent showings, your agent will help you
determine a solution to suit your needs. Remember, the easier a home is to
show, the better the odds are of getting the deal you want.
5. Use The Latest Marketing Technology
Make sure your agent utilizes the latest technology, such as Internet sites
that cater to homebuyers. In some areas, cable access advertising
is popular. Others use 800-number interactive voice response systems.
A good agent will know where you can get the best exposure.
6. Stage Your Property Correctly
Put some items in storage, create more light, play music or otherwise
improve the ambience. Your agent can offer helpful advice to create
the right first impression.
7. Remember That Selling Property Is Not Seasonal
Don't base selling decisions on the seasons. Property sells year round, even in Palm Springs.
8. Re-evaluate The Marketing Plan
Re-evaluate your agent's marketing plan every 10 days. Make needed
adjustments based on the current market and buyers.
9. Analyze Why You Aren't Getting Offers
Eighty percent of all buyer activity comes from the signs and MLS listings.
So, if you aren't getting any offers and are flexible with showing your home,
it may be time to re-evaluate your price, not necessarily your agent.
10. First impressions Are Golden
Sales have been blown by unkept lawns, cluttered closets, unpainted front
doors, hard-to-work locks, blown light bulbs, bad colors, stains, unlit areas
and foul smells. Spend time on the little things. Double up on your gardening.
Keep things cleaner than usual. Take serious control of your pets during
this time period.
11. Make The Right Kind Of Repairs
Before making improvements prior to listing, consult a real estate
professional. Some upgrades will not yield any real increase in value, while
others may increase property value substantially. Ask for low cost solutions
to minor repairs that will yield the best profits.
12. Give The Sales Process Enough Time
Homes may take 3-6 months to sell in any market. Estimate how much time
you have before you need to sell and then plan ahead to allow extra time.
You don't want to be forced to accept a disappointing offer.
13. Screen Prospects Adequately
One of the best reasons for hiring a realtor is his/her ability to pre-qualify a
prospect financially so that you don't lose valuable negotiation time. Your
agent may discover when a prospect has an ulterior motive for shopping
homes, other than purchasing.
14. Believe That You Can Make A Difference
The top agents in the industry report that their sellers are responsible for
at least one out of ten sales. You can network your business and personal
friends, you can hand out flyers and you can keep the house in move-in
condition. Your realtor should be ready to hand you all sorts of assignments
to make the team effort successful.
15. Test The Market
Never put your property on the market unless you really want a sale! Get
ready for a professional sales push when you list with a great agent. If your
plan harbors some indecision, resolve it before you list because success is
every great realtor's objective!
IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING SELLING YOUR HOME, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL 760-285-8559 I'LL BE HAPPY TO MEET WITH YOU AND DISCUSS THE RIGHT STRATEGY TO GET YOUR HOUSE SOLD. Paul Kaplan Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate
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