How to Sell a House in a Cold Economy

Even in the best of times, selling a house during the long winter months can be a challenge. In these tough economic times many would-be home sellers are opting to hold onto their house until the market starts looking up. Not everyone has that option due to job changes, finances and other circumstances beyond control. If selling the house is an absolute must in these winter months following some no-nonsense advice can help.

Be aggressive about finding the right real estate agent.

First and foremost is choosing a real estate agent. The importance of finding the right person to sell a house can not be overstated. There is a plethora of advice found on the web extolling the virtues of selling a home without a real estate agent. It is hard enough for the successful, experienced agents to sell homes now, for the novice it is next to impossible. This does not mean it's a good idea to hire the boss's sister's friend's niece. Do research and find out which user and which agents have sold the most homes recently in your neighborhood, price range and home style.

Look into how agencies and agents market homes in your areas. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, then ask agents of interest to do a market analysis on the home. Do research on what has sold, is for sale and how long homes stay on the market in the area. Being knowledgeable about the market helps sellers evaluate prospective agents.

As with any big decision involving money, it is important to shop around. It is also important to listen to what agents have to say about the condition of the home and a realistic price range. It is tempting to go with the agent who is saying the nicest things, giving the highest price range and making the most impressive promises. Unfortunately, it may be the agent who is telling the seller some unpleasant facts who may be most likely to sell the house.

Make the house standout from the rest.

Once a real estate agent has been chosen, have him or her make a list of things that need to be done to show a home to the best advantage. This list should be realistic to the seller's budget and time frame. If it needs to be a quick sale, a long laundry list of things to do to spruce up the house is not realistic and a seller would do better to lower the price.

Curb appeal does make a difference, so a little money spent on fresh plants and flowers can be a wise investment. Trim the hedges, sweep the front walk, check bulbs in outdoor lights and repair any damage near the front door such as cracks or holes. Something as seemingly inconsequential as a new mailbox or a nice door wreath can make a good impression on a buyer. The same goes for the inside. Taking care of little details and keeping the house immaculate and clutter-free is imperative.

Stay involved and be flexible.

In a buyer's market and during the lean winter months a seller needs to stay on top of what is happening in the market. Set a day each week to check in with the real estate agent and ask direct questions. Find out what the marketing plan is each week for advertising, open house and agent follow-up with prospective buyers, which is particularly essential in a tough market. It is also important to stay positive and be flexible. As market conditions change, it may become necessary to lower the price.



Jill works with Inside Real Estate a company in central Texas. They run a site about Houston Texas Real Estate. It has pages on Houston neighborhoods like baytown