Recently I was talking with a previous client who wanted to list her home for sale and take advantage of the market prices now to downsize and buy a home.  We began by looking at homes on the market to see if what she was looking for was on the market and available on the budget she wanted to spend.

After looking at about 20 homes it became apparent that we could indeed find the floorplan and the price range that suited her.  Our disappointment came in the condition of the homes.  Most of them are now REO or short sale properties in poor condition which will require extra cash at closing to make them livable.

Knowing that, it becomes hard for a seller to justify pouring  money into their existing home to make it ready for sale.

We all know that a pristine property sells quickly, but lately it can sell at an REO price.  My suggestion is to make your home as clean as possible, clutter free , freshen rooms by painting them and always make sure your yard is maintained.

So if you are selling your home:

I don't suggest spending lots of cash on your existing home anymore, instead I wait for an offer, the repair requests and weigh the advantages. In most cases an owner occupied home is in better condition to begin with.

In some areas of the Greater Phoenix Area, homes sell at 2001-2003 prices, that's pre pre pre-boom prices! Even if you keep your home in immaculate condition and it shows better than the competition you might have to keep reducing it to get a sale.  So my advice is be cautious about your expenditures.

I know that some agents feel it has to be upgraded to the max, new carpet, etc... and yes that will make it sell and even command a better price.  However, you might not come close to the dollars you spent getting it that way and do better selling it "as is" like most of the competition

To get more information about  Greater Phoenix Area Homes, buying or selling a home contact me at:

Karen Turney/Realty Executives/602-999-2742/It's A Good Move"