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5 Steps to Selling Your Howard County Home in 2011 - Step 4

By
Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Step 4:  Pre-Plan Marketing with Your Realtor. 

Your Realtor should have a written detailed marketing plan for your Howard County home.  You’ll need to determine what repairs, etc., need to be done before the house goes on the market, the date to go “live”, the listing price, and the showing instructions for the appointments.  Arrangements will have to be made for photographs and signs and flyers.Marketing Plan Picture

But beyond that, there should be a Plan B:  If your home is not priced correctly, it’ll be apparent by the number of (or lack of) showings.  And after a certain number of showings, by the number of (or lack of) offers.  That’s the market talking to you.  Work with your Realtor on this in advance.  Make plans ahead of time, writing them directly into your listing agreement, that if your house sits on the market in 4 week increments with no offer, that you’ll lower the price by a set amount.  And even if you’re not ready to make that decision upfront, keep it in mind in case the weeks go by.

Plan C with your Realtor could include other incentives, including a seller credit towards the buyer’s closing costs, an interest rate buy-down (Your Realtor can have this charted out by a local lender for the buyer’s benefit.), including your flat screen tv, already mounted over the fireplace, or making a reverse offer to an interested buyer who just won’t write an offer.

And pay attention to the buyer agent feedback that comes in.  If you get comments about worn carpeting, old appliances, wallpaper, or pet smells, for instance, pay attention.  Chances are many more buyers felt the same way, but didn’t bother to report it back to you.  These condition issues are your responsibility again, as the seller; get your Realtor’s advice and then follow it – That’s why you hired them. – And remember, you want to sell your home, not just list it!

Did you miss the first three  Steps to Selling a Howard County Home in 2011?   Step 1Step 2 | Step 3

Best regards, Gretchen

Posted by

Gretchen Conley, Realtor®  "Your Transition Specialist" 

Keller Williams Realty Centre   *   Cell 443-676-1625

Questions about the neighborhood, the community, the market?  I'm always happy to help - Give me a call!

About the Author...This article  was provided by Gretchen Conley, a Nationally recognized Realtor, Certified Residential Specialist, and Certified Short Sale & Distressed Property Specialist.  Gretchen can be reached via e-mail at Gretchen@GretchenConley.com by cell phone or text message at 443-676-1625. Gretchen has helped many people buy and sell their home.  For Maryland real estate and homes see www.GretchenConley.com.   If you need to Short Sale your Maryland home please contact me for more information.

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