I have addressed this topic before, but a conversation that I had with a current client recently has inspired me to write about it again. There is almost always a direct relationship between the amount of time a house is on the market and its actual sales price. The market weary house arouses the concerns of the buying public that something must be wrong with either its price or condition.
Here are a few things you, as the seller, can do to get top dollar and shorten the market time.
PRICE IT RIGHT: What is the right asking price? The amount that will give you the most possible and still be competitive with the asking price of similar homes. Remember, nothing sells until buyers take a look. In addition to reviewing the most recent sales, ask your Realtor to give you all the facts on the asking price of other properties now for sale. You only have one chance to make a first impression on potential buyers. Price it right from the start and make it count!
APPEARANCE: It has been said that a house for sale is no longer your home. With that said, look at your home as a buyer would evaluate. What catches your eye that needs a little touch up or fix up? Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. A little money spent before you put your home on the market will come back to you in a quick sales at an attractive price.
CO-OPERATION: Work with your Realtor as your partner. The Realtor provides multiple listing services, advertising expertise, referral sources, negotiating and closing skills. You also make a valuable contribution to the sale by allowing buyers to it when they need to see the house. Be sure not to interfere with the showing itself. Let the Realtor take the buyers through the house and allow them to overcome any objections and answer any questions that they may have.
ADVICE: There is definitely a relationship between market time and selling price. Working with your Realtor, you can get the job down and you will be pleased with the final outcome.
