If you want to get your home sold this year, there are some things you really need to know about selling in the present market
There are buyers around at every time of year, and in every kind of market, but it is a fact that buyer activity typically starts to fall off towards year end, and the number of homes on the market usually increases. So you do need to have the right strategy in place to achieve a successful sale.
- Right-Pricing Is Critical!
From now until the end of the year, there are likely to be fewer buyers planning a move, and more homes for them to consider. So you want to make the most of every potential buyer who sees that your home is for sale. And the most important factor that will make any buyer take a second look is to set the price right. And the worse thing you can do is to set the price too high.
This is when you really need to listen to your agent’s advice. In this kind of market, you need to list your home for sale at, or even a little below, true market value. Otherwise, buyers will just move on to consider homes that look like a better buy.
Also, talk to your agent about listing it as “Coming Soon” on the MLS. Homes that are seen as “Coming Soon” on the MLS get the most interest.
And don’t consider listing as a Private Listing! Recent independent analysis has shown that Private Listings sell for less money than homes that have full MLS exposure.
- First Impressions Count Most!
Present your home at its best. Pay attention to curb appeal. Do whatever preparation you can to make your home show well. Making any necessary repairs, cleaning, de-cluttering, staging – follow your agent’s recommendations here. If you have hired a great agent, this is where they really show their value.
- Be Prepared To Negotiate
Your agent should keep you informed on how the market is changing on almost a daily basis. If prices are falling, if a home like yours just came on the market at a lower price, you need to make any adjustments that may be necessary. Neither you nor your agent has any control over the market, but you can control the price. That doesn’t mean you should reduce the price if you don’t get immediate offers. It just means that you have to be prepared to do so when and if necessary.