market in August 2013 for an average of 2.08% above the list price. Homes that had been on the market for months sold for an average of 11.53% below the original list price. A house that does not sell and remains on the market for a lengthy period raises questions in potential buyers about why a sale did not occur and suspicions that there may be something wrong with the property that is not immediately apparent. When determining the right price at the start of your marketing efforts, it is best practice to enlist the help and advice of a real estate professional or agent and gather input from recently closed home sales in the local area. A real estate agent should also be able to estimate how long the property might remain on the market at various price points. When it comes to finding a buyer, pricing your home according to the correct data in comparable real sales is crucial to making the sale. A real estate agent will provide a Comparative Market Analysis, which is imperative to pricing strategically. This comparison report not only provides a competitive listing price but also reduces the likelihood of your home being under- appraised. If you have a well-priced home, you should be showing within the first few days on the market. Offers should come within weeks. Also, at the beginning, set your lowest acceptable offer so that sale anxiety or emotions do not affect you during negotiations.
DE-CLUTTER THE HOME
Buyers are most interested when the property is in its best condition, allowing them to move in as quickly as possible. It is essential that it is free of clutter and appears clean, welcoming, and appealing. Selling a home out of town most often comes from settling a close relative’s estate and disposing of that person’s belongings, including the house. Homes that have been lived in for many years, especially those where someone has aged, are often those most in need of updates, repairs, and appropriate staging.
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