Consider offering to compensate the buyer for the points he needs to pay to secure a mortgage. You might also come forward to pay the attorney fees the buyer might incur during the process. Give a receptive ear to the buyer’s demands and requests and see that they are accomplished to the maximum extent possible—as long as they are reasonable, like replacing a window or painting a room. These are the little things that can help you close the deal in a slow market. In a slumping market, even more than usual, it pays to hire a real estate agent. Though the commissions you will have to pay them can go up to 6% of the sale value, know that they can be much more aggressive in contacting as many potential buyers as possible and using their professional networks to drive the sale with a big momentum. Studies show that For Sale by Owner is just not that effective at driving traffic. Though it is not guaranteed that an agent will always be successful in selling a home, the idea is that professional agents can increase the possibility that a qualified buyer will visit your house with an offer. Open houses offer designated times when buyers can walk through the property and clarify any issues they want to know about your home. This is best done with the help of a real estate agent. Most buyers might not feel comfortable asking to open up closets and drawers and discussing what they do and do not like with their family when they are standing in front of the homeowner. Potential buyers are always more comfortable having the time and freedom to explore the property in depth in the absence of the seller, so it is good to get out of town for some time and let the agent handle the chore of describing the property to the buyer. To make this process easier, consider placing a key box in front of the property so that the home will be accessible to the agent anytime they need it. This will make the buyers feel more comfortable, too. If needed, you may also retain the services of a home stager for a small fee, and they can fine-tune the property with cosmetic changes that will appeal to buyers. Being prepared to give more commissions and incentives to the agent lets him take more interest in showing your property to as many buyers as possible, so be willing to consider spending a bit more to get a lot more back! It is also possible to negotiate the broker’s commission by creating some breakpoints. For instance, you may mention in the
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