Buyers probably will notice your home just sitting there and will offer lower prices. Market statistics suggest that the first offer is most often the highest. Conversely, if you need to sell quickly, you don’t have as much wiggle room when it comes to negotiating. You need to get out of the home, and you’re limited to taking whatever bids are thrown at you. SEASONAL ISSUES Usually, the best seasons to put a house on the market are spring and fall. Keep this in mind as you prepare your home for sale. If timing allows, focus on your next hot season to begin the marketing process. For instance, if you want to sell in June, plan to put your home up for sale in fall instead. Use the intervening months for the necessary preparations. A LITTLE NUDGE Sellers often reach a point where they’re desperate to get this selling business over with, and yet, there are no takers. Give your prospective buyers a little nudge. Make them feel as if they’re getting the deal of a lifetime! Everyone loves a bargain. There are several ways you could use this psychological tendency to your advantage. • Offer an allowance for decorating, new appliances, or landscaping. Look at the flaws of your home, and instead of trying to correct themwith more improvements, correct themwith money. Buyers love being able to pick out all their own, new stuff. • Consider paying for a home warranty. They’re not astronomically expensive—usually a few hundred bucks—and they give a new homeowner peace of mind to buy your used home. • Consider paying the closing costs. While this may seem a little unfair, if you can sell your house quickly, you’ll benefit tremendously. Remember, the longer your home marinates on the market, the less you’re going to make anyway.
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