Believe it or not, if you are aware and recognize the difference, as a seller you can save yourself time, money, aggravation, stress and reach your goal of getting your property sold! It is truly a tough real estate market, but it is a fact that properties are still being sold, and people are still buying them.
That may not be much comfort if you have a property that has been lingering on the market among the thousands for months on end.
If you need to sell in this market, there are guidelines that must be followed if you are going to be successful.
And again, if you don't need to sell in this market, then don't.
First, hire an agent who is familiar with declining markets and not a new or newer agent who has no idea what to do in this market.
A seasoned agent will be able to guide you through negotiations and marketing to achieve your goal.
Secondly, make sure your property is in the best condition possible.
With multitudes of properties available, you want to have your property marketing display your property at its best.
Quick tips: oIf the property is vacant, consider having it staged.
Staging makes the best use of space, light, and floor plans.
oRepaint the inside if you have dirty walls, dark walls, and faux paint.
Neutral, clean, light walls are best! oCarpets harbor lots of "stuff".
Either replace or professionally clean all carpets.
Clean the grout between the tiles too! oHave a friend or family member give your home the "smell" test, especially if you have pets.
You may not notice pet smells but a buyer certainly will.
If you have a showing appointment set, light a fragrance candle, potpourri, or bake some cookies.
oCurb Appeal:If the outside isn't appealing, they won't even get out of the car.
Keep the lawn mowed, shrubs trimmed, and plant some new flowers.
Make it look warm and inviting.
The last and final suggestion is to price the property at or below the market price.
For example, if there are 12 properties on the market in your neighborhood, you want to be priced in the bottom third of the properties.
These are typically the properties that will be shown first to a buyer who has requested a particular neighborhood and price range.
If you are pricing your home along with the top two or three in the neighborhood (and we are talking similar type homes, same size, etc.
) then ultimately you may have to wait for the others to sell before yours becomes more marketable.
This is typically not the fastest solution to your goal.