Top Three Factors When Selling Your Home

There are many factors that impact how long it takes to sell your home, but in my opinion the top three are: Condition, Price and Marketing.

CONDITION

Which Would You Choose?
Before Yard Clean-Up

In today’s market, condition and presentation greatly impact how long it will take to sell your home. The fact is Buyers want the best value for their dollar. Today with almost 90% of Buyers starting their search online it is easier than ever for them to compare your home to other homes without ever getting in a car. Before Buyers began using the internet they had to depend on their agent’s recommendation and curb appeal to decide whether to see your home. Now they will decide while sitting in their pajamas in the comfort of their home.



Which Would You Choose?
After Yard Clean-Up

If you home looks clean and uncluttered in the online photos you have a much better chance of your home being shown. Even if your home has dated kitchen and baths, removing wallpaper and painting with neutral colors can make a huge difference!

Be sure your agent reviews his online photos and description with you and that they present your home in the best light possible (Please make sure there are no bathroom photos of just the toilet with the seat up! Really, we see these photos every day!).

I’ve seen beautiful homes with terrible online photos and ugly homes that look great online. Good online marketing will help get you more showings and a faster offer.

PRICE

Given the ups and downs of the market in the last few years price seems to be everyone’s primary concern. Buyers are afraid they are paying too much and that the market may begin another decline and Sellers are worried they are giving their home away and that the market might return to previous levels. I’ve been known to bring out a crystal ball on listing appointments when asked where the market is heading! The real answer is we just don’t know. As professionals, we can predict based on current market statistics and trends and offer our best advice.

Pricing at or just below market value can result in a quick offer and might even result in multiple offers. If multiple offers are received, a good strategy is to inform all buyers that you have received multiple offers and ask everyone to present their highest and best offer. I have used this strategy to get offers above asking price and to insure my seller received top dollar for their home.

MARKETING

Sellers control Condition and Price, but Marketing is the primary job of your agent. Your agent should provide you with their marketing plan when you meet to discuss listing the home. Because almost 90% of homebuyers begin their search online, it is important to use an agent who focuses on online marketing. The minimum any agent can do to market your home is to list the home in the multiple listing service (MLS) with the one required photo and place a for sale sign in the front yard. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be sure your agent provides you with a copy of your listing from MLS for your review. Review the description and photos and request a virtual tour as these are what online buyers will use to decide whether to come see your home. You shouldn’t need to ask, but don’t hesitate as this is the service you deserve!

There are many other factors involved in selling your home, but if condition, price and marketing are done correctly you should be well on your way to a quick home sale!