Tips for Sellers

How to Best Market and Sell Your Home

1. Put the right price on it. Set a price that’s based on current market data. Your REALTOR® agent has access to the necessary information to provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis. This tool will assist in determining the right pricing strategy.
2. Don’t go on the market until your ready for showings. Everything needs to be just right especially in the cleanliness department. You should also de-clutter and thin out wherever possible. There is an old expression in Real Estate that says, “Live one way and sell another”. Your REALTOR® agent can provide you with all the guidance you’ll need when getting ready to sell.
3. Always be prepared for showing requests. Buyers may want to look at your home at different hours and times. The more prepared and flexible you are about times when the property can be shown will help you find a buyer much sooner.
4. Be aware of market conditions in your price point while on the market. If your days on market begin to add up and you haven’t had any offers, you should be prepared to lower the asking price. This is especially true if you aren’t getting any showings. Everyone has pride in their home and sometimes can aim a little too high when setting the initial asking price. A pro-active approach to pricing and market positioning will assure you that your ultimate goal is reached.

Before Putting Your Home on the Market - A to Do List

1. De-clutter and CLEAN everywhere, inside and out. When your home is for sale you’re going to be moving so, why not get a jump on your packing and store away all the unnecessary belongings?
2. Add some curb appeal. The best things to do include washing the exterior - including the windows, freshening up the exterior paint, scraping and repainting loose or chipping paint, trimming overgrown trees or bushes, and fixing any bare spots on the lawn. Homes with great curb appeal sell faster and for higher prices.
3. Consider a pre-sale home inspection. This will help you to identify areas of concern that will stand out to potential buyers. Also, some of the smaller issues that all combined sound like a lot of issues to a buyer may be easily fixed prior to going on the market.
4. Get estimates for any big ticket items that you think may need replacing soon. This information will be helpful when negotiations with the buyer begin. .

Why work with a REALTOR® when selling a home?

It’s important for a Seller to know that not all Real Estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. The following are some reasons why it is to your advantage to work with a REALTOR®.

1. Guidance – Real Estate transaction are intricate. The assistance of a Real Estate professional who will make the process easier can be invaluable. From negotiating offers and home inspections to executing purchase and sale agreements, there are steps along the way where an experienced
2. REALTOR® can provide important guidance. Expertise and Experience – In many cases, your REALTOR® has been involved in literally hundreds of successful transactions for their seller clients. They know what pitfalls to look out for and when to recommend the consultation of other professionals. They are also well versed in the terms that make up the language of Real Estate.
3. Objectivity – Considering that a home often symbolizes the center of our lives, selling a home is a meaningful and emotional experience. Having an objective and knowledgeable party who is on your side is vital to reaching your goal of selling.
4. Code of Ethics – Members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® make a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. You can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction related matters. REALTORS® are required to complete a refresher course on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics every four years.