Thinking Of Selling

In today's real estate market, it helps to have as much information as possible when deciding whether to put your home on the market. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Plan your strategy
Is selling your home the best option for you? Would it be financially smarter to rent it out temporarily? These are questions that every homeowner needs to ask themselves before committing to selling their home. Putting together a game plan is one of the most important (and overlooked) things a homeowner can do.

2. Hire a real estate agent
Qualified real estate agents can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to selling your home. They can advise you on the current market, how your home can compete, and advertise your home to other agents through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Another thing to consider is that a realtor will be able to show your property to potential buyers, leaving you to go about your daily activities. All of the real estate agents at ERG are licensed and able to assist you with any real estate matter you may have.

3. Price it right
Pricing your home for sale can make the difference between signing the closing paperwork, and waiting it out until next season. Comparables in the area can give you a realistic starting point, so use those to your advantage. It's always better to price a home at a lower, more reasonable rate, than having to keep reducing the price to generate interest.

4. Stage your home
While you fully understand your home's potential, would-be buyers don't always have the same vision. Staging your home to appeal to a wide range of buyers lets them envision themselves living in the home, making it that much more appealing. Be sure to leave most of the personal items (family photos, refrigerator artwork, etc) out of the house, as it can make buyers feel like guests, not owners.

5. Be willing to make some cosmetic changes
When selling your home, it's important to take your opinions and feelings out of the equation, and look at your home from the buyer's viewpoint. Are the appliances and flooring in the kitchen old enough to be considered "vintage"? It may be time to invest in some smart upgrades in order to get the asking price you deserve.

6. Be a no-show to your own showing
Not being present for showings of your property may seem counterproductive, but can actually be a smart move in reality. Your real estate agent will be able to market your home to future buyers in a more objective way, and can overcome buyer objections by utilizing his or her knowledge of the real estate market.

7. Provide easy access
Make your home easily accessible to potential buyers - if there is nowhere to park, or it seems hard to get into, buyers may pass it up to look at another property. Additionally, if you do end up having to be present for a showing, try to be as accomodating with your schedule as possible - you never know when the right buyer is going to walk through your door.

Email Jay Berube: Jay@JayBerube