Selling
Quickly and Easily
When
you are selling a house, price, condition and exposure are usually the
three most important factors. This is especially true in a down market.
Price
Your asking price is based on two things, an appraisal and a comparative
market analysis. A certified appraiser performs the appraisal; this
is an estimate of the value of your house at a given time. The real
estate agent does the comparative market analysis; this is an informal
estimate based on comparative homes in your neighborhood. These two
sources need to be kept in mind when determining your asking price.
You want to be careful not to start too high, or come down too low.
Also, the market is always changing and fluctuating, so be sure that
your asking price is based on the most recent appraisal and comparative
market analysis. Your real estate agent can help you price your house
so that it will be attractive to buyers.
Condition
Making sure that all cosmetic defects are repaired before showing your
house can help you save time by not losing a buyer over a small repair
that could have been easily fixed prior to the showing. This is especially
important when in a buyer’s market. When buyer competition is
low, buyers are able to be pickier about their new home and can be easily
turned off by simple repairs. The better the condition of your house
in relation to your asking price, the faster it will sell.
Exposure
Once your house is priced attractively and all minor cosmetic repairs
have been fixed, it is time to talk about exposure. You could have the
most beautiful home with a reasonable asking price, but if no one knows
about it, neither price nor condition will matter!
Your
real estate agent can expose your home through open houses; broker open
houses, advertising in the newspaper, and by listing it on the multiple
listing service. All of these things are part of the service of having
your own personal professional real estate agent.