10 Tips On How To Sell For The Best Price

It is a known fact that anything will sell if you price it low enough. But let's face it, who wants to give their property away? Selling your home for top dollar takes some advance thought and planning. Take the time, plan in advance, and carefully interview to find a real estate professional that you feel comfortable with. Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Put your home in tip-top condition and remember first impressions are important. Landscaping and a coat of white paint will go a long way.

2. Get rid of clutter. Always think about the way a builder sets up a model home to appear bright and spacious with minimal furnishings but with just enough to create an inviting atmosphere.

3. Be strategic with your timing. The best buying seasons are spring, summer and early fall. But be conscious of being on the market when interest rates are attractive, and the economic outlook appears bright and optimistic. Consider the supply and demand theory, and remember the time to sell is when little is on the market and when buyers are plentiful.

4. Be sure your home gets proper exposure. List your home with a real estate professional that provides a good marketing plan, advertising campaign and plan of action for contacting other agents, using various multimedia methods.

5. Be sure your agent has clientele for the neighborhood and has a reputation for being one of the most active agents in the area. Remember buyers will often contact the agent whose signs they see again and again to keep a look out for a particular type of home.

6. Be sure your home does not stay on the market too long. If your home has not sold in a reasonable period of time, take if off the market and try again some other time. A house that stays on the market too long will go stale and generally will sell for a lower price.

7. Depersonalize your home. Remember you want a buyer to visualize "your home" as "their home." Remove family photos and anything that might make your home appear overly ornate or custom. Remember also the old axiom, "Keep it simple."

8. Price it right! Don't under price, but don't overprice it. If you can support your price to a buyer, you won't need to reduce your asking price, nor will you need to negotiate much. Maintain your position of strength, and perhaps you will have multiple offers and maybe even a bidding war. Remember overpriced homes scare away potential buyers and other agents.

9. Hire a strong negotiator. There are lots of good real estate agents, but be sure your agent is strong and has the ability to logically and intelligently close the transaction without compromising the seller's position.

10. Be your agent's cheerleader. Listen to your agent's advice and support your agent by letting him or her know that you appreciate their hard work. Stay out of their way when they are showing the house and hold back comments until after the showing. Communicate with your agent, as the more information you provide the better job your agent can do for you.

~~ This article was written by Ron Wynn - 8/2000 ~~