"The market is on fire." That is what we keep saying and yet there are those exceptions; the homes that just didn't sell. It's a most puzzling thing to most homeowners, why their home didn't sell, especially after all the money they have spent on their home over the years.

It is very difficult to generalize why a home didn't sell and for that reason, the first thing that a serious home seller should do is have an agent that is respected and is "high profile" in the neighborhood, personally come to the house for no reason other than to "troubleshoot" the situation and analyze what in particular it may be that is stopping the sale.

As an owner yourself, it is simple to be blind to what might be obvious to an independent third party. Even to the agent who has been very familiar with the property showing it frequently and holding open houses, it may be getting right by him or her, simply by oversight or lack of understanding to what it is that drives the market today. So before taking another step, have a specialist go through your home together with you and find the "glitch," so that you can get back on track. Independent of the initial priority above mentioned, there are a number of general "connectors" that can be tested that are critical to succeeding with a sale. There are several considerations pertaining to the property and several considerations pertaining to the agent and the marketing process.

• Be sure to get rid of clutter, both inside the house and around it.
• Be very natural-light conscious. Trim back trees covering windows, open drapes and be sure there is good, fresh air circulation.
• Paint walls white and make your home spotless, and clean. Be very sensitive to kitchen and bathrooms, caulking and grouting around sinks, showers and tubs should be "pearly white."
• Key concerns are privacy and a quiet neighborhood. Do what you can to make your home appear bright, clean, peaceful and private.
• Water lawns and accentuate your yard with pretty garden furniture, trellises and flowers.

• Did your agent give you feedback reports on what clients' comments were after the showings? Feedback is very helpful in bringing attention to any "easy to repair" problems.
• Did your agent have buyers himself or herself, or did your agent simply put your listing onto the Multiple Listing Service hoping someone else would sell it?
• Did your agent advertise your home with photographs and bold description in the Los Angeles Times and in other major publications?
• Was your home publicized to overseas buyers and real estate agencies including potential clients and investors of the "Pacific Rim"?
• Did your agent have a dominant, high-profile web page, and was your home advertised in color on the Internet?
• Did your agent make suggestions on how to arrange furniture and how to make your home appear larger and more attractive? Did they offer you the names of qualified and bonded painters, handymen and cleaning people?

Selling your home successfully is a team effort which starts with good communication and consistency. A caring attitude, a great deal of enthusiasm and an always "I can do it" positive attitude are the ultimate ingredients to your success. If your prior experience was a poor one, get over it and be sure your next experience is a good one. Success breeds success. Take the process methodically and align yourself with a respected team player. Your success thereafter will be in the palm of your hand.

Copyright© Ron Wynn 2000