Thinking of selling?

If you are intending to sell soon, your home will be competing with a lot more homes than six months or a year ago. As a seller, define your objectives. Most seller objectives fall along these lines – 1) maximize sale proceeds  2) achieve sale and close of escrow target time frames  3) minimize surprises, hassles and seller anxiety. Make sure you have a sound,well thought out  “AFTER HOUSE SELLS AND ESCROW CLOSES” plan.  

Where am I going to live is a good starter question. A few thoughts – choose an experienced agent who works in and knows your local market. Your agent should possess the expertise, energy, time and resources to execute a comprehensive customized marketing program. Marketing programs today involve MLS, signage, Internet, social media, flyers/brochures, direct mail, agent and public Open Houses, specific property websites, old fashioned door knocking ... As important, your agent should have  communication skills to effectively relate to you the seller, other agents, buyers, and professionals such as inspectors, lenders, appraisers, title, escrow officers and (hopefully “not”) attorneys.  

Set a realistic asking price within the price pattern set by recent comparable property sales. Carefully analyze price trends in your neighborhood. With all of the properties on the market, if you initially overprice your home, there is a strong tendency for prospective buyers to “overlook/disregard” your home. The hoped-for early on momentum generated by your marketing efforts is quickly dissipated and more difficult to get re-energized.

Is the Selling Office commission rate competitive with other properties? Enhance the physical appeal and  marketability of your home. First impressions are very important. How can you improve your property’s curb appeal.  Maybe spruced-up landscaping., new front door and hardware, some paint. Inside – clean, clean, and clean. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Think about new interior paint. It is relatively inexpensive and does it brighten things up? Consider staging.  It is quite the thing today. Every dining room table should be set for the queen or someone important. Many times it assists unimaginative buyers to visualize. De-personalize. Again the visualize thing.  

Consider having a floor plan of your home interior made. It is relatively inexpensive and assists prospective buyers to remember the layout of your home and generate possible remodel ideas.  Consider getting a termite and a physical inspection report before  listing the home on MLS. Most buyers will insist on reviewing these reports. Get these reports early and you can avoid surprises and provide “pre-emptive” disclosures. 

The above ideas and suggestions make good sense in any market.