Some Important Tips For Homeowners Ready To Sell

With the Spring housing season upon us there is no denying that we are in a strong seller's market. According to the National Association of Realtors, sixty percent of all homes in 2014 will be bought and sold from May to August. If you list soon, you’ll have less competition than you would if you put your house on the market in May or June when more homes flood the market. Putting your home on the market at the beginning of the selling season makes it "shine" more than it would in the Summer. If you are ready to list, here are some important tips to make sure your home reaches its maximum showing potential:

• Price It Right. We have seen double-digit price increases in the past year, but this last quarter they have been steadying in the South Bay. It is important to study the comps of similar homes in your neighborhood, and make sure you’re looking back no more than 60 days. The sales prices of homes that sold recently paint a much better picture of what to expect than the price of homes that sold six months ago (or have yet to sell).

• Make The Listing Pop. This is especially important in an era of web-surfing using tablets and smartphones because a huge majority of buyers now begin their search with these devices. Make sure to work with your agent to ensure the highest quality photos and most appealing fonts are used. Average photos and busy text will quickly cause a buyer to move on.

• Staging. The way in which you live and the way your home is presented to buyers are two completely different things. Hire professional stagers, get rid of clutter and ensure that everything is in good repair. No burned out light bulbs, dishes in the sink or vacuum cleaners in the middle of the living room! Spending a few hundred dollars on a pre-sales inspection is the best money you can spend to avoid any surprises during a showing.

• Marketing. This is where you get a chance to really think outside the box. Print advertising, postcards and flyers no longer do the trick by themselves. Again, the internet, social media and global online exposure should be an integral part of your plan. Home sellers are increasingly posting videos on Youtube where they give a warm tour of the house and neighborhood and point out all of the things they love about living there.

• Negotiate. Yes, this is a given but you wouldn't believe how many sellers won't allow for any wiggle room. If the halfway point between an offer and your list price is a number that you can live with, then that should be your clue to negotiate. If you don’t receive an offer after your first 10 – 15 showings, especially in this market, then it’s time to adjust the price.

As always, I am available to answer any questions you may have about the current market, selling your home or real estate questions in general. Feel free to contact me anytime!