Did you know that more than half of all annual home sales will take place between May and August? Before we all get busy with back-to-school and the onset of the holiday season, this window is the perfect opportunity to make a move.
Buyers have a unique opportunity to take advantage of historically low interest rates. The nightly news consistently warns us, rates will eventually tick upward as the housing market recovers. Buyers are poised to lock into these low interest loans for the 2014 selling season.
Price it right, right now. It is imperative you consider recently sold homes to gauge fair market value. The more recent the sale of the comparable home, the more accurately you can estimate a price that will attract buyers while also yielding the highest fair market value. If you price your home too high with the idea you‘ll just lower it if no offers come in, you are wasting valuable selling season time. Do the math: Selling season is just over 120 days. It customarily takes anywhere from 45-60 days, from the initial offer to closing day. That leaves little time for unnecessary price corrections.
Don’t wait to de-clutter, do some extra cleaning and ramp up the curb appeal before you list your home. Think of it as “pre-packing.” Box up non-essentials and items crowding your closets and bring them to a storage facility for a few months. Your home will show better and there will be less preparation when it’s time to move.
Access is imperative. Homes that require excessive lead time will be shown less, limiting your pool of potential buyers. Sit down with your agent and strike a plan to make your home as easy to show, as possible. A little sacrifice of freedom and privacy will go a long way.
Don't forget the internet! The overwhelming majority of real estate searches begin online. Make sure your agent is making the most of this critical venue and provides links for you to share with your own family, friends, business associates and social network.
The selling season is short. Sellers who list their accurately priced, de-cluttered, clean and easy-to-see home now, have the next three months to make the most of this fruitful real estate season.
Clean it out.
Dust it up.
Price it right.
List it now.
Show it off.
