A Guide To Selling Your Home

SELLING YOUR HOME IS A MAJOR UNDERTAKING

When you start thinking about selling your home, it's time to start studying the market and the real estate community. Right now is a tough time to sell a home. We have a buyers market in Southwest Florida. This means there is an abundance of inventory, not that many homes are selling and prices are being greatly reduced. It is possible to sell your home in this market, but it will take very realistic pricing and patience.

In a buyer's market - price rules. All buyer's are looking for a bargain. Whatever you think your home or condo is worth almost doesn't matter. What matters are the prices buyers are willing to offer. Almost every sale during the last year went for less than the owner's wanted.

Study the local real estate community. Find the type of realtor you can trust and work with. Have them prepare a few comparative market analysis on your property. Have them especially study market conditions with a concentration on what has sold. Have them compare days on market, list price, number of price reductions and final sale price. If they don't talk to you about realistic pricing, find someone else.

Once you have thought about getting a professional realtor to list your home or condo, there are some things you can do before your home goes on the market.

Have a pre-sale home inspection to learn what repairs to make.

Organize and clean. Potential buyers want to see a house that shines.

Get replacement estimates for big-ticket items.

Find your warranties.

Spruce up the curb appeal.

HOW TO IMPROVE ODDS OF AN OFFER

Price it right.

Prepare for visitors.

Be flexible about showings.

Anticipate the offers.

Don't refuse to drop the price.