Home Owners are Very Concerned When Their Homes Do Not Sell Fast!

Homeowners ask me why hasn’t my home sold?  What is wrong? Why haven’t I had a serious offer?  Why are people not looking at my house?  Should I go with a Realtor with a larger Company?

I tell my sellers to slow down; don’t panic.  Take a good look at the market in your area and make the most of it.  The market today is very different then a few years ago.

I tell my sellers that there are many options that buyers are looking at in their search.  Because of this competition, you have to be competitive, flexible, aggressive and do a better job of merchandising to generate leads. 

I tell my sellers to sit down with me and rethink the marketing plan.  There are a number of actions to consider to beat the competition.

PRICE – Reviewing your asking price is a very difficult idea. Getting fresh comparable sales in your area helps you evaulate what is going on with your home and sometimes answers the question, “Why aren’t we getting any action?”.  Check out the homes that are selling.  If your home is not properly priced, no other marketing plan will work.  There is a selling price for every property.  If the market is showing little interest in your home, the price is probably too high for this market.

TERMS – How flexible are  you?  Are you willing to negogiate lower offers? Are you willing to pay closing costs for a buyer?

MERCHANDISING – Are you offering any incentives?  Are you offering a Home Protection Plan?  A Home Protection Plan covers many important systems that can and do break down during the buyers first year of ownership.  Today’s buyers are picky and giving them something extra is a great idea.

APPEARANCE – Take advantage of your Realtor’s knowledge of what makes a house sell.  Ask your Realtor what you need to do to help you spiff up your house.  Paint, clip, cut, clean, deodorize, send to storage, toss out, caulk, mow, paper, cement, repair, add, scoop, weed, tear down, and scrub.  Little things add a lot.

ATMOSPHERE – Always leave the home and take the children and animals with you when your home is being shown.  Turn your radio on to quiet, soothing music.  Be very careful of cooking smells.  Turn on all your lights.  Keep the temperature of your home at a comfortable level. Straighten up before you go; pick up, wash dishes, make beds, etc. Help your Realtor present a warm, inviting atmosphere.  Curb appeal is very important.  I have had buyers not even want to go inside a house because they didn’t like the appearance of the outside of the home.  Make sure your yard is well landscaped and properly cared for.

For more information of how to sell your home, contact Brenda Moore, Realtor, Real Living Cornerstone at 434-258-7670 or email here at brenda.moore@realliving.com.  Serving all your real estate needs in Lynchburg, Va. and surrounding counties.