Wed, July 23rd, 2008
GIMMICKS, GIVE AWAYS AND DO NOTHINGS

Gimmicks, give aways and doing nothing will not sell your home!  We all know that selling your home in today’s challenging real estate market is difficult to say the least.  This is not the same real estate market we all enjoyed just a couple of years ago.  However, there are buyers out there.  The numbers are down, but people will always need shelter.  As an exclusive buyer’s agent, buyers tell me what is on their minds.  With the housing inventory high, it can be like going into a candy store for a ready, willing, and able buyer.  I have seen builders giving away car leases and including trips to exotic places; and still the inventory stands.  I have also seen existing home owners advertise flat screen televisions as an incentive for a viable contract.  Home sellers–gimmicks, and give aways do not work!  The top five reasons homes do not sell, counting down from No. 5 are:

5.)  The condition of the home—well maintained, freshly painted, uncluttered, nicely landscaped homes sell.  A little bit of money and elbow grease can go a long way to a quick sale.  If you do nothing, and hope that by a prayer your home will sell, think again.  There is a huge amount of inventory available, and many consumers will not go past the front door if they see clutter, damage and neglect.  Why throw in a flat screen television as an incentive to obtain a contract when adding new carpeting or fresh paint will go so much further?   

4.)  Do you have the right listing agent?  A part time agent will not work in today’s market.  It takes more time, talent, and resources to get the job done.  Although I do not list homes, I can guide you to the best listing agents in our area who I personally endorse in doing a great job.  These agents will not sugar coat their opinions.  They will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.  In selecting a listing agent, marketing is key. The agents I will direct you to will be pros when it comes to marketing your listing. 

 3.)  Make sure your home is always available for showings.  A relocation buyer may have a small window to view houses, or a local consumer, can only look on week-ends.  Your home needs to be clean and ready to show on a moment’s notice.  You cannot afford missed opportunities in today’s market. 

2.)  Location. Location is very important. If you have it, count your blessings.  Location will always be at the top of the list when buyers purchase.

THE #1 REASON TO GET YOUR HOUSE SOLD IS PRICE.  Good pricing always sell houses.  A house priced right will sell faster than homes priced too high.  In this market, you cannot go by what a house sold for 6 months ago. Real estate is local, and some markets are better than others, but many buyers are still waiting to buy, thinking the prices may come down further.  If the price is slightly lower than a similar home down the street, you will get more people interested.  No contracts, no showings—always consider the price.

You do not have to resort to fancy gimmicks and give aways!     

Posted by Christina Rickey at 10:43 | Permalink |