What do I need to do to sell? (For the serious seller only)

As I sit here once again calling expired listings day after day I genuinely feel sorry for the sellers who did not sell and could have sold had they just done a few simple things different. Most of these suggestions should be done in any market. However, in our current market it is imperative to do the right things the first time. I have literally seen home prices drop $30,000- 100,000 or more in the last two years. I just wish simple suggestions would be taken more serious. Sometimes the simplest thing can end up costing thousands of $$$.

I have come to the conclusion that most people list their home for sale based on emotion and not on the facts. That is hard for me as an analytical person, especially when I have seen the amount of $$$$ lost stack up for some people. As I Realtor I have a concern for all of my clients that they get the most for their home. So when I see people making mistakes whereby they end-up losing money it hurts.

If you are selling, and serious about it, then I hope this list will help you get the most money for your home.

1. Use a Realtor. I know I know, I can do it myself, or I sold one before. OK, sometimes it works but 7 of 10 for sale by owners end up listing with an agent. A Realtor can typically get you 16% more for your home than you can by selling yourself. Remember in a typical market one of ten FSBO'S actually sells. A Realtor, at least a good one, has sold homes before, watches the market daily and can give you expert advice through the home selling process. Not only that, they are trained negotiators. Choose a GOOD Realtor and let them do their job.

2. Price your home to sell. Pricing a home where everyone else is at (Price wise) in this market is not going to sell most homes. Buyers are looking for deals right now. If you are not willing to price your home right the first time, then don't sell. You are only clogging the market with your unsaleable listing. If you are serious, drop your price monthly until it sells. Yes, every month -- remember I said "if you are serious." It hurts seeing people lose $30,000 because they listed at the wrong price when they were trying to save $5-10,000. Price your home right--THE FIRST TIME.

3. Put a lock box on the home and remove the dogs, cats, or whatever is keeping Realtors from having easy access to your home. There are too many homes on the market now and agents want to get in your home as easily as possible. If FIDO needs to be taken out because he eats people, remove FIDO during the selling process. Maybe you have a friend or relative that could animal sit for a few months. Remember you are a SERIOUS seller.

4. Make sure your Realtor will have 6 pictures and a virtual tour of your home on the MLS and Internet sites. 80% of buyers are starting their search for a home on-line. Guess what they want to see --PICTURES, and lots of them and a virtual tour. There are many places to advertise on-line, make sure your Realtor has a LIST of websites where they are going to have your home. If they do not, find a Realtor who does. Our listings are easily on over 100 websites. Your home should be also.

5. Be patient. Remember Rome was not built in a day and we are in a rough market right now. Do the right things and it will happen.

6. There are more, but that is all for now. If you are considering selling and would like a list of what needs to be done in our market to sell. Please give me (Shayne: 623-853-6644) or my partner (Christine: 623-229-9717) a call. Or visit us on the web at: http://www.theoasisteam.com/

Thanks and have a GREAT day!!!