Sold in 8 days for top dollar...in this market!

Q. What's the secret to selling a property in 8 days for top dollar in this market?

A. Market knowledge - Absolutely know your market! Knowing your market can be as easy as doing a simple market analysis of a cookie cutter subdivision, or, conducting extensive research as to true comparables. Include square footage, ammentities and upgrades, views, lot sizes and condition.

A. Pricing - The pricing must reflect condition, upgrades, location and of course comparable sales of similar properties. I like to use value range pricing for the following reasons:

1. It broadens search peramiters for agents and consumers on the Net and MLS so your listing will be more readily found. and...
2. It provides a range to work within in case the buyer needs help with financing or closing costs. It's much easier to credit a buyer you negotiate within the range, than it is adding the credit on top of the purchase price. The buyer and seller have the ability to negotiate price and terms within the value pricing. I recommend a range of 5-10%

In this market, I suggest pricing the listing to be competitive, not only the active listings, but the most recent solds. Don't get caught chasing the market!

A. Preparation - Preparing the listing to sell is as important as pricing and market knowledge. The listing must be respectful of the market in order for the market to respect the listing with a good offer. I'm finding so little preparation going into many listings on the market today, especially in the entry level market. I purposefully walk each listing preparing an extensive "to-do" list for the home sellers, including:

1. Cleaning - Probably one of the most critical and least expensive ways to attract a buyer. Do a detail cleaning from top to bottom, inside and out.
2. Curb Appeal - The more attractive a home appears on the outside, the more potential buyers will appear on the inside.
3. Clutter - There's nothing like seeing someone's clutter to distract them from the other features of the home. Make sure to clean out everything from the closets to the garage; even get a storage unit if necessary. Remove all excess from kitchen & bathroom counter tops.
4. Paint - Paint will help sell a house as well as anything. Sometimes touch up will be enough, but don't do a sloppy job. A sloppy job is perhaps as bad as not painting at all.
5. Repairs - Make sure everything is in working order. Why disclose broken items when you can fix them ahead of time? Respect the buyers and they will respect you with a good offer!

A. Availability - Make sure your listing is available to see whenever it's convenient for the buyer. While this may still be your home, it's also your investment. Don't make it difficult to show. And, if you're a seller, let the buyers have some privacy to see your property and talk freely with their agent. Step outside and make sure the pets are out of the way. Take them for a walk if necessary. The more your property is available to see, it's available to sell!

My last listing sold in 8 days with 3 offers and closed in 30 days, using all the methods listed above. My clients were very happy and well served. It was a Win-for-all!

Have a need or a question? I invite you to contact me @ http://www.robertsizer.com