Increase in Web Traffic.

Here in Central New York we are seeing indications of a thaw in home sales. Traffic at open houses and at websites has increased dramatically. I monitor Trulia and Realtor.com and have seen a nearly 50% increase in visits. My own website, www.cnyhousingwatch.com has experienced a 60%+ increase in unique visitors this month over January 09. While it is true that converting this traffic into buyers has been more difficult than in the past at least we have people looking!

If you are looking to sell your home, especially in the higher price ranges, now is the time to list. With people starting to look you do not want to miss a single opportunity for exposure. While prices in our area have been stable it would be a mistake to over price your home because of the increased traffic. We are still definitely in a buyers market. The number of homes for sale in Cicero, Clay, Manlius, and Lysander has remained fairly stable but the number of closed sales has declined in the past few months.

Some advice if you are serious about selling your home: Hire an experienced Realtor who has seen these markets before, hire a Realtor who can demonstrate experience in managing web marketing. Between 85 and 90 percent of homebuyers report they used the web in finding their new home. Hire a Realtor that will provide you with a detailed market analysis that accurately portrays the market place. There are too many Realtors who's expertise is determining what you would like for your property, without consideration of the market, and then spend the next six months beating you up to lower the price of your home. Often you realize less net than if you had priced it appropriately. Remember you are not putting your home "on" the market you are putting it "in" the market. Buyers are smart and many are represented by their own Realtors who will advise them on price. Buyers are not willing to over pay in this market and most need mortgages, which require an appraisal that has to support the price offered.

Now is the time if you are going to list--let's hope the increased traffic translates into a decent spring market.