Two Key Factors to a Successful Sale!

I have a hard time listening or watching the news. The sky is falling so they say. Unemployment is up, home sales are down. While this is true, on a national level and somewhat on a local level, my business is up, up, up! Why is that? HMMM...let me ponder a moment on our current state of affairs, here in the music capital of the world.

Austin is by far a very energetic city. There is so much going on here with the music and film industries, the University of Texas at Austin, and the State Capitol bringing in folks. Our city has been fairly insulated from the national woes. Last quarter the chamber of commerce stated that city of Austin added 50,000 jobs to our area. Our unemployment rates are at 6%, less than the national average, and people are still moving here to escape the over inflated prices of their regions. Our town is still hopping. My listings are selling.

But, I have to help the consumer understand that while things are still moving here, things have changed from the height of the market two years ago. Right now it's all about value. There are plenty of buyers out there. They are taking advantage of the short sale markets and the foreclosures that are happening everywhere. Because of the state of the average consumers mind, and the fear of making the wrong choice, the homes that are selling are the ones that are the best value for the area. Seller's need to make this correction in their minds and we as agents need to help them understand that if they have to sell, there are two key factors that attribute to the successful sale. Pricing is the first. If seller's insist on listing their homes at last years pricing, it's our job to help them understand the dangers associated with this, mostly that there home is likely to sit for a very long period of time. Ultimately the house will likely sell at a much lower value, as the excitement on a listing lasts only for about 4 weeks. The other key to a successful sale is condition of the property. It's imperitive that the property be clean, uncluttered and staged appropriately. Take care to pay attention to the two key factors of condition and price, and your home or listing will sell.

I just got an offer and we are in negotiations on my most recent listing...only 46 days on the market. I am excited for my seller. If you need to list your home and want to understand exactly how to get it sold in this market, feel free to call me with your questions at 512.983.8556. I am happy to help.