Advice to Madeline Island Home Sellers for 2012

Here's some early advice to homeowners hoping to sell a dwelling on Madeline Island in 2012:

• Hit the market early.  Don't wait for "tourist season" to begin.  It takes time to market your home and get it in front of the buying public.
• Price your home to sell.  The number one reason for failure when listing a home for sale in today's market is overpricing.
• Get your home ready for showings.  That means making your property look its best, inside and out.  Pay attention to curb appeal issues, including yard work and the condition of siding, roof, decks and porches.  Remember the value of a positive first impression.

You'll probably be competing with quite a large inventory in 2012, including some foreclosure properties.  Buyers are looking for something that stands out and stands apart from the bulk of what's on the market.  They're seeking value and they also want to purchase a home in move-in condition.  We're seeing very few buyers who are looking for a "fixer upper" these days.  And when buyers see a home that's a remodeling project, they expect a big discount!