Seller’s Tips in a Buyer’s Market- by Jennifer Chaney, Realtor.

The path to selling your home in this buyer’s market is a windy and sometimes complicated one. My experience and success, even in this trying market, can help make your goals a reality.

The ‘myth’ that buyers simply do not exist is simply false. In fact, I have seen a recent pulse in activity when two conditions exist- the home shows well, and priced realistically. A seller can ask any price they wish, but without a buyer, it leaves the ‘sale’ out of the equation! Simple economics dictates when supply is up, demand is down. Given our influx of supply, demand could seem relatively small.

However, if positioned amongst your competition correctly, yours will be the successful sale- the market leader, not the follower!

Despite the ‘buyer’s market’, there is actually good news for sellers! If you prepare correctly, hire a well-versed professional to properly research the market, stage your home correctly, and price right, making your home the best of the others in its price range- you WILL sell, most often for a higher sales price, and in less time than your competition.

If the ultimate goal then includes purchasing- to take advantage of the lowest prices we have seen in years- as well as the low interest rates… remember there are two sides to this equation. Current market conditions will not justify values we saw 2-5 years ago. However, if prepared, lucrative sales are still attainable, enabling you to seize your own deal as a buyer!

The key is to properly prepare, price and position within your local market. The best advice I consistently give my sellers is to “think like your buyer”. Ask yourself what you would honestly be willing to pay for your home in its current condition. Realize also that the phrase and notion of ‘staging’ exists due to the fact that your home is quite literally “on stage” during your listing period.

At anytime, within reason, a buyer could want to see your home. Great news! But you must be ready. The worst thing you can do is tell a buyer “no”, that they may not see your home. It can be hard to get them back to see again; especially knowing they are seeing competition all the while.

Instead, taking a few extra minutes each day to ‘surface clean’- make beds, clean sinks and have things tidy- can make the difference between a great showing and a buyer not seeing all the nice things your home does offer!

Thinking like your buyer, also remember they are not looking for projects. Unless priced like an ‘as-is’ or an estate-sale, buyers have an expectation of certain condition, amenities, and order when they tour a home listed for sale. Make each showing count, and sell faster!

The more you can do around the house- fill in nail holes, clean carpets, repaint walls, whatever the ‘facelift’ needed- the small amount of time and money usually translates to faster sales and higher sales dollars!

While it is true buyers are looking for a great deal, and hesitant to make a decision unless they feel the home is “the one”; IF you are priced and positioned correctly from the get-go, you will have far more control and influence throughout the transaction!

The path to a successful sale in this challenging market starts with your choice in a Realtor. My experience, education, impressive sales volume awards, and flattering testimonials, combine to offer you an ethical, honest choice in a real estate professional.

Please contact me anytime for your free market analysis, staging tips and realty advice!

Warm Regards,

Jennifer Chaney

Direct- 410-739-0242/ Office- 410-819-4300

E-mail: JenniferChaney@championrealty.com