There are very few sellers smiling about selling their home. Prices continue to plummet with little positive indicators around the country of turning this downturn around.
Unemployment has risen, and mortgages are harder to get. People who might be buyers can’t sell their homes. What is the answer for today’s seller? The answer depends on what are your needs versus your wants. Simply stated, do you have to sell your house or do you want to. Are you required to move due to financial necessity, job change, going to school, health issue, or a family or personal matter? Or, do you just want to move? One is more of a have to, and the other falls into the want to category.
If you have to move flexibility is the key. You must try everything possible to make it happen. You know the basics: get an inspection, clean, de clutter, and fix. And get a flat fee Broker that allows you to price the house below your competitors. If you have some time to market yourself, get an appraiser to help you determine a price. Be prepared to lower the price, offer closing costs, agent bonuses, and allowances for repairs or updating. Whatever it takes to move on if you have to. You must get it out of your head that you will not sell at a loss. If you can afford to lose and move on you can make it up. Staying is not an option is the key to selling. Regardless of your initial sales price be prepared for lower offers. Remember, do not take it personally, this has to be a business decision.
If you don’t have to move, consider renting, lease options, or owner financing if you are able. How much do you want to move? This is the classical risk and reward scenario. If you can’t sell, consider making some renovations or adding on to your home. Be careful about over improving and consider if the improvements will make you want to stay and enjoy your home.
Joe Glad has been involved in real estate as a developer and working with agents for the past 10 years, primarily in the south. He spends most his time focusing on Columbia Real Estate. His site is http://www.columbiarealestatemlstoday.com
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