Tuesday, January 8, 2008

How Long Will It Take To Sell My Home?

Some homes sell in a few days, while others may take several months. Recognizing key factors we control that influence the market may significantly reduce the time it takes to sell.

These include:

Condition of the property. Optimize the physical appearance to maximize value. Short of spending lots of money, there are several steps you can take to make your home show better:

- Sweep the sidewalk, mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and clean debris from the yard.

- Clean the windows and make sure the paint looks fresh.

- Be sure the front door looks its best.

- Clean and de-clutter all rooms. Ensure the kitchen and bathrooms are spotless.

- Organize closets.

- Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work. Replace leaky faucets.

- Make sure the house smells good. Clean and fresh, not artificial.

- Put fresh flowers out throughout the house.

Price it at the Market. A well priced home is the most important factor in selling for a top price within a reasonable time. Naturally, listing too low may generate a faster sale but will preclude the opportunity for getting top dollar. On the other hand, setting the price too high discourages showings to the people who are most likely buyers. And if a home sits on the market for too long, buyers may perceive a problem and avoid buying a home they believe will be hard to resell.

Marketing that professionally advertises your home to a broad market. The amenities of your home should speak for themselves, but attracting buyers to your door is where an aggressive, intelligent, and tasteful marketing plan is key. Use of new technologies like the internet should be a top priority. The first showing of your home will likely be on-line as over 80 percent of home buyers are using the internet.

Accessibility cannot be overstated. A home that is difficult to see will likely take longer to sell, if at all. Create an inviting atmosphere and minimize the appointment barriers to view your home.

Darin Provost - All Rights Reserved ®

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