Pricing You Home to Sell
When it comes time to sell your home, settling on your list
price is one of the most important decisions you will make. All
sellers want to command the highest price possible, while all
buyers, of course, want to buy a house for the lowest amount
they can. Finding the price in between that is just right for
your home, its assets, and its area, is a process that involves
many factors.
The first factor in pricing your home is, naturally enough, your
home itself. The desirability of the property will be the
deciding factor in what price to set. It's an excellent idea to
get a home inspector on the premises to check out all aspects of
the house, including the roof, electrical systems, and plumbing.
Get a clean bill of health for your house if possible, and
seriously consider making any needed repairs. Buyers today want
model-home houses.
In fact, many buyers will not move in to a property if there is
even a small amount of work that needs to be done. In a seller's
market, you may be able to get away with selling a house that
needs small improvements, but it will lower your list price.
Call in local agents to help estimate the true market value of
your home. It's best to get more than one opinion on this
matter. Talk to appraisers and agents who work in your area and
are familiar with the neighborhood, as they will be able to
factor in the prices of surrounding properties, as well as the
desirability of the area.
However, don't spend money on getting a formal market appraisal.
Local real estate agents will have a better idea of the area and
be able to price your house according to current market trends.
Don't be afraid to point out certain features or traits of your
home that may justify pricing it slightly higher. For example,
if you have a bay window, or a carpeted basement that provides
more potential living space, you have a slight edge over similar
houses, and those factors should be taken into account. A good realtor
will be able to take all of these factors into account when
setting your list price.
Once you have settled on a fair price for your property, it's
time to set your actual price tag. It's expected that most
sellers will initially price their home at about 15 percent
above its actual market value. The selling process will involve
bargaining, and depending on the condition of the home, any
possible repairs, and the amount of potential buyers, the amount
it sells for will more than likely be less than the price for
which you have it listed. So aim a little high and be prepared
to receive various offers on your home based off your initial
price. If you've done your appraising and calculated correctly,
when the final paperwork is signed you should be receiving an
amount very close to your home's actual worth.
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