Stephanie Luciano - 503-285-4382 - Portland, OR
Go to Special Links for Home Sellers
Whether you're selling a home for the first time or the tenth, selling a home in a buyers market it particularly stressful. It is important to have an agent that will give you solid information about your home. You need the facts - what is good about your home and what things you can improve to get the best sales price in the shortest time. Having an agent that understands your situation, your budget, and your timeline will give you the best advantage.
Don't overprice your home - statistics show that if you overprice your home when you get started you will end up selling your home for less in the end. Many agents will list the home for whatever amount you want. But is that in YOUR best interest? Price it so that you will get offers, not what sounds good in this down market. You've lost a lot already, don't end up selling for about 9% less because you overpriced it coming out of the gate. Carefully review the stats. If your asking price is out of the park - you better have really good reasons to do it as buyers are especially savvy in this market. They know what's out there and they know a bad deal when they see it.
Staging your home and putting it in the best light is important. Do the projects you can afford. It could be as simple as painting a room, cleaning out clutter (have that yard sale now), putting in light bulbs, replacing curtains, etc or it could take some remodeling to get your home to sell for the most. Get feedback from your agent. Maybe the flooring, counter tops, light fixtures, etc need to be replaced. Some moderate priced changes could yield a much better sales price and help you sell the home quicker. By having these things done before the home is put on the market is important. It will also give your agent some time with a "pocket listing" which means she can talk to others about your home and let them know what's coming up ~ creating a buzz before your home hits the market.
Online marketing is essential. Not just an agent website, but your property information being syndicated on all kinds of websites and search engines. Regular postings on Craigslist - especially when it's new on the market, when there are open houses, and for price changes, but also on a consistent basis. There are other posting sites that take the agent time and money to post to - but they should be done. One of the best ways to market is on the MLS as this syndicates to all the agents in the area. For agents that have their clients on searches (or buyers set up on their own IDX/search system) your home will also pop up in their search that is emailed to them the minute it hits the market. Very powerful! Did you know that over 86% of the buyers search online to find their home? There are lots of opportunities to market online be sure your agent is Internet savvy.
Negotiating is key to a successful transaction. It's not just initial offer - but even before you get started. There are many things that agents can do to either make your transaction the most stressful, frustrating, losing proposition - or a winning transaction. That doesn't mean you'll get everything you want, but when you consider the scope of the overall transaction, your agent can work for your or against you. Solid negotiating strategies should be reviewed and discussed. Sometimes, no matter how good your agent is, she can get stuck with an unreasonable buyers agent or buyers. It happens. It's important to make the most of it and consider your end game. Have an agent that works in your corner but doesn't try to win at any expense. We have walked away from crazy buyers before and ended up with a much better deal in the end. Level heads can prevail. There is a lot that can happen in the sale. It's important that you work with your agent to make this a winner in the end.
If you're thinking about selling your home, I would love to talk to you. Please contact me and let's see if we're a good match. We can review the comparables in your neighborhood, talk about marketing strategies, and see if there is a spark! Let me market your home for all it's worth and negotiate to get you the best contract possible.
Want to Sell the American Dream... Contact Stephanie
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Oregon First
PDX Equity Team
5136 NE Garfield Ave
Portland, OR 97211
503-285-4382
www.OregonFirst.com
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