Have you ever wondered what it takes to sell your home in any market?  My neighbor just sold their home and it has been on the market less time than ours and sold for more money.

So why hasn’t my home sold?

The answer is simple, Curb Appeal.  Curb Appeal is 72 percent to 78 percent of why a home sells or doesn’t sell.  Stand across the street and look at your home.

Here are some ideas to improve the curb appeal of your home:

1. Your lawn should be weed free and bright green at all times.
2. Keep your flower beds free from weeds and always add pine needles or mulch.
3. Make sure your lawn is mowed and the clippings are picked up.
4. Keep trees and shrubs looking trimmed and sculpted.
5. Add color with annuals which take transforms a dull look and makes it “pop”.
6. Power wash your drive way, sidewalk and steps where necessary.
7. Make sure that coach lights and porch lights are clean with fresh bulbs.
8. Remove window screens from the front windows in order to promote a clean look.
9. Wash windows inside and out.
10. Never let tree branches get in the way of someone walking up to your front door.
11. Paint trim, shutters or the entire home if necessary.

When trying to sell your home in this market or any market, you don’t want to lose a potential buyer because of poor curb appeal.  Curb talks to a potential buyer long before the walk in.  It says the seller has pride in ownership and the inside is even lovelier than the outside.  So why not come in and view this beautiful home!

The old adage that Real Estate is all about location, location , location is no longer totally true.  There are three components of why a home does or doesn’t sell and that is location, condition and price.  In order to understand “The Market” one has to know that the market is defined by the number of homes available versus demand (sales) in the past six months, the amount of foreclosures/short sales and the impact of companies as they grow or down size.

Here are four most important steps to selling your home in a slow economy:

1. Hire a professional Realtor.  A professional, experienced Realtor with a proven track record for success knows what to do and when to do it.
2. Pricing is critical.  The concept of making a price high to have room to negotiate is a poor strategy.  Price it correctly and you will have multiple offers in less time.  Price it wrong and you will always be chasing the market.  Remember you can’t get a hit if no one throws you the ball.
3. Prepare your home to sell.  How you live in a home is different from how you prepare your home for sale.Remove clutter and always remember less is more.
   • Keep counters and cabinets well organized.
   • Neutralize colors.  (your taste may not be the next buyers taste).
   • Update light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and, if necessary, carpets.Clean, clean, clean, and clean again.  Light, bright and airy should be your goal.
4. Visit your competition with your Realtor.  If you are in a market that you are  competing with new construction you might have to offer similar sales concessions such as closing costs.

In order to sell your home and/or receive top dollar, your home must be the best out there in location, condition and price.  The notion that you will give an “allowance” for carpet, paint or updating is just wrong.  Today’s buyer has so much to select from that they will pass on your home to another that is in better condition. In many cases they move on to newer construction or homes that show a more updated look.

Steps you should take when purchasing a house:

1. Choose a Real Estate agent who is committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.  It’s crucial to select the right agent.  A professional Realtor is dedicated to meeting your needs before, during and after the sale.  The right Realtor listens to your needs, makes recommendations based on those needs and more times than not tells you what NOT to do rather than what to do.
2. Get Pre Qualified before starting out.  Take the time to talk with your Realtor and mortgage representative.  Their evaluation of your financial commitments, income and your comfort level based upon what you want to spend will help in recommending a price range to begin your search.
3. Did you know that your Realtor has “real time access” to the most current listings?  Many homes that appear in magazines or websites may be under contract.  Your Realtor has information far and beyond that of an internet posting to share with you that could impact your decision as to where and what to purchase.
4. How long do I expect to own this home?  Will I want a larger home in the future? Where will I be with my company in terms of location?  All of these and other questions should impact the type of home, location and mortgage program to select.  Your Realtor and mortgage expert is there to give you guidance.
5. Do your due diligence.  Your Realtor will guide you through this phase which can be daunting at times, but very necessary.  It is essential that you order a home inspection(s), select your closing attorney who will order a property survey and title search and prepare the closing documents.  The value of selecting the right Realtor to coordinate all of these functions for you will insure a positive outcome.

Purchasing a home no matter what size, price or location is more than “brick and mortar”.

The right Realtor will guide you through the process, hold your hand & be there for you!