Getting your home onto the market can be a daunting process, which can leave you feeling bewildered. Don’t panic, seek a professional real estate agent and let their expertise guide you and make the experience fun. We start with a no-commitment, Comparative Home Market Analysis that helps kick start the process with confidence!
With a scheduled appointment, a real estate agent will tour your property taking note of everything from the age of the home, number of garages, to furnaces and finished basements. Be prepared to inform your realtor of any renovations or improvements you have done during your homeownership. The more information your agent has on the history of the home, the more accurate their evaluation will be.
Next, a comprehensive comparison of similar properties in your community that have recently sold or are currently on the market will be conducted. These listings act as a guideline for realtors, highlighting the differences and similarities to your property. The market climate will help expose the likeliness of a sale, including a rough timeline.
Time your listing.
Every client has a unique selling situation and time can either work for you or against you. The beauty of life is that it is ever-changing and, these changes can influence the listing price. For example, you may need a quick sale for a job relocation or, conversely, you may be an empty nester and you’re
casually looking to downsize.
Typically, the market is hot in the spring and summer months with a rush to move before a new school year or, for others, not having to move during the winter months. That said, don’t be discouraged in the off-season; there is always someone looking to make a real estate move. It can be helpful to know the differences between a buyer’s and a seller’s market when listing your home.
A buyer’s market exists when homes listed are plentiful, and buyers can keep prices down and options open. In a balanced market, prices are stable and, buyers have a sufficient number of homes to compare and choose from. Lastly, a seller’s market indicates a situation when homes are scarce, which can help sellers keep prices high. These market conditions all boil down to supply and demand.
Even if you’re not ready to sell, a real estate agent is an invaluable resource to help prep your home for sale. Keep an eye out for future articles for return on investments in residential real estate.
