Posted by Cristal Drake on February 9th, 2010 |
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Sell your home
First, we need to define what a “successful listing” means. To me it means a listing that is successfully sold and CLOSED for the highest price in the shortest time. I think this is what most seller’s are typically looking for, agreed? Now on to the Keys!
Location, Location, Location- I think this is pretty self explanatory so I will move on but it is definitely true what they say!
Condition – It is important to walk through with buyer’s eyes. I know you love your home and it feels good to you, but will it feel and look good to everyone? I am sorry, but I have to ask the tough questions and a good agent will do that (trust me, my home is currently NOT in marketable condition). It often takes a little tweaking.
Price- This is critical. Right now, the the house in the best condition, in the best location, that is priced to sell most certainly will! It is more than just what the “data” shows. I think that pricig is more an art than a science and you need to get it just right.
Marketing- It is important to bring your home the people and more importantly, get them to your home! Somewhere around 85% or more of buyers are online looking. Sure, most agents will get it on the Multiple Listing Service that will in turn post it on those real estate sites. There is still more to do! Is it everywhere that it can possibly be on line? What sort of print marketing is going on? Have the other local realtors been notified? Marketing is KEY! I have to save something for when we meet so I can’t give it all to you here, sorry! But trust me, it’s good!
Agent – This is huge. Whether you choose me or someone else, check them out. Once you find that person, trust them and listen to them! They are there to help YOU. Here are some good questions to ask a potential Realtor(r)
•What is their close ratio (How many of their listings have closed)?
•How many homes have they sold in the past year?
•Do they know how to qualify buyers? (Do they call their loan officer, ask about their debt ratio, how strong they are, etc..)
•Are they a FULL TIME Realtor?
•Are they with a reputable company?
•Do they have a good reputation?
•Do you know how to check this out?
Basically, it is about finding the person that can get your listing sold and CLOSED for the maxim dollar with the least amount of inconvenience and headache! There is much to consider and this is just a brief list.
Listing a home in this market can be a little scary. Often times a seller does not want to sell but is forced to due to a change in their loan, income or other financial tragedy. This delicate situation requires an agent that understands your situation and how to work with the banks.
For more information on how to research an agent or marketing or questions about listing your home in this market. I would love to answer your questions.
Remember, it’s a price war and a beauty contest; you can’t afford to lose either when it comes to selling your home!
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Cristal Drake – Fullerton Realtor(R) and Real Estate Resource for all your Fullerton area real estate needs. Prudential California Realty – 714-423-7525. DRE#: 01272061. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.
