Take A Realtor's Advice

I recently read a tweet from @JulietJohnson about a blog post from a Realtor giving the 3 basic tips to get your house sold.

The tips are good and straight to the point. Given they are written by an agent they need a bit of an editorial comment.

Tip #1 - GET LOST

"The buyers want to make fun of your house. They want to look in your closets. They want to discuss the home's potential while they are there. This is not bad. It means he has an opinion, and might be trying to make a case for his offer".

How the heck are you going to do this if you are selling privately? Easy to do with a little coaching. First you only need one person there. Kids and spouse can go to the mall (I also like what the agent says about grandparents). You need to stay in the Kitchen or Den or out on the deck if the weather co-operates. Let them wander through with out hanging over their shoulder, you would want the same if you were looking through their house, right?

Tip #2 - You have too much stuff and half of it is crap

This one is pretty self explanatory, and accurate. I have always talked about the importance of staging you home. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, get rid of the crap!

Tip #3 - If you are not getting offers and and there does not appear to be a good reason it is because you are in denial. THERE IS A GOOD REASON.

Nope, not the economy. We've always had an economy of some sort. There is only one reason that a reasonably well-marketed home does not sell. Note that I said "reasonably well-marketed". Your Realtor does not have to take out a prime-time television ad, a page in the NY Times, hire a celebrity spokesperson and drop leaflets from a crop duster. The Internet (Lots), some print, calling in market area, open houses, word-of-mouth and some mailings will do nicely if you are PRICED correctly.

Everything on that list is available with a Propertyguys.com listing. Everything except the price tag! Just make sure you price it correctly.

Here is some more advice you could use prior to a showing if you have a leaky faucet...


M