The real estate market today is different than it ever has been before. In many cases, homes are selling for more than the asking price, thanks to bidding wars and a persistent seller’s market.
There are a lot of pitfalls in the current climate. Buyers who are not careful can end up with unforeseen problems. Here are some important tips and tricks for getting the most out of your first-time Okotoks real estate sale.
Common-Sense Pricing
Every homeowner wants to make as much as possible on their sale. The higher you price, the more you limit your market. This does not mean you should lowball your house. It means that you should be competitive in the market.
Ask your agent for a list showing the sale price of comparable homes in the area, and place your asking price somewhere competitive in that range.
Prepare to Negotiate
When the offers come in, expect to sell your home lower than your asking price. Just because many homes benefit from bidding wars, this does not mean that yours will. Understand that negotiations will take place when the time comes to sell.
Many sellers in the market today offer incentives as part of their negotiation; this can include things like helping with closing costs.
Promotion Is Key
Nowadays, the savvy home seller has to be a marketing guru. Gone are the days when a listing and a “FOR SALE” sign in your front yard would net you a line of potential buyers.
With the technology-savvy clientele you will face, you need to be prepared to market your home. Your real estate professional can help you with this. A good agent knows how to leverage print, internet and other resources to get your house seen by the right people.
Consider Leaving Appliances
More and more, homes are being sold with the appliances included. You may want to consider leaving behind your washer/dryer, microwave and oven. These sorts of amenities can present an incentive to buyers, leading them to make higher offers and put your home ahead of other choices on the market.
Make It Move-In
Few buyers are really looking for a “unique fixer-upper.” When you are preparing your home for sale, make some upgrades and do all the necessary basic repairs.
If your roof is old, look into having it redone or replaced. If you have bowing retaining walls, fix or rebuild them. If the kitchen and bathroom are outdated, do a remodel. Offering a home in move-in condition will result in higher final sale prices and faster sales.
Your qualified real estate agent can offer more tips and advice for selling your home fast and at the best price possible. If you are ready to put your home on the market, drop us a line. We can help!
