Selling? Get a leg up on the competition!

Selling?  Get a leg up on the competition!

            Selling in today’s market has become less of a struggle then it was 12 months ago, but there are certainly still homeowners out there struggling to get their home sold in a timely and profitable manner.   If you are currently having trouble getting to a closing table, these three “leg up” ideas may help.

Pre Sale Seller Inspection

            Many sellers and agents alike appreciate the idea of an As-Is sale.  It’s less to worry about and more money in the pocket, right?  Maybe not.  As we are struggling to get this market back on track, many buyers are adamant about purchasing a true move in ready home.  While many will go to contract with an as-is contract, if anything comes up at inspection the buyer will generally ask for repairs to be made or request a price adjustment to equal out repairs deemed necessary.  A good way to stay ahead of the game is to pre-order an inspection report.  Averaging $300, the cost will be worth it.  Knowing ahead of time what needs to be done will not only allow you to correct issues prior to buyer knowledge, but will also allow you to promote a true move in ready home knowing that you will not have to decrease your sales price due to repairs necessary.   Buyers with knowledge that the home has been inspected and repaired will immediately have more interest in your home over your competition.  One leg up!

What do your buyers want?

            A constant problem with the state of our financial environment is the fact that banks are requiring larger down payments.  This puts a substantial percentage of buyers in a cash poor position after purchase.  Using all of their cash resources to purchase a home leaves them with no reserves to add things they may deem necessary to purchase.  If buyers are turned off by the lack of a fence, add a fence!  If the carpet is worn, replace it!  Spending these additional funds may feel like a waste of cash when selling, but you need to see it as a loss leader.  A contract today will net you much more then a contract 7 months from now.  Adding that fence today can actually end up netting you more!  Give ‘em what they want..  Two legs up!

Re-Educate your buyers

            With the numerous on-line resources available today, buyers are extremely educated in today’s market.  This information can be helpful, but can also be a deterrent to a successful sale.  You must keep in mind that buyers have a ton of information at hand, and though it may be wrong, it is what they will be basing negotiations on.  It is imperative that you are familiar with comps in your area and have true data to base your pricing off of.  Be sure that your marketing material educates the buyer on where your pricing came from and why it is true fair market value for your particular home.  Hopefully you didn’t just make up a number, explain to your buyers how and why you are priced correctly for a successful sale.  Three legs up!

            Using these three simple steps can and will help you sell in a more timely and profitable manner.  Think of your sale as a business transaction, do your homework, listen to your prospects and you will get to a closing table - I guarantee it.