Knowing how to market your home correctly will help you get the highest price for your home in the shortest amount of time. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you will have to get the price and terms that you want.

Setting the Right Price for Your Home...

The most important thing about marketing your home correctly is pricing it right. You should be aware of the market trends in your area, and that market trend should be reflected in the price and what the property is worth. Ask your agent to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis of your area. The key to selling is to get many people checking out your property because it is priced fair, rather than having it priced too high and having no buyers.

Getting Your House Ready to Sell...

When your home goes on the market it should be in the condition to sell. Stop thinking of it as your home, but rather as a product, a house that is for sale. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Fix any defects such as cracks, stains, peeling, faded paint, etc. before you place it on the market to sell. Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Factor in upgrades and cosmetic enhancements to the property to make it more eye appealing.

Setting the Purchase Terms for Your Home...

Negotiating the best terms for all parties involved is another factor that you must consider to attract more buyers. Examples of terms include: financing (Conventional, FHA, VA, Cash, Seller Note), a home warranty, dollar allowance for repairs, paying portion of buyer’s closing costs). If you insist on getting your asking price, convince the buyer why the property is worth it. Think about the home improvements, or even a lower-than-market financing to the seller.

Get the Word Out About Your Home...

Lastly, get the buzz out about your home. List your house with a hot agent that ensures your house is listed on the MLS and on the Internet. On your own, get the word out. It should be visible to passerby’s that your house if for sale, whether it be signs, local advertisements or you telling friends, family, and acquaintances.

Making a Good First Impression...

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:

• Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?
• Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash etc.?
• Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of?
• Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Or does the carpet look old and dirty?

Know Why You Are Selling Your House...

If you know exactly why you are selling, then it is easier for you to set the right plan of action to get what it is that you want. If you must close a sale quickly, then the highest price is not one of your priorities. It does not mean that you won't or cannot get the highest price, but it means that the price is not the deciding factor. A buyer who can give you a quick closing time will appeal much more to you than a buyer who can offer you more money but the negotiation and closing time drag on.

In Considering An Offer...

Keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms of the contract that could be favorable to you as a buyer. Therefore, look at the whole package (e.g., price, type of financing, option period, monetary concessions, closing date, etc.)