Recently, I met a buyer at a "just listed" in the perfect neighborhood at a decent price and the pictures could not have painted a better deal! There had only been one prior showing! We were so excited. I new we were just going to be blown away! As we got out of our vehicles we were absolutely stunned. It was nothing like we expected. Total mess outside and the interior was a disaster. I new the listing Agent had used old photos as a deception to get people to see what was actually a horror.
This is not an example of good strategy or competitive property listing. Price only and honest dealing would have been better.
Today's market requires patience, competence and strategy. Who is going to buy your listing and why? You need to answer this question and market your listing accordingly.
Homes that are selling the quickest are still close in to city centers and do not have much on the "to do" list. If your place needs a lot of work then price it correctly and let everybody know you know. You and your Agent would be wise to have some bids on some of the work. Let your potential buyer "imagine" the possibilities!
The key in a successful listing is that as the seller you need to have the property prepared for a Competitive Listing. Does this mean a total remodel? Not really. In fact, there are so many little jobs that cost very little and go a long way to maximize the potential selling price.
So what if your place is in decent shape but want a Competitive Listing? Your best price 1st is always the answer but even then you have to be realistic about your "area", the condition of the property as well as neighborhood and of course what is "included". It means what are you going to do for the buyer?
You will want many current pictures of the property. The prior perception of your listing is so important! If your potential Buyer expects roses... you'd better have roses! If you show a "dated" but very clean and decent condition kitchen then they know what to expect and so on.
The condition of your home is paramount for maximum sale price. A clean and clutter free home is far better if you plan on living in the place while on the market. Fresh paint does wonders inside and a tidy yard is of utmost importance for curb appeal. Pull some weeds and wash off the exterior. Keep the pet food out of the way as well as any "smells". One more reminder on keeping everything CLEAN AND CLUTTER FREE! All of this is peanuts compared to a total remodel. It is the old fashioned ideal of ELBOW GREASE!
You want your Buyer to show up but instead of letting them down once they get there make them feel great! While your Buyer is there let them know something really great about the property you had yet to post and give them a "prize" for stopping by. You want the memory of your listing to stay with them and with a few items of ADDED VALUE it will!
A Competitive Listing does lead to a Successful Sale. In this it is often the little things that count and if you are not prepared then be prepared to wait it out or drop the price. An older property that has been kept up is in better condition to sell than a well used newer home. Don't let your buyer down by not being the property they wanted to look at.
Market the possibilities!
