 Even as agents across the country are proclaiming a return to a “seller’s market” many home sellers are feeling slightly confused. You’ll hear plenty of boasters more than glad to tell you that their last home sold in a matter of hours or days, but fact is even as sellers return and home prices climb many listings may languish for months, a year, or sometimes even longer.
Stats from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) show that 44% of all newly listed properties on average will sit on the market for at least 90 days. Over 20% take six months to a year to sell – and almost 10% can go without a buyer for more than 12 months.
So, how can this be? Aren’t there more multiple offers on listings now than there have been in years? Aren’t homes just sprouting wings and flying away? Well…no. No they’re not; there are any number of reasons why from simply home owners that choose to sell themselves without any experience, to poor marketing, or even trivial things like a messy house. Here are some quick tips to help make sure the problem isn’t something that could have been fixed with a little insight:
Clean Up
Make sure your home is clean and tidy. Put away the kids toys, hide the dog bed, run the vacuum around and wipe down all surfaces. A clean home is a sellable home. Even though your buyers will be moving in and making the home their own, often times it may be hard to see past of what’s right in front of them during a showing – so put your best foot forward.
Something Smells Fishy
Believe it or not a stinky home is hard to sell. If you have pets make especially sure to do a thorough cleaning – maybe even get those carpets professionally cleaned. Be careful of going overboard however! Artificial or overpowering odor hiding sprayers or deodorizers can raise suspicions of prospective buyers.
Be Open. Get Lost.
You. Yeah, you. The Seller. Go to a movie, go for a walk, go wherever you need to go to not be in the home when an agent comes to sell the home. It’s nothing personal – we love ya! – but it can be sort of awkward to have the current residents in the home when your agent is trying to woo a buyer. It’s also good to be flexible on your schedule – agents are trying to get your home sold, so try to work with showing requests as much as possible. The more people that see your home, the more chances you have to get it sold.
Work with a Professional
(this is the part where I come in!)
A qualified REALTOR® will know the current market value of your home, homes in the area, and homes on the market in general. They will know how to advertise your property for maximum visibility all the while showcasing it’s features and down-playing the faults. They will know how to price your home competitively and find prospective buyers.
I hope these quick tips might give you a little insight into very small things that might make a huge difference in your home selling process. If you have any questions I would love the chance to speak with you! I specialize in North Idaho and Washington real estate – particularly in the Lewis-Clark Valley and have years of experience at your disposal!
Tagged: clarkston real estate, clarkston realtor, Lewis-Clark Valley, washington real estate 
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