For the next two weeks I will be giving  tips that  have been very helpful to myself & others. Ask yourself, “Am I doing everything I can to assure my success as a Seller, in this Market?” Or as a Buyer?  Are there nuances? Of Course!

As an eager new agent years ago, my first couple of transactions were pretty trouble-free.  The market was on the cusp of shifting from a “buyer’s” market to a “seller’s”.  Ie: interest rates were no longer at stratospheric levels and prices overall were much lower than they are today.  This made it easier for buyers and sellers to make decisions.

So cruising along in my new career was very busy, but pretty smooth.  Until  I encountered my first unrealistic sellers.  Their asking price was just too high for the market’s valuation of this couple’s property.  And I could not get them to re-position.  They just kept saying, “we want to let potential buyers make offers”  and, “why can’t you get someone to make an offer?”. Aha!  The truth just does not work that way.  Even though we live in a city where many spend lots of their work life in negotiating mode, our customers need to see value before becoming committed. As a real estate agent, you are the supporter, the facilitator, the counselor – but not the principal!

Over the years, as I’ve represented both sellers and buyers, I have occasionally had to sit by and watch them stand in the way of their goals. But mostly I’ve been granted “team member” status.  We have collaborated to achieve great success. For your success, whether seller or buyer, here are some points, some obvious and some not, to keep in mind:

For Sellers:

1. If your price is too high, they will not come.  Real estate agents are the most likely source of buyers.  You must impress them as well as potential buyers of your property’s value.  There are always well-priced properties to look at.  Yours will be ignored.
2. The price is a huge factor in how your property is perceived.  I once previewed a home that was listed for $2,250,000.  Thinking the price was out of line, I ignored it.  When it was re-positioned at $2, 050,000 some months later, I was motivated to call 3 potential buyers.
3. Pay attention to what buyers think of your home.  They are smart and eager to “comparison shop”.  They will consult business associates, friends, and even your neighbors, if they know any.  They will form their own opinions about your property’s value.
4. Buyers may overlook some of the amenities you value and have enjoyed in living in your property.  They are too focused on financial concerns and comparisons with other properties.  Be sure your agent is communicating the subtleties during showings.  For example: some especially wonderful aspects of your floorplan or your location.  I recently convinced a buyer of the value of one of my listings by letting them experience the fantastic drama of its night views.
5. Goodwill is good for everyone!  A little goodwill now can get you something you find you need later.  If you “give a little”, you’ll find the person on the other side is likely to respond.  Alternatively, if a buyer feels you are not a committed seller, they may disappear very quickly.
6. Do the best you can to present your property in its most appealing manner.

You will hear lots about de-cluttering, eliminating pet odors, staging.  If these are impractical for you, at least have everything as CLEAN and SPOTLESS as possible.  Especially the windows!