Seller's Guide: Selling Your Home

Some homes sell very quickly. Others take several months. Here are some guidelines that will help you sell your home within a reasonable timeline at a fair market value. As a homeowner, the FIRST STEP is to hire a strong real estate agent to sell your property. You'll fare best with sound marketing exposure and a strong negotiator. See Getting Your Home Sold.

Location
Location is the single greatest factor affecting value.
Neighborhood desirability is fundamental to a property’s fair market value.

Timing
The real estate market may reflect a seller’s market or a buyer’s market.
Market conditions cannot be manipulated; an individually tailored marketing plan must be developed accordingly.

Condition
Property condition affects price and speed of sale.
Optimizing physical appearances and advance preparation for marketing maximizes value.
Staging the house by arranging or removing unnecessary items from the house can play a major role in a buyer selecting your home over others.

Competition
Buyers compare your property against competing properties.
Buyers interpret property value based on available properties.

Terms
The more flexible the financing, the broader the market, the quicker the sale and the higher the price. Terms structured to meet your objective are important to successful marketing.

Price
If the property is not properly priced, a sale may be delayed or even prevented. It is always best to list as close to the actual price you are willing to take as possible in order to offer your home to a broader market. The greatest amount of buyer activity occurs during the first three to four weeks.  Then it begins to taper.  If you start too high and reduce your price later, you’ve lost your best opportunities and now must settle for a smaller pool of potential buyers.

Santa Fe Realty Partners’ comprehensive market analysis will assist you in determining the best possible price.

For a detailed list of items to consider when selling your home, click here.