. One of the biggest mistakes sellers make in a buyers market is trying to price their homes with a "cushion" in the asking price for negotiation room.  In the current market where most sellers find themselves, it's all back to price, condition and location.

Pricing the home from the start is the first offensive strike the seller possesses in his arsenal.  The best way to determine price in our market is to start looking a two categories of real estate: Solds and Actives.

Properties that have sold in the last 30 days provide you a picture of what price range pulled in offers 60 days ago.  By looking over those properties, you'll know if you're headed in the right direction with your price.  Then, after seeing what's pulled in offers, look at where the competition is priced--and price lower than the lowest price.  If the trend is headed downward over the last 12 months the motivated seller will get in front of that price trend and sell for less than everyone.  This can be an emotional ordeal for sellers.  The seller who approaches the sales price of a home like the asking price of a used car - where negotiation and give and - take is expected - will also be calling the movers sooner and get through the transaction with the least amount of emotional turmoil.

Condition is the second part of the equation that sellers have control over in today's market.  Folks - it's got to look new.  Period! 

When you’ve decided to sell, I will be your advocate, your guide, and your fierce negotiator. I will work hard to make yours a great sale.

Nina Schultz