Pricing Your Home to Sell in Today’s Market

Ok, the house is ready to go, you’ve chosen a successful, professional agent and you’re ready to list. Now you’ll need to decide on the listing price for your home. The best way to do this is to listen to your agent. Asking prices are meaningless. What really matters is what homes like yours actually sold for recently (like within the last 3 months in this turbulent market). The best source for this information is going to be your agent. Be cautious of the “Zillows” of the world – these sources are known for being notoriously inaccurate. Your agent will get their data directly from the MLS & title company, where accurate sales prices are recorded.

Just be sure that the comparable sales your agent is using are accurate for your home. If you live in a 1970’s split-level house that’s pretty-much as it was built (none, or light remodeling), these are the comps you want to see. If your agent is using homes built in 2005 or different style houses to determine your price, you’re in for a let-down when the house doesn’t sell. The best agents will use only those comparables that are the most similar to your house and won’t be apologetic about the sales prices those homes got if they don’t meet with your expectations. The facts are the facts and as a seller, you need them – like it or not.

Happy Selling!

Tim