RISMEDIA, September 3, 2008-In the midst of a sagging real estate market, Indianapolis real estate agent Matt Borushko has some advice for home sellers.
“To be competitive, sellers need to find an experienced agent that understands what it takes to attract buyers in today’s real estate market,” says Borushko. “I advise my sellers to follow these six simple rules.”
1. Know the Market
Get to know the ‘local’ market and don’t focus on ‘national’ trends. What’s happening to home prices in California or New York doesn’t apply in Indianapolis. The same is true for neighborhoods within an area. Your real estate agent can provide recent data on the how well homes around you are selling.
2. Focus on Your Goal
Set and focus on a goal that will allow you to see beyond the current market. Ask yourself why it is you ‘want’ or ‘need’ to sell now. Whether the family is growing, a job is changing or it’s an investment strategy, know that you’ll be better off if you sell intelligently with a specific goal in mind.
3. Energize Your Marketing
Don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to marketing your home. A sign in the yard isn’t going to cut it anymore. Quality marketing materials combined with an aggressive Internet marketing strategy and an outstanding presentation in the local real estate listing service are vital to standing out in today’s market. Your agent should be marketing savvy.
4. Price Appropriately
The market has changed. Price your home for today’s market rather than what you think your home is worth. Buyers now have the tools and research available to become better educated on price. Price your home based on logic and not emotion. Your list price is an important piece of a successful Internet marketing strategy.
5. Make a Good First Impression
Buyers have more homes to choose from right now. Your home must be clean and clutter-free inside and out. Make needed repairs to landscaping, structure, appliances and systems such as electric, plumbing, and HVAC.
6. Be Flexible
Flexibility comes in different forms. It means having reasonable expectations, knowing what you want to offer buyers in terms of incentives and working with your agent to understand and apply various negotiation strategies.
