Next, do whatever it takes to let the most light possible into the house.
“Lots of good light is one of the most important reasons buyers fixate on a home,” she said.
Finally, she advised, get a good photographer with a good camera, who can highlight the home’s best features – including all that light.
“Post the best of those photos and the best-written descriptions on the websites consumers go to most. An irresistible showcase on a powerful website is like having an open house every day of the week. That’s what attracts the most buyers.”
Brokers, Corcoran pointed out, are continually asked by today’s consumer, ‘is this is the right time to buy or sell?’ A smart broker will help the client understand there is no better time than right now.
“Consumers may need some help to realize that whatever will make them happiest in life is what makes this the right time to buy or sell,” she said. “If you want a better school district or a bigger backyard, if you’re ready to downsize, or you want to live closer to the grandchildren –or if you’re ready to settle down, stop paying rent, and start building a nest for your growing family, then this is the right time to make the move no matter the state of the market.”
Ultimately, she reasoned, if you don’t get top dollar for your home, you will likely not pay top price for the home you buy either – and if you buy when the market is on the rise, you would probably have to pay more for the same house later.
“It all evens out in the end, so it really doesn’t pay to wait,” she said. “A home should be considered not like a securities investment, but as the place you want to raise your family, have fun, and enjoy life. That’s really the Big Kahuna, isn’t it? That should be the message to consumers.”
At the same time, because real estate is such a local business, Corcoran advises consumers who worry about home prices to consult the Rebound Report on Homes.com to see where their town sits in terms of current home value. How far was the fall in prices from the high? How much has the market come back up – and how much room is left before it equals the high?
“In today’s environment of rising prices and multiple bids, the Rebound Report is a great resource to help you determine how much to bid for the property you want, or how to price your home,” Corcoran said.
But if the time to buy is almost certainly now, what are the questions buyers really should be asking?
