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How to REALLY sell a house - It's Easy!

What are the keys to selling a home in this market or any market for that matter? It really is a simple matter. Real estate is not brain surgery you say. True, although the steps to selling a home are not that difficult, getting all the critical steps in place is another matter. Successfully marketing a home is a partnership. A partnership between you (the seller) and your Realtor. Each party has responsibilities that need to be accomplished. What are those responsibilities?

Priced Right - This is a cooperative responsibility with the seller making the final decision. Although this decision is needs based (time, mortgage amount, terms) the decision is made with the appropriate counseling from your real estate agent.
Staged Right - Ask your Realtor if you need a home stager or for any recommendations. Tell the Realtor to be honest. After all, your relationship needs to be based on honesty!
Curb Appeal - What needs to be done to make your home appealing from the street? Paint the doors, plant some flowers, weed out those flower beds? Once again, ask for input because that first impression is so critical!
Necessary Repairs - Are there some deferred maintenance items that need addressing? Consider a pre-listing home inspection
Cooperative Sellers - Be flexible and allow showings at a reasonable time.
Pets - We all love them. But, make arrangements so that lovable critter doesn't interfere with showings.
Generous Commission - Marketing a home or working with buyers is hard work. Agents expect reasonable compensation.
Superb Photos - After staging and taking care of the curb appeal, have your Realtor take usable photos. Review them with the Realtor!
Informative Narrative - Your agent needs to place some energy into writing a narrative that provides useful information to potential buyers. Forget all the flowery stuff, just the facts.
Professional Brochures - Make sure your Realtor puts their creative skills together and produces a product you, and the Realtor, are proud of, that puts your best foot forward!

There are certainly other components to selling a home like marketing venues (Internet, virtual tours, direct mail, advertising, open houses). Your Realtor will take care of these. If the above items are done correctly you should be able to sell your home. Yes, even in a buyer's market!

Priced right, staged right, curb appeal there, no repairs needed, cooperative sellers, pets taken care of, commission generous, superb photos, informative narrative and brochures.... all things done right. Now this home will sell.

Posted by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree on 07/11/2007 03:44 PM

Comments (21)

Post is included in group: Carnival of Content - Real Estate Agents/Brokers

21 Comments on How to REALLY sell a house - It's Easy!

You forgot to mention odors. I was in a STINKY house today! The place reeked of cigarette smoke. My buyers couldn't get out fast enough.

07/11/2007 08:57 PM

by Lisa Hill (Daytona Beach Real Estate) (Adams Cameron and Company)

You are so right. I will collect the input and update it. Thanks, Lisa.

07/11/2007 09:47 PM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Put this in the Carnival of Content Contest! Good Info!

07/12/2007 01:40 AM

by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

Thanks, Sally. I will!

07/12/2007 08:15 AM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Gary, precise primary steps in Selling a housel familiarizes the reader on selling a house.

07/12/2007 10:58 AM

by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)

Thanks, Gena. It is so easy isn't it!

07/12/2007 11:02 AM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Gary, great post. I think you did a good job of not only asking advice, but also of communicating value. Kudos.

07/12/2007 01:10 PM

by John Evarts (Classic Property Management of Santa Clarita)

John,

Thanks for the compliment. It really is easy. It is just getting everything in place!

07/12/2007 01:14 PM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

A lot of good stuff to remember and consider. Good job on this article.

07/12/2007 10:11 PM

by Tim Maitski "Secret Agent Guy" (HomeAtlanta.com)

Thanks, Tim.

07/13/2007 06:58 AM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Absolutely correct priced right, staged right and it will sell. Excellent tips and write up.

07/13/2007 12:16 PM

by Monika McGillicuddy~NH Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty)

Thanks, Monika. I am actually thinking about using the list in my listing presentation.

07/13/2007 12:51 PM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Gary--Great post...Very well laid out and easy for sellers to understand. I have a similar list in my listing presentation...People use as a checklist of things to do to get ready for sale!

07/13/2007 06:34 PM

by Teri Eckholm, Realtor® Anoka County MN (Keller Williams Premier Realty)

very nicely done... best of luck in the contest - this is great info for the sellers

07/13/2007 07:54 PM

by Central Oregon Real Estate | Thesa Chambers, Broker (RE/MAX Sunset Realty La Pine)

Teri - Thanks for the read and comment.

Thesa - Thanks for the stop by and read!

07/14/2007 06:46 AM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

You are so right. It is such a simple concept. I just don't understand why sellers don't get it. Good job expressing it so succinctly.

07/14/2007 08:57 AM

by Linda Davis (RE/MAX Realty Group)

Thanks, Linda. It really is easy. If you ever get a seller who does all those things...well, that would be so easy!

07/14/2007 09:27 AM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Gary - You hit the highlights and sellers should take heed! Good Luck!

07/14/2007 03:09 PM

by Indianapolis Real Estate | Paula Henry (ReMax Excel)

Thanks, Paula. Have a great weekend!

07/14/2007 03:10 PM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)

Gary- You are right it's not brain surgery but it is common sense. Sellers are sometimes so funny.. something they will find fault with in another home is just fine in theirs.. I had a seller who would not look at anything on a street with traffic... yet she lived on a very high traffic street and couldn't understand why buyers were not considering her home because of the traffic..

07/14/2007 08:05 PM

by Manhattan Beach CA/ e-PRO..... Kaye Thomas... (Real Estate West)

Kaye - You are so right. I never thought about it - sellers finding fault but living with the same condition at home!

07/15/2007 07:26 AM

by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)