Selling Quickly - Bucking the Trend

We've all read the stories about how it's taking longer to sell homes in our market area. That is true if you are looking at the aggregate sales averages, but remember that averages are comprised of high and low data points.

I want my clients be on the low side of the selling time graph, and the highest possible side of the selling price graph. Here are some thoughts for you. The old belief that it's all about "location, location, location" simply isn't true.

1. Price it right. When you're faced with the competition of today's market, even a few percent over market value means fewer showings. You're also more likely to get a 'lowball' offer, rather than one that is workable.
(as of 7/6/05, the local data through 6/31/05 shows this: 30% more homes on the market when compared to last year and only 5.2% more sales than last year. This does not include all of the new construction, either.)

2. Make it sparkle. With all of the two income families out there, a large part of the buying population wants something that is in 'move-in' condition. Pay special attention to bathrooms and the kitchen. Get rid of any unpleasant odors. And take care of all of those little things that you've been avoiding, like tightening cabinet door hardware, squeeky door hinges, and cleaning the carpet. (I have a complete list of things to consider before putting your home on the market. Call or email me for a copy.)

3. Curb Appeal Sells. The majority of buyers in your price range will consider taking the time to see the inside of your house if the outside looks well-maintained. Keep the lawn mowed and green, trim the shrubs and trees (if needed), plant some colorful flowers. Consider re-painting the entry door, and spruce up the porch area, too. Because we all use the garage door as our main entry, sometimes you don't realize how badly the main entrance to the home looks. It's one of the first things a potential buyer will see.

4. Make it easy to show. Sure, it's inconvenient to keep your home in pristine showing condition, but we're all busy people. Buying couples often have trouble coordinating dual schedules, so the easier you make it for them to come in, the better. After working with a lot of buyers in this market, I can tell you this with a fair amount of certainty - If they can't get into your home at their convenience, they'll be looking at the one down the street.

And what about location? Sure, it plays a role, but maybe not as much as you think. Some School Districts used to be more popular than others, but with so many home schooled kids today that is less important. It's still a harder sell if you're on a really busy street or if you back up to a divided highway, but everything will sell if it's priced right and in good condition.

There are always a multitude of factors that influence buyers when they're looking for a home, but these ring true in most circumstances. For a more complete discussion of selling a home, feel free to call or email me.

Farmer's Markets

It sure is the time to start enjoying locally grow produce. We're lucky to have four Farmer's Markets in the area. Three of them are on Saturday mornings - Brighton, at First St. near the Millpond runs from 9am - 2pm; Hartland, at the old high school on M-59 just west of US-23, also 9am - 1pm; and downtown Pinckney near the Community Ed building, from 9a, - 1pm. In Howell, on Sundays, you can find the Farmer's Market adjacent to the Historic County Courthouse on Grand River from 9am - 1pm. If I don't have appointments scheduled until later in the afternoon, I like going to the Howell Farmer's Market on Sunday, then head across the street to Cleary's for an awesome breakfast buffett. There are things to do in downtown Brighton and Pinckney on Saturday's, too, so give yourself a little extra time to browse!