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I was enjoying my son's swim meet last evening when a very upset pool dad came over for a quick chat...which lasted over forty five minutes. He had listed his home with another Agent but wanted my opinion on why he hadn't sold his home. He mentioned all of the Agent's faults and inability to sell his priceless gem. Finally he asked me what my opinion was of the market, his home, and the other Agent.

I was very honest with him. I knew where he lived and his market has been selling fairly well. Although I didn't know this person very well, I was familiar with his home. I actually showed it to my Buyer's during the time they bought it 5 years ago. The home had some minor flaws that I was sure he had repaired by now. NOT!!!!! I try to never discuss Agent's or their performance...usually it isn't in the top ten reasons why homes don't sell.

Here's what I told him to do. Go home tonight and pretend you are visiting your home for the first time. As you park the car on the street and walk up to your house, how do you feel? What do you see? What is your first impression of this house? If you don't like something you see...fix it! Do this as you enter the home and all the way through your home. Chances are that this home is not ready to be put on the market. It needs some painting, maybe some carpet or updating, possibly some wallpaper removal. Maybe the wood paneling needs to come down after 60 years on the Family Room walls. Have your Agent come back over and walk the home again. Ask for suggestions on making your home more marketable. Buy some paint and you'll be amazed at the changes it will bring. You can spend hundreds of dollars - not thousands, and impress most Buyers.

My advice:

1) Make sure your home is in very good condition. If it is a problem for you...it will be a larger problem in the eyes of the Buyer.  

2) Be sure to price your home based on recent Comparable sales, and don't inflate the price for room to bargain. This market won't allow it.

3) Be sure your Agent outlines their Marketing Plan before you list your home. If a plan doesn't exist...how can they sell your home? Call your Agent weekly for updates. 

4) Watch for sales in your area and also new listings. Lower your price to be as competitive as you can be in this tough market until it sells.

Good homes are still selling within a reasonable time frame. The ones that sit for month after month are the ones with some type of problems. Priced to high, too much updating needed, poor condition, etc... Follow these simple steps and I promise you that your home will not languish on the market.

Happy Selling!

Jeff Carroll