Selling Myth #5...

Myth #5:  You are better off selling your home on your own and saving money on the commission you would have paid to a real estate agent.

Truth:  Statistically, many sellers who attempt to sell their homes on their own cannot consummate the sale without the service of a real estate agent. Homeowners who succeed in selling their home by themselves usually net less than if they had a real estate agent working for them. The National Association of REALTORS® surveys consumers every year, including homeowners who succeeded in selling their home without a real estate agent. Over 70% of these homeowners say that they would never do it again.

Next: Myth #6...

Selling Myth #4...

Halfway through the miniseries, here is Myth #4 as brought to you by Keller Williams. Do any of these seem familiar yet?

Myth #4:  Your home must be every home buyer's dream home.

Truth:  If you get carried away with repairs and replacements to your home, you may end up over-improving the house.   There is a point where improving your home doesn’t pay off.  The key is to consider what competing properties feature and look like.  A highly-motivated real estate agent will consult with you on what competing properties have to offer – he/she can even show you competing properties so that you can make sound home improvement decisions.

Next: Myth #5...

Selling Myth #3...

Myth #3:  Once a potential buyer sees the inside of your home, curb appeal won't matter.

Truth:  Buyers probably won't make it to the inside of the home if the outside of your home does not appeal to them.   Buyers and their agents often do drive-bys before deciding whether a home is worth their time to look inside.  Your home’s exterior must make a good first impression so that buyers are compelled to stop and come inside.  All it takes is keeping the lawn mowed, shrubs and trees trimmed, gardens weeded and edged, and clutter put away. 

Next: Myth #4...

Selling Myth #2...

Myth #2: Minor repairs can wait until later. There are more important things to be done.

Truth:  Minor repairs make your house more marketable, allowing you to maximize your return (or minimize loss) on the sale.   Most buyers are looking for homes that are ready for them to move into.  If your home happens to attract a buyer who is willing to make repairs, he/she will begin asking for repair allowances that come out of your asking price.  The amount of an allowance that you have to offer a buyer is usually more than what it would cost for you to make the repair (or hire someone to make the repair).  Remember, buyers are comparing your home to other homes that are currently on the market.  Your home should be inviting so that everyone who looks at it can see themselves living there.  

Next Myth #3...

Six Selling Myths Uncovered

As a part of Keller Williams Realty, I have come across these this piece and find it to be rather valuable to Sellers. These are also items that come up regularly with my own clients, so I thought I would share this here. Not too much to read in a day, more to come! Chris

Myth #1:  You should always price your home high and negotiate down.

Truth:  Pricing too high can be as bad as pricing too low. If you list too high, you'll miss out on buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. Offers may not even come in, because buyers who are interested in your home are scared off by the price and won't even take the time to look at it. By the time you correct the price and list your home at its fair market value, you will have lost that window of opportunity when your home draws the most attention from the public and real estate agents; i.e. the first 30 days that it is on the market. A well-trained real estate agent who looks out for your best interests will consult with you on your home’s fair market value and different pricing strategies for the current market.

Next up: Myth #2...

BizMojo Idaho: RE/MAX agents join Keller Williams East Idaho

The good news is spreading, and a great mention by BizMojo Idaho! :)

BizMojo Idaho: RE/MAX agents join Keller Williams East Idaho: Here's a new development in the local real estate market. Chris Pelkota Lee and several of her colleagues have left RE/MAX Homestead Realty ...

The 7 Deadly Sins of Overpricing

Thinking of Selling? It's a tough market out there still for local Sellers. Still, homes are still selling, and everything will sell for the right price, right? If you just said 'no', consider this extreme example: even that 3,000 sqft fixer-upper house across the street with a 3-car garage will find the right buyer *quickly* if it's priced at only $20,000.

No, I'm not saying every home should be priced so drastically, that's silly. However, this article from Trulia.com points out a few reasons why as a Seller it's so important to get your pricing right, from the get-go. Particularly in a tough market with more competition and limited Buyers.
 
http://www.trulia.com/guide/home_selling/home_selling_strategies/the_seven_deadly_sins_of_overpricing/