It’s important to think like your potential buyer. What will they be looking for in your area and in your price range? Is your home “conforming” for that average buyer? Is your home “the best it can be” (considering your financial situation)? Is your house priced to compete and compare? How many other homes are available to that buyer? Are you accessible to that buyer (is it easy to show your home)?  Remember:  “Pricing, pricing, pricing is the new location, location, location”

Your best effort is your first effort (remember when your mom said “first impressions count”?). So, don’t think “I have time to market” or “I don’t have to sell”. If you’re “on the market” you must want to make a change (or you just really like cleaning your house or picking up your underwear). So, make it count! Today’s market demands a competitive attitude.  Undercut the competition, run faster, jump higher, just do it (thanks NIKE).

Which brings me to the thoughts on why some listings sell and some don’t!  Several elements are paramount:

1) Location, of course! Location has always had impact and continues to do so.  But, you can’t do anything about your current location (short of moving your house).  So, you must work with what you can change.

2) Pricing is Paramount!  You have to be “ahead” of the market is pricing (and, yes, you must compete with short-sales and foreclosures…no one said life was going to be fair)!  If you are “chasing the market down” you will end up losing money as the listing gets “tired” and “stale”.  If you really want to sell, price it like you really want to sell!

3) Exposure!  Over 90% of all real estate searches start online.  Where is yours?  Are the photos impressive and alluring?  If your listing shows well on the internet, it will entice viewers to go from “virtual showings” to “in-person showings”

4) Staging and Condition!  Unless you are attempting to sell for less than is owed on the property, attractive staging and good conditions must exist.  If you are selling short, you don’t want to put any more time, effort or money into the property but, otherwise, you must have everything in order.  Smells must be eliminated, pets contained, paint re-touched or re-done, workwork spruced, carpet and wood floors evaluated….remember the competition is stiff out there and you have to be on your “A-Game”!!