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3 Sure-Fire Selling Strategies For A Buyer’s Market

So, you need to sell your house but it has to sell quickly. In today’s market you’re concerned that it’s going to sit for too long. What can you do?

Although today’s real estate market has tipped in favor of the buyer that doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home in a jiffy. Here are three proven home selling techniques to get the job done.

1. Make Your Home EXCEPTIONAL In The Eyes Of The Buyer.
(Hint: you're biased)

When buyers hire a real estate agent like me, we jump in the car with a long list of possibilities. Somewhere around the 5th house on the list they all start running together. After number 10 or 15, forget about it – it’s all a blur.

The only homes that buyers remember are the ones that truly stood out from all the others.

Now let me be brutally honest with you. Most homeowners think their home is that one exceptional home on the block that everyone should love. You have every right to feel that way. After all, it has been a part of your identity for a long time. Truth is, only one out of 25 homes is truly exceptional. The odds are against you.

When buyers enter an exceptional home, there is a "WOW" factor that blows them away. Here are a few common characteristics of exceptional homes:

• They have new, top-level upgrades that similar homes in their neighborhood do not have: a totally new kitchen, new carpet, new roof, new windows, new master bath, etc. (not everything on the list but the more you have, the better)


• They are priced very well compared to the competition. In a buyers market, upgrades to your home will NOT get you more money when you sell it. It only helps it sell faster.


• They are located in exceptional neighborhoods where there is high demand. Areas like Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Platt Park, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree are great examples. Unfortunately, Homes located in less popular neighborhoods are, frankly, hard to sell.

2. Lower The Price. No, Lower Than That. Keep Going...

Ask any Realtor today what’s selling quickly and you’ll hear the same thing: foreclosures and short-sales. In many cases home buyers are buying these homes at well below market value. It is true that these homes come with their own set of problems. Nevertheless, most buyers out there are hunting for a bargain.

That makes it difficult for sellers to compete. You may not have the money for significant upgrades and your only chance for selling quickly is dropping the price until people recognize, “wow, this is a great bargain”. It's another version of the "WOW" factor.

Buyers are looking for instant equity. They want to feel like they could sell the home in a few years and make a profit. If you can provide that, you may be able to sell quickly.

The hard cold reality is that sellers cannot expect to get the top-dollar of 5 years ago for their home today. The market won’t allow it.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. While you may have to take a hit when you sell, but you can make up for it when you buy. Don’t wait, take advantage of the buyer’s market while you can!

3. Sell Your Home... To Yourself.

For some homeowners it makes more sense to upgrade your home and stay in it a little while longer. Make it something exceptional and hold on for a little while longer. Once the market tips back in your favor, you can sell it for top dollar. If you have the means to upgrade your home right now, do it. In today’s economy, you will get the best prices on remodels and upgrades that are available.

Before you do, though, look into refinancing your current mortgage. Lending is tighter than it was a few years ago. So, before you go take out a big loan to upgrade your home, refinance it first. You will have an easier time qualifying for the refinance without a big home improvement loan on your credit. Plus, you will now have lower mortgage payments.

With a new facelift and lower mortgage payments, you may be surprised how you fall in love with your home all over again.

Sincerely,