One of the most difficult things to come to grips with when selling your home is the selling price. I am not talking about what you think your house is worth or what you owe on your home, but the actual selling price or what someone is willing to pay for a property. For many people this can be a shock to their system.

My favorite thing to tell people is “Anyone can list your home, but, I don’t want to list your home, I want to sell your home which is a completely different concept.”.  Does that make sense?

I was just researching properties for a CMA. When doing so I wanted to see what was on the market in their area as well. 3 of the highest priced properties caught my eye. Upon looking further I noted these 3 properties were anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000 over priced. Why would anyone do that? To test the water? Did they buy at the height of the market and they need that to get out? Did they demand that be the price or they would not list the house at all? There are a number of possible reasons for this. But, one of those reasons should NEVER be because the agent didn’t do their homework.

The rumors you have all heard are correct, to a certain extent; the market is coming back. Unfortunately not in every town and not at the same pace. This does NOT mean that you can jack up the price of your house. Comparative values still matter, appraisals still matter and what a bank is willing to expend still matters, so it’s no free for all. The past is still indicative of the future. What has sold and what has not and why.

A Comparative Market Analysis is the foundation for an honest and open conversation about your property. It is facts and figures that no matter how much you would like to ignore them, exist and never lie. They are where every good Realtor/Client relationship begins, because it’s honest and like any good relationship honesty is a must.

Now let’s assume you have decided you want to sell your home. Congratulations! It’s a big step, but only the first of many……remember, honesty.

Now, assuming you have done all the paperwork, yes I know there is a lot but it’s for everyone’s protection I promise, you and your Realtor should do a complete walk through of your home. When I walk through a house I open closets, look under sinks, go in the attic and down into the cellar to look at the mechanicals. There will be things they think you should be prepared to do in order to give your property the best possible chance of selling; remember first impressions are everything and curb appeal can mean the difference of someone walking in your door for an open house and someone that does a “drive-by”.

So if you are looking for that top dollar be prepared to organize and purge. Use this as an opportunity to not only get your house ready to sell, but get you ready to move to a new home. Having your home ready to show within an hour or so of a call is important. Before you leave the house in the morning make sure the beds are made, the sink is empty, the bathrooms are clear and the garbage has been taken out. A funky smell can sour a showing in no time flat.

Moral of the story; listen to your Realtor if you really want to sell your home, especially when it comes to price.