With inventory rising in Pierce County and buyers having more choices, it becomes even more critical to do these things to successfully sell your home. With almost 20 years of experience, we’ve seen the market change. It's time to get’s get back to the basics! 

Home preparation: Have you ever seen listing photos where the home seems disheveled? Dirty dishes in the sink, light bulbs burnt out, or beds unmade. It is crucial to prepare a home before listing, we insist that our sellers participate in listing preparation. It is the easiest and quickest way to positively affect their net proceeds from the sale. 

RM TIPS

1. Clean- don't forget the spots like the front porch, light fixtures and fans, and windows.
2. Organize- all personal belongings should be packed away and minimized.
3. Home Maintenance- we suggest and pay for pre-inspections for our sellers to decrease the risk of a surprise coming up once we find a buyer.
   

Staging:

Even if you are living in your home, a hybrid stage with some styling and updated pieces can give your home a whole new look. Many stagers will offer different packages for both vacant and occupied homes. Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for more money.

Competitive Pricing: In the last two years, you could price in the ballpark of the market value and most likely you would have multiple offers. This was due to the high buyer demand and low inventory. Much has changed. Having a professional that analyzes very recent comparable home sales and (most important) the current competition in the market will provide you with context pointing to where your home should be priced. A local expert Realtor can provide a pricing suggestion with sales ratios and pricing strategies. This isn’t the market to reach for the stars on pricing. 

Marketing: Make sure you are working with a Realtor that uses professional photography to showcase your home. Quality marketing pieces and a strong marketing plan, including social media and blogging are increasingly important. From the words and copy that describe your home to the graphics and feel of the materials---every detail matters. 

Buyer Experience: Live show ready! We suggest keeping your home as close to the condition of your marketing photos as possible. When a showing request comes, you can accommodate. It is important to surprise and delight your in-person showings. Channel your 5 senses: lots of light, fresh (but not overbearing ) clean scents, and any clutter tucked away. Be flexible and make it easy to show prospective buyers your home.

Negotiate and Compromise: With interest rates rising many buyers may need help with closing costs or an interest rate buy-down to make the payment work for them. Solid Realtor representation will help protect your interest during the process.

If you’d like more information, we are happy to email/mail you a complementary seller’s guide or answer any of your specific questions. 

Happy selling,

Regina