Seller Tips -
Pricing your home
Set a realistic price
Pricing your home too high will alienate buyers. As soon as your home goes on the market, it will be perceived as an over-priced listing. You want your selling price to be as close as possible to your asking price.
Give yourself a buffer
When pricing your home give yourself a little leeway to buffer you in the event of negotiated repairs, closing costs and other expenses that may arise that you would have to cover.
Consider your competition
How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against new homes? Visit a neighborhood open house to compare the value to your home. Check out active and closed listings to see what the listing and selling prices are. If your neighbor's home is for sale, don’t price yours above it if it is not truly worth more.
Consider comparable homes
What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?
Consider your contingencies
Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you’ll receive? For example: Do you need a longer escrow period? Do you need additional time to move after close of escrow? Are you selling only if you find a replacement home?
Get an appraisal
For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home’s value. Be sure to ask for a market-value appraisal. To locate appraisers in your area, contact The Appraisal Institute or ask your REALTOR® for some recommendations.
Ask a lender
Since most buyers will need a mortgage, it’s important that a home’s sale price be in line with a lender’s estimate of its value.
Be accurate
Studies show that homes priced more than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell.
Know what you will accept
It is critical to know what price you will accept prior to beginning a negotiation with a buyer.
