Whether you are selling "for sale by owner" or using an agent you are ultimately responsible for deciding your house's asking price.
Once you have done your research and decided on your asking price range, you face the dilemma every seller goes through. "Should I ask the top price I think I could get away with?" That depends.
You need to do a little soul searching. What are the most important reasons for your selling your house? If you had to pick one, what is the most important to you concerning the sale of your house - time (a fast sale) or money (get top dollar)?
You have to give buyers a good reason to want your house above all others. You must be able to offer the buyers either the best house or the best price compared with other houses in your area.
There are two strategies to help you sell your house fast in a "cool" or buyer's market (which much of the country is now in).
- "Best Price" Strategy. If you are leaving the area, getting divorced, or falling behind on your payments, you probably are in a hurry. So offering the best price would be your best strategy. This would also be the best strategy if your house needs repairs you won't be making, or a lot of updating. As a rule of thumb, consider offering 2 - 3% below your home's determined Fair Market Value (FMV) should increase interest in your house.
- "Best House" Strategy. If you are looking to move up, retire, or "cash out" on your current house, and you can afford take your time to sell, getting top dollar is probably more important to you. There is another popular strategy that I DON'T recommend!
- The "Hope and Luck" Strategy. This involves hoping you luck out and find a buyer even though there is plenty of competition and you have nothing exceptional to offer. This not a strategy at all. This is hope. If you're in a hot market, this can work for you. In our current cool market, you would need to be able to sit on your house until the competition thins out before this would work for you and this could take years.
Most people depend on the "Hope and Luck". I "hope" you aren't among them. Sell your house fast by determining your goals, defining your strategy, and pricing your house accordingly.
------
Deane Alban is a real estate investor and creator of the first "FSBO 2.0" home selling system. Today's technology lets frustrated homeowners bypass their realtor and even do a better job. Learn how with
The Truth About FSBO , a "total realtor replacement" system. It's the only home selling info product that offers vital personalized support. Get free daily
"FSBO 2.0" Selling Tips. Harness the power of 2.0 today!
