Even though we are in a “seller’s market” does not give a seller a free pass not to prepare their home for sale. Buyer’s learned early on the importance of getting the maximum value for their home investment and won’t settle for less than perfect.
A buyer’s list of features such as “must haves” and “would love to have” will still position a house to sell more quickly and closer or above the list price.
With a high demand and less inventory, if you’re selling your home, it is to the seller’s advantage to know what buyers are looking for to ensure a faster, more rewarding sale.
In past years new construction has not been as aggressive with available inventory in certain locations. The tide has turned with an increase of new construction as well as dropping foreclosures and stabilizing home prices.
This makes selling existing homes even more of a incentive to have your house “shine” and be more appealing. It is important to remember real estate is localized and houses sell at different paces depending on the areas.
In San Antonio, the average price of a home rose four percent to $204,110 with the median price increasing five percent to $168,000. Of the 1,454 homes sold in February, 62.5 percent were priced under $200,000. Another 33.8 percent were priced between $200,000 and $500,000 and 3.6 percent were priced over $500,000. Of those sold over $500,000, ten homes were priced over one million dollars.
Some may feel since it is a “seller’s market” they have a better opportunity to sell their house on their own. In a year end report by the Texas Association of REALTORS® that is further from the truth. As the average For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home sold for almost $50,000 less than homes sold with the assistance of a Texas REALTOR® – $153,500 compared to $200,000.
So dust off the yard tools and get the yard in shape, dig out the paint brushes, and let your house to “shine”! The buyer’s are out there just waiting to buy your house.