Market Your Home

Despite the best
pre-market
comparisons and
marketing efforts,
sometimes a seller
simply does not get
any offers. One
potential reason for
a lack of buyer
interest is a price
that is too high -
especially if the
market is weak.
Before lowering the
price, however, it
makes sense to
check out if there
are any other
problems to blame.
Has there been
sufficient
advertising? Did the
agent hold an open
house for realtors
and another for the
public? Does the
house have any
features that are
turning buyers off?
If so, can they be
corrected?

If everything else
seems to be in order
- and assuming that
other homes in the
area are selling
reasonably well -
the price is probably
the problem. A
reduction may be
just the thing to
increase traffic
levels and generate
a few serious offers.

Market Your Home

Preparation can get you ready for the selling process, but finding
a buyer requires a well executed marketing effort.
There are a number of components to a well-conceived
marketing plan. Understanding each - and what it can contribute
to your sales effort - is important to achieving the best possible
results.

Advertising

Advertising is a key part of an effective marketing plan. Your real
estate broker should advertise the property periodically in local
newspapers. Generally, the cost of advertising is included in the
commission, so make sure your property gets its share. Signage
is also important - a prominently displayed sign on the property is
one of the most effective pieces of advertising, so make sure
there is a clear and visible spot available.

Multiple Listing Service

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is a catalog of available
homes in a given market area. Your agent will list your home in
the local MLS so that other realtors in the area can access
information when working with buyers. The MLS is only available
through your agent - and it is a powerful selling tool.

Open Houses

Open houses are another major marketing tool when selling a
home. There are two basic types of open house. The first,
generally scheduled during the week, is for area agents to stop
by and take a look at a home that is new to the market. The
second type is held on a weekend - usually a Sunday afternoon -
and is intended to allow homebuyers to visit the property without
an appointment.

The Lockbox

A lockbox is a small device containing a key to the house that is
attached to or near the front door. Local agents can access the
box to gain entry to the house at any time. Ideal for unoccupied
homes, the lockbox may be problematical if you have kids or pets
- or are simply uncomfortable with this arrangement. If you do
not use a lockbox, make sure that your agent has a key or that
you are available on short notice to open the house.

Using the Net

The Internet has begun to revolutionize the home selling process.
Shoppers (and sellers) have access to more information than
ever before. It's important to select an agent who has a
significant understanding of the Internet. Your agent should have
a web site where shoppers can access information about your
home and should list the property with one or more major online
listing services.

Have Your Home Ready

Your home should be maintained in a constant state of readiness
to be viewed. Try to keep things as clean and uncluttered as
possible. Keep the yard well tended and make sure that access
to the house is unfettered (keep snow cleared away in winter).

Staging

Have potpourri or scented candles on hand to keep the house
clean and fresh smelling. If you have a fireplace, consider having
a fire burning during viewings (season and time permitting). Ask
your agent for other suggestions on presenting your home in the
best possible way.

Handling Kids and Pets

Whenever possible, arrange for children and pets to stay with a
friend or neighbor during showings. If the children are home
during a showing, explain that they should be quiet and well
behaved while the buyers are in the house.