How to Sell Your Home in a Slow(er) Market

Even though the real estate market has slowed down in recent months, there are still plenty of homebuyers eager to make a purchase. Knowing how to prepare your home for sale, when to allow access for showings, and hiring the right real estate agent will help you find the right buyer, even in a declining market.

Before you even put your home on the market, make sure that all basic repairs are completed. Nothing can turn off a prospective buyer quicker than loose railings, torn screens or missing hardware on cupboard doors. These easy repairs do not cost a lot of money. If a homebuyer sees that the little things are not attended to, they are likely to believe that the larger things are neglected too. Let buyers know that you have pride in your home by making sure that all of the small repairs are taken care of.

Keep your home clean throughout the time it is on the market. In a slow real estate market, it is important to have your home available to show at a moment's notice. The more often your home is shown, the likelier it is that your home will sell.

Keep pets contained during a real estate showing and make sure that your cat litter box is always clean. Pet owners tend to get used to the odors caused by litter boxes and it is important that you remember to clean it every day. Nothing will turn off a prospective home buyer like a home that smells like a pet! Many people are fearful of dogs, especially ones that they do not know. Make sure that you either take your dog with you during a showing or put them on a leash outside.

Be realistic in your expectations of the price you will be able to sell your home. Forget about what could have been if you had sold it last year and focus on what your home is worth now. A home that is priced too high is likely to be looked over. A Nothnagle agent will help you arrive at a fair asking price to avoid the need for too much negotiation.

In a slower market, hiring the right real estate agent is crucial to get your home sold in a reasonable amount of time. During May/June 2010, Nothnagle agents sold homes on average 10 days faster than the competition. That 10 days can give you peace of mind and will certainly expedite the process for you.

Selling your home can be a stressful time, but you can be successful in selling your home if you remain patient, reasonable and flexible. There are buyers out there and the key is to find them and get them to fall in love with your home.