So your home hasn’t sold yet this season? Don’t fret; you’re in the same boat as a lot of Lee County home sellers. January and February started off a little slower but we have seen an increase in buyer activity the last few weeks. Will it translate into stellar numbers? We’ll have to wait and see.
January closings were off but we’re predicting February number of closings to come in higher than last year. So far sales prices are up versus last year but not so much over previous months. We have noticed some multi-million dollar closings in February which will help the averages but not necessarily the median prices.
So your home is on the market and you’re wondering if it’s time to worry. Worrying won’t do you much good. It’s important to study the numbers and if there has been a shift in the market the sellers most informed will get out first. Our market is constantly moving and being influenced by external forces. It pays to keep abreast, especially when you’re ready to buy or sell.
If your home has been on the market awhile it’s either not being marketed correctly or it’s overpriced. It could be both. We have a graph we send our sellers that shows typical showing activity. If your home isn’t receiving any activity chances are you’re overpriced. If it is receiving activity, a small adjustment may be in order.
Look over your marketing. Do the photos put your home in a good light? Does the listing description paint a true and enticing picture of your home?
Is your home being marketed locally in print as well as globally online? Does it go out to sites like HGTV, Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, propsmart, Homes.com, Livedeal, Dupont Registry, etc? We submit your home to over 100 websites as well as advertise in the News Press and other local outlets.
If your home is For Sale By Owner you’re at a disadvantage as we haven’t found a seller yet that can expose their home properly to the market. Now you might say it only takes 1 buyer, and this is true. It only takes 1 qualified buyer who likes your home above all others and sees the value above All others. If you’re not exposing to the full market, chances are you’re going to have limited success, if any.
If your marketing is good, how is your price? One way to research is to look at Market Reports for your neighborhood. Go to www.LeeCountyOnline.com and click on Market Reports. If you don’t see yours listed yet, you can create your own. Sellers love this feature.
Of course, you can always call us out and we can sit down with you and answer your questions. A real estate expert can guide you through the process from correctly pricing to offer simple repair and maintenance tips to get you Top Dollar.
When interviewing agents be sure to look at their marketing plan. You’ll be surprised to note that not all Realtors market the same and there can be vast differences. Make sure you know what you’re getting.
Lastly, no matter which agent you select, keep in mind that the seller sets the price, but the market determines the value. It pays to price your home at or close to market. If you have questions, give the Ellis Team a call. 239-489-4042 We’re never pushy and we present you with your options so you can make the best decision for your family.
Good luck and Happy Selling!