San Diego real estate blog - Peter Toner

So your neighbor’s home sold above list price, in a less than a week early in 2006 - in today’s market no way….

…. that’s because California has moved in the direction of a buyer’s market, so buyers now have more properties to pick and choose from. In fact many sellers can expect to wait as long as seven or more months on the market, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.

Before you go and put your house up for sale, you need to carefully consider pricing your home properly. Here’s how to do it:

Take a step back:
The new owners don’t care how much you paid for the home, or how long it’s been in the family. Your home’s value is decided by how much a capable buyer is willing to fork out for it. Your emotional attachment to the home should not factor into the process of determining the price.

Get a REALTOR:
Finding a good experienced REALTOR could be your best way to ensure that an accurate and reasonable price be established for your market. Your agent can provide an impartial assessment and reconcile the gulf between price and value. When choosing a REALTOR be sure you interview at least 3 and inquire about their price opinion and tactics for selling the home.

Research:
Your REALTOR can prepare a comparative market analyses (CMA) of properties similar to yours that recently sold in your neighborhood, as well as homes that failed to sell and their listing prices. Your agent can provide counsel and advice on the data contained in the CMA’s.

Emphasis all the Assets:
Does your home have a view? Have you done any remodeling since you bought it? Is it in a good school district? How far from the ocean is it? All these assets will boost your listing price. Keep in mind buyers are chooser these days and can afford to be in this market.

Replace that avocado color stove and refrigerator:
Your REALTOR can give you constructive advice as to what enhancements will improve a potential buyer’s first impression or remodeling that can ensure a listing that will sell. If you decide that you just don’t have enough decorating skills to make the house shine, then you can consult with your REALTOR and decide whether a professional home stager is needed to help improve your homes showing ability for all of the open houses that your agent should be doing.

We have buyers for San Diego homes!