2014 - Now is a good time for people to put their home up for sale!
Patience seems to have paid off for those who’ve postponed putting their home on the market until this year. They stand to pocket the kind of profits not seen since the housing boom. We recently sold a Canterra model for $240,000. A year and a half ago they were selling in the $200-215,000 range.
Some prices surged more than 10% in many markets last year and once again we saw some multiple offers. Now is a good time for people to put their home up for sale. Fueling this seller’s market are several factors that have unexpectedly converged: For-Sale listings are limited, which is pushing prices up at the same time that mortgage rates are rising. That has created a sense of urgency among buyers, many of whom fear that the door to affordable real estate in their market may be closing. Homes were selling 11% faster in 2013 than a year previously.
It’s expected that the number of for-sale homes will rise this year, with much of the extra supply coming from home builders. This event alone could stall price gains this year. The level of price appreciation will likely be nowhere near what we witnessed in 2013 but will probably level off. Now is a good time for people to put their home up for sale.
Selling your house is a big decision and one that requires careful planning and attention to detail. You’ve hired the right Realtor®, taken their advice for repairs, updates and staging. The marketing has driven buyers through the door and you get an offer. It’s not full price but, it’s a solid offer and one that warrants a counter. Now is not the time to start thinking about the family dinners where you’ve laughed til you cried, or any sentimental memory you have from living in your home. Now is the time to remember you’re selling a house, not your home. Getting emotional during negotiations can kill a deal before it even gets started.
Other mistakes home sellers make that keep them on the market longer and ultimately cost them money is having too much furniture. Too much, as in both quantity and size. Just because it fits... doesn’t mean it’s flattering. Its worth the time and expense to minimize the larger and unnecessary furniture.
