Here are some tips for pricing your home to sell

If you expect to sell your house in any market you have to get it into shape. That means making sure it shows well. Few buyers want a fixer-upper so if your house needs work, spend the extra money to get it into the best condition possible. You can usually improve a home’s value tremendously just by adding a few cosmetic touch ups.

List your house or property on the MLS. Most buyers come through MLS listings. By listing on the MLS you increase your exposure to every real estate agent in your area and that increases the number of potential buyers who will see your offer.

Have your home inspected before you list it. A home inspector may uncover problem areas that you can fix before someone else sees them.

Study the market before you list your house. Know what other houses in your neighborhood have sold for in the last 6 months or year. Also, you need to know why your house is different. If you have a good deal then you can ask more for your house. Is it closer to an elementary school so that young children do not have to ride the bus or cross busy streets when they walk? Are there lots of amenities nearby? Does your house have a pool or other add-ons that neighboring houses don’t? Know what sets your house apart.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many sellers will not answer low offers and feel insulted. Keep the lines of communication open. Make a counteroffer that doesn’t sell yourself short but lets potential buyers know that you are reasonable. And remember this: a counteroffer doesn’t have to come down on price; you can offer to have the carpets cleaned or the pool maintenanced, etc. Get creative.

For more tips on selling in a buyer’s market, read this article by Robert Bruss.