“How long will it take to sell my house?” That’s a legitimate question, these days, partly because the average time for selling a home changes from year-to-year.
At times, the real estate industry tends to be a seller’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors, this happens when prices take a gradual turn upward and multiple bids start coming in on the same home. A seller will need the experience and advice of a professional agent to sort through the offers.
At other times, it’s a buyer’s market. Such factors as short-sales, re-sales and foreclosures, coupled with new builds, increase the competition in this already competitive field. What makes matters more difficult for the individual homeowner, developers know how to capture potential buyers. That’s why a wise seller will use the resources only an experienced real estate agent can provide.
“Our realtors know the current real estate market,” says Carolyn Roberts, president/broker of Roberts Real Estate, Inc. “We will provide current information, so you will have an idea how long it will take to sell your home.”
There are many factors that can impact how quickly your home will sell. According to realty101.com, they are:
- A competitive home listing price.
- The condition of the home.
- The location of the home.
- The seller’s flexibility.
- The type of sale, whether short-sale, foreclosure, or traditional sale.
With those factors in mind, there are a few things a homeowner can do to assure a quicker sale.
Trust your agent. Good real estate agents know the local market and are able to determine a fair asking price based on comparable homes in your neighborhood.
Consider your life issues. If you’re experiencing a job relocation, getting a divorce, or planning to move elsewhere for other reasons, then you might want to lower the asking price.
Make sure your home shows well. Whether it’s for the usual buyer traffic or for planned open-house showings, your house should be clean, uncluttered, and it should smell nice. According to realty101.com, many agents suggest you also “depersonalize” your home by removing photos and other personal memorabilia. Home buyers like to envision themselves living in a prospective home.
Be flexible. Be willing to agree to spur-of-the-moment viewings, and be willing to drop the price if a buyer makes a reasonable offer. Again, listen to your agent. A responsible agent will earn his or her commission by giving you the best possible advice and by guiding you over the hurdles to a quick and satisfying home sale.
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Selling your home in Ocala, Florida? Roberts Real Estate specializes in personal service backed by a deep knowledge of the local community. We have professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated agents who follow through from the beginning to the end of the transaction. Call (352) 351-0011 to speak with one of our agents today.
