Tips for sellers from buyers

Years ago, buyers and sellers would sit together to make the deal happen. In today’s market, it’s very rare for buyers and sellers to actually meet until the closing day, if ever. The only experience one has of the other party is through their agents or attorneys.

Sellers, let me ask you a question. Have you viewed your home online? In today’s market, be sure to choose a broker who has a heavy focus on internet marketing. With that said, new properties pop up on the internet daily that aren’t up to par.

Buyers want to be able to experience your home prior to viewing it in person. For many, if the online portion does not wow them, they usually won’t want to view the home in person. Red flags would be little to no pictures, or on the flip side, multiple pictures that show issues with the home such as clutter, damage, or neglect to a certain area of the property.

Also, never describe the home as a “fixer upper.” Use different language to describe the property, making it more appealing to potential buyers without misrepresenting the home.

With all the information readily available on the internet nowadays,, buyers know if your home is overpriced. Many sellers believe listing their home higher will leave more room for negotiating, but too high a price will deter potential buyers from wanting to view your home.

Remember, what your home is worth in today’s market and what you need your home to sell for are two different things. Many buyers may not view your home because it is out of there price range according to the listing price when in reality it is not. Others will wait until the price is reduced before wanting to see it in person.

If you are going to stage your home for potential buyers or do any quick remodeling work, remember the cardinal rule of technology. With cable TV today and the ability for anyone to watch home remodeling and staging channels 24 hours a day, the bar has been set higher. Today’s buyers know about the cost side of a remodel job and the proper way the job is suppose to be done because of that. Don’t pad your price too much because of a simple bathroom remodel, for example.

Remember, no home is perfect, but most sellers believe there home is. As a seller, you need to remove yourself from the “sellers” shoes and place yourself in the “buyers” shoes.

For more, call 847-292-4700, e-mail gz@zerillorealty.com or visit www.zerillorealty.com.