Pricing your home correctly is important
and challenging.
Figuring the value
As a seller, it is challenging
to be realistic about your home's value because of the pride and emotional
attachment you have to the home. Many sellers think that your house
is better than everyone else's, and should be priced accordingly.
Your asking price needs to be based upon an objective assessment of
what comparable homes sold for in your neighborhood. Find out the
value of your home by requesting a free market appraisal.
Making the decision
You may think your home is better than your
neighbor's home that sold for $200,000 a few months ago because
your home has a new furnace, new roof, finished basement, and pool.
But, if your neighbor's home had a first floor family room and your
home does not, your home will probably sell for less.
In most neighborhoods, if your home is has been on the market for
more than a month, then your home may be overpriced.
Common Mistakes to avoid
Many people have misconceptions
that hurt their home's ability to sell. The most common misconception
is that a seller should start out with a high price, then reduce
the price if no one puts in an offer. This strategy is a mistake,
because your home receives nearly all of its attention in the first
two weeks after it goes for sale. After that time period, it is
considered overpriced and buyers ask "why has it been on the market
so long--what is wrong with it?" Reducing the price often goes unnoticed
by buyers . As a result, the home sits on the market for a longer
time period, and the seller receives a lower price than they could
have had if they priced it appropriately in the beginning.