Home Sellers Guide

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How quickly can I sell?

In order to determine the speed of the sale, you'll need to be able to answer a few questions:

• How does your asking price compare with other homes?
• How well have you researched your standing in the marketplace?
• Is the location appealing to the majority of buyers?
• What kind of market are you trying to sell in? Is it more favorable to buyers or sellers?
• How are you marketing the property? Are you advertising it?
• Are you available to show it nights, weekends, during the day?
• Is financing easy to come by? Are interest rates high or low?
• What kind of condition is the home in?
• What style of house is it? Does it appeal to a general audience?
• How many bedrooms does it have?
• Are your taxes considered affordable?
• Are there enough baths?
• How about closets, are there enough?
• What is the property size?
• What condition are the grounds in? Is it landscaped, well maintained?
• How fast do you want to move?

You may find there are many more questions. If you're determined to try it on your own, you'll need to be able to answer these questions before you'll be able to venture a guess on how quickly you can sell. Even a seasoned professional may have trouble giving you a definitive answer.

Each answer offers another piece to the puzzle. If speed is of great concern, it's probably in your best interest to hire a Realtor® and give yourself a break. Learning everything you need to know will take a considerable amount of time and energy. In order to represent yourself well, you must be committed to managing the sale for as long as it takes. Remember, it will take you longer to get "up to speed." If you're like most homeowners, your home is probably your most valuable possession? Why would you rush into its sale without being fully prepared?

It May Look Easy on the Surface…

Looks Can Be Deceiving

But the truth is; a simple sign and some classified ads are rarely all it takes to get the job done right.

Realtors® often apply numerous marketing techniques to locate a buyer for your home.

• Corporate Referrals
• Internet Advertising
• Repeat Customers
• MLS Distribution
• Institutional Ads
• Company Reputation
• Direct Mail Marketing
• Niche Marketing
• High Distribution Trade Publications
• Telephone Canvassing
• Relocation Affiliation
• Networking Contacts
• Open Houses
• Stream of New Customers
• Franchises and Associations
• Out of Town Referrals from other Realtors®

Reprinted from "How to Sell it Fast & Get the Right Price", by Laurie J. Bloom
(c) 1998, Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For your free copy, contact your local MLS office.