Local GMAC offers five tips for selling your home in a buyer’s market

San Antonio, Texas (Grassroots Newswire) March 18, 2009 — Selling a home can be a daunting task for any homeowner — and Best Homes GMAC Real Estate understands that doing so in a buyer’s market can feel especially overwhelming. 
 
To help San Antonio homeowners navigate the home-selling process in today’s complex market, the company today unveiled five easy steps designed to smooth the way for a quicker — and less stressful — sale.

1.) Price It Right at the Get-Go

The number one factor in the sale of a home — and one of the most critical elements of the sales process — is setting the asking price.  While you want to get the most appreciation from the sale of your home, you also want to be realistic when setting your price, Best Homes GMAC Real Estate officials said.

“Sellers need to work with an experienced real estate professional whom can help them establish a realistic value and price for their home,” said Joe Acosta, Broker, Best Homes GMAC Real Estate.  “Setting a price that is unrealistic and too high can reduce agent and buyer interest and make competing homes appear to be better values.”

On the flip side, Acosta said, it’s critical to not under-price your home when looking to sell.  The agent will research and provide you with data on current market conditions in your area.

2.) Do Some Remodeling

Remodeling is a great way to increase your home’s value in a more challenging market, according to Acosta.  Best Homes GMAC Real Estate agents often encourage their customers to consider remodeling a kitchen or bathroom before attempting to sell their homes, because remodeling those areas generally offers the highest percentage return on your initial investment, according to numerous industry surveys.

Another rule of thumb is to decorate your home so it appeals to the broadest number of potential buyers.  Buyers generally prefer neutral, mainstream designs, so avoid bold colors or patterns or out-of-date designs that can make it harder to sell.  New paint, a nicely mowed lawn and attractive landscaping can go a long way in enhancing your home’s curb appeal.

3.) Inspect Your Home Before Potential Buyers Do

Before their customers put their homes on the market, real estate agents should strongly encourage a home inspector to help identify any potential problems.  An inspection will help ensure that your home complies with all local housing codes.

4.) Presentation Is Key

“Your home’s presentation plays a vital role in attracting potential buyers,” Acosta explained. “Just as you do when setting an asking price, look at the condition of your home through a buyer’s perspective.”

According to Acosta, sellers need to understand the importance of how their homes look to prospective buyers, and really need to put themselves into the shoes of the buying public.  “Potential buyers will examine every nook and cranny of your house as they begin to think about making a purchase,” Acosta said.

5.) Overall Marketing

An important part of the services provided by Best Homes GMAC Real Estate is preparing their San Antonio customers’ homes for the multiple listing service. The company also creates ads for the Internet along with any materials that will be made available to potential buyers who visit the homes.

“Increasingly, potential buyers are forming first impressions of homes by viewing photos and reading descriptions on the Internet,” Acosta said.  “The overwhelming majority of homebuyers begin their searches online, and as a result, it is very important to offer a wide variety of photos of both the inside and outside of your home.”

In fact, many online listings now feature 360 degree virtual tours.  Acosta also stressed that the description of your house needs to be accurate and complete to grab potential homebuyers’ attention.

When selling your home, remember that an experienced real estate professional not only can help you sell your home for the highest price, but do so in the shortest amount of time.  “Your agent should serve as your trusted advisor, your skilled negotiator and your marketing coordinator every step of the way.  From pricing to closing day,” Acosta said. “Your agent should help you become a pro at selling in a buyer’s market.”

For more information or to find a real estate professional in your area, call 210.301.2870.