Break a leg! This idiom had its origins in Old English theatre. It literally meant to ‘put a break in’ or bend the leg, at the knee. In other words, a ‘bow’. It was offered as encouragement for a performance that was deserving of a ‘bow’. With a little imagination, the process of selling real estate in the marketplace can be likened to a performance. There’s preparation, offering and viewings of the property, how it’s received by the public and finally the outcome.
So it’s spring and it’s a seller’s market. Properties are flying off the market, some receiving multiple offers and yes, some selling for over asking price. Why, the performance deserves nothing short of a standing ovation! Now, it’s time to sell your own home. Easy right? All you have to do is buy your ticket, watch the show, applaud the performance and head to the bank!
Experience shows us that for some home seller’s the ‘show’ falls short of their expectations. Having attempted unsuccessfully at selling, they begin to feel as though they deserve the old ‘Shepherd’s Crook’ used in Vaudeville acts to ‘yank’ overly long and poor performances off the stage. So why exactly is it that some properties have an outstanding market performance while others languish for months on the market unsold or sell at a much lower price than expected? What’s the mystery? What have I missed, you ask.
Story be told; when you market real estate, there are three important factors that cannot be taken lightly or ignored if you want to experience rave reviews! Otherwise, you will be disappointed. Here are the three significant factors:
- Ticket Price: An appraisal is the best indicator of value. It helps you to stay ‘grounded’ with the pricing. It’s evidence of value. A property’s value is always based on the sale of other recently sold and settled properties of the same or similar style, age and size, within the immediate neighborhood market, which have been adjusted for differences. Make sure your property is listed appropriately for its value…at or just above appraised value or the critics will be relentless.
- Set the Stage: The spotlight is ON! Removing objections is key to selling for top dollar! Staging and preparing the home is an absolute necessity if you want a steady stream of showings! Removal of personalized wallpaper with neutral paint, replacing dated floor finishes, paint colors, appliances, countertops and minimizing all personal items have everything to do with how the property performs on the market. Pay attention to these items and your property will shine!
- Get a Great Agent: This is your advocate! For your interests. For your price. For the property itself. You want an agent that goes above and beyond what the average agent does in performance, including marketing and networking! The combination of attention to detail, knowledge, experience and one who understands customer service is one you’ll appreciate having as a coach!
Ready to market your home? All the details matter. Do your homework in all areas and take the advice of the experts you hire. You’ll be creating your own story of success.
Traditions of America’s success is inseparable from our promise to reduce stress and make buying easy. One of the ways we do this – maybe the biggest way – is through Traditions Realty’s resale management. In the first 120 days of 2015 Traditions Realty helped sell 60 of our customers’ homes – that’s a sale every other day! Every buyer can enjoy Traditions Realty’s services and the protection of up to $10,000.
Every Traditions Realty client receives: Objective, market-based assessment with appraisal and recommendations for home prep to secure a buyer in today’s increasingly competitive market; Top local agent selection and re-sale management from pricing through final negotiations; Regular monitoring of agent performance and property exposure; and Value protection up to $10,000.
Some of Traditions Realty’s recent performances in sales, include:
- Sewickley Ridge homeowner and HomeAssist customer, Sharon, who sold her home at 101% of value.
- Lititz homeowner and HomeAssist customers, John & Jean, who sold their home in just 5 days!
- Saucon Valley HomeFree customers, Warren & Michele, who sold their home at 99% of list price!
So, if you’ve you found your dream home at one of Traditions of America’s six active adult communities and have an existing home to sell, don’t do a thing! At least not until you speak to your sales counselor or to me, Traditions Realty’s Resale Director about HomeFree and HomeAssist. We have the competitive edge. We offer one of these customer-friendly, stress-reducing, value-creating packages included with your purchase. Find out which best suits your needs and timeline for selling your existing home and then take our advice….as the Old English well-wishers would say, BREAK A LEG!
By Traditions of America Marketing Team
