So, unless you live under a rock you've got to know that the real estate market in Huntsville is on fire right now. Homes are selling fast. Currently, a home stays on the market for an average of 34 days. In my neighborhood, the longest I have seen is 2 weeks. Huntsville is growing, and inventory is getting low. But what happens when the market cools off? What are a couple of things you need to keep in mind prior to putting your home on the market?
Timing
A lot of people say that it is easier to sell your home in the spring. One of the main reasons is because of the weather. People are more likely to get out and explore on warm sunny days, vs. cold days. Another reason is because of the curb appeal the weather creates. The flowers are in bloom, and the yards are green. Personally, I think it all depends on how you look at the big picture. I closed on both of my homes in November-not purposely lol. However, my first home sold in the spring. The important thing to remember is to do what works best for you and the aesthetics of your home. If you have beautiful blooming bushes, flowers, and green grass, maybe it will be best to put your home on the market in the spring. If you feel like your home looks best in the winter, when the weeds are dead, put it on the market in the winter. Contrary to popular belief, I think the ratio of serious buyers is larger in the fall/winter than in the spring/summer. Why? Simply because if a buyer is braving the cold & missing football to come to an open house-they just might be for real.
Price
We all want to make money when we sell our homes. But, one of the biggest problems with homes that linger on the market is listing price. If your home is priced too high, it will likely sit on the market. This is why a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is so important. An agent will conduct a CMA prior to putting your home on the market to show you where your home should be priced. Although we all know our homes have sentimental value, we can not just pull a listing price out of our hearts, or out of the sky. We have to take a look at homes that are similar to yours in your area as a guide. Remember, if a buyer has an agent, they will most likely conduct their own CMA on your home prior to negotiations as well.
Remember, timing is not a very big deal right now because we are in a sellers market. However, price is very important. Regardless of what type of market we are in, your listing price can make or break you.
Talk to you soon-TK
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