How to Improve the Odds of an Offer

1. PRICE IT RIGHT

Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range. Consider:

Comparable properties: A “comp” is what real estate professionals call home sales that can be reasonably used to help determine the price of your home. But just because you’re in the same neighborhood doesn’t mean that the houses will sell for the same amount. Your real estate professional will help you determine how to compare your home in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities.
Competition: How many other houses are for sale in your area right now? Are you competing against new homes or condos for sale in the area?
Contingencies: Do you have special needs that might turn away buyers? A common one is refusing to be flexible about a moving date.
Asking a lender: Since most buyers will need a mortgage, the home’s sale price should be in line with a lender’s estimate of its value.
Accuracy: Studies show homes priced more than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell.

2. PREPARE FOR VISITORS
Get your house market-ready at least two weeks before you begin showing it. Make all your repairs, and then do a deep clean (or hire a cleaning service to help). Read our tips and guidelines or getting your home ready.

3. CONSIDER AN APPRAISAL
For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home’s value. This is useful for sellers going through a divorce or needing to divide the proceeds for other reasons. Also, this is helpful to be realistic with your list price. Be sure to ask for a market-value appraisal, and find someone who understands the area and type of home you have.

4. BE FLEXIBLE ABOUT SHOWINGS
Spur-of-the-moment showings are disruptive, and making sure your home is constantly ready to show can be exhausting. But the more amenable you can be, the sooner you’ll find a buyer. Sometimes we do not learn of showings until the same day, but the more showings you have, the more opportunity you have for offers.

5. ANTICIPATE THE OFFERS
Decide in advance the price range and terms that are acceptable. Be clear with yourself and your agent about what kind of offers you’re comfortable with. It’s critical for the owners to know what price they’ll accept before entering negotiations with a potential buyers as you may only have a day or so to make a decision.

6. DON’T REFUSE TO DROP THE PRICE
If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to at least consider lowering your asking price. A seller hat leaves the home on the market for several months without any price drop can be an indicator of a seller that isn’t motivated or not willing to take much less than the list price.