Deciding to list your home on the real estate market is a huge decision, and for many it’s easy to get swept away by all the motion and turbulence accompanying the journey. However, by setting realistic goals and expectations, you can streamline the home selling process.
Understand the housing market
You may own a beautiful home, but even a top-notch residence may be difficult to sell depending on the housing market's conditions. By allocating time and working with a real estate agent to study the real estate market, you can differentiate a buyer's market from a seller's market.
In a buyer's market, there’s typically an abundance of homes and a shortage of buyers. Therefore, sellers may need to price their houses competitively to raise interest from buyers.
Comparatively, in a seller's market, there’s usually an abundance of buyers and a shortage of homes. This means a seller probably won't have to wait long to receive purchase offers to purchase after listing their residence.
To distinguish a buyer's market from a seller's market, examine the prices of recently sold homes in your area and find out how long these properties were listed before being sold. This information enables you to review the level of interest in properties in your city or town and can help you list accordingly.
Know your home's strengths & weaknesses
Even though your home may hold personal value, it’s still important to seek professional examination to determine areas in need of improvement.
During a home inspection, a property expert examines a residence both inside and out. This may include the structure of the home, windows and doors, the HVAC system and more. Then, once finished, they can provide a detailed report. With this information, you can make needed repairs and price your home fairly.
Collaborate with a real estate agent
A real estate agent can provide their expertise and help you in examining the market, understanding where your home falls as a listing, and can help you nail down a timeline to keep your home selling journey on track.
With the help of a real estate professional and in-depth examination of your home and local market, you can set realistic expectations to get your home sold smoothly.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
