PRICING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

At any point in time, there are several other homes for sale competing with your home.  This is more true now in the winter of 2011/2012 than it has been in the past several years.  Yes, we've seen prices come down from their early 2006 high. At present (Winter 2011) home prices are about 15-25% below what they were at the height of the market in 2006, depending on the area.  Whether or not your home is in Burbank, Toluca Lake, Studio City or any other greater Los Angeles area, buyers now have the luxury of time -- they could look over many weeks and know that something they like would probably still be available when they were ready to make a decision. In the Spring of 2010, homes sold fast because of the availability of buyer incentives and lending programs (see my FHA page).  But those incentives have ended. You must know what's going on in your local housing market in order to price your home competitively and to attract the qualified buyer.  Please also see 3 Ways Sellers Sabotage Their Sales.

I will help you determine the market value of your home by generating a written comparative market analysis, which will show you a range of prices being paid for homes in your area.  We use data from sales of homes closest in size, closest in distance, and closest in time of sale to yours.  These are the three most important "markers."  Then, we compare condition and amenities.  By the way, this is the same way a bank's appraiser determines value.  We don't usually use listing prices of homes that are currently on the market unless there is a special reason to do so; for example, a townhome right across from yours that has the exact same layout and is getting many showings.

Yes, I will also help you stage your home for sale.  Please also see my pages on preparing your home for showing and for marketing your home.  If necessary, it may be a good idea to hire a professional stager.

We will also discuss other factors that help us determine the value of your home:

1. Location
2. Square footage of your home and lot
3. Condition of your property, amenities and ambience
4. Buyer demand level for homes in your area and competition from other homes for sale
5. Your motivation
6. Availability of financing; FHA programs, etc.
7. Interest rates (currently good)

Marketing Factors affecting the sale of your home: Who controls them?

 
In analyzing these factors, my goal is for you to receive the highest and best price for your home that the market will bear.  Please also know that I make a personal financial commitment to every listing I take and every home that I market.  For the latest news and my take on local area pricing, please check my blog at http://sfvrealestate.blogspot.com.