Setting the Price
A key part of the marketing plan is setting the list price. If a home is priced too low, you won't benefit from the optimal profit. If a home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. To determine the best asking price review the cost of recently sold homes, evaluate the competition and study marketplace trends. I am trained to use this information to help you reach the right asking price. It is also helpful to discuss other terms and conditions, such as timing and items that can be included with the sale of the home. Both of these can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
- Location: You can't get away from this one. If your house is located in a desirable area that is in demand, you will be able to get a higher price than you can for the same house in a less desirable area.
- Condition: A house that has been better maintained and shows better will always sell for more than one that has had deferred (neglected) maintenance and needs work.
- Desirable amenities: If a house has amenities that are currently popular in the marketplace, it will bring a higher price.
- Calculate the price per square foot: The average price per square foot for homes in your neighborhood shouldn't be the sole determinant of the asking price for your home, but it can be a useful starting point. Keep in mind that various methodologies can be used to calculate square footage.
A formal written appraisal can be useful if your property is unique, there hasn't been much activity in your area recently, co-owners disagree about price, or if there is any other circumstance that makes it difficult to put a value on your home. Appraisers consider the location of the home, its proximity to desirable schools and other public facilities, the size of the lot, the size and condition of the home itself and recent sales prices of comparable properties, among other factors.
The information provide above is personal commentary and should not be taken as fact. The Texas Real Estate Commission who licenses Texas real estate agents is very clear about informing clients that even as Texas Realtors, we are licensed as real estate salesmen and are: not Texas licensed attorneys giving any legal advice or binding legal information; not Texas licensed home inspectors, not appraisers, not surveyors, not loan officers, bankers or underwriters and are not title company representatives.