Dear Esther – We bought our home a few years ago when prices were high. In the five years we’ve owned it, our family has grown so we need a larger place. I’ve heard that the housing market is getting better so I’m wondering if it’s a good time to sell?
Signed, Moving Up Dear Moving Up,
There’s a lot being said about improvements in the housing market. ‘Six years after prices collapsed, housing has begun to climb out of its hole,’ is the lead sentence in a piece entitled – Selling your home: the cards are in your favor from cnnmoney.com. Other information reiterates that finally sellers will get what they want for their homes. Optimism abounds.
In Chester and Berks counties, sold prices in May 2013 for single family homes were about 1.5% higher than they were 1 year ago. This is good news for sellers.
It is important to remember the following when selling:
1. Price your home right. Look at the recent sales in your area and price your home accordingly. Overpricing will only lengthen your selling time. If a home is on the market too long, buyers will wonder what’s wrong with it.
2. If you want to move to a larger place, act sooner rather than later. While you may be able to sell your home for more if you wait, the appreciation on the trade-up home will be greater.
3. Do all you can to improve the condition and appearance of your home before putting it on the market. Fix leaks, replace the roof, clean carpets, empty closets, trim shrubs. This increases value.
4. Get the best photos possible. Web appeal is the new curb appeal. Appearances are everything. Add a virtual tour and interesting description. Buyers are searching online before they schedule showings.
A good agent will help you through each step to make sure the price, condition and marketing of your home are done right. Before you know it, you’re packing and moving to a larger place and the hard work of selling is a dim memory.
Thank You, Esther For questions or more information, feel free to contact me – Esther Prosser, Stoltzfus Realtors, esther@stoltzfus.com or 484.269.7153.
Disclaimer – Esther Prosser is a realtor with Stoltzfus Enterprises, LTD, which advertises with 21st Century Media publications.
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