We Tell it Like It Is

For those of you (like us) who still look forward to making a beeline from the bed to the front doorstep for the morning newspaper (Star Trib), you will know that Saturday's edition includes a "Homes" section. There was a great article in this past Saturday's paper written by a staff writer who shared her experiences as a home buyer in today's market. Selling your home right now is definitely not for the weak at heart. There are a few things you MUST accept before you put your home up for sale; if you can't accept these things, then you have no business listing it:

1) You will never get the amount of $ you want for the house. If you bought it 2-4 yrs ago, it is very likely you will not sell it for that same price; you will likely sell it for less.

2) Most buyers will not love your house as much as you do and they will definitely not think its worth every cent its listed for.

3) Buyers will come up with reasons why they don't like your house that you will find ridiculous. Their feedback can be brutal and irrational.

4) There is a strong potential that your home will be on the market for a long time (regardless of the location & condition) and you may have to do at least one price reduction in order to sell it.

5) Homes priced over $300,000 are the most difficult to sell right now because of the lack of qualified buyers in that price range.

6) Town homes and condos are also more difficult to sell right now because buyers can purchase single family homes for the same price.

Isn't this blog depressing?! Unfortunately, its so true though. I have been telling people this year, if you don't need to sell your home, then don't. Stay tuned for my next blog...signs that you are working with a good real estate agent. I'm sure you will be on the edge of your seat until then :)