FSBO Jane

I recently came across an article on Yahoo! Real Estate that addresses the problem of falling markets in several cities in the United States. Our government has come up with a plan called “Project Lifeline.” To learn more about that program, take a look at this post on the Buy Owner Blog.

But if this “Project Lifeline” plan does not apply to you, what you can you do to sell your own home when the market is bad? Here are several tips!

Preparing to Sell - Appeal to the buyer!

• Apply fresh paint to the walls.
• Repair any damages.
• Upgrade appliances.
• Spruce up your curb appeal: mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add flowers.
• Consider purchasing outdoor patio furniture.
• If you’re in a hurry to sell, offer an allowance for updated flooring, landscaping, etc.

Pricing to Sell - Remember to price competitively!

• Check with your local MLS for the prices of homes that sold in your area in the last few months.
• Look at the prices of homes for sale in your area, and price yours just below those values.
• Be prepared to lower the price if your home is still not selling.

Marketing to Sell - Selling a house FSBO, it’s up to you to get the word out!

• Put bright, visible signs in the front yard.
• Make informative and eye-catching brochures.
• Show your home: Be willing to do showings for potential buyers. No one knows your home better than you!
• Enlist the help of an FSBO company like Buy Owner!

Remember, you can sell your own home in any market! All it takes is careful preparation, proper pricing, and motivated marketing.