It’s no secret homeowners want to get as much money as they can when selling their property. The listing price is a driving factor that can make or break a deal and is why you need to keep these three tips in mind.

1. You Gotta Be Real

The biggest challenge for some homeowners is being real with themselves; they believe their property is worth an enormous amount of money, but realistically, it’s not. When sellers price their home more than it is worth it can negatively impact them in several ways. Potential buyers could avoid the home because it simply exceeds their budget, but in actuality, the fair market value of the home is within their price range. When buyers start ignoring the home because they see it’s not in their budget or realize it’s not worth the asking price, the property will continue to sit on the market. This can create buyer’s suspicion. What I mean by this, is buyers will become suspicious and assume something must be wrong with the property because of how long it has been on the market. This can cause the house to continue to sit on the market until the homeowners make adjustments to their asking price.

A great way to avoid this problem is by working with an agent who can determine fair market value by completing a market analysis.

2. Avoid Pressures

Just like most things in life, pressure makes things explode and this is very relatable to sellers! Sellers who are under high pressures such as moving because of a job or the need for money can cause them to accept less than what the property is worth. This is great for the buyer, but not so great for the seller.

Determine the reason for selling and plan for the future. If at all, possible, plan around the sale of the house so you don’t have to worry about being pressured by any external factors. Life happens and the best approach is to talk to a professional and get their advice on marketing the home.

3. Be a Strong Negotiator

Any agent and I mean any, can sell a house. It’s not hard to slap a buck fifty on the listing and sell it in an hour. What’s challenging is being able to understand home pricing, what drives the market, and the ability to conceptualize the other side's strategic moves. You have to find someone who won’t be rolled over in negotiations. As a real estate agent, the client’s best interests should ALWAYS be number one. Unknown to the clients, some agents may make agreements to coach their clients into accepting less just so they can get a commission quicker. This is UNACCEPTABLE and goes against an agent’s responsibility. The point being made is, you need to know who you have fighting in your corner. You need someone who is knowledgeable and can’t be easily manipulated. You need a strong negotiator.

Keep these tips in mind when working with an agent or when you decide to sell your home. Know what you have, don’t be pressured, and know-how to get what you want!