Bucks County Real Estate Web Resource

Getting top Dollar for Your Home

Ready to sell and now the challenge is to get top dollar for your home in Bucks County. Here are some pointers that will help you achieve top dollar for your real estate, allowing you to take advantage of current market conditions.

The price of your Bucks County home depends upon many factors. This is where using a realtor does come as an advantage, because improperly pricing could cost you thousands. Statistics show that Bucks County home owners who sell on their own, known as FSBO’s (for sale by owner), often times lose more money, rather than saving, no to mention all the additional headaches they add to the process!

The price and sale of your Bucks County home depend on how strong the market conditions are for that area, your home’s desirability, your home’s condition and your willingness to wait for the ideal offer. With the recent strength in the Bucks County market, the buyer has found that they have the upper hand, with real estate values rocketing and the demand exceeding the supply.

Initially you want to go to an agent and receive a market analyses for your Bucks County home. These are formally called CMA or comparative market analysis. Here the Bucks County agent will compare a handful of properties in your area that were recently sold and are similar to your property, which will give you a ballpark range of the value of your home. As long as you chose an experienced agent in the Bucks County area and a good track record, your risk of under pricing or excessively overpricing will be reduced, saving you time and capital.

Make Your Home a 10 in Bucks County
When you are ready to start showing your home to potential Bucks County buyers, you want to make sure the house looks well kept and is top condition. Buyers overall do not want to purchase something that is going to be hard upkeep or require excessive fixer-upper projects when initially acquired. If they are looking for a fixer-upper, then they will also want a deal, so make sure the house looks well kept when presented.

When preparing your home, look closely. Paint walls that show major wear and tear. Make sure the bathrooms and kitchen are cleaned thoroughly. Always make sure the floors shine and what can be polished is polished. Clean window blinds and makes sure you can see outside, without cobwebs and dirty covering the windows. Use scented candles or potpourri around the home when potential buyers are anticipated. Try to remove any furniture that plays down the room’s beauty and open the blinds to brighten up the home. Spend the time ensure your home is presentable and hire professional cleaners if needed.

Set The Proper Price for Your Bucks County Home
Often times homes will be set around 5-10% above current market price. Listen to your agent and challenge them on why they are pricing your Bucks County home at the current value. Make sure it’s close to the square footage cost of other homes in your area that were sold. If the market is strong, be sure the price is set for the proper demand, which in a strong market will be slightly higher. If you are in a rush or depending on your home selling quickly, be sure to not overprice your home. When you receive offers under the asking price, scan through them and be sure to counteroffer before settling.

Pre-Sale Inspection
In some cases, it is recommend that a pre-sale inspection be made by a qualified home inspector. This way you know what is likely to be found by a home inspector, once you find a potential buyer. This is key, because large repairs that are needed before a home is sold will cause the price to change and as a last minute repair, it could cost an arm and leg.

During a Showing, Practice Magic and Disappear
When a potential buyer enters the home, let the agent do his or her work. When a client is looking over the home, they will be less critical if you are there, which means they will be less serious. Leave the home, go out for lunch or dinner and let the agent work one on one with the buyer. This way your presence does not become a roadblock and the agent can work for the commission. If you have a pet, like a dog or a cat that needs to be loved, then take them with you. Remember, not everyone loves animals or your pets like you do.