Uncategorized February 9, 2016

Selling Your Lynden Home in 2016

With the 2016 real estate forecasting higher interest rates and prices by the end of the year, it is also predicted that this will be a seller’s market with a lot of competition among buyers, and therefore bidding wars. While one would think with this forecast that you can simply throw a sign up in the yard of your Lynden home for sale and call it a day, that is not the case. If you are a seller, here are a few tips to keep in mind this selling season.

First, let’s chat about the most important aspects of listing your home: Listen to your qualified Lynden Realtor. After all, if you chose wisely, your Realtor will have been in the industry a while and therefore know the market and comparables. They are the professional, so if they make some suggestions that could move the property quickly, listen to them. 

Now that we have cleared that up, you should probably leave. By that, we mean don’t stick around if there is a showing unless you absolutely have to. Potential buyers want to roam a Lynden house for sale freely with their agent without feeling the watchful eyes of the homeowner. Also, take the pets with you or contain them in the garage or outside. Be sure to specify their location in the showing instructions. How can someone not adore your fluffy companion? Believe it or not, not everyone is an animal person. Some even have a severe phobia so try not to rule out a potential buyer by letting the family pet roam free during showings.

How many times have we heard that fresh baked goods can help you sell? Yes, the smell of freshly baked oliebollen brings back a sense of nostalgia when walking through a front door, but you can save yourself the time and still make a good impression without. Simply having some water bottles, fruit or easy to grab individually wrapped crackers available can go a long way. 

Next to these refreshments, put together a binder of important paperwork like warranties, inspection reports, appraisals, monthly bills, HOA dues if applicable, etc. This is all stuff that will have to come out during the selling process anyway. It may seem like a hassle to gather it altogether, but once it is done, you won't have to do it again. 

Most importantly, don’t be money hungry. We know that the goal in selling is getting the most money in the shortest amount of time, but if you can’t negotiate and work with potential buyers, you could be shooting yourself in the foot. After all, if your home sits on the market too long, it appears “stale” and people start thinking there is something wrong with it and won’t even give it a chance.

As always, be sure to chat with your Lynden Realtor about any questions or concerns you have with your Lynden, Washington home for sale. If you have any questions or concerns, call me. I can guide you through the process and offer resources to help the transaction go as smooth as possible.