Home prices up for 1st time in 3 years

Index of 20 major cities rises on a monthly basis for the first time since July 2006, hinting that the worst of the declines may be over. http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/27/real_estate/May_Case_Shiller/index.htm?postversion=2009072814

Do I Have To Spend A Lot Of Money To Sell My House?

Although the seller should improve the home’s appearance and thus the appeal it holds for a prospective buyer as much as possible, there are inexpensive ways to achieve this.

Often exterior paint may be holding up well but needs to be pressure-washed. Trim may need to be repainted which can be done by the seller or the yard made more attractive by planting a few plants or strategically placing a few ready-made planters by the front entrance. The listing agent should be able to guide the seller in this effort.

In addition, the seller could visit new neighborhoods in the area and enter the model homes to identify latest trends in colors, landscaping, etc. Taking pictures will help refresh your memory and could assist with refreshing your home’s feel without spending a lot of money. In addition, you will be learning about your competition concerning look, feel and price. Since your home was built a few years earlier, you might be able to offer a similar value for a lower price, since construction costs typically increase with time. In addition, by talking to the agent on site, you might be able to learn what financial incentives the builder is offering the buyer.

Your agent should be able to put you in touch with a staging specialist or an interior decorator or designer to help you make color choices and rearranging the furniture to make the home look larger or cozier. There may be a consulting fee or perhaps no fee at all in order to win your business and future referrals.

Do I Have To Spend A Lot Of Money To Sell My House?

Although the seller should improve the home’s appearance and thus the appeal it holds for a prospective buyer as much as possible, there are inexpensive ways to achieve this.

Often exterior paint may be holding up well but needs to be pressure-washed. Trim may need to be repainted which can be done by the seller or the yard made more attractive by planting a few plants or strategically placing a few ready-made planters by the front entrance. The listing agent should be able to guide the seller in this effort.

In addition, the seller could visit new neighborhoods in the area and enter the model homes to identify latest trends in colors, landscaping, etc. Taking pictures will help refresh your memory and could assist with refreshing your home’s feel without spending a lot of money. In addition, you will be learning about your competition concerning look, feel and price. Since your home was built a few years earlier, you might be able to offer a similar value for a lower price, since construction costs typically increase with time. In addition, by talking to the agent on site, you might be able to learn what financial incentives the builder is offering the buyer.

Your agent should be able to put you in touch with a staging specialist or an interior decorator or designer to help you make color choices and rearranging the furniture to make the home look larger or cozier. There may be a consulting fee or perhaps no fee at all in order to win your business and future referrals.