Hi Mary-Usually when a house hits the market- it is the hottest it will ever be. Everyone sees the new listing-so they hurry to go see it. That's why you had activity-then unless the price is adjusted- the novelty wears off and it just sits there. Houses are selling if priced right. Hope you were able to get close to your asking price. Terry K 718-614-3167 cell

Are you working with a Realtor, if not now is a good time. Don't compare your listing price to your neighbors, rather have your Realtor tell you what nearby properties have closed for or check for yourself on MLSLI.com under closed properties, then pull up your immediate area. Once you have done that take a look at your listing price again and review all your marketing strategies. If you need assistance feel free to call or e-mail.

Anna
917-576-5376
abrocco@laffey.com

Photos help, advertising aggressively is key, but lowering that price is the only way to get a house sold quickly in today's market

You may be in a hurry to relocate, but 45 days on the market is not a long time. You say your house has been listed for 45 days, but is it with a broker or are you trying to sell on your own? In this market, it's PRICE, PRICE, PRICE!

Rockinblu,

Thank you for that. I have so appreciated you acknowledging my work on that blog. It's not done with the intent to get new business as it's primary job. It's primary intent is to serve sellers within and outside my marketplace. Thanks so much for noticing!

Hope it's helpful to you Mary.

Mary,

The two major factors in selling a home in the current real estate market are PRICE and VISIBILITY. Since the buyers today are attracted to the foreclosure and short sale hype most buyers are focused on "finding a deal that is a steal," sellers need to do everything possible to remain competitive with this portion of the market. The fact is, that today's short sale and foreclosure sale prices are going to create the new market level for pricing.

So, if your home has been on the market for a month and a half and there has been little to no activity, you may want to consider lowering the price.

The VISIBILITY factor is important as well, because the more people that know your property is for sale and can see its value, the better the chances of selling it. It's also important to have a huge internet presents since 90 % of all buyers today begin their home search on the computer. Being associated with a recognized real estate company and a high profile agent is also important.

Best wishes,
The "Eckler Team"

"I agree that photos are certainly not above price. My list of to do's to attract buyer showings is certainly not in order of importance. Price is always first and foremost."
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Linsey,

Glad you cleared that up, and I love your blog. Mary should be sure to read every bit of it. As you already know, I put your link in my blog for good reference info to sellers.

Rockinblu,

I agree that photos are certainly not above price. My list of to do's to attract buyer showings is certainly not in order of importance. Price is always first and foremost.

I have no problem with a lot of photos but I see so many agents put in photos that don't tell a story, intrigue a potential buyer, or draw emotion. The post on my blog attached is an example of that. Photos in and of themselves, are not valuable unless they inspire the imagination of a buyer that is looking for their next 'home'.

Linsey,

Great point about the photos. I am not so sure I would place their importance above price though. However, our buyers commented on how much our photos attracted them to call for an appointment. While many advise not to display very many pictures so as to pique buyers' interest by not showing too much, we totally ignored that advice. Our house was 3100sf, 11 rooms, with a very large landscaped back yard that backed up to a beautiful woods. I put between 25 & 30 photos on Zillow, and tweaked them extremely often.

No question that checking sold sales is the most meaningful indication of prices.

I appreciate the open house advice but I'm not sure that is a solution. Rarely do homes sell via an open house. If you do one, it must be well exceptionally well marketed and advertised online (where buyers are looking). Otherwise, you are just hoping to get 'lucky' when someone drives by.

Curb appeal plays a role - but only to those that show up.

The first concern is getting people to come see the home. You need an 'at bat' so to speak, to even have a chance of hitting the ball. What attracts people to want to see your home?

Superb Photos
Exceptional description
Online Exposure
Price

With regard to price, it's critical to understand the market you are in. In my market place, the homes that sell aren't just priced at market value. With the state of the economy and the overall housing market, buyers only are willing to take the leap on homes that are a 'good deal'. When they stand around the water cooler at work justifying buying in this market, they want to be able to say, 'I got a great deal'.

If you have to move, and you don't want to lease the property, price it to get showings. Then, of course, make each showing count by keeping your home in spectacular showing condition.

Hope this helps. All the best to you and good luck.

Mary,

Scott and Franklin seem to be on the same page. They are essentially saying that what properties around you are listed for mean nothing. What they are are actually being sold for means almost everything, unless you have a property that is truly unique. Not one that you just think is.

Mary,

My strongest suggestion is to look at those homes that have just been sold in your area. Those that are in contract are the most recently sold. There would appear to be common factors that lead you and your realtor to better evaluate your strategy, both in price and characteristics.

Dennis,

Had I just followed your advice instead of seeking input from Realtors on line, I probably would have never found out that my agent was full of it, and stayed with him. Without going into a lot of detail, that would have ended up costing me almost 30K. Don't sell Realtors who are kind enough to give advice on these boards short. Sure, many of them are just looking for business, but even those can give helpful advice.

What kind of feedback did your Realtor get from the few who did look? Are your neighbors that are priced higher getting showings also? They may also be overpriced. Buyers out there are looking for value. You may be considered a value compared to your neighbors, but what about a few blocks over or the next town?

How is your curb appeal? Is your home inviting or are your kids toys all over the yard? Make sure your steps are in good repair and railings painted. Put your trash bins out of sight.

Ask your Realtor what price would you need to list it for to sell it within one week. Be prepared, you may not like what you hear.

Your house has to stand out. How about open houses? I try to have my houses open every weekend, with balloons and great smells. If your agent can't do it borrow their signs

Mary,

The link below, while it is directed to FSBO's, may have some marketing ideas that you could do on your own to augment your agent's efforts. However, you must confer with your agent, and advise him/her of anything you do along those lines. Good luck.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/rockinblu/2008/08/thinking_about_…

You first need to get a new brokers price oppinion that will show you what similar properties are selling for in your area. What your neighbors are listed for may not be realistic as they may all be way high. you need to see what has sold. Once you know if your house is priced correctly make sure your house is being advertised each and every week, ask where and when. In addition you should make sure your agent is offering a 50/50 cobroke to buyers agents to spur them to bring buyers to your house. I wish you luck with yoru sale.