1. Overpriced

This is the #1 reason homes don’t sell. Somewhere between FREE and the asking price, we know that someone, somewhere will likely want to buy it. Even distressed properties sell for the right price. Unrealistic seller’s often have the attitude of: “They can always make an offer.” But buyers won’t make an offer if they never see the property. Pricing is extremely crucial. Click here for more reasons.

2. Ineffective Marketing

You might be surprised how many buyers say NO to houses simply because of poor photos used in ads and flyers. It happens all the time.

Marketing campaigns using only a sign in the yard can hamper results, too. The assumption is that the buyer will drive by the property, see the sign and stop. It can happen, but what about the 85 percent of all buyers who look on the internet who rarely drive in that neighborhood?

3.Doesn’t “Show” Well

Dirt, clutter, darkness, pets, nasty odors, distracting colors, and shoddy curb appeal can all contribute to a slower than anticipated sale. These are distractions to buyers. Make them appreciate the space the house provides, not all the “stuff” inside. Sellers may consider renting a storage unit. Studies show that proper staging can be a significant factor in selling for higher profits in a shorter period of time.

4. Location

Your home may be worth a fortune if its location was Aspen, New England or San Francisco. The same house could get thousands more if it were located one street over in a higher-ranked school district, too. The best way to compensate for a poor location is to accentuate the positives. Consider a privacy fence, trees or tall shrubs to curb traffic noise or screen off offensive adjoining properties. A price reduction may be in order, too.

5. Market Conditions

External forces can affect the supply and demand of homes: the economy, schools and unemployment rates. In a hot, seller’s market, chances are better that you may get your asking price and maybe even more. In a buyers market, sales can be sluggish and inventory grows. Sellers are competing with other properties on the market and buyers are looking for a steal. In this case, be prepared to settle for less than top dollar, or wait to sell when the pendulum swings in your favor.

I can help! 

I can tell you exactly what any home sold for in your area. I will furnish you with a list of homes that have recently sold on your street or in your neighborhood. I can also tell you about homes similar to yours that are currently for sale. 

This service is entirely free, without obligation. As an accessible, competent, top producing Realtor, this is part of the service that I provide home sellers on a daily basis. Just fill out the form, and I will get back to you right away. As always, your privacy is SAFE. I promise.

Email Jody Zink.

When it comes time to sell, some improvements have higher rates of return than others. For example, one of the most popular home improvement projects is finishing a basement. Survey’s show, however, that having one usually pays back less than 20 percent of the total cost. Here are some estimates on how improvements can increase your home’s value.

*Source: MSN House and Home

Value can vary.

Payback value greatly depends on the real estate market. Expect less payback in a slower market. Neighborhoods can vary, too. To get the most payback benefit, don’t overdo it. A modest neighborhood home overdone with lavish, upscale improvements may not yield as well as an area with above-average home values.

Realistic sellers win. When I represent buyers, the most frequently asked question is this, “How long has it been on the market?” The longer a house sits with a sign out front, the more a buyer perceives there’s either something wrong with it or they could buy it below market value. Seeing that a home has sat for months with regular price changes could indicate the property may be a little stale. That may not be the best way to market your property.

Price it right the first time. From the time the sign goes in the yard, studies show most marketing activity happening within the first three weeks. Wasting your best marketing time on an overpriced house won’t likely get you the result you want. Your home’s first exposure to the market can be the most crucial.

The higher the price, the higher the expectation. If buyers do see your home, it’s likely they can afford it. But if your property is priced too high, you’re only making the competition look like a better value. Some homes are professionally landscaped and decorated. Others have been maintained flawlessly. Help yours measure up.

But wait! We’ve done so much work! Improvements can help sellers justify a home’s price, but when it comes to resale value some pay back more than others. Surveys show that adding a bathroom or remodeling a kitchen typically pays back at least 90 percent of the costs. A new furnace often recoups 100 percent of the cost; new central air can bring around a 75 percent payback. A pool or finished basement usually pays back less than half. Consider why you’re improving.

Deciding to Not Make Simple Repairs. Seemingly small fix up jobs can have a larger impact that you may think. Items that seem minor to you could have an influence on the overall impression of your home to prospects. Buyers tend to believe some repairs will be more expensive to make than they really are. At the very least, they could lengthen the time your home sits on the market.

First impressions matter most. The prospective home buyer’s first impression is the most important. An unbelievable amount of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, worn or dated carpets, tired paint--all items that by themselves seem minor, but together leave a bad impression. Imagine you were the home buyer. Clean and freshen your place from top to bottom.

Cumbersome Showing Instructions. Accessibility is a major key to profitability. Appointment-only and 'accompanied' showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least. The more accessible the home, the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your price. You never know if that 'one showing' that couldn’t wait for you to get home from work, was the one that got away.

• Visit seller’s property, learn expectations, take notes, take photos, ask questions, and provide disclosure forms. Selling your property is a team effort. It’s helpful for me to know how much or how little personal involvement you want to have during the process.
  
  
• Prepare a “Comparative Market Analysis” to help price the property properly. This can also reveal possible market resistance that may be encountered during the marketing process. The CMA will compare the seller’s property to:

SOLDS - Similar properties recently sold in the neighborhood

ACTIVES - Properties currently on the market (your competition!).

EXPIREDS - Properties that didn’t sell during their active listing contract.

• Provide a wealth of insight in helping prepare the home and its contents for the marketing process. This includes suggestions for repairs, cosmetic improvements, and staging to show the home in its best possible light to minimize days on the market.
  
  
• Enter the property specifications into the Toledo Board of Realtors and Monroe County Multiple Listing Service Databases. This data is accessed regularly by more than 2-thousand REALTORS in this area—all of them potentially working to help sell your property.
  
  
• Install yard and corner signs at the end of the street where appropriate. My signs feature my name, web address, and cell number to field calls for you 24-7.
  
  
• Post yard brochure box with property descriptions and replenish as necessary.
  
  
• Pay for all your advertising expenses including, but not limited to The Toledo Blade Newspaper and the bi-weekly Harmon Homes Magazine and their websites. Signs, flyers, mailings, virtual tours and photos for the internet are all at my expense. Through broker reciprocity, your home will be listed on Realtor.com giving you national exposure. (By the way, more than 85 percent of buyers find their home using the internet.) I’ll make certain all those buyers can easily find yours!

• Highlight your home to our company’s sales staff at weekly sales meetings. Our team discusses local real estate trends at a different listing each week. Our gathering could be held at your property, potentially giving you even more professional advice and more exposure for your home. The REALTOR network is one of the greatest values to you.
  
  
• Create a detailed, professional brochure highlighting your homes special features with interior and exterior photographs.
  
  
• Schedule appointments for showings and provide you with feedback and communication you deserve and expect in a timely manner.
  
  
• Screen potential buyers for lender pre-approval and motivation.
  
  
• Depending on the specific property involved, I will undergo targeted marketing efforts. For example, I can focus toward a logical trade-up neighborhood and/or certain professionals such as university faculty to whom your property may appeal.
  
  
• Present all offers on your property. I will translate the legal jargon explaining the price and terms of each offer and how it affects you and the bottom line.
  
  
• Stay on top of contract deadlines.
  
  
• Coordinate closing with the title company. Services include providing a guaranteed certificate of title on behalf of the seller, title insurance for the lender and owner, preparation of all necessary closing documents for lender, buyer, and seller, prorating various items, paying off required balances and recording necessary documents.
  
  
• Remove signage, follow up as necessary.
  
  
• Receive lifetime membership of Jody's "circle of premium clients."

The GOAL: To get the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of risk.

If you intend to offer your home For Sale by Owner (FSBO), pounding a sign in the front yard is a great start. But that’s the beginning. Selling a home takes time and involves many issues that may not be obvious. A seller has many legal obligations to the buyer. Failure to fulfill them can result in big headaches. Errors can be costly. For example, depending on when your home was built, lead based paint disclosures are required by federal law. Completed property disclosure forms should be up to date and sanctioned in your state. This is important.

Even if a simple sign in your yard did produce a buyer knocking on your door, how will you handle the following:

“Will you work with my Realtor?”

"How does your home compare to others like it around here?" 

"How did you determine the fair market value of this property?"

“The house down the street is nicer than yours and is more affordable.”

“Can I come inside your home and look around?”

"What about financing? Can you help?"

“Can I come back this weekend and bring members of my family?”

"If I make an offer, who will draw up the paperwork?"

“What about title work and title insurance?"

"Why aren't you using a Realtor?

Is there something wrong with the property?" 

“How long has it been on the market?”

"Since you aren't using a Realtor, can we just take their fee right off the top?”                       

How will you handle objections? Are you talking with qualified buyers? Are you legally required to replace the 30 year old water heater? What about escrow? The title company? What if the buyer’s lenders decide last minute they don’t like the property? What about latent defects? Who’s required to tell the buyer of known upcoming tax assessments? What if your buyer doesn’t obtain insurance in a timely manner?

The number one reason people decide to sell by themselves is to save money. I can overcome your commission objection by netting you higher proceeds—faster with fewer problems, keeping your personal time involved to a minimum. Realtors don’t get paid unless your home is sold. Your REALTOR pays all your advertising costs---that’s signs, flyers, mailings, newspapers and magazines. That includes virtual tours and photos for the MLS and the internet. (By the way, research shows more than 85 percent of buyers find their home using the internet.) I’ll make certain all those buyers can find yours.

It’s true most FSBOs wind up listing their home with a REALTOR after a few months. Almost all homes are sold using a REALTOR. A good one can preserve as much net equity as a FSBO would net. Now who knew a REALTOR could be worth their weight in gold?

Managing your risk using a REALTOR is just plain smart.

If you must sell your own home, at the very least, let me give you a sense of its true market value. Tell me about your home and I’ll do a quick Comparative Market Analysis and let you know what I feel it’s worth. As a top agent, I’ll also describe how I would market your property. This is free with NO STRINGS. Honest.