If you are thinking of selling your home, the current Connecticut market puts you in an advantageous position. With a record shortage of houses for sale, high buyer demand, and competitive mortgage rates the market is curated for sellers.
How can sellers capitalize in today’s real estate market? Below is how I list my client’s homes with confidence and help them achieve the high return on investment (ROI) they desire.
So, You Are Ready to Sell!
A seller’s first step is finding a local market expert to list their home. Having the right real estate agent can make the difference between selling quickly for top dollar or being stagnant on the market. As a local resource, I know this market and am prepared to guide sellers through the home selling process. Here are a few words from one of my clients, Susan Fox, who best describes my approach “Look no further than Laurie Kane. She entered my home with a sharp eye and clear vision of where she thought my property should be priced. Laurie represents knowledge of both the market as well as the community and knew how to display my home predominantly. Laurie was very precise and clear. Her communication skills are second to none. She exceeded my expectations and the gratitude I have for her is so profound.”
During my initial meeting I evaluate the home’s overall condition, learn my client’s goals, and understand their timeline. From the moment a client engages my listing services, their goals become my priority. I am pleased to offer my clients advice, guidance, and the needed resources to prepare and to create the best first impression.
When is the Best Time to Sell?
Historically, the best time to sell a home is during the Spring Market, however, I am able to advise my clients regarding the nuances of the 2023 housing market and to help them determine the best time to Go Live!
Money might not be the prime motivator in selling. Life circumstances often dictate the need to sell. Knowing my client’s motivation allows me to guide them accordingly.
How to Price and Market Competitively
Strategic pricing is the key to successfully selling a home. To determine the price that will maximize marketing exposure and ROI, I analyze all available data by comparing similar recently sold properties, current inventory, days on market, and the prevailing market conditions. From the information gathered two comparable market analyses (CMA) will be created.
The first CMA will provide clients with my professional and honest evaluation of their home in its current condition. The second CMA offers ways to fix and improve a seller’s home and shows a price increase reflecting those recommendations designed to maximize the property’s value.
The next crucial step is to implement a strategic marketing plan. Having access to vital social media platforms, a strong network of agents, and the power of Berkshire Hathaway’s marketing channels enables me to market my listings to stand out from the competition. Extra resources I make available to my clients include FREE home staging services and a professional photographer with AR + interactive 3D capabilities to showcase their property at its best.
How to Prepare Your Home for the Market
Once a seller has depersonalized their home, stored seasonal and unnecessary items, and fixed the small things that could be red flags in the eyes of a buyer, the home’s value improves. What is going to give a seller the greatest return on their time and financial investment? According to an article I read in the New York Times, Kathleen Kuhn, President and CEO of HouseMaster said sellers “should sweat the small stuff.”
Evaluating Offers, Negotiations, and Managing Contingencies
During the offer review process, there are many factors to be considered. While many sellers may be tempted to only consider the highest offer, there are a variety of ways a contract is favorable. The buyer’s overall ability and buying power to deliver a successful closing is often more critical in a real estate transaction. Furthermore, being able to navigate inspections, monitor all sale contingencies dates, and provide step-by-step guidance and updates throughout the entire home selling process, is a valuable service I offer to all my sellers.
Selling a home can be an emotional experience. I am confident that with my robust negotiating skills and unique strategies, along with Berkshire Hathaway’s Home Services’ diverse marketing channels, I strongly market my clients home to successfully execute a sale in a timely manner while maximizing their ROI.
My client’s satisfaction is my success!
When you are ready to sell, I’m ready to help. Let’s talk.
Laurie Kane
