If you're contemplating selling your house, I don't need to tell you this is not the same sizzling real estate market we had in 2006. The cyclical nature of the real estate market did not end when it reached the pinnacle--it peaked, and moved to the downside of the cycle. Are properties still selling? Yes. Can you place a sign in the front yard and expect multiple offers? No. Those days are but a fond memory.
There is no magical secret formula to selling a property in a slower market. It requires:
1) Nailing the listing price from day one.
2) Preparing the property prior to listing it.
3) Presenting the property to prospective buyers dressed for success.
Think of your home as a work of art about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. If it is priced outrageously high no bidders will come. It will languish on the market wearing its unreasonable price tag and rack up triple digit days on market. This is not what you want.
If your home shows signs of neglect, damage or disrepair it will attract the bargain hunters and draw those dreaded insulting offers you would rather not deal with. However, the law requires your agent to present all offers no matter how low the price. To avoid such unpleasantness do the de-cluttering, painting and fix-ups before the sign goes up on your front lawn.
Prospective buyers want to see your home; it is up to you and your agent to make sure they can. If they can't see it, they won't buy it. Be flexible and cooperative in showing the product you are selling. You have a new title--Seller. Wear it with pride and remove your emotions from the process. You must be prepared to invite strangers into your home. It is no longer your private sanctuary, it is as the sign says, For Sale.
Welcome the buyers with curb appeal, win the buyers with a house posed to capture their hearts. Set the dining room table with those special occasion dishes, plump the pillows and throw open the drapes. 
Make sure the pool is sparkling clean and the patio inviting. You goal is to make the buyers want to stay--forever. Buyers often know the minute they step inside whether a house is "The One" for them or not. Engage their senses and you may soon be opening escrow.
Need some fresh ideas on selling your property? I would love to share my suggestions on how to make your property irresistible.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800
South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.
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Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333
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South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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Norma, I like the way you think:
You have a new title--Seller. Wear it with pride and remove your emotions from the process. You must be prepared to invite strangers into your home. It is no longer your private sanctuary, it is as the sign says, For Sale.
The photos on your profile page are just wonderful!
Margaret - Thank you, and a reluctant seller can really slow the process down. I love it when they are anxious to showcase their product, not hold on to their home.