GIVE ‘EM WHAT THEY WANT!

You're preparing to sell your home, and you've taken all the right steps. You've contacted an agent to represent you and to market your home, taken care of needed repairs, cleaned up the yard, and given your home the "white glove" treatment. How else can you attract buyers and a full price offer?

What buyers want when they purchase a home is peace of mind. With a policy called a home warranty, you can practically guarantee it! A home warranty is particularly attractive to prospective buyers if your home is more than fifteen years old, or if your major appliances (including heat and air) have long passed their younger days.

These warranties cost just a few hundred dollars, and will cover the cost of repairs to or replacements for the appliances and systems in your home. Imagine the confidence this will inspire in buyers, who will understand immediately that they won't have any unplanned repair expenses after their purchase. A blown heat pump or leaking dishwasher are corrected with a phone call and very small service call fee.

Of course, a home warranty is a valuable policy regardless of whether you're selling or buying, and experience shows that many buyers choose to renew their coverage after the seller's contract expires. When it comes to home ownership, peace of mind is like money in the bank!

COMPETE AGAINST THE BIG GUYS!

Sellers face any number of challenges, but what if you're in the position of listing a modest home in what has become an "upper- end" community? You might not expect to fetch a selling price that compares to the McMansions that have popped up, but you might be surprised to learn that, if presented and marketed properly, you could get even more on a per square foot basis.

Most critical to selling success is pricing your home very carefully. Shooting for the moon at the outset can spell disaster later. The longer your home remains on the market, the more it will be perceived as "stale inventory" unworthy of consideration. Remember that you could be at a real advantage if you price your home fairly against pricey competition.

On the exterior, strongly consider employing a landscaper to bring your property up to par. First impressions still count! On the interior, pay attention to details. Finishes, paint colors, and wallpaper all contribute to the perceived style of your home. Hardwood flooring is a great barometer of your good taste, and is a highly desired feature among upper-end buyers.

A more modest home in an upscale area will naturally draw attention because of its perceived value as compared to the competition. With proper pricing, a positive attitude, and professional representation, you've got little to worry about!