How to get top dollar for your home in any market

July 3, 5:06 PMSan Jose Real Estate ExaminerKaren Biglarderi, Broker

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 The best chance for selling your property is within the first few weeks. Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net. Below are 5 main factors to accomplishing this goal.

• Pricing Factor
  It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the time you list it. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell. Your first offer is usually your best offer. Here are reasons for pricing your property at the market value right from the start in order to net the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time. An overpriced home:
  * Minimizes offers* Reduces showings* Lowers agent response* Limits financing* Limits qualified buyers* Nets less for the seller
  
   
• 80% of the marketing is done when we decide on the list price for your home. If you are unwilling to list at current market value, you would be better off not putting it on the market at this time.
  
   
• * Clean Factor
  Most people are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanness or odor when buying a home. Sellers lose thousands of dollars because they do not adequately clean. If your house is squeaky clean, you will be able to sell your home faster and net thousands of dollars more. If you are planning on moving, why not get rid of that old junk now so that your house will appear larger? Make more space. Odors must be eliminated especially if you have dogs, cats, or young children in diapers or if you’re a smoker. You may not notice the smell, but the buyers do! Most agents have a difficult time communicating to their sellers about odor. If you employ an agent to get the most amount of money for you, please don't take offense if he must confront you about odor problems.
  
   
• * Access Factor
  Top selling agents will not show your home if it is not easily accessible. They do not have time to run around town all day picking up and dropping off keys. They want to sell homes! The greatest way to show a house is to have a key! When your home is being shown, please do the following:
  * Keep all lights on* Keep all drapes and shutters open* Keep all doors unlocked* Leave soft music playing* Take a short walk with your children and pets* Let the buyer be at ease and let the agents do their job.

• * Paint & Carpet Factor
  Paint is your best improvement investment for getting a greater return on your money. Paint makes the whole house smell clean and neat. If your house has chipped paint, exposed wood, or the paint looks faded, it is time to paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you may need to seriously consider replacing it. Many houses do not sell because of this problem. Don't think that buyers have more money than you have to replace carpet. They don't. They simply buy elsewhere.
  
   
• * Front Yard Fact
  Your front yard immediately reflects the inside condition of your house to the buyer. People enjoy their yards. Make certain that the trees are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept. Clean away debris. Remove parked cars. This all adds to curb appeal. If a buyer doesn't like the outside, they may not stop to see the inside.