It has been a whirlwind start to the year. Don’t let anyone tell you it is quiet here in Boulder County. Well, it is quiet because we still have very little inventory to sell, but when something does come on the market it’s a race to “win” the home.
Just this past weekend I had some clients in a multiple offer situation (3 including their offer) within 24 hours of the home coming on the market. This was in South Boulder (unique property, priced right), but the story is the same across the county. When well priced homes in good condition hit the market, they go quickly.
Now, more than ever, it is so important to have a Realtor checking the MLS for you several times a day and networking with other Realtors. My conversations these days go something like this. Me: “This lack of inventory is frustrating. I have buyers ready to buy in _______” My colleague: “Really, I’ve been talking with some folks thinking about selling in that neighborhood. Have your clients check out the outside of the house and we can get you in before it hits the market.” Me: “That would be great!”
What can you , as a Buyer, do to better your chances in today’s market?
- Make sure you are preapproved to buy a home. This is a MUST! If you are in a multiple offer situation your offer will go to the bottom of the list if you have not been assured you can qualify to purchase the home.
- Be ready to buy. You may have to make a very quick decision once you see a house. Make sure you know what you want and need.
- Communicate with your Realtor. Make sure you are both on the same page in your home search. As a Buyer’s Agent I work hard on behalf of my clients. Working together with my clients makes us successful in the search for a home.
- Keep your offer as “clean” as possible. Think about contingencies, requests for seller financing, etc. Make your offer the one they want to accept.
What can you, as a Seller, do to better your chances of selling and receiving top dollar for your home?
- Get your home in “show” condition. Make sure the house is all ready before it goes on the market. Your fantastic photos/virtual tour will draw people in and the nice condition of your home will give the Buyers a happy feeling when they walk through the door.
- Price it Right. DO NOT overprice your listing. Price it to sell. You will appeal to a larger group of Buyers and you may even get more than you thought possible.
- Be flexible with showings. Make sure Buyers and their Realtors can get into your home. If a home is hard to access it falls off the radar.
Have questions? Let me know. I’m here to help.
* Image courtesy of renjith krishnan/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net