Today, information concerning the real estate industry is available quickly and easily.  The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Julie Noyas' knowledge of the overall market and what’s selling — or not selling — will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear, but won’t leave money on the table.

Here are some points to consider:

• Time - Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the outcome, perhaps time is the biggest determinant in whether or not you see a profit and how much you profit. Studies show that the longer a house stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for the original asking price. Therefore, if your goal is to make money, think about a price that will encourage buyer activity (read: fair market value).
  
• Value vs. Cost - Pricing your home to sell in a timely fashion requires some objectivity. It’s important that you not confuse value with cost — in other words, how much you value your home versus what buyers are willing to pay for it. Don’t place too much emphasis on home improvements when calculating your price, because buyers may not share your taste. For instance, not everyone wants hardwood floors or granite countertops.
  
• Keep it simple - Because time is of the essence, make it easy for the buyers. Remain flexible on when your agent can schedule showings. Also, avoid putting contingencies on the sale. Though a desirable move-in date makes for a smoother transition between homes, it could cause you to lose the sale altogether.

• Setting a Price – Ultimately, it is up to you to set the listing price. Take into account your agent’s advice, the current market situation, and recent sale prices before deciding upon your listing price. Also, know what your bottom price is. This will help you set a listing price that allows room for negotiation. But keep in mind that your bottom price should not be set in stone. During negotiation, you may find that what you might lose in dollars will be made up in other areas.
  
• Present your Best Home – There are many options available to you for improving your home’s appearance. When buyers view your home, they will take everything into consideration, the exterior, and the interior including all the little details. First of all, from the outside and the inside, your home should be spotless. Then, any repairs that can be fixed need to be fixed. Also, remove items from your home that leave your presence. Buyers want to feel that they can make a simple transition into a new place and that they could easily transform a new house into their home. Remember, not only will your home be competing with other homes in the market, but they will also be competing with new homes as well.
  
• Disclose Everything and Take Care of All Details – You can protect yourself from potential lawsuits or the event of buyers backing out of a contract by disclosing everything. Put in writing all the known defects of your property.
  
  
  
  

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