5 Questions to ask yourself prior to listing your Sarasota home for sale

1)    Am I motivated?

If you are not a motivated seller your house probably won’t sell. There is no question that the market is improving and buyers are active but traditional sellers must compete with the bank owned properties and short sales on the market. To compete with these properties you have to beat them in value. Buyers are cautious and will only buy value. Value and price are everything.

2)    Will I price it in line with recently sold similar properties?

The value of your home is based on the recent sale prices of similar homes in your area. If someone wants to buy your home there is a good chance they will get an appraisal on it. Your asking price should be in the same ballpark as the recently sold similar homes. If the 3 most recent sales were $400,000, $405,000 and $415,000 you are probably wasting your time if you list your home for $549,000. It is important to remain objective when selling your house.

3)    Have you forgotten what your house used to be worth?

It does not matter what your home was worth in 2005. The real estate market changes daily. If you are thinking about selling today you must price it in today’s market, not the 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008 market. It is best to find comparable homes that have sold within the last 3 months. That is not always easy. For example, it might be difficult to find homes sold within the last 3 months that compare to a bay front home on Lido Key.

I am beating a dead horse on the issue of price but it really is that important to selling a home in Sarasota. You can have the best Realtor in the world with a full page ad in the Sarasota Herald Tribune everyday but if you are overpriced your home won’t sell.

4)    Am I willing to fix up my house prior to listing it?

It is wise to make necessary repairs to your home prior to selling it. It makes it more saleable and you probably will get a higher sales price. Buyers don’t really want to purchase a project. If they do they want a great price. You can get a higher price if you make necessary repairs and fix any deferred maintenance.

5)    Should I list with Marc Rasmussen?

Yes. ;)

All kidding aside, I would be happy to help you sell your home. I will give a straight answer as to the value of your property. I won't try to "buy" your listing and then try to wear you down on your asking price. If I can help you give me a call at 941.812.6272.