In a booming market where homes are flying off the shelf and selling well over asking price it’s easy to succeed. This is often called a seller’s glory market, and frankly, it’s hard to mess up.
But in a buyer’s market, where inventory is high and competition is stiff, sellers need a different strategy. Preparation becomes everything.
One of the most effective ways to stand out is to remove as much uncertainty and negotiation as possible before listing. A skilled broker will often recommend that sellers complete the following inspections upfront:
• Home inspection
• Pest inspection
• Roof inspection
• Septic inspection (if applicable)
• Well or water source inspection (if applicable)
Having these reports ready gives sellers clarity and control. Once the results are in, sellers can choose to:
1. Make all repairs
2. Make some repairs
3. Make no repairs at all
While completing all repairs typically results in a higher sale price, even selling as-is can be highly effective when buyers have full disclosure. Buyers can review the inspection reports and submit offers based on the home’s true condition, greatly reducing back-and-forth negotiations and deal fallout.
In short, pre-listing preparation turns surprises into strategy, and that’s exactly what a strong real estate broker brings to the table. A Strategy of Clarity.
Larry Salmon