Selling Your Home in a Buyer's Market in the Phoenix MLS

Is it a buyer's market? We've all read it; more homesWhat looks great and what doesn't. Correct/change
on the market and homes remaining on the marketall that doesn't including the yard, walkway, front
longer. But prices are in conflict. I've read an equaldoor, front door hardware, roof, gutters, driveway,
number of reports that prices are down, vs. pricesgarage door. Whatever needs painting, have painted.
are holding and in some areas even rising.Whatever needs fixing, or cleaning, or landscaped,
So if you're interested in selling your home, even ifjust do it. 2) Walk the side and rear yards. Is there a
prices are holding, you might ask, "How will I get mybroken down tool shed? Remove it! Does the rear
house to sell knowing there is a lot of competition?"patio or porch need painting, paint it. Are the rear and
There is no stock answer, but you certainly canside yards mowed, watered, looking great? If not,
improve your odds. It's a fair adage to say that reallyyou know what to do.
nice looking and functioning homes, priced fairly, willNow lets walk through the home using the front
always sell. They will.door. Stop, and register what your first impression is.
Understand we are just talking about family homeIs your eye drawn to paint that is not neutral? Are
buyers, not investor buyers, not bottom dwellers,there any dings in the walls? The experts here in the
not the home buyer who is looking to pinch penniessouthwest, especially Phoenix and Ahwatukee, say
and is looking for a "fix-up". Okay, so we are going toeven though painting is expensive, it will pay you
market your home to the average, two adult and 2.3back in getting your home sold more quickly. Repair
child family.all minor flaws. Even if your eyes were not drawn to
First, especially with a lot of competition this makethem, buyer's eyes will be. That was they easy part.
believe family is going to be looking for a house thatNow take down all family photos, or family art work.
is "move-in" ready. The less they have to do, toBuyer's want to picture there own family here, not
picture themselves living and enjoying your house,yours.
the better chance you have that they will make youNow, de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter! Remove all
an offer. Understand that sentence.excess, non used items. Rent a storage space and
You want to get your home into condition that apack them up and put them away ready for your
buyer says to himself, "all I have to do is move inown move. Also, if you are going to list your home
the furniture". The Phoenix MLS is loaded with homeswith me in the Phoenix, MLS, pack or sell excess
these days so the more your home looks like itfurniture so your rooms will look open and
came out of Homes and Gardens magazine, thecomfortable.
more the buyer is going to like it.Last, clean the kitchen, refrigerator, and bathroom
So, whether you live in Phoenix, Ahwatukee,and make them like brand new as best you can.
Chandler, Gilbert or Tempe, or some other part ofIf you do these things, where ever your home is,
the country do the following. 1) Stand across thePhoenix, or Chandler or Ahwatukee, it will get more
street and look at your home with a buyer's eye.attention than the competition.