There's no doubt that a buyer's market can be challenging for sellers. Yet it does not mean that sellers cannot enter the market - or that they cannot garner a fair price for their homes. Home sales in a buyer's market may take longer. But, a little creativity can go a long way toward helping sellers move homes, without having to significantly drop the price. 

Following are suggestions for sellers who want to speed the process:

Price Your Home According to the Current Market. Just because a house comparable to yours sold for a very high price last year does not mean you will be able to realize the same price when selling your home now. Work with a full-service real estate professional to determine the appropriate, competitive listing price for your home. Remember that in this market, your sales associate may encourage a list price in accordance with others currently on the market, rather than those previously sold.

Be Realistic About Appreciation. Since the housing market began to slow significantly in late 2007, home prices have fallen all over the country. Yet understanding trends in your specific market is critical - as not all areas have experienced the same drops. Some regions of the country have remained more steady relative to prices, and are even back to experiencing modest appreciations. And if you bought your home many years ago, the gains you made in the decades before the downturn may still be far more than recent drops. So speak with your real estate professional to get a realistic view on how your home has gained or lost, relative to its value and potential price.

Make Your Home More Marketable. When a buyer sees your house for the first time, a critical first impression is made. If applicable, maximize curb appeal by trimming trees and planting flowers. A fresh exterior coat of paint might also prove valuable. Consider neutral colors for interior walls and carpets. Dark colors on walls, along with unnecessary clutter, make rooms look smaller.

Conduct a Full Home Inspection. If repairs are required, it is a good idea to go ahead and fix the problems. Potential buyers will cast an extremely critical eye over your home and, in a situation when more houses are available on the market, they may take a pass on a home that needs too many repairs. Be sure to have the home inspection report available for prospective buyers itemizing all of the repairs that have been made and the associated cost for each.

Don't Worry. Properly priced homes that stand out from the competition are likely to sell.

Click Here to View Last Month's Tip - Buying a Home in a Buyer's Market


Real estate professionals in Incline Village/Crystal Bay for more than three decades, Schwartz-Stanton Group (SSG) understands the unique maze of the real estate industry and the Lake Tahoe real estate market in particular.  Home sellers turn to principal Dan Schwartz to be their Lake Tahoe real estate advocate for his guidance, expertise, marketing program, negotiating skills and more.  Home buyers turn to Dan not only for their guidance, expertise and skill but also because Dan's tangible experience is a proven track record.  Helping the Lake Tahoe home seller and/or buyer meet their real esate dreams and goals is all a part of the Schwartz-Stanton Group at Chase International.