Hi folks! Yes, the price of your Lakeland home is still the #1 reason
why your home is still on the market.
Reason #1 – Too many sellers are under water while trying to sell their Lakeland, Fl home at a much higher price or as (For Sale by Owner) FSBO, often ignoring the fact they can no longer afford their mortgage payment, due to job loss, medical issues, divorce or other hardship. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Recommendation #1 – Do a short sale! Hire a Realtor® who is proficient and knowledgeable about what it takes to complete a short sale from start to finish – who is on your side every step of the way.
Reason #2 - You hired an agent, who promised or agreed to list your house at a higher price. I have walked away from a listing appointment before, only to see the property go on the market at a higher price and after month of being on the market, the property’s listing contract either was withdrawn or expired.
Recommendation #2 – List your home with an agent that can provide you with an extensive Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), does the research, provides you with a comprehensive marketing outline, communicates well with you and you feel comfortable hiring.
Reason #3 – I don’t have to sell now, I can set the price for my Lakeland, Fl home at a higher price first and then lower the price.
Recommendation #3 – Price it right to begin with. The most important marketing time of your Lakeland, FL home starts in the first month. Chances are you will end up with a lower offer or not sell at all. I recently experienced that a seller received an offer for his Lakeland home, seller countered and buyer walked. Home is now listed at a lower price than the original offer.
Reason #4 – Pricing your Lakeland home based on “improvements” you’ve completed – new carpet, re-roofing, appliances, landscaping, painting, re-screening are not improvements – a buyer may look at these as maintenance repairs for you to sell your home faster.
Recommendation #4 – Price your home based on an extensive CMA and recommendation by a local Realtor®.
Reason #5 - I have paid X amount of $ for my Lakeland, FL home and I’m not giving it away.
Recommendation #5 – If you bought your house before 2004 or earlier and have not refinanced or taken out a new mortgage based on values of 2005, 2006, and 2007 you will most likely be okay to sustain the Lakeland real estate market. However, if you bought a Lakeland, FL home the last 2-3 years ago, you probably have to bring money to the closing table or not sell right now.
Authored by Petra Norris
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
(863) 619-6918
