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Maine / New Hampshire

Sanford/Springvale – a convenient and affordable area to work and raise a family. The surrounding lakes region of Southern Maine and Southeastern New Hampshire – beautiful country settings for your vacation home or peaceful daily living

Information for Sellers

Finding the Right Agent

Not all agents were created equal. The most important attribute of an agent is that he or she is well connected to the real estate industry. Your agent should know the market and have the ability to provide information on past sales, pending sales and current listings. The company's marketing plan should be aggressive and an agent should be able to give you solid references.

We at Real Estate 2000 ME/NH take pride in our experienced agents who are up to date with the ever-changing real estate market. Our office is staffed with full time agents that love working in the real estate industry. One of the most important relationships you, the seller can form is with your agent. After all, you are expecting your agent to take charge of one of your largest assets, your real estate.

Know Why You are Selling

If you have made the decision to sell, discuss your reasons with your agent. It will then be easier for your agent to develop a marketing plan suitable to meet your needs.

If you are a seller who needs to close a sale as quickly as possible, then you should know that getting the highest price possible is not your top priority. It does not mean that you won't or cannot get the highest price, but it means that the price is not the deciding factor. A buyer who can give you a quick closing time will probably appeal much more to you than a buyer who can offer you more money but has financing constraints that will require you, as the seller, to wait months on end for a closing.

It's always good to have an idea of your bottom line, in terms of sales price. However, it is important to understand that your broker has an obligation to present any and all offers to you, regardless of how ridiculous or offensive they might be. But rather than shoot the messenger, look at any offer as an opportunity to open negotiations with a buyer. If you wish to counter a buyer's offer, you may do so. If your price is firm, let your agent know. And if the offer is such a stretch from your asking price, just ask your agent to convey your desire to refrain from responding unless the buyer wishes to make a more reasonable and realistic offer

Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time

The most important factor in the marketing of your home is pricing. Your agent should complete a market analysis of your property. This analysis should include sales of comparable properties over the last 6-12 months, pending sales and current listings (your competition). Your price should be based on this research and reflect the current market trends. Your agent should also be able to provide a breakdown of your estimated closing costs, based upon your anticipated sales price, in order to avoid any last minute surprises.

Setting The Price

The price is typically the first thing buyers will ask about your property. The key element in marketing your home is to get as many potential buyers as possible in to view your property. If you set your price too high, the chance of alienating buyers is much greater.

Review the market analysis your agent has completed carefully and obtain second or third opinions if you feel the need to reinforce your final decision. Your agent is not doing you any favors by marketing your property at an inflated price that does nothing to spark a buyer's interest. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.

Staging Your Home to Sell

First impressions can make the difference between a drive-by and a showing. Little things that are easy to overlook after living in your home for years will jump right out at a buyer. Here are some low cost tips when getting ready to sell.

  1. Touch up or repaint any peeling, chipping or flaking paint, inside & out.
  2. Keep your yard freshly mowed and clear of debris and children's toys. Clean out flowerbeds and keep shrubs neatly trimmed.
  3. De-clutter. Whatever the time of year, when it's time to sell, it's time to spring clean! Box up and store any unessential household items, including knick-knacks. Take down all those refrigerator magnets and drawings. Tidy the basement and garage. An uncluttered home will always appear more spacious.
  4. Elbow grease! Dust, vacuum, clean floors, shampoo carpets, wash the windows, clean bathrooms and make the beds. A clean home is always easier to sell. It tells a buyer you care about and maintain your home.
  5. Let the sun shine in! Open the curtains and blinds; turn on the lights in dark rooms.
  6. Pop a batch of brownies in the oven or put dinner in the crock-pot prior to a showing. There's nothing like the smell of comfort food to give a buyer that warm and fuzzy feeling!
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