Fall Turns To Winter Which Turns To Spring

So we have reached that point in the real estate market where everything seems to be on hold. The old stale listings are still here, either over priced or in poor condition. Everyone has seen them and they are waiting for fresh new houses to hit the market. This year seems particularly stale because a good home, intelligently priced, has sold very quickly with a price at, near, or above asking price. Those who did not get the homes are waiting, waiting, waiting...

Many of the homeowners with homes yet to be sold contemplate taking their homes off the market. They reason- why go to the bother having a house on the market during the holidays? After all, no one is looking and I just want to enjoy the holidays.

My response to this is always, “You can be sure you won’t sell your home if it is off the market, but can you be sure it won’t sell if it still being actively marketed?” This is usually met with silence followed by a sheepish grin.

These homeowners should be asking themselves if it is time to lower the price. Maybe I should fix up that cruddy bathroom. The multiple layers of contrasting striped wallpaper really aren’t that pleasing to the eye. Maybe instead of using the holidays as an excuse, maybe you should reflect upon why your home has not sold.

If you are going to take your home off the market it should be for a real reason. Take time to get the home in proper market shape. Really look at the market and determine a market sensitive price so it will sell this time. Listen to your Realtor and the feedback you have from showings and develop a real plan to sell your home.

After you have done this and implemented the plan do not wait. Put your home back on the market. Why wait till April where everyone and their brother is your competition?  Put it out there in January when the pickings are slimmer and you will be the bright shinny penny. If a buyer is slogging through the cold and snow you can be sure they are serious buyers and ready to buy your bright, shinny, improved, and perfectly positioned house.

For more information and a market analysis visit NorthEastOhioAgent.com.

Eric Lowrey

I am a Realtor working with Prudential Lucien. My wife Cindy and I have lived in Lakewood since 2004. A former hige end Pastry Chef and College Teacher, I have lived many lives. Both Cindy and I are involved with Lakewood Alive, Live Well Lakewood and The Lakewood Historical Society. We live on Waterbury road with two cats and you can usually find us sitting on our front poarch come evening.

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Volume 8, Issue 24, Posted 1:17 PM, 11.28.2012