Get the Highest Possible Price for Your House

11/2/2006

(NewsUSA) - Now that you've determined how much your house is worth, how do you go about getting it sold at your asking price?

There are three simple things that you can do to get a higher sales price. Professional real estate investors have used the following strategies for years. Now you can, too.

1. Fix it up. Since potential buyers' first impressions of your home hinge on the state of the yard and the first few steps inside, that's the most important area on which to concentrate your efforts.

Hiring a professional lawn service to cut and fertilize your lawn is a sure-fire way to make your yard appealing. Also, if necessary, replace old storm doors, install new hardware and clean or paint the entryway of the first room a buyer will encounter upon entering your home.

2. Use a range as your listing price. If you're aiming to get $430,000 for your home, for example, say in the listing that "the seller will entertain offers from $395,000 to $499,000." This will give your house more exposure since anyone searching directories for homes at or below

$400,000 will see your listing. Also, you have the benefit of having a contrast between the lowest and highest asking prices. This means that a buyer who is offering $445,000 can feel like he or she is getting a great deal.

3. Create a powerful negotiating position. Make sure you have plenty of time to wait for the right offer. Start the sale of your home early and, if needed, look for places to rent in case your home sells fast.

Before talking about the selling price, have buyers tell you or your agent what they love about the house. This not only will give you an idea about how committed he or she is to buying your home, it'll also show that you care about his or her reaction to the property. By doing this, the buyer will be more willing to pay your asking price.

By using these ideas to get more money for your home, you'll have the means to buy a bigger and better one -- a nice treat for a job well done.