Sell low, buy low the motto

Some in this real estate market need to sell and some must sell. Here are some hints for those sellers who must sell:

• If you are relocating to a new area, search the area to see if the market where you are headed is as soft as the market in Brevard County. Most likely, the prices in the area you are going to also are low -- or maybe even lower. The term "sell low, buy low" should be your motto. This could be your chance to purchase your dream home for a much lower interest rate. Sounds like a win-win situation.
• If you are staying in Brevard County, you also win with the "sell low, buy low" motto.
  Visit or call three lenders and check interest rates. Ask for a "pre-qualified" letter so, when you do sell, you have a good idea of what you can purchase.
• Now for the tough part: placing your home on the market. Staging your home to sell is paramount in today's market. From curb appeal to every detail inside and outside of your property, your mission is to make it look perfect.
  

Step back from your house and look at the sidewalk, the yard, the flower beds, fencing and front entry porch. All should look clean, crisp and manicured. The front door should be freshly painted and sparkling clean. If you could imagine that the most important person in the world is coming to visit you at your home, how perfect would you want it to be? This is the standard that your house should reflect. This sterling presentation can lead to a quicker sale.

Inside your home, remove all clutter. The clutter could be a favorite collection or display, but it complicates the view the buyer sees of your home. Simplicity is key, and minimal furniture for maximum space presentation is your goal for home staging. Light, bright, open and airy are selling points of a Florida home. Any time that you can bring the outdoors in by opening windows and showing beautiful views, do it.

• Pricing is more important than the way your home shows. Believe and understand that the buyer does not know, nor does he care, about the amount you need to sell for. The buyer most likely has experienced the same shock at pricing that you have experienced. The buyer is here to buy low because he sold low.

Why are we still thinking that we can sell for prices from 2005? We cannot. Get smart quick. Understand your market and believe that it has changed. Just hold on to the fact that you can gain by also buying in this market. The market is extremely active in a variety of price ranges. More activity is seen in the under $300,000 range. Great values can be purchased in the luxury housing market. The condominium market continues to render great buys with some moderate change in pricing. More activity in the next few months is predicted to continue as families begin to relocate over the summer months.