It's a Buyer's Market- Tips for Sellers

TIPS FOR FSBO SELLERS

When prices are going up, mortgage rates are rising, and rates of home appreciation are slowing, then there are definite signs of a buyers market.  So when there is a buyer’s market, what's a seller to do?

Change Your Expectations
The bubble hasn't burst, but the market has certainly slowed. Expect that you won't be able to sell your home right away. You also might not be able to make as much of a profit off the sale as you would have six months ago. So be prepared to drop your asking price more than you expected or price your home slightly below what comparable homes in your area have sold for recently.  There are many free FSBO websites where you can get a sense of the market.

Consider Paying the Buyer's Discount Points
Instead of lowering your asking price, you might also think about paying the buyer's discount points. If you're flexible enough to help the buyer with his interest rate and tax bill, that could go a long way to getting your home sold faster.

One discount point will lower the buyer's mortgage rate one-quarter percent. The buyer gets a lower monthly payment while being able to deduct the discount points from their income taxes; the selling agent and the buying agent get bigger commissions; you get your asking price and everybody wins.

Dis-ARM Yourself
If, after much consideration, you decide not to sell your home, consider  refinancing. If you have an ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE that's going to adjust soon, it will probably adjust to a rate that's higher than you could get on a fixed-rate mortgage. So why not "dis-ARM" yourself and refinance to a fixed rate? You'll be saving yourself from the headache of higher monthly mortgage payments. On the other hand, as a seller, it's possible you may not make as large a profit off the sale of your home as you would have a year ago. And your home might not sell as fast as you'd like. But you can get around dropping your asking price in favor of paying the buyer's discount points, a tactic that should make all parties happy.

Maximum Exposure

Maximize your exposure! Get in front of as many buyers as possible. There are lots of sites that allow you to post your home for sale -- for free.  In addition, you can pay to list your property on a host of other site. Some ofter great benefits, like contracts, yard signs and much more.