Pricing to Sell

How is the price set?
When determining a price it is important to remove any emotional attachment to the home and price your home according to current market conditions. Because the real estate market is continually changing, and market fluctuations have an effect on property values, it's imperative to select your list price based on the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood. We will provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) which provides the background data upon which to base your list-price decision. Feel free to interview agents when preparing to sell and study each agent's comparable sales report. If all agents agree on a price range for your home, go with the consensus. Watch out for an agent whose opinion of value is considerably higher than the others as this may be an inflated figure simply used to gain your listing.

A comparative market analysis and an appraisal are the standard methods for determining a home's value. We will provide you with a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on comparable sales in the neighborhood. We will also discuss listing prices of current homes on the market as well as those that have sold. You also can research this yourself by checking on recent sales in public records. Be sure that you are researching properties that are similar in size, construction and location. This information is not only available at your local recorder's or assessor's office but also through private companies and on the Internet. An appraisal, which generally costs $200 to $300 to perform, is a certified appraiser's opinion of the value of a home at any given time. Appraisers review numerous factors including recent comparable sales, location, square footage and construction quality.

How do you prepare a house to sell?
Doing whatever you can to put your house's best face forward is very important if you want to get close to your asking price or sell as quickly as possible. You want to minimize personal photos and displays so that potential buyers can make an emotional connection with the house and easily picture themselves in the home, an important step in a buyer making an offer.  Here are several ideas for making your home show better:
* Sweep the sidewalk, mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and clean debris and pet waste from the yard.
* Clean the windows (both inside and out) and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking.  If your home was built before 1978, federal law gives a buyer the right to request a lead inspection. If you think you might have some problems, do the inspection yourself beforehand and make any fixes you can.
* Be sure that the doorbell works.
* Organize closets.
* Make sure the house smells good: from an apple pie, cookies baking or spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. Remember, if they can smell it, you won't sell it.  Hide the kitty litter. 
* Put vases of fresh flowers throughout the house.

What are the two most important factors when selling a home?
Price and condition are the two most important factors in selling a home, even in a down market. The first step is to price your home correctly. Use comparative sales information from your agent, or pay for a professional appraiser (usually $200 to $300), to objectively evaluate your home's worth. Second, go through the house and repair any obvious cosmetic defects that could deter a buyer. In a down market, you may have to consider lowering your price and/or making a major repair, such as replacing the roof, in order to lure a buyer. We will make sure that your home is getting the exposure it deserves through advertising, good signage a listing on the local multiple listing service and online listings providers, open houses, and broker open houses.

What is the best time to buy?


What is the difference between market value and appraised value?

How does someone sell a slow mover?

Where do I get information on housing market stats?
A real estate agent is the best source for finding out the status of the local housing market.   Using third party websites often provides incorrect or outdated figures.  Because Estes Park is smaller, and a resort community, our market statistics often do not match the national trends, or even the Colorado Front Range/Denver Metro markets.  We have access to the current market trends and statistics and will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Thinking About Selling Your Home?



Seller Resources - Articles to help you navigate the selling process.
Christian Collinet
Christian Collinet
Broker Owner

request more information