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F E A T U R E D   C U R R E N T   L I S T I N G S

 

 

 

So many questions! Who should I list with? When is the right time? What is my house worth? When, how and where will it be advertised? Will I have a sign out front? What about open houses? What do I need to do to get my house ready? All these questions and more need to be answered before listing your home for sale.
 
Let me take them in order. First, choosing the right listing broker is very important and as in any relationship there needs to be a level of trust. If you do not know a broker ask around for references. You want to find who is familiar with the area, type of property you are trying to sell and whose company has the proper resourses to properly represent your home. You want to make sure there is an open line of communication and that you can expect to hear something from the broker at least once a week, even if it's only to tell you there has been no activity. You should also expect to hear feedback after each showing. You should expect candor and honesty. This is an important first step and time ensuring proper communication can save a lot of heartache down the road.
 
Timing is always a tricky question as there is never a bad time to sell. As in most businesses there is always a cycle of highs and lows. Spring and fall in Maine have always been strong markets. Winter is usually quieter. That being said, you may want to list your home when there is less competition. There are always buyers who need to buy and sellers who need to sell. This is an area of discussion you need to have with your broker in orderr to find a time that works best for you.
 
Pricing is one of the areas where you need a broker who understands your local market conditions and trends. They will need to look not only for comparable sales (especially in this market) but also at the competition. As a broker, I prefer not asking my client what they think their property is worth. This way I am not influenced by their expectations and I am able to give them my candid and unbiased opinion of value. As a client, this is what you want. You may not agree with the recommendation but at least you have an honest opinion.
 
Advertising is an important element in a successful sale. When things go wrong it is usually over false expectations. You should know when you sign the listing agreement where you would expect to see your property advertised in the newspaper or periodicals. Ask your broker to provide you with an advertising schedule that matches the listing period. This advertising schedule should be part of the conversation you have prior to listing and should not only include print media but also web based advertising. You may want to look into specific advertising venues for unique properties such as a horse farm or waterfront property.
 
Now that you have your home listed, you may ask yourself should I have a sign out front? There is not a right or wrong answer. It very much depends on location and personal choice. Potential buyers do take notice when passing by.
 
Open houses are also a personal choice. They tend to be more of a benefit to the broker who is looking for potential clients. Brokers' open houses on the other hand are extremely beneficial to the seller as brokers tend to sell what they know and have seen.