Country Club in Clive is the setting for this very nice four bedroom two story home. Features of this popular center hall plan include a first floor office/den, formal living room and dining room, beautiful kitchen completely remodeled in 2008 with granite, counters, tile floor, new cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. There are two family rooms, one on the main floor and another in the finished lower level. Wonderful location, family-friendly neighborhood and priced to sell!

Recently I had buyers close on a new home in Copper Creek, which is in Pleasant Hill.  Their home had been the model home, so it was previously furnished.  The couch hadn’t been moved for months, the chairs, tables, etc seemed to have their legs embedded in the carpets.

Upon arrival to the walk through, our builder representative told my clients to use an ice cube to bring the carpet back up.  We laughed a bit…not sure what he was thinking…

There were ice cubes in the freezer, so we decided to leave cubes on the carpet, go to closing, and then see how things were when they returned.

WHO KNEW??

It really worked! Give it a try…I love learning little tips like this!!

Do you know of any other tips just as clever?

Have more questions about Des Moines? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.

photo credit: stevendepolo

Let me just back up and say, “I get it.” I know you paid X dollars for your home. I know you put in that dream kitchen and your location is better than your neighbor. I know that you don’t have to move. I know that the assessor’s site says your home is worth $X. I know that Zillow has you priced here. I get that.

But let me tell you. It doesn’t matter. The market matters.

Do you get value for your improvements? Absolutely. Do you get value for your location? Absolutely. But let’s remember that when we’re talking about real estate…appreciation is NOT automatic. While real estate is a great investment, your return will depend on the current market.

The MARKET sets your price. Not me. Not you.

How do I price my home?

Your real estate professional needs to complete a market analysis for your home. Using recent sales ( I try my best to use 90 days back. Up to 6 months back if I have to). After analyzing, put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. Look at active homes and see where your home fits. Ask around to family and friends for their opinion.

Your home MUST appraise. Unless your buyer is walking in with cash, their lender will require an appraisal. In my opinion, you need to have 3 homes in your area that are currently PENDING or SOLD to compare to. Again…within the last 90 days. These homes must be similar to your home in size, style, and finish. If you don’t have that…you’re too high. (Appraisers/Lenders…weigh in here).

WHY is price is so important?

Missed opportunities, that’s why. If your home is overpriced, it will likely not reach your buyer. Suppose 80% of buyers are starting their home search online. If your home is overpriced, they are missing your home.

Don’t CHASE the market down?

Have you ever seen “that home” in your neighborhood? It’s been on the market forever. It’s cute. Great location…but what’s wrong? Likely nothing…but they may have priced their home too high to start. If you don’t make the adjustment soon enough, you will become “that home”. You don’t want that.

On Twitter, @clairecelsi asked me:

“Don’t you think people price their homes to try to cover their investment or perceived investment?”

My answer is yes. Not always the case, but a good example. People have the most amazing reasons for pricing their homes. I should follow this post with a post on Cost VS. Value of remodeling projects in the Midwest. Without getting too in depth, I’ll say that your return is not dollar for dollar.

BUT…”they” say this…

Other reasons people overprice?

Attachment to their home
Current competing homes in the area for sale that are overpriced
Misinformation from real estate websites
Home is assessed too high (you can fight this!!)
Overpaid for their home
Need a certain amount for downpayment
I just want to see if I can get this price…

The list goes on and on….what I want you to take away is that you’re missing opportunities. Price is probably THE most important part of your marketing, and if that’s off, you can expect to sit for awhile.

Bottom line…do your homework. I promise it will pay off in the long run!

Have more questions about Des Moines? There are definitely more answers.

Feel free to connect with me via Facebook, Twitter, Text, Email, or by cell. I’m happy to help.