What Is the Ideal Initial House Asking Price?

by Jan Kennemer 01/28/2018

As you get ready to add your house to the real estate market, you likely will consider high and low initial asking prices. However, it is important to remember that no two residences are exactly alike. And much in the same vein, the initial asking price for your home may vary from that of a similar residence based on your house's condition, age and other factors.

Ultimately, a diligent home seller will allocate the necessary time and resources to determine a competitive initial asking price for his or her residence. This seller will be able to establish an initial home asking price that hits the mark with buyers, and as a result, stir up plenty of interest in his or her house.

Determining the ideal initial home asking price may seem tough at first. Fortunately, we're here to help you set a competitive price for your residence, regardless of the current housing market's conditions.

Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you establish the ideal initial asking price for your residence.

1. Assess Your Home

The present condition of your house may have a major impact on its value. Thus, you should perform a home inspection before you list your house to identify any underlying problems and address such issues.

A home inspection is generally requested by a buyer after a seller accepts an offer on a residence. Conversely, a seller who wants to go above and beyond the call of duty may perform an inspection to take a proactive approach to home improvement projects. This approach may help a seller mitigate potential home problems before they are discovered later in the home selling process.

Thanks to a home inspection, a seller can establish home improvement priorities. Then, this seller can perform myriad home improvements and move closer to maximizing the value of his or her residence.

2. Evaluate the Housing Market

Operating in a seller's market is far different from selling a house in a buyer's market. If you review the real estate market, you can gain the insights you need to establish a competitive price for your home.

Take a look at the prices of houses in your area that are similar to your own residence. This information will enable you to understand the price range for comparable houses in your city or town.

Also, evaluate the prices of recently sold residences in your area. This housing sector data will allow you to determine whether you are operating in a buyer's or seller's market.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent knows the ins and outs of selling a home in any housing market. He or she can offer a wide assortment of housing market data. Perhaps most important, a real estate agent will make it simple for you to establish a competitive price for your residence and reap the benefits of a fast, profitable home selling experience.

Want to add your house to the real estate market? Use the aforementioned tips, and you should have no trouble setting a competitive initial asking price for your house.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.