A Real Estate Refresher for Sellers
After several years of pandemic turning things upside down, fall is predicted to bring a return to a regular, balanced market. Because inventory remains limited, things remain somewhat competitive, and sellers are still in a good place. Still, if you want to get the best offer for your home, it pays to review the basics and reset your expectations as you prepare to list.
Here are some key points to keep in mind as the market settles into a more typical pattern:
Seasonality is Back
Over the past few years, the market has been hot at all times of the year. Recently, home sales have bounced back into a typical seasonality. My fellow Rutledge agents and I had a busy spring, a steady but slower pace this summer, and are anticipating the market picks up as we head into fall.
It Pays to Prepare Your Home Before Listing
A year ago, you may not have needed to worry too much about fixing wood rot, painting, or hiding all of your knick-knacks before listing. Now, proper preparation and staging are more important than ever. Work with your agent to determine the checklist of things to address to make the best first impression on buyers.
Pricing Strategy is Key
Pricing strategy is everything right now. Input from an experienced agent who knows the area well is crucial to pricing your home correctly. A strategic listing price helps your home sell quickly. Properties that linger on the market are much more likely to invite negotiation from buyers. It’s also worth noting that the pandemic move of holding offers right out of the gate is far less common. Instead, offer management is more likely to be based on the response your property receives from buyers.
More Time for Marketing
Because the pace of the sales process has returned to normal, there is more time to employ marketing strategies like video tours, interactive floorplans, and broker open houses. These tactics can have a significant impact on your sale. Zillow recently reported that listings with Interactive Floor Plans receive an average of 60% more views and 79% more saves than those without. And brokers can help introduce the right buyers to your property, making the sales process successful for all parties involved.
A Return to Caution
Banks are more careful with appraisals, and buyers are less willing to pay the difference in cash if a home doesn't appraise. Beyond that, complete home inspections are back—thank goodness. A once-over of the house's major systems and structural aspects provides peace of mind for all parties!
Things are looking more hopeful for buyers as the market evens out, although rising interest rates are keeping inventory low. So, with the right strategy and expectations, sellers have an excellent chance of finding the perfect buyer this fall.
Are you curious about listing your home? Contact me today for a free Comparative Market Analysis and to get your questions answered.
August’s Top Three: Enjoy the Last Weeks of Summer in Metrowest
Whether or not you are actively exploring Metrowest towns as you prepare to purchase your home, there are plenty of fun activities to check out this summer. Here are three local family-friendly outings to consider adding to your August calendar.
- Multicultural Day in Natick
On August 26, Natick Center Cultural District will host a Multicultural Day on Natick Common, highlighting music, dance, and food from different cultures in the community.
- Ashland Free Summer Concert Series
Ashland is hosting a series of free summer concerts featuring local bands. Each performance is held at The Gazebo at 77 Summer Street.
- Thursday Summer Sunsets
Powisset Farm in Dover will welcome families to the farm on Thursdays in August for music, farm-fresh food, lawn games, visits with barnyard animals, and spectacular views.
Be sure to visit the event websites for more details and any updates before heading out for some summertime fun!
Want to make a name for yourself in real estate? Boutique means better.
As a boutique agency, Rutledge Properties offers all agents thoughtful mentorship, high-touch marketing support, access to exclusive listings, and plenty of opportunities to shine.
We want every one of our agents to make a name for themselves and to feel confident that we’re on their team, not interested in playing games.
If you’re ready to experience the genuinely supportive culture we’ve created and thrive as a part of the Rutledge team, we’d love to speak with you.
Contact Rutledge to arrange a visit.
We don't just help you buy or sell a house; we welcome you home!
Rutledge Properties is an independent, women-owned local real estate brokerage. We’ve been helping clients in the Metrowest area buy and sell their homes since 1978.
Because we are not part of a big, impersonal chain, we get to do things our way—and our way is all about you. Our clients are our neighbors, and we are committed to putting their needs first every time. We leverage our insider knowledge about the community, industry-leading technology, dynamic strategies, and our worldwide network to provide a level of service that keeps Rutledge clients keep coming back to us, move after move.
