You've heard it on the news, you've heard people saying it, you've read it in the papers and on the net. It's a buyers market. But despite all of the hype, homes do still sell. There is simply just a large supply of listing inventory, and a small supply of buyers. That is why pricing is very crucial when putting your home on the market. To find out what you should list your house for and for the latest market trends in your area request a cma (comparative market analysis) from an area REALTOR.
In addition to pricing, having your home in "show condition" is a must. If your home does not show well, chances are a buyer will just move on to the next home. Buyers can be fussy in this market, due to the amount of listings available.
Here are a few tips to prepare your Home for Sale: 
- First impressions are key. When a potential buyer arrives at a home, the first few seconds can literally make or break a sale. A well manicured lawn & nice and clean landscaping / flower beds make your home inviting to a buyer. In addition the front porch should be clean & clutter free and the front door should be clean or freshly painted if needed.
- Windows should be clean & sparkling to maximize the light entering the home. Also keep curtains and blinds open whenever possible to achieve a bright open effect.
- De-clutter. A cluttered look makes every room seem smaller than it is, remove extra furniture and make each room look as clutter free as possible. Consider hiring or consulting with a professional home stager.
- A fresh coat of paint on the interior walls & ceilings always give the room a fresh clean look. Be sure to use a neutral color, to appeal to the most buyers.
- Fix the little things. Loose door knobs, sliding doors or screens that are off the track & missing hardware are all a part of everyday life, except when your selling your home. Left undone, these minor repairs may suggest neglect to a fussy buyer. For the quickest sale & best price it's best to fix these items.
These are just a few tips to help prepare your house before putting it on the market. Visit these links for more tips and information on St. Clair Shores real estate or Macomb County real estate.
Pictures courtesy of Real Estate Clip Art
Kris - Thank you, & thanks for stopping by!
Mike,
another tool that may help would be a Pre-Listing inspection. Leave it with the other info on the house for buyers to look at. The seller will have the chance to repair or replace any major problems uncovered, and a buyer will see that the sellar is being open about the condition of the house. Also gives a seller something with which to refute items in an inspection that are listed as defective if they weren't in the Pre-Listing Inspection.
I have to agree with some of the other posters. Clean windows are probably one of the most important things that you can do. I would probably only say that making sure there are not any pet odors is more important. I know that when I looked at homes in the past, that the smell from animal urine was a "no deal" maker.
Thanks for the information.
Mike - GREAT POST - We give out a 10 commandments of Home Staging handout to all our listings - alot of what you've posted is repeated.....you only have the chance for a first impression ONCE and alot of sellers don't get this until their home has been on the market awhile and the showing reports say the same thing!
Right Now due to the surplus to choose from, only the Tip Top Shape Listings price at or below market value are getting offers....the BUYERS MARKET SpEAKS LOUDLY......DO THE SELLERS HEAR ???
Mike,
Great tips for sellers today. In this Buyers Market, it is very important that sellers be as competitive as they possibly can.