On these cold winter days, we are already getting calls from people who are getting ready to list their homes, and brave the real estate market of 2007 in the Toledo Area.

As many of you already know, it is a tough market out there.  Definitely a buyers market.  That means more houses for sale than there are buyers.  This means that the homes that look the best in their price range have a better chance of selling.

Location, location, location.  Well, you really don't have a lot of control of the location of your home. Can't pick it up and move it some where else. :-)  However, the location can make a difference in how you price your home.

Condition: This is very important.  There are always so many questions in this area.  a)Do we replace the carpet? or let the next person replace it? b) Do we paint?  c) Are the windows steamed up (broken seals)?  d) should we replace the roof? e) cleaning up clutter?? etc. etc.

Every home is different when it come to condition.  If the roof is at the end of it's life expectancy, yes replace it.  If the carpet is pretty bad and a different color in every room, in this type of market I recommend replacing it.  Not the cheapest carpet but definitely not the most expensive. Put in a very neutral color, tan, light brown....  These items may seem like a lot of money, but will help you sell your home for the highest value and in the shortest time.  That can mean a difference of selling in 2 months compared to 12 months... then equate that times monthly tax, and mortgage money spent.

Marketing:  80% of buyers today shop for their home on the INTERNET!  This fact has changed the way we sell homes.  The way your home is presented on the INTERNET is The First Impression that is so important.  Great virtual tours, numerous photos, up on all the sites, Realtor.com,ReMax.com, Google, Yahoo, and lots of traffic on there own website is extremely important.  It can mean the difference you having your home sold at a garage sale or in a busy mall.

Price:  Last but not least!  Pricing your home right means everything. True, you don't want to give away your home.  However, really analyzing the market and pricing your home close to what it may sell for is paramount.  In a market like this people do not make offers on overpriced listings.

Using the help of a good experienced Realtor can make selling your home a good experience instead of a Nightmare.

I would love to get your thoughts on this.  Feel free to leave your comments below.

Nancy Lohman & Team    Nancy@nancylohman.com  email  www.nancylohman.com  web site

419-360-4735 , call anytime would love to talk with you.

Bob Lohman, Brett Lohman