Consider comparables. What have other homes
in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours
in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?
Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your
area? Are you competing against new homes?
Consider your contingencies. Do you have special concerns that would
affect the price you’ll receive? For example, do you want
to be able to move in four months?
Get an appraisal. For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser
can give you an estimate of your home’s value. Be sure to
ask for a market-value appraisal. To locate appraisers in your area,
contact The Appraisal Institute or ask your REALTOR® for some
recommendations.
Ask a lender. Since most buyers will need a mortgage, it’s
important that a home’s sale price be in line with a lender’s
estimate of its value.
Be accurate. Studies show that homes priced more than 3 percent
over the correct price take longer to sell.
Know what you’ll take. It’s critical to know what price
you’ll accept before beginning a negotiation with a buyer.