Linda Murphy helps sellers sell their homes and property in Santa Fe

“Choosing the right agent to market your property will likely be one of the most important decisions you make when the time comes to list your property for sale. Interview three agents who are known to work in your immediate area, a residential "specialist" per se. References from friends or relatives are fine, but nothing can replace or is as valuable as your own feelings about who you hire.”

Assisting Sellers

Selling your home? With the right real estate broker as your partner you can leave the stress and strain to her. If you're selling and showing your home, you'll need to keep it in "show condition", but here are some tips that will help alleviate inconvenience:

1. Make sure that all clients requesting to see your home have been pre-qualified in this price range. It's up to your agent to make sure all buyers coming through are qualified buyers—eliminating many who aren't serious about purchasing.

2. Make sure clients coming through have the capability to write an offer without the contingency of the sale of another property they own. If their home is already "under contract" I recommend allowing them through; but if their home is simply on the market, you could be wasting your time.

3. Ask your agent to arrange for certain hours convenient to you.

4. Pricing is the key. You may have your home on the market for many months if your property is even 10% overpriced. Listen to your agent: we're the experts. It's fine to start a little high but after 30 days with normal showings and no offer, a price reduction is in order. Interview at least three agents who are top sellers in your particular area and get a feel for pricing from all three. You'll see a pattern emerging regarding a fair price.

5. I believe that open houses are a waste of time. Generally speaking, homes do not sell from open houses and cause great inconvenience for sellers.

6. Make sure your home is posted on the web with many pictures. The web is quickly becoming a huge source of home sales.

7. When interviewing agents as possible listing agents, ask about the marketing materials they use, aside from what the underlying company offers. Most top agents use their own advertising and promotional materials.

8. Make sure your home shows to its best advantage. You may need to stage your home with furniture. It's best to show the home as simply as possible without any clutter. Many things should be packed up before you start showing your home. Make your home look and feel comfortable, warm and cozy, not cold and sterile. Remember, most home sales are emotional!