Friday, October 31, 2008

Quartz Countertops and Jacuzzi Tubs – a way to escape the housing meltdown? Top 5 ways to help your house sell – in a down market



The last three months have been brutal to home values across the Southland. Whether it is Corona or Irvine, all cities have come under increasing pressure, with foreclosures rising and disposable income reducing due to the high energy and food prices.

Yet, in all these dark clouds, there are some silver linings. Finally the gas price spiral seems to be in control, and houses inventory seems to be decelerate. Obviously, there is still a lot of pain before it gets better.

If you are a homeowner looking to sell your house, granted this is not the best of times. But it is also not a time to brood in self pity. Houses are still selling, especially ones with good upkeep. So here are top 5 pointers to help make your home competitive.

  1. Research your neighborhood – which kind of houses sold, at what price, how long it took the houses to sell, was there price reductions etc.
  2. Price competitively. Forget history, the only price that matters is today’s market rate.
  3. Do an analysis of upgrades – how much each costs, whether they help immediately – like quartz countertops to a new garage door.
  4. Pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchens – as they are the lifeblood of homes and attract immediate attention. A kitchen with polished cabinets, quartz countertops and steel microwave and dishwasher attracts positive energy.
  5. Highlight your positives – its important to market effectively. Whether it is zillow.com or realtor.com, please update pictures of that new quartz countertops or the manicured lawn – believe me, it helps.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.