Setting a realistic price for your house that reflects current market values will help sell your house quickly and for top dollar.  When you price your house properly, you increase the chances that the offer you receive will nearly match your asking price, and that there will be competing offers - which may net you even more in the long run. 

The knowledge and skills of an experienced REALTOR® will be invaluable when determining an appropriate asking price.  It is the job of your REALTOR® to know the current market and market trends inside and out, to be closely connected to the real estate market at large, and to be aware of other properties currently for sale in your particular area.  Based on this range of connections and knowledge, your REALTOR® should counsel you on how to price your home properly in order to attract the highest price possible, in the shortest period of time.

1. Seller’s Market: A Seller’s market is considered a “hot” market.  This type of market is created when demand is greater than supply -that is, when the number of Buyers exceeds the number of houses on the market.  As a result, these homes usually sell very quickly, and there are often multiple offers.  Many homes will sell above the asking price.

2. Buyer’s Market: A Buyer’s market is a slower market. This occurs when the number of houses exceeds the number of Buyers.  Properties are more likely to stay on the market for a longer period of time.  Fewer offers will come in, and with less frequency.  Prices may even decline during this period.  Buyers will have more selection and flexibility in terms of negotiating toward a lower price and even if the initial offered price is too low, Sellers will be more likely to come back with a counter-offer. 

3. Balanced Market: In a balanced market, supply equals demand, the number of homes on the market roughly equal to the number of Buyers.  When a market is balanced prices will be stable, and homes will sell within a reasonable period of time.  Buyers will have a decent number of homes to choose from, so Sellers may encounter some competition for offers on their home, or none at all. 

A REALTOR® is trained to provide clients with this information about the market, helping you make the most informed decision possible. They will guide you through the ups and downs of the market and keep you up-to-date with the types of changes you might expect. 

Evaluate your house in the other main areas that affect market value:

1. Location: The proximity of your house to amenities, such as schools, parks, public transportation, and stores will affect its status on the market.  Also, the quality of neighborhood planning, and future plans for development and zoning will influence a house's current market value, as well as the ways in which this value might change. 

2. Property: The age, size, layout, style, and quality of construction of your house will all affect the property’s market value, as well as the size, shape, seclusion and landscaping of the yard.

3. Condition of the House: This includes the general condition of your house’s main systems, such as the furnace, central air, electrical system, etc., as well as the appearance and condition of the fixtures, the floor plan of the house, and the first impression the overall house makes.

4. Comparable Properties: Ask your REALTOR® to prepare you a general market analysis of your neighborhood, so you can determine the range of value for your property.  A market analysis will provide you with a market overview and give you a glimpse at what other similar properties have been selling for in your specific area.

Market Conditions/ Economy: The market value of your house is additionally affected by the number of houses currently on the market, the number of people looking to buy property, current mortgage rates, and the condition of the national and local economy.