Selling a Home in the Tough Housing Market

The housing market these days is under pressure. Foreclosure rates are on the rise and those trying to sell a home are experiencing great competition. So what do these hard economic times hold for those trying to sell their homes?

What should you do if you're trying to sell?
There are many reasons why you may be trying to unload your home, even if it is a buyer's market. Maybe your job transferred you to a new location, you're recently divorced, or you're downsizing after sending the last child off to college.

While each area of the country is experiencing difference sales times and sales prices, are there ways you can increase your chances of selling? Try these three tactics and your chance for selling goes up.

1. Make sure the price is right. What happened two years ago has nothing to do with today. Do some research on your own to find out what houses similar to yours are selling for in the area. There are some websites online where you can find sales price information. You can also enlist the help of a professional real estate agent. If you price your home for the current market, it will sell. If you price it too high or too low, then you may experience a delay.

2. Make it presentable. The better your house looks, the faster it'll sell. Buyers can't envision themselves living in your home if it is dirty, cluttered, or in need of major repairs. It's not a matter of remodeling the whole house, but it is a matter of making it look its best.

3. Offer a bonus. Whether it's offering to pay the buyer's closing costs or upgrading the appliances, offer a bonus incentive to get the attention of potential buyers.

It's a buyer's market, but this doesn't mean you can't sell a home in today's market. If it's time for you to move on from your current home, try these three tactics to increase your odds for selling--making it easier and faster.