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How to Price Your Home Before Listing it on the Market

Written by Jacob Ferrer | Jan 6, 2023 3:00:00 PM

When it comes to selling your home on the real estate market, pricing it correctly is crucial for a successful sale.

Setting the right price can help attract buyers and ensure that you get the best return on your investment. On the other hand, pricing your home too high can turn buyers away and lead to a longer sales process.

Your home's cost basis, which is the sum of the purchase price plus any alterations you have made over time, is one factor to take into account when figuring out how much to charge for it. This covers the purchase price of the house as well as any updates or renovations you've made. Although it is not the only consideration, this cost basis can be a helpful place to start when figuring out the value of your house.

In addition to the cost basis of your home, there are other additional costs to consider when pricing your home to sell. 

These include escrow fees, which are paid to a third party to oversee the transfer of ownership of the home. These fees can vary depending on the state you live in and the specifics of the sale. There are also additional closing costs to consider, such as taxes and mortgage fees. These costs can add up quickly and should be factored into your pricing strategy.

Your home's condition should also be taken into account. If your house is in good shape and doesn't require any major repairs, you can probably demand a higher price. On the other hand, you might need to reduce your asking price to reflect the costs involved if your home requires significant updates or repairs.

Another factor to consider when pricing your home is the pricing of similar homes in your area. You can research recent home sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of how much similar homes are selling for. This can help you determine the price range for your own home.

In connection with the pricing of similar homes, it is also important to consider the current market conditions when pricing your home. Supply and demand come into play - if the housing market is hot, with a low inventory of homes for sale, you may be able to ask for a higher price. On the other hand, if the market is slower, with a higher inventory of homes for sale, you may need to lower your asking price to compete.

Keep an eye on the local real estate listings and see what comparable homes in your area are selling for to get a sense of the current market conditions. To learn more about the market, you can also consult a real estate agent or conduct some online research. Real estate agents are trained experts who can assist you in setting the right price for your home. They have access to information and tools that can assist you in choosing the appropriate price for your house in light of the market's current conditions. They can also help you negotiate with buyers and ensure that you get the best price for your home. An agent can handle the details of the sale and help you navigate the complex process of selling a home.

With that being said, one of the main costs to consider when pricing your home is the commission you will pay to your real estate agent. This commission, which can range from 5% to 7% of the sale price of your house, is customarily calculated as a percentage. To achieve the most return on your investment, it's crucial to include this cost in your pricing plan.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when pricing your home to sell on the real estate market. By considering the cost basis of your home, escrow fees, additional closing costs, and the pricing of similar homes in your area, you can come up with a price that is competitive and attractive to buyers. Working with a real estate agent can also help you navigate the process and ensure a successful home sale.

We here at Transactly hope that this blog post will help you price your home to list on the market! For more tips, tricks, and relevant information like this, keep an eye out for our next blog post.

We’d also like to give credit where credit is due and list down the websites that provided the inspiration for this blog post - make sure to give their articles a read as well!

Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/how-to-price-home-to-sell/

The Balance: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/pricing-houses-to-sell-1798968

Family Handyman: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/15-things-to-know-about-how-to-price-a-house/

Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-to-price-your-house-for-sale/