Is It Safe To Sell Your Bergen County Home Now?

This Tenafly Home listed for $1,195,000 Went Under Contract in 25 Days

For would-be sellers who have been stranded on the sidelines since home prices peaked in 2006 now is a good time to sell.

Putting your Bergen County home on the market sooner than later will pay off since buyers demand is high and inventories are still low.

Buyers search activity  usually peaks in March and April while seller listings peak in July. So it is only wise to list earlier while buyers are are out there.

Don’t expect to make a killing. Even with low inventories and high demand  prices remain about 20-25% below their 2006 highs, in the Tenafly, Alpine, Demarest and Cresskill area.

Here are several factors to consider when deciding to put your house for sale.

• The Agent Interview– Hire a realtor who handles many sales in your area
• Adjust Your expectations to today’s market – Set Aside what your home would have sold for in 2006 and focus on what comparable homes are selling for today
• Don’t Overreach – With today’s thin inventories it is tempting to get greedy & set the price too high. Properly priced homes will get multiple viewings immediately after listed and an offer soon after….if not than you are most likely overpriced
• Pay Special attention to Internet Marketing – With most buyers and agents doing their search on the Internet , first impression is key. Make sure your agent uses professional photography,  video and other internet techniques that will set your house apart from the rest
• The Appraisal – Many offers now days contingent the sale on the appraisal meeting the sale price.  With appraisers being very cautious many times the appraisal will not meet the selling price.

It is very important that your agent will do their best to ascertain that the right properties were used in the appraisal process. A savvy  agent will know how to deal with a buyer when a house’s valuation falls short of the agreed selling price.  You may have to re negotiate the price

In the case of  higher priced properties  two appraisals may be required.

Getting excellent advice in a changing market is key. Conflicting information can confuse and you need a solid professional to help and sort it all out.