Successful home sellers in this economy are preparing their homes for the time period when they get the best offers. Ronnie Matthews, owner and broker at RE/MAX Legends of Houston, told Homework Houston radio listeners that time period is typically when the home is first listed. “Generally speaking, the very best offers we get are in the first 30 days on the market.” Which offer is the best one to consider? “When you get that first offer, 90% of the time, that’s going to be your best offer,” said Matthews.

Ronnie Matthews is one of the most respected Realtors in Houston. The Ronnie and Cathy Matthews Team at RE/MAX Legends was recently named the top RE/MAX team in Texas for the 12th time.

According to Ronnie Matthews, pricing is important when your strategy involves concentrating on that first 30 day period. “So many people start off too high. Or, they will get a quick offer and think their home is worth more and they will let that first buyer go,” said Matthews. And, that can be a mistake. Sellers may not see a better offer than the first one. “It’s a very very rare occasion over the 20 years I’ve been selling houses that the second or third offers were as good as the first.”

A good Realtor will provide a Comprehensive Market Analysis to help determine the best listing price for a home. “I think the number one thing a good qualified Realtor does for you as a seller is evaluate the property and give you good honest advice up front,” said Ronnie Matthews. That advice will be backed up by comparable sales in your area. Matthews urges looking at homes that have actually sold rather than the listing price of homes currently on the market.

When asked how the real value of a home was determined, Matthews said, “What ultimately decides the value of a house is a willing and knowledgeable buyer that makes an offer on your property. And then a willing and knowledgeable seller that agrees to take that offer.” Matthews said the check and balance in the system is an appraisal ordered by the lender.

It may not pay to pass up that first offer even if you have time to wait. In this economy, the best strategy may be to focus on the first 30 days of the listing. Prepare the home for sale just as a business may prepare for a “grand opening.” Ronnie Matthews says clean homes sell faster. “Make it look as good as possible,” said Matthews. “Clean it up and declutter it. Those are the cheapest simplest easy things to do.” Once the house is clean and clutter free, then consider other improvements like paint and carpet.

Call Ronnie Matthews at RE/MAX Legends at 281-440-7900.

Web link:
www.ronnieandcathy.com