Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Attracting First-Time Buyers

The current market is ideal for buyers looking to purchase their first home. And, as we near the November 30 expiration date for the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit, it is expected that many more buyers will be making purchase offers.
Sellers can benefit from this anticipated demand. A recent MarketWatch article offers these tips to attract first-time buyers:
  • First and foremost, the house should be priced appropriately. A real estate agent will be able to look at comparable homes on the market, as well as ones that have recently sold, and help you come up with a realistic price that will get buyers' attention.
  • Make sure your home is well maintained and seems lived in. This will help buyers imagine themselves living in your home. In addition, adding a fresh coat of paint and decluttering gives the impression that the new owners will not have to spend a lot of money on repairs and other improvements.
  • Entertain all offers, even if they seem low. Any offer is a good offer and opens the door to negotiations. By keeping an open mind, you and the buyer might be able to arrive at a mutually agreeable purchase price.
Smitha Ramchandani is a licensed real estate professional at Weichert Realtors' Morristown West, New Jersey office. She is a Certified Buyer Specialist and a Home Marketing Expert.. You can reach Smitha at: 973-953-7777 Mobile or 973-455-1900 Extension 122 (Office) or online at: http://www.Morris-Homes.com or http://www.TheTownhouseExpert.com.