Selling your home in a down market

While the housing slowdown and credit crunch is hurting some areas of the country, the Pacific Northwest hasn’t been hit as hard.

According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which coordinates home buyers and sellers, homes in Western Washington are continuing to sell.

In the last 90 days for the period ending October 20, 2008, Northwest Multiple Listing Service shows more than 8000 homes sold during that period, in nine Western Washington counties, with the average time on the market of 125 days.

Jerry Wilkins, the area supervisor for Northwest MLS, says there are many ways to improve the “saleability” of your home.  Wilkins says that first of all, your home has to be priced right.  “Homes that are priced well, sell quickly,” he said.  He says that a seller should understand the marketplace and know what homes are selling for.  He also urged a seller to seek advice from a real estate agent.

“The house should be cleaned up and repaired,” Wilkins said.  “A good maintained home will always sell easier.”  And, there are certain upgrades a seller can make to his home.  “Money put into a kitchen and an upgraded bathroom, will help the home sell.”

Wilkins also cautioned sellers to make sure their home is in good shape and to repair roof damage and any water damage before putting the house on the market.

“Even in these poor economic times, a house will sell if it’s in good condition, well maintained and priced right,” Wilkins said.

(This story was first published in the Panorama Scene.)