John M. Lee: Spring Selling Season Soon

Well, 2007 is here and people are preparing for the traditional big push in the spring real estate market, which should get started right after Super Bowl weekend.

January is giving us indications that activity in the San Francisco market is starting to pick up. The number of people attending open houses has increased and I am seeing multiple offers on some properties. Additionally, quite a number of listings are going into the contract phase, all pointing to a up-turning market.

I believe that in the upcoming weeks, we will have new inventory and some listings that did not sell at the end of last year coming on the market, all leading to more sales than during the last few months. So, if you are preparing your home for sale, have you ever wondered why some homes sell and some just sit on the market?

The answer lies in pricing and emotional appeal. This column will discuss how to prepare your home to obtain the highest possible price.

Purchasing a home is a very emotional process and is usually a very stressful time in the life of the home purchaser. Many times, they are making the largest financial commitment of their lives and are unsure of whether they are getting the right deal.

As a seller, preparing a property for sale is especially important because people today are busier than before, and they are looking for properties that are in move-in condition. There are many inexpensive things a seller can do to get the maximum sale price for their property.

First of all, unclutter the house. It's amazing how much stuff accumulates over the years. By removing large items of furniture and putting belongings away it makes a home look larger than it is, and gives the impression that the home is spacious and well cared for. Painting and freshening up the backyard can be inexpensive, and yet gives the impression that a home is well maintained. Refinishing hardwood floors also does wonders for showing off the home.

If you want to go further, staging companies are available to bring in complete sets of furniture to complement the age and decor of the house. We have found this adds tremendous value, makes your home show like a model home, and separates your home from others on the market. In order to obtain the highest possible price, buyers need to feel comfortable and know that the home has been well cared for.

A buyer should stand back and look past the decor and imagine how their furniture will fit in the space if they purchase the home.

Buying and selling a home is a stressful and emotional time in one's life. That's why good advice from a professional is necessary.

This upcoming spring selling season is an important one as it will give us an early indication how the 2007 real estate market will turn out.

John M. Lee is a top-selling broker at Pacific Union, specializing in the Sunset and Richmond districts. If you have any questions, call him at (415) 447-6231 or e-mail johnlee@isellsf.com.