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The term "fair market value" is the price at which an interested but not desperate buyer is willing to buy and a motivated but not distressed seller is willing to sell on the open market in your location. The set value depends on recently sold similar-sized homes with like amenities, upgrades, and location. These are known as "comparables" or "comps" in real estate jargon.
Your best resource for learning the market value of your home is your trusted real estate professional. They have access to lists of homes like yours that sold on the open market in recent weeks and months. Of course, no one can know if your home will sell since other factors might be at work too. Changes in local industry and the job market might cause prices to move either down or up. Weather can factor in also.
Should you enter the market just as prices begin trending down, you might choose to set your price just below the fair market value. That way, you won’t be forced to lower your opening price if they keep trending downward. To stay competitive, increase the value, not the price. Professionals know ways to market your home’s exceptions such as recent upgrades, repairs, a new roof, walkability, proximity to social life and other seemingly intangible items that keep your home at the top of people’s list.
Neither you nor your agent can accurately anticipate the market. But if prices seem to be going up, set yours near the top of the “fair” values. Try not to overprice your home since doing so can have unintended consequences. Lenders and underwriters operate slightly behind the market adjustments, so when you set a too high price, your buyers may not qualify for financing.
Your agent can help you set the right price the first time. Trust their knowledge and expertise in the marketplace. If you’re not sure about the price, test the waters by asking your agent to keep your home as a pocket listing. That is, a listing they can tell agents and clients about that doesn’t appear on the multiple listing services (MLS). That way, you can see if your pricing strategy gains any traction.
As a Real Estate Professional my number one goal is to provide exceptional service that leaves my clients happily satisfied. I do this with my commitment to helping you buy or sell your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This also means helping you understand each step of the buying or selling process. I do not sell houses, I simply guide my clients through a predetermined series of events to ensure a smooth stress free Real Estate experience. You can count on me to always do what's in your best interest, as I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the Real Estate market. I understand how important it is to get the best offer for your property, therefore I make it my responsibility to help you achieve these goals. Whether you are buying or selling your primary residence, a second home, investor property, a first time buyer, or just relocating to a new neighborhood, I can help make your home-ownership dreams come true. (First Time Buyer Specialist) (Certified Probate & Trust Specialist)
"A Trusted Name in Sonoma County Real Estate."