Jeanne Hochhalter

The best first steps you can take are: Clean your home, remove clutter, I tell clients it is a good time to start packing up extras and put away valuables. Choose an agent to come over, go through your home and form a relationship. The agent will need a list of upgrades, anything new and also an idea of what attracted you to the property. What things do you love about your home? Listen to your agent about pricing and items that need to be done. Most sellers have a good idea of what your value might be but you are probably off a bit, it is the agent that will give you the numbers you will need to work with. The market is shifting, what sold in hours a year ago may take a month, listening to your agent is the best education you can get on the market. If you have pets, start thinking about what arrangements you can make for them during showings. Start getting your home in picture perfect condition for professional photographs while working with your agent on next steps to get your property on the open market.

That is a tough situation to be in for a seller. As a seasoned agent, I share all feedback with my clients, the good, the bad and the ugly. While I may be sharing things a seller does not want to hear, open, straightforward and honest communication with clients is key to a great sale. I would ask you agent why things are falling through? I am a Chicago Burbs agent, what we have seen in our market is a flurry of activity, homes selling in hours or days and unbelievable bidding wars. Statistics are showing that buyers have remorse at offering so much over listing prices, esp in a shifting market, home inspection issues came up, buyers could not qualify with rising interest rates, or homes are not appraising. I know it can be very frustrating for you and most likely your agent. Did you have your home staged, did you have professional photos taken? It does not sound like the marketing is an issue, just getting a buyer to stick. There are a few ways you can go about this, first, I would have a discussion with your agent, do it in writing and be kind but firm with your questions. I would directly ask what are the reasons given for each contract falling apart. The attorney will likely not know the details, as your agent should. If it is inspection issues, you can ask you agent to get the details from each buyers agent, fix the issues. Best of luck, communication is key.

YES! Stage your home, it can be a minimal amount like clearing clutter, moving items, removing items, a different furniture configuration. I am a certified home stager and agent, it always pays to stage.