Why should I list my house now?

Have you heard this question recently? I have and it can be a show stopper if you don't have a solid response. In today's hot real estate market sellers can have many legitimate fears about selling their home, not the least of which is finding another one to buy!

The ultra competitive environment of escalation clauses, multiple offers, and endless showings is daunting for the listing agent, let alone a seller considering listing their home. In making the largest financial decision of their lives many sellers are hesitant to jump in to the deep end of the pool.

So how can you, the professional real estate agent, help a seller find the courage to jump off the diving board and into the market? You can start by giving them this list of ten reasons to market their home now!

Ten Reason to Market Your Home Now!

1. Pricing Power - In most markets sellers are able to sell for top dollar as low interest rates and high demand has fueled a rush of buyers into the market place.
2. High Demand - Low inventory in most markets means that the number of buyers competing for each home is higher than it has ever been. This also means that the time it takes to secure an acceptable offer has dropped considerably.
3. Low Interest Rates - Interest Rates have remained at 30 year lows despite the fact the Federal Reserve has hiked rates for the past several quarters. Today's low rates mean more buyers can afford to purchase more amenities and pay higher prices than in the past.
4. Fewer Contingencies - Because many buyers have been able to sell their homes quickly many are able to write offers that are not contingent on the sale of their home.
5. Flexible Financing - Many buyers today are able to enjoy hundreds of different possible loan programs from ARMS, to reverse amortization mortgages, and even no-documentation loans. This flexibility means more buyers can afford to buy homes than ever before.
6. Timing Control - Sellers who need more time to move, find a replacement property, or move into a rental can be more selective in choosing which offer best suits their needs. They can also specify their timing needs in advance.
7. Tax Savings - Sellers who have owned their home for two of the past five years, and lived in their home for two of the past five years may be able to take up to $250,000 as a single person or up to $500,000 as a married couple in tax free gains out of the sale! See www.irs.gov for details.
8. Nationwide Market Expansion - The national housing market is now at record levels. This may mean more out of state buyers than ever before as potential buyers for a sellers home.
9. Home Ownership Rates - The number of American families who own a home is at all time high - 70%! This is good news for sellers - as more, and more families recognize the value and wealth building potential of owning real estate.
10. Discounted Rental Rates - Although home prices have climbed steadily over the last several months, rental rates in most areas of the country have not kept pace. This can be good news for sellers who would like to take their time finding their next home.

The future is unpredictable. The housing market like all financial markets is a volatile mix of perceived values, real values, and future values. None of us really knows what tomorrow may bring although there is one thing we can all be sure of which is that - today, right now in almost every market in America it is absolutely one of the best times to sell a home in human history!

So put on your bathing suits, lather up that sun block, and start helping sellers to dive into the deep end of the market!

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