Real Stories

Second Time’s a Charm for New Jersey Seller

March, 2009

After Ellen’s Sewaren (Middlesex) home was on the market for six months with no serious offers, she knew she had to change her strategy. With the help of a REALTOR®, a proper pricing plan, and a couple of renovations, she was able to sell the property just five weeks after re-listing it.

“I knew that if I priced the home properly and marketed it well, that it could sell,” Ellen explained. “I was looking to move to a new home, and did not want to give up.”

First, Ellen interviewed different agents and ultimately decided on her REALTOR®, Marlene, because of how she was planning to help market the home. Marlene was willing to do as many open houses as necessary, bring in a professional photographer to photograph her home, and have the listing featured on realtor.com.

“Immediately after working together, I got calls about the home from buyers interested in it,” said Ellen. “Marlene relieved my initial fears and helped me to do the right things to sell.”

Then, Ellen brought her price down a bit and saw even better results and more interest.

“I was okay with re-pricing the home because I knew there were opportunities that existed for me on the other side, as I was looking to buy too. There were affordable options for me that I could take advantage of as long as I was able to sell my home.”

Having not secured a serious offer after conducting several walk-throughs and open houses though, Ellen began looking at her home more critically.

“Shopping for a new home for myself and my fiancé, I knew what buyers are looking for,” she explained. “So I took a good look at my own place from the eyes of a potential buyer.”

After her review, Ellen noticed that her bathroom could use some work, and she decided to invest in a new floor and sink in the room. An hour after the new floor was installed, Ellen hosted a tour of the home for a couple that afterward made a serious offer. They went into contract shortly thereafter.

The conditions of the current real estate market did affect the selling price of her home, but because Ellen is also buying in the same affordable atmosphere, she will not be at a loss.

“Although I came down on price a little bit during negotiations, I will make out well once I buy a new house.”