This year's real estate market is unlike any we've ever experienced. It's been a year of uncertainty, anxiety, and surprises. It's been a year that has tested our resilience and challenged our assumptions about how property is bought and sold. We've learned a lot over these last few months, and we know we'll learn a lot more as we adjust to the world around us. With this spirit in mind, we'd like to share a few home-selling tips that are based on our lessons learned in 2020.
5 lessons learned for Madison area sellers in 2020
#1) Read beyond the headlines.
Although recent world events may be discouraging, there are reasons to be encouraged by the world of real estate. The Madison area real estate market has been very active in 2020. More sellers are listing their home for sale right now, and more buyers are responding by writing offers.
#2) Don't assume the typical seasonal patterns in our new market.
Typically the springtime is the busiest time for real estate in our market (that pattern hasn't held true this year). And usually buying and selling slow down noticeably in the late summer (this pattern hasn't held true, either). If you're thinking of selling this fall, we encourage you to let go of your assumptions and ask plenty of questions instead. Consult with a professional who will help you make sense of our market.
#3) Focus your marketing on virtual buyers.
In our new era of social distancing, many buyers (especially those relocating from outside the area) are buying a home virtually. In other words, they're writing an offer without ever stepping inside the home. As a seller in the COVID-19 market, you want to make sure your marketing plan is focused on virtual buyers. Your marketing should include a virtual tour, supplemental materials that describe your home's features and upgrades, and plenty of info that sells the benefits of living in your neighborhood.
#4) Be proactive and prepared for any situation.
We don't know what the world will be like a few months from now or later in 2021. If selling a home is in your future, we encourage you to prepare for your sale right now. That means:
- taking your exterior photos while the weather is nice and before the snow starts flying
- staging your home, capturing your interior photos, and producing your virtual tour
- asking your realtor to create your listing and all of your supplemental marketing materials
No matter what happens in the months ahead, you'll be prepared to sell your home with a top-notch listing and a marketing plan that is focused on virtual buyers.
#5) Hire a team that is committed to service and safety.
If you're like most home sellers, you're feeling anxious and unsure about world events and the market. Now, more than ever, we're learning our clients need us for our guidance and support. We're happy to report we're helping many clients put their minds at ease by giving them all of the individual attention they need throughout their home-selling journey. Amidst all of the chaos, we're grateful to be serving our clients on such a personal level.
Do you need to speak to a real estate professional about your unique home-selling plans and goals? Reach out to us at Mad City Dream Homes, and we'll connect you with one of our experienced listing agents.
