It’s rare that a Realtor can successfully monitor the real estate market in the areas outside of their multi-list. However, my team can! We belong to 3 different multi-lists so that we can intensely dig into what’s going on in each specific area.
My team monitors statistics in Allegheny, Lawrence, Beaver, Butler & Mercer. We actively sell properties all the way up to Erie & in Venango, Crawford & Forest Counties.
The biggest trend I’m seeing is the increase in inventory. I’ve been reporting on this for a while, but SOOOoooo many people still aren’t getting it. The more inventory available means the more options for buyers & more competition for sellers.
Buyers – you still need to stay diligent. The best way to monitor the market is to have an experienced Realtor send you listing information directly from the multi-list. Have them put you in touch with a trusted lender so that you are financially ready to put pen to paper as soon as the right home becomes available.
Sellers – I have 3 specific tips for you:
1. Enhance Curb Appeal & Staging – Buyers have more choices, so making your home stand out is crucial. Invest in minor upgrades, declutter & stage your home effectively. The best advice comes from a Realtor. We view hundreds of homes & know what works with pictures as well as showings.
2. Price Competitively – With more homes on the market, pricing too high can lead to longer selling times. Research comparable sales and work with a Realtor to set a realistic price. Don’t be afraid to set up a plan when listing with strategic price reductions planned out.
3. Be Flexible with Offers – Consider offering incentives such as covering closing costs or making small repairs to attract buyers in a competitive market. The best incentive I’m encouraging my sellers to consider right now is a pre-inspection. That’s a topic we’ve covered before. Check out my blog to revisit that strategy.