Everyone wants to know what they need to do to get their home sold in Ann Arbor in a buyers market. Homes that are selling have done the 10 steps listed below. You have a part and the Realtor has a part. Together you can make it happen.
10 Easy Steps to Sell Your Home in Ann Arbor
1) Hire a technology Realtor
2) Curb Appeal
Make sure the first impression is a good one. Paint the front door, trim the hedges, plant some flowers. Simple really.
3) Hire the Realtor that tells you the truth
4) Price it right from the beginning.
Don't reduce the price and chase the market down. Homes in Ann Arbor need to be priced in the top 5 best homes to look at for buyers. Price it right in the beginning.
5) Make sure your Realtor has a huge internet presence. 
6) Have your home professionally staged.
7) Use a Realtor that gets the most exposure for your home.
8) Use multiple photos and a virtual tour on every home, buyers want to see multiple photos. I can't tell you the number of times I get called from my search site, which is a direct feed from the MLS, with a buyer requesting more photos. Not my listing but they find it on line and want to see more. In this case there is never too many good photos.
9) Make sure your Realtor uses a home search site to bring more buyers exposure to the market.
10) De-clutter.
Throw away, pack it up, move it out. If your not using it then get rid of it. Take it to Salvation Army or Purple Heart.
***Notice any pattern in this ? Thought so...***
You betcha! The Realtor®..... and there is a difference with the way a Realtor® can market their property. You got a lot of internet presence and know how.... and organization going on. Woohoo!
I love your lists, Missy! You have it so together. Each point you've made here is basic, but vital to a successful home sale. Each point is also easily accomplished -- with the assistance of a top notch Realtor®.
Welcome home, Missy! Sounds like you learned even more out in San Francisco!
You sure are the tech savy Realtor®, and it shows, we have a lot to learn from you. Thanks
Hi Missy - I love it! The Realtor you hire will certainly make a big difference in a challenging market. I know where I would turn if I was selling in Ann Arbor Michigan!
Good tips for the consumer...in today's market, you need an edge to get your home sold and the edge is a good REALTOR!
Missy - Good job pointing out the potential weaknesses in your competition. If you have any.
I like this post Missy. I saw an article on MSN this weekend that said 6 Signs you have a crummy Realtor. I think it mirrored yours with the opposite side of the spectrum.
The seller needs to know that an experienced REALTOR is their Salvation and if they ignore that fact and try to DIY, they will need a Purple Heart.
Sally, thanks I took George's advice on lists.
Kimberly, LOL
Lenn, Purple heart? of some help right?
Larry, yes I have a lot of competition in Ann Arbor, over 1000 Realtors. But, thanks for the support.
Kelly, yes it is critical on both sides of the transaction, a good Buyer Agent is critical too to get to the table and let's not forget the lender.
Bill, :)
Michael, thanks this is what I love.
Patricia, it was fun, but most of what I learned was already here in the rain.
Elaine, thanks I do agree you need technology to open the door to get the homes out there to the consumers.
Hi Missy,
Good message for the consumer and now it's up to them to follow the 10 steps and success will follow.
Hey Missy, what a great post. I've been reading various reports that state 83 - 95% of consumers turn to the Internet to find housing and do their preliminary research when looking to purchase a home. If one does not have an Internet presence, the potential for missing opportunities to help consumers buy or sell rise. ..
Missy, your posts are always awesome!! You certainly are the image of what a Realtor must be now!! Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Awesome job Missy! You said it perfectly and with great links and I love the cartoon and graphic. Where did you get it?
You're the smartest cookie in the jar for sure! I REALLY have to explore snapshots. Very cute and effective technology. ...STILL LEARNING FLICKR TO SUIT R/E!!!! You girls have put me on a technology tailspin! It's ok, I love it!
Hi Missy...A top-notch REALTOR. Even some REALTORS need a REALTOR to help them sell their own place.
Kate
Righton point great advice. The sellers that listen are the sellers that get to closing.
Missy, Your Tech knowledge is sure going to help your buyers....it's so true that those are going to be some of the best ways for people to find you and for YOU to sell their homes.
This is nothing but great advice! Missy, I explain to all my clients to be that this is the reason they want to list with me. It's a matter of reaching the numbers...kinda like playing the horses but more of a sure thing! I hope you're resting up after your trip. I'm glad you're home safe and sound and congratulations!
Later in the rain~Deb
Techo' Realtors are so "IN" these days, its like the IPHONE, you best get one because if you don't your MISSING OUT :P
Missy - I could not have said it any better. You know what this means? Ann Arbor consumers will be calling you.
May I copy your content and apply it to me and my market. Graat blog.
David Medendorp
www.sellmuskegon.com
Great list. More important now than ever before!
Missy, this is so true! It still irks me when I see a house not represented well and I always feel sorry for the seller. No wonder your clients love you so much!
Ilove this post Missy, could you please add..
#11.. Sellers to do all of the above for a successful sale? :)
Missy, If you do all of the above it will help to sell your house for more and quicker
You are definitely a top notch Realtor®! EXCELLENT TIPS! You Bet!
Thanks,
Tom Davis
World Class Delaware Realtor
Missy, right on the mark - again!
Nice list for sellers to bookmark...it's always good to see a refresher for those who aren't aware of good old fashion RE transactions and the steps needed to make it as attractive as possible.
Missy and excellent post and on target. Every point is worth repeating.
You know Missy, I believe those 10 tips would work most anywhere.
Missy, you go girl!! Lots of information for the potential client to think about. Love your new pic!!
Missy - this is a great post for sellers. Concise, easy to read and loaded with all the right information. Love Lenn's comment.
Jeff
another great post and feature by Missssssssssssssssssssy Caulk!!!!
Excellent post, congratulations on your feature! Great tips.
really good marketing piece. have sent email to you about the home search site idea.
cheers
Missy you rock! You are my blogging hero!!!
Missy, that 1st 10 seconds will kill a sale. It all starts from the Curb... Great post.
Thank you for #6 Missy! And for #2 and #10, which are part of #6!
I know a good stager who does Oakland and Macomb Counties if Denise is unavailable!
Diane, cartoonstock it is in the photo.
Marianne, thanks I'll let you know but I am in Washtenaw County.
Gary, I finally found your email. All my AR emails go in spam for some reason. Did you get my response?
Des..............................
David, yes copy away !!!!!
Justin, yea I sure would love an Iphone.
Ant, your doing good, keep it up!
C Tann, true the internet is where you have to be and not just anywhere, but everywhere.
Missy, What a great post. You "said it all". I am working with 2 retired Realtors right now, trying to convince them of WHY they don't want to overprice their home:(...They were shocked when I told them I wasn't willing to take the listing at their price. Shook them up a bit! They showed me the CMA's that the other agents gave them. They were going off average list price, not average sold price. And they want a QUICK sale:) (less than 30 days) CMA shows over 120 days, priced high, with MAJOR price reductions along the way. Gee, you would think they would understand it better than anyone! They also want to do a 60 day list period. I have no problem with that, if we follow my plan:) No expireds for me please! Still waiting to see if I made believers out of them or not...
Thanks again for such a well written post. You ARE the expert!
Nice job Missy. If it's results you're looking for, then hire a pro... and for Ann Arbor Missy would be it for me!
Ah Missy great post but the title should be How to get your home sold Anywhere! Enjoyed the pop up graphic - you technology whiz
Thanks for supporting staging, Missy! I often stage in Ann Arbor (as well as Livingston County and Oakland County), and I will use your great post as suggestions for my clients who sometimes believe that all Realtors are alike. It's good to know what you can do to really put some muscle behind marketing a listing. And if Denise is out of town or too busy...I'd be happy to help you out!
OOps, I guess my name didn't show up for the post, above. Obviously I'm not the most techno-savvy stager!
Missy: YOU GO GIRL! Sellers in Ann Arbor would be crazy not to use your expertise and professionalism. Great presentation... love all the links.
Missy, I see why you got featured. Great post...
Elizabeth, sorta like Dr's treating themselves, huh? hang tough. I got a call from an agent of AR yesterday and whe was going on a listing appt with someone who didn't want their home in the MLS, or on the internet. It had already been listed by 5 Realtors. I told her, don't take it if you can't convince her other wise. Why change your marketing plan and knowledge for one seller. NOPE
Kathi, thanks I will.
Hey Missy, as we know, all Realtors are NOT the same! Also, all sellers not always understand how the property needs to show!
You forgot #11 - Have your home Move-In-Certified Nice post,
GO BLUE!!!
I have only one thing to say {{{{{{{{{{{{{{applause}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Missy... this is a great post. Even though I'm an Ohio State fan, can I borrow your take on this for my market? :) I might even say "Go Blue" if you let me... lol
Kristina, of course you can just make sure your OSU fans know to say, "Go Blue". See ya in a few months.
Missy
Very well said, Extremely well written, and Every point you hit was RIGHT ON TARGET!
Bulls Eye Baby!
When I thing Michigan, I think MIssy Caulk!
Katrina in Tampa
Missy - I really liked your featured localism post and was wondering if you could answer this question. I signed up with snap shots which provides a code to include into the web site. I did see that you used other web sites that are not related to you (professional stager). How did you incorporate snap shot with other web site? I hope you don't mind me asking and if you prefer just email me. Thanks in advance!
Hey there! Great post ...
Ive been away awhile, came back to see you are rocking out great posts still and you have a new photo- I like it!
Hey Missy, Those tips will work in Lathe Mary, FLORIDA too!