Advice for selling home in Herndon, VA (days on market, 2009)

[andyscaer]

Hello:

My home has been on the marker for 6+ months. Have had many showings and all have said they love the home and the price is fine but are waiting.
Click here to view my home.

The job market in NOVA remains tight. Would like advice on selling as well as opinions on the market. It seems to me that the market is going to continue to be soft through 2008 and possibly 2009.

[goldenmom7500]

I couldn't get to your link ... a talking man came up on the screen and I couldn't bypass.

You are asking a very interesting question because ... if a home isn't selling we might say lower the price, do updates and staging, and maybe advertise. But if none of those things really apply, then how do you motivate buyers to decide to act? I will say that if you lower the price enough, then they are going to feel that they have to act or else someone else will (but I still wouldn't specifically advise you to do this if you aren't "desperate" to sell).

Also, there are always going to be some people who are relocating from other locations (states, etc.) and so are looking to buy. The people you are describing who are "waiting" might be a different market - people who might want to shift from rental to ownership, from condo to sfh, or otherwise move up, move down, or move closer to something. Even if that market isn't acting, some people are always buying homes.

[Fairfax Mom]

Cound not see your home - all I get is an annoying commercial

[andyscaer]

oops..sorry about that..here is a better link

http://www.zillow.com/HomeDetails.htm?zprop=51705052

[goldenmom7500]

Right, you posted this a week or so ago. Very pretty house, clearly doesn't need anything as far as decor or staging. I didn't see any pictures of the lawn, etc. - is there anything to show off as far as a big yard or landscaping?

The "zillow" is giving a range for your house (on your link) that is actually less than your listing price. I assume you know what we see - the price you paid, the range, days on market, etc.

[scimitar12]

Originally Posted by goldenmom7500

Right, you posted this a week or so ago. Very pretty house, clearly doesn't need anything as far as decor or staging. I didn't see any pictures of the lawn, etc. - is there anything to show off as far as a big yard or landscaping?

The "zillow" is giving a range for your house (on your link) that is actually less than your listing price. I assume you know what we see - the price you paid, the range, days on market, etc.

I saw that too. The listing price is at the high end of the zillow range.

[Yankeesfan]

Really in this market all you can do is lower the price. I see on the property tax records (sorry, that's what can happen when you post your address) that you bought it five years ago for $539,000, so it wouldn't be like you bought at the top of the market and would be taking a loss. You just would be making less of a profit. It's a beautiful house in great condition. Do you have to sell it now, or can you stay and enjoy it for a couple more years until the market picks up?

[Yankeesfan]

I'm sorry, I just looked at one of your previous posts and saw that you have moved to California (didn't guess that since the house was still furnished in the photos). Good luck with it; must be frustrating to have to leave before it is sold.

[DavidS827]

I looked your house up and it has been overpriced from the beginning, regardless of what the buyers may have told you. I know that in a previous post I said to price it at 725-750 (based on what other homes in your neighborhood have recently sold for), but if you need to sell it quickly, I would lower it to 675. You have a neighbor with a comparable home at 100k less than yours.

[lindsayd]

I agree with David. Your home is way overpriced. New construction is going to be your biggest competition. Homebuilders have deep pockets and can offer brand new a much less than your home.

Does it have a garage? Is it rear entry? That's also a huge factor.