There
is no set equation to determine how you’ll reach an offer price. Rather, the process involves a range of
research and comparison that will vary with each situation. You’ll need to look at sales of comparable
properties, and factor in additional data such as the condition of the
property, the current market, and seller circumstances. With this information in hand, you will be
able to determine a fair price range and, from there, establish the price
you’re willing to offer.
Concentrate
on the following areas to help you determine an offer price:
Comparable
Sales
- Compare prices of homes that are similar to the property you’re considering in the following areas: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, lot size, type of construction, and garage space.
- The most comprehensive and in-depth information can be accessed through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Your Realtor, who will be working closely with you to set your offer price, can help you navigate this service.
Property
Condition
- Observe how the property compares to the rest of the neighbourhood. Is it average, above average, or below average?
- Look at structural condition: walls, ceilings, windows, floors, doors.
- Pay close attention to: bathrooms, bedrooms, condition of plumbing and electricity.
- Also check the fixtures: light switches, doorknobs, drawer handles, etc.
- What is the condition of the front and back yards?
Home
Improvements
- Cosmetic changes can be largely ignored, but any major improvements should be taken into account.
- Take special note of: room additions (especially bedrooms and bathrooms).
- Items such as swimming pools may be taken into account, but usually won’t affect your offer. Your Realtor can offer your guidance in these matters.
Market
Conditions
- Seller’s Market:
A seller’s
market is considered a “hot” market.
This type of market is created when demand is greater than supply—that
is, when the number of Buyers exceeds the number of homes on the market. As a result, these homes usually sell very
quickly, and there are often multiple offers.
Many homes will sell above the asking price.
- Buyer’s Market:
A Buyer’s market
is a slower market. This type of market
occurs when supply is greater than demand, the number of homes exceeding the
number of Buyers. Properties are more
likely to stay on the market for a longer period of time. Fewer offers will come in, and with less
frequency. Prices may even decline
during this period. Buyers will have
more selection and flexibility in terms of negotiating toward a lower
price. Even if your initial offered
price is too low, Sellers will be more likely to come back with a
counter-offer.
- Balanced Market:
In a balanced
market, supply equals demand, the number of homes on the market roughly equal
to the number of Buyers. When a market
is balanced there aren’t any concrete rules guiding whether a Buyer should make
an offer at the higher end of his/her range, or the lower end. Prices will be stable, and homes will sell
within a reasonable period of time.
Buyers will have a decent number of homes to choose from, so Sellers may
encounter some competition for offers on their home, or none at all.
Comparable sales information helps you
establish a price range for the home you’re interested in. Adding in the additional factors mentioned
above will guide your decision of whether you consider a “fair” price to be
near the upper or lower limit—or the middle—of that range. Keep in mind, this price should be the one
you’d be happy with once all negotiations are said and done. The price you decide to begin with depends on
your particular style of negotiation.
Most Buyers begin the negotiation process with a number lower than the
“fair” price they’ve come up with.
I am the GUY that will make a difference!
Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605 O 250.768.8001
http://www.connectwithkaren.com/
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