What About Offering a Bonus?

We get this question from time to time from sellers. The answer we give: they don't get your house sold. A recent article in the paper reiterated this same point, illustrating some extreme gimmicks sellers around the country have tried, to no avail.

In some areas, sellers have put on essay contests. Entrants pay a $100-200 entry fee, submit an essay and if they win, they win the house. To make it feasible, the sellers have to receive a minimum amount of entry fees and essays. In the case of Feather Lakes, Colorado and Yachats, Oregon, the sellers are returning the money. They got a lot of good reading done though!

Some folks are of the mindset that creative, even wacky, marketing is appropriate in real estate. The truth of the matter is a buyer isn't interested in getting a flat screen TV, $1000 gas card or a new car thrown into the deal. What motivates a buyer first and foremost is PRICE. They would rather feel that they got the best possible price and with that savings, they can decide if they want TVs, new cars or whatever.

So, what does it boil down to? In today's market, we are in a price war and a beauty contest! To sell quickly, homes must be in top-notch condition and priced right. A house that is priced correctly should sell tomorrow. Now is the time to scrutinize the market, spruce up and price realistically.