Back to Basics – Things to Think About This Fall

Putting your home on the market ultimately comes down to the fundamentals: pricing and presentation. 

“These two pieces go hand in hand,” says Chad Larsen. “How your home appears in photographs and in-person showings can, and often does, influence the listing price.” 

What Goes Into Proper Pricing?

From buyer demographics and market competition to the condition, location, inspection findings, and trendiness of your home, these factors all play a distinct role in determining your property’s optimal market price. 

“We keep a pulse on these nuances, helping you assess the various components and make educated decisions,” says Barry Berg. 

The Pivotal Nature of Property Presentation

In addition to providing expertise around pricing your property, the Berg Larsen Group helps you determine what you can do to increase the value of your home before listing. 

“The key word is can,” adds Chad. 

Some sellers opt for lowering the price so that buyers are taking the anticipated work into consideration. However, not proactively addressing issues that could arise in an inspection may impact pricing opportunities further. 

Creating a Positive Impression

“When we walk through a property with the sellers for the first time, we help them identify ways they can showcase their home in the best possible light,” says Barry. “We like to refer to this as ‘editing’.” 

“It’s not uncommon for clients to engage staging and design professionals,” says Chad. 

“Your goal is to make the property appealing to serious buyers, and you can do that by decluttering and depersonalizing,” says Courtney Laufenberg, owner of No Loose Ends. “We don’t want prospective buyers to feel like they’re walking around someone else’s home. We want them to be able to see the potential of the space, get a feel for how they move through it, and be able to picture their own family living there.”

Kari Michael, president and founder of Kariel Staging, explains, “You get a few touchpoints with prospective buyers. The first is when they come across your property online. The next one is when they walk through the home for the first time. The final one is when they walk out the front door – it’s what they remember afterwards.” 

“Furniture, accessories, and design evoke emotions that can determine how a space is perceived and moved through,” says Kari. “For example, if the furniture is dated, then suddenly the living room, kitchen, and primary suite may seem like they need updating. When the furniture and decor are fresh and highlight the home’s square footage, it can completely transform how buyers experience your property.”

Similarly, prospective buyers may bring in a designer to look at the space or tap into AI to visualize the possibilities.

Make Your Home Shine

Pricing and presentation are the two factors that leave the biggest impression on buyers. Luckily, you don’t need to make these important decisions alone. 

“We’ve helped sellers stand out in the Twin Cities real estate market for decades,” says Barry. “We’re here to offer the guidance and advice that will make your home appealing.”

“Give us a call and let’s have a conversation,” says Chad. “A conversation isn’t a commitment, it’s just a pathway towards being more informed and ready in the future.” 

For more in-depth information from Chad and Barry regarding pricing your property, check out our podcast episode or blog. And if you want to hear more from them regarding preparing your home for listing, read this blog on the website or listen to their conversation on YouTube.