Selling a home: similar listings, homes that sit, and buying your next one
Against a near-identical listing, price by putting a dollar figure on each difference. A home that sits usually has a price or presentation problem, and Brett reviews both at two weeks. Whether to sell or buy first depends on the cash you can reach and how competitive the market is for your next home.
These questions come up once a sale is underway: a similar home is listed down the street, showings are slower than expected, or you’re buying your next home at the same time.
For how Brett prices, prepares, and markets a home from the start, see Selling your home. To see what your home is worth today, request a written market analysis. Questions about your own sale are easiest on a short call: contact Brett.
Questions
How do you price my home when a near-identical unit is listed nearby?
It depends on the market and the competition. Often that unit sets the ceiling buyers see first, so pricing starts there. Brett lists what's different about yours, such as an end unit's extra light, a bigger deck, an updated bath, or a better view, and puts a dollar figure on each. He also checks how long the other unit has been listed and whether it has cut its price. From there, he builds the strategy with you.
Why did my home sit? Is it the market or the home?
Few showings in the first two weeks usually means the price is above what buyers are comparing it to. Plenty of showings with no offers usually points to condition, layout, or presentation. Brett reviews both at two weeks and recommends a change then, because a listing that sits gets easier to pass over. Sometimes the right call is to rent and relist later.
Should I sell first or buy first?
It depends on how much cash you can reach and how tight the market is for your next home. Selling first gives you a known budget, and a short rent-back can bridge the gap. Buying first avoids moving twice, but means carrying two payments or making your offer depend on your sale, which is weaker when homes get multiple offers. Brett runs both timelines and a net sheet with you, and brings in a lender before you list. Both paths have tradeoffs, and Brett works through them with you.
This article is general information. A lender, attorney, or tax professional can tell you what applies to your situation.
