Home Seller Incentives In A Challenging Economy
In a down economy, sellers most compete not only with other homes in the market, but also with buyer's fears and concerns. Selling incentives have always been a way to create additional interest in your property. Today, incentives can help motivate reluctant buyers to make that next step in the face of the present environment.
Below are a few of the more frequently used incentives that can be used to draw attention to your home.
Paying Points
Lenders charge fees known as points, with each point is equal to 1 percent of the total loan amount. The base fee charged (called origination points) typically ranges between 0 and 3 points, depending on the interest rate given and other terms of the loan. Points can add up to a significant up-front cost for the buyer, particularly for larger mortgages. Offering to pay some or all of the origination points on behalf the buyer can help generate offers from cash-conscious buyers.
Buying Down the Interest Rate
Many buyers don't understand that they can receive a lower interest rate from their lender by paying additional points at the outset. Buyers can typically pay up to four "discount points" to bring down the interest rate. Offering to pay discount points can increase your home's affordability for many prospective buyers.
Providing a Home Warranty
A home warranty can help assure wary consumers that they won't be stuck with expensive repair costs shortly after buying a home. Home warranties usually cover the repair or replacement of core systems such as plumbing, heating and electrical, along with major appliances. Providing the first year (or two) of a home warranty can add to your home's appeal, especially if you are competing against newer homes on the market. The relatively low cost of home warranties ($250 to $600 annually) offers great value as an eye-catching incentive.
Paying for Closing Costs
Closing a real estate sale can result in a long list of charges, from inspection costs to attorney's fees. Closing costs for the buyer can easily total several thousand dollars - adding to the up-front cash required as a down payment. Sellers can offer to pay for the buyer's side of closing costs to help ease the burden. When doing so it is wise to either put a cap on the dollar amount you will contribute to closing costs, or specify exactly which individual costs you will be paying for.
Upgrade Allowances
Offering cash allowances for specific upgrades can sometimes be a creative way to appeal to buyers. Upgrade allowances are commonly offered by new home builders, and some homeowners are now employing the technique to help set their properties apart from the competition.
For example, if your home has older carpet you may offer to pay the price of new carpet and installation. By not replacing the carpet yourself ahead of the sale, you avoid the hassle of having the carpet installed and the pain of keeping the new carpet clean during showings. You also give the buyer the chance to select a carpet that matches their taste.
Other upgrades offered by sellers include allowances for kitchen facelifts, bathroom remodels and new landscaping.
New Appliances
Another flashy way for sellers to sweeten the deal is to provide buyers with their selection of brand new appliance packages. Updated appliances help your home compete with newly built properties. Allowing the consumer to choose their desired appliance gives them another opportunity to personalize the home to their liking. You can even lay out brochures of some example appliances to help buyers visualize your home improved with the newest gadgets.
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