AREA REALTORS SEE 2014 AS A HOME SELLER’S MARKET

By Neil Lucas

After some slow years in the real estate market, buying and selling picked up in 2013, and the outlook going into spring 2014 also looks positive. Of course, this terrible winter has not been helpful. We have asked three local realtors to provide us with their insights into the Zionsville real estate market going into this spring selling season.

What does the housing market for 2014 look like compared with 2013?

All our realtors see a strong market in 2014; some are actually describing it as a seller’s market. According to local RE/MAX agent Zoe Moore, “2014 is a very promising market for sellers in this area. In 2013 we saw a real shift moving from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market, due to a combination of a few factors. Listing inventory was very low and the pent-up buyer demand that had been building for a few years broke open. There were several multiple offers and homes selling in record time. 2014 is proving to be a continuation of what we saw in 2013. In fact, the inventory is currently lower than it was this time last year. It is truly the best market we have seen for sellers in many years.”

Local Carpenter agents David and Elizabeth Harting agree that

 Elizabeth and David Harting
Elizabeth and David Harting

 

2014 will be a strong year. “2013 was an incredible year for real estate here in Zionsville. We expect to see similar results in 2014. Interest rates are still low, which will stimulate buyers to take advantage of what they can.”

 

 

Coletta Payne
Coletta Payne

Coletta Payne, a Keller Williams agent, believes that a shortage on inventory of homes for sale will boost prices into 2014. The numbers clearly support Payne’s prediction. She states, “Median prices of homes since one year ago are up 15.9%. Inventory of homes since last year decreased by 3.3%. March 2013 inventory [in Indianapolis] was 10,010 compared with 9,639 for March 2014. The median price in March 2013 was $138,325 compared with $159,900 for March 2014.”

What is your No. 1 selling tip to sellers looking to sell their homes?

In selling your house, our realtors agree that even though the market is strong, there are things you can do to maximize your price. For example, the Hartings emphasize, “Selling a home is a pricing war in a beauty contest. Homes should be prepared to appeal to the senses. They should look pretty, smell pretty and be priced correctly for the right buyer.”

In a similar vein, Moore advises, “Demand is high; however, buyers still

Zoe Moore
Zoe Moore

tend to be picky on their selections. Therefore, it is vital that the home is market-ready. It must show well, be priced appropriately and be turnkey ready if at all possible.”

Payne also points to the need for proper pricing. “Price it right and have a pre-inspection and do what needs to be done before listing. Make sure the house is clean and freshly painted and have help with staging. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Most importantly, have a professional photographer take pictures for a virtual tour. Good pictures will get the buyers to the listing.”

With the spring selling season in full swing, call one of these local real estate professionals for your real estate needs. We’re sure that their vast knowledge of the Zionsville real estate market will be helpful in buying or selling your home.

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