Even the most experienced and savvy Realtor doesn’t have a crystal ball. One who did would corner the market. How much your home will sell for is subject to market conditions that can vary daily. Nonetheless, how you price your home from the outset has an impact upon the amount you finally clear. Your overall marketing strategy will affect the outcome as well. You will need to discuss this strategy with your agent so that you are both “on the same page.”

Expect your agent to be candid with you and share information, about the market as a whole and of your neighborhood specifically. You have probably had a heightened awareness of the list prices of nearby properties but keep in mind that a property can go on the market at any price but actual value is determined by whatever a buyer is willing to pay and sometimes what a lender is willing to lend after receiving an appraisal report. Remember, a too-high listing price could well mean that prospective buyers will sit back and wait for a reduction, but a comparatively low listing price can result in offers with buyers competing against each other for your home in a bidding war.

“What will it sell for and how long it will take” are questions with no easy answers. If your home is priced competitively, you should be able to have a buyer in contract in a relatively short period of time. But so many factors can influence the speed of a sale — the age, style and condition of your home; whether it’s in a neighborhood, near schools or the train; the weather; the availability of loans for prospective buyers; and even the strength of the general economy, the financial markets and the overall local employment picture. It’s important to keep in mind that if your home is priced appropriately and presented well, a good agent will find the right buyer for you.