Despite what the media portrays about the economy, real estate is booming in this area. The problems you see across the country have not been seen locally for the most part. If you price your home correctly and stage it properly, your home should sell within a few months if you are in the right location. Location is very important with today's buyers.

Price and updates are the biggest reasons for houses sitting on the market for months and sometimes years. Buyers are not willing to pay exorbitant prices for a home that needs $30,000 worth of updates. Most homeowners believe their home is worth more than the neighbor's -- even though the other home has been completely remodeled. They also look at some of the prices a few blocks away not taking into account the location is better too. Not willing to change carpet, paint walls, freshen the landscaping and manicure the yard drops the price.

If you decide to sell a home, you have to think like an investor "flipping" a property. Homeowners can usually spend less than $3,000 to increase the price of the home. They can usually expect to make $10,000 or so more and sell faster than the homes around them. Buyers do not want to do any work and usually cannot afford to do so. Most are using all their money for down payments and closing costs, therefore cannot spend the extra money resulting in them paying more for a home that is ready to move in.

According to the Huntington Multiple Listing Service, there were 1,450 sales in 2008, 1,423 sales in 2009 and as of March 8 we are up 4 percent in 2010 from this time last year. People are stilling buying and selling homes.

I believe the tax credit has helped a little but not as much as the government was expecting. You have until April 30 to get your home under contract, and you have to close before June 30 or you are not qualified.

Some companies have downsized, and many part-time realtors are leaving the business despite what the numbers are. The first few years after 2000, realtors could sell a home with little marketing, and many people decided to get their license hoping to sell a home or two for extra money. This is not a part-time business that most realtors thought in the past. The part-time realtors are fading fast, and today you have to stay on the cutting edge of marketing and technology to adapt to this "new" economy.

When you are looking to buy or sell a home, choose a company that is growing and has cutting edge technology. You should get the best service and results from them. Call several and interview them to find the best company and agent for you. Just because you used them in the past does not mean they have adapted to this new economy. You will be much happier in the end if you do your homework.

How do you pick the right company and realtor? Try these questions:

What is your "list to sell ratio"? If you list a home for $100,000 and sell it for $95,000 then 95 percent is the ratio.

What is your "average days on market"? How many transactions do you close a year?

Interview two or three agents from different companies and choose the one with the best statistics and the personality that matches yours. Remember that you are going to be "married" to them for several months and speak to them on a weekly basis.

A full-time realtor is your best choice. Why choose a realtor that has a job and sells real estate on the side? Remember this is your most valuable possession, and you need a professional to work with. Would you hire a part-time lawyer or CPA?

Your realtor should also be able to help you get your home ready to sell by suggesting helpful tips and contractors if needed. After all, getting the most money for your home is what you want. Be upfront and professional, and don't let your emotions get in the way. This is business, and you need to think this way when selling your home in today's market.

Brad Sanford is the broker and owner of Open Sky Real Estate, which has locations in Barboursville and Lavalette with plans to open another office in Kentucky. For more information, call 304-736-2723, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to www.OpenSkyRealEstate.com.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/specialsections/progress4/x1700320673/Brad-Sanford-Tri-State-real-estate-market-holding-its-own