Basic rules for sellers

In this changing real estate market, here are some truths that many choose to overlook:

* No amount of hype, color brochures and large ads will make a buyer pay 20% to 25% over market value for your home.

* Buyers are a lot better informed than you think.

* The size of your Realtor’s company is no influence on the market value of your home -- bigger companies get no bigger prices than smaller companies.

* The cost of interior decor adds little to the market value of your property -- except to make it more attractive and make it more salable. In some cases, it may detract.

* What your neighbor’s home sold for six months ago (or longer) is not the only indicator of your property’s value.

SOL TAYLOR

Sherman Oaks

The writer is a Realtor.