E-marketing homes: Internet home shopping is on the rise.

• Author: West, Gail
• Position: REAL ESTATE

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Winter is losing hold on Alaska, thoughts around the state are turning to pulling up roots and moving. Whether it's to a house across town or to one across the country, chances are that you have to sell the home you're in before you can put down those roots at another address.

Despite the ongoing nationwide housing trauma, now is a good time to sell your Alaska home. Interest rates continue to be near rock-bottom, and, with credit standards back to where they were before the "loose money," qualified shoppers may soon be looking. In Alaska, late spring/early summer is the busiest time of year for home sales.

Roger Morris, sales manager for Prudential Jack White Vista Real Estate, says he believes the Anchorage market will be steady in 2008, and pick up a bit in 2009.

"Nationally, I think we're looking at this housing slump ending in 2009," Morris says. "Our local market--and, as we say in the industry, all markets are local--is reasonably healthy compared to some of the markets in the Lower 48."

ATTRACTING BUYERS

One of the first and most critical things sellers face before marketing their homes is asking price.

"It can't be overemphasized in today's market," says Morris. "Proper pricing is key. If you price it right and you present it right, it's a good time to sell. The buyers that are out there today can afford to buy."

Morris also suggested sellers consider a home staging service to help buyers see the house at its best. Home staging involves upgrading appeal and attractiveness by decluttering, cleaning, making home and lawn improvements, etc.

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"The price the seller would pay for staging is probably less than what the first price reduction might be," Morris says.

Another decision sellers need to make is whether to call in a real estate professional or whether to market their home themselves. Things they need to think about before making this decision may include how long they can afford to list their homes, do they have the professional skills to negotiate pricing and take the homes to closing, and what knowledge do they have of the housing market.

If a homeowner is truly interested in marketing his own home, there is help available through the For Sale By Owner program. FSBO Alaska.com and FSBO Anchorage.corn owner Richard Harbeson says his companies offer two primary ways in which a seller can use his companies' services: by owner and on the Multiple Listing Service.

"Sellers can list their...