Steve Westmark

Set your asking price by comparing similar completed sales, not by choosing a townwide number. I can help you weigh your home's differences so this important decision has a clear, practical foundation.

For Minnetonka single-family homes, condos, townhomes and apartments, the latest market report lists a typical sale price of $482,325. The typical asking price among homes listed for sale was $485,000. Homes sold for an average of 98.8% of their asking prices. The asking-price and sale-price statistics describe listed homes and completed sales, respectively, rather than a discount on the same properties.

I would use these townwide figures as context, not as a price recommendation for your home. Your asking price needs a stronger foundation: recent sales of similar homes, with differences in condition, size and features considered. Starting with an ambitious asking price deserves careful discussion rather than an assumption that negotiation will resolve the difference.

Prepare a list of improvements and unresolved repairs so we can assess condition accurately. Review recent sales of similar homes with me, then examine competing listings separately to understand the alternatives available to buyers. Decide what feedback would prompt a pricing review before committing to your launch price.