Secrets Your Real Estate Agent may not be Telling You…
You have called a real estate agent to help you sell or to purchase a home. Did you know that their is a checklist of things your agent should be going over with you before you list or purchase a home? Some agents don't communicate very well and they aren't organized. They often don't return phone calls let alone explain the process to you. These expert real estate tips may help get you started on the right path in today's tough market.
Your open house can potentially help me more than it helps you...
Public Open houses are generally not worth the effort and can be potentially dangerous. Most visitors aren’t buyers—they’re nosy neighbors, which does give me an opportunity to hand out my card and possibly gain new clients. On the down side could be criminals casing your house or that want to do me harm.
What does work? Broker to Broker Open houses that serve lunch for agents and their respective Brokers to review. This important event gives a large pool of potential buyer agents the opportunity to see your home and for me, as your Broker to communicate and promote the features and benefits in detail and answer questions. Also important are great photos, signage and staging.
Scents matter...
Plug-in air fresheners are in general a turnoff to a lot of people. If you want your house to smell good, bake cookies right before a showing.
Cut Fresh flowers and natural cookie scent candles work too!
Don't turn people away because of a mess…
Yes, it looks better cleaned up, however, If you get a call saying that some buyers want to see your house in 15 minutes, let them in even if it’s a bit messy, just do the best you can. Those last-minute types typically make impulsive decisions, and they just might decide to buy a house that day.
Don't push away a low offer...
In this kind of market, don’t be offended by a low-ball offer. You have a better chance of getting that person to pay than finding someone new.
Know who is in charge...
Many well-known agents may pass you off to a junior agent after you sign the contract. Ask me exactly who will be handling your phone calls, marketing your house, handling all of your negotiations, preparing your contracts, and making sure your closing is handled as smoothly as possible. Know who is in charge to ensure you get exactly what you’re paying for.
Read before you sign...
Make sure you read any listing or buyer’s contract carefully before signing it. There may be an extra “administrative fee” ranging from $250 to $1,500 on top of a commission intended to cover a brokerage’s administrative costs incurred by the agent.
As the Broker of my own firm I can promise you will never see any hidden or additional real estate fees.
Don’t skip the final walk-through...
It’s your last chance to make sure that repairs were done properly, that the owner’s personal items have been removed, and that the items you agreed should stay are still there. I’ve seen stoves, washers, dryers, and beautiful chandeliers walk right out the door.
Beware of seller’s agents who overestimate your house’s selling price...
They’re hoping you’ll choose them over other agents who will price it more realistically. We call that “buying your listing,” and it guarantees your house will sit on the market for a very long time. When sellers try to charge a premium they may get lucky and still get an offer, but it usually only happens when fair market value matches asking price! It also should be noted that no amount of marketing can sell an overpriced property. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise!
Houses without furniture don’t look larger...
It depends on the house! Trust me on this… as a professional Interior Designer and Staging expert for over 20 years, before I became a Realtor/Broker, I can confidently say that empty rooms generally appear smaller and uninviting.
Why? Because buyers can’t visualize and often can no get a sense of how much furniture will fit. However, to much furniture or the wrong size or placement, clutter, or personal items can hinder the sale. I offer Professional Staging and tips to each of our listings for FREE! I know what sells!
Make a small Investment that pays off big...
My No. 1 selling tip: "Paint & Clear"
Their is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to update dark tired cabinets.
Americans love that wide-open counter space. Clear off counter tops in the bathrooms and kitchen. Subtle staging is all that is needed.
Don't trust realty websites to price your home...
They don't know the neighborhoods and homes like a local real estate professional. For an estimate of property values in certain states, check these sites but don’t lock on to that number. Desktop appraisal systems assess how nearby homes with similar square footage have sold; they don’t consider the homes interior, special features, location to schools or work, or general condition
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Does Staging your home help…
Yes, staging your home to show its features to their best advantage will help you compete with other homes and assure you get a top dollar return on your investment. Some changes are minor such as removing heavy furniture and creating a focal point. Other changes can include repainting, fixing anything broken, getting rid of clutter, personal items, and deep cleaning.
But music, champagne glasses next to the bed and fake pies on counter-tops? That’s going overboard, and it will turn some buyers off. We offer Staging for FREE for all listings. Ask for a FREE copy of Staging your home for a successful sale!
Fees are negotiable - Why are so many agents apprehensive…
Agents work under a Broker or Brokerage firm, they don’t get the commission check, their Broker does. So, listing agents may be reluctant for several reasons: First, their brokerage may have certain guidelines that the agent must follow before they receive their part of the commission check. There part of the commission is based on some negotiated percentage per their contract with the Broker. Second, agents pay a non-reimbursed, out of pocket amount to list your home. Since most agents must pay their own expenses, which may include the sign that is put outside your house, the security lockbox, access to the MLS, association membership, and unless pre-arranged with you they pay for marketing your home and more. Third, if an agent from another Broker’s office sells your home and becomes the selling agent, then another part of the listing agents commission goes to them and their Broker. At the end of the day, out of a 6,000 commission, they may just be getting $2,500 or less. Because I work for myself and I am the "Broker". I make my own rules, which mean
I don’t have those same constraints.
It might make more sense for you to rent…
Sometimes renting just makes sense. It depends on your age and circumstance. It often costs less, gives you the flexibility to move at a moment’s notice and you won’t have to shell out a lot of cash for unexpected repairs or property taxes.
If you decide to rent instead of buying a home I can walk you thru the pros and cons or just help you find the perfect rental for your needs.
Curb Appeal is Important...
Your neighbors can make you look good or bad so if your house is for sale and the lawn next door is starting to look overgrown, cut the dang grass for your neighbors. It’s a small thing, but it can make a huge difference.
Pay special attention to the curb appeal of your own home. I have had clients get to the home and never go in because they did not like the exterior. Refreshing the exterior of your home even minimally can increase its value and appeal.
Experience Matters…
Real Estate is a very detailed business, there is no room for mistakes, confusion, or indifference. It matters because there are so many things that could go wrong with buying or selling real estate. If I have an agent I must teach on the other end of the table and someone else brings me a comparable offer at the same time, I will encourage my clients to take the other offer, if not, I really ride the other agent to ensure they get their job done.
Have an agent tour the properties with you…
Do take time to go by yourself and preview the exterior of homes and their neighborhoods but once you have found narrowed your search to a few homes you want to see, ask an agent to accompany you. Here are two good reasons: First, for your own safety. I’ve walked in on homeless people squatting inside and outside of the property, couples having sex and such much more. As a real estate agent, our safety is compromised every time we walk into an empty house, so don't risk yours. Second, the agent will have at their disposal current information on the home and be able to answer questions, or get the answer for you.
Do you really know what your home is worth…
You know how much you paid for it and have tried selling it yourself but you are not sure why it is not selling.
What are your expectations? I know it’s heart-breaking, but the fact that your house was worth a lot more a few years ago is simply not relevant. You’ve got to be realistic about today’s market, maybe it is not a good time to sell or your house lacks value because of extensive repairs. Their could be a lot of reasons. A professional Realtor can help. I offer FREE consultations to help you sort it out and I provide you a FREE comprehensive report on the value of your home in today’s market,
