- Remember, strangers will be walking through yur home during showings or open houses. Hide an valuables in a safe place, remove your keys, credit cards, jewelry crystal furs and other valuables away from the home or have them locked away during showings. Also remove or lock up prescription drugs.
- Do not leave personal information like mail or bills out in the open where anyone can pick it up and see it. Be sure to lock down your computer and lock up you laptop and any other easy to pocket electronis like iPods, etc. before showings.
- Do not showt he house by yourself. Everyone is not who they may say they are. Refer all inquiries to your agent.
- You are responsible for your pets. It's best if they are removed during showings but if they can't be crate them or put them somewhere. Remember you as a seller are liable if your pet bites or attacks someone when they are in your home.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Safety Tips for Sellers
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Interesting Blog post by Larry Tollen one of myColleagues at The Home Team
Blog Post By a Colleague about the value of purchasing now vs waiting.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Marketing Tips
Marketing Tips: How To Sell Your Home
If you want potential home buyers to fall in love with your house, they first have to know it's for sale. This is where a strong marketing plan comes into play, which not only publicizes your property but gives people a preview of your home before they get there.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Regardless of whether your home is to be featured online, in a REALTOR'S® publication or paid advertisement, quality photos are a must. You must capture your home's best qualities in each image. Take a photo of the front and back of the home, along with interior photos of every room. Try various angles and lighting situations, which gives you the opportunity to choose the best shots.
When photographing any part of your home, make sure that it's spotless. Home buyers, especially those with children or pets, would love to see a yard. If your house has a lot of room to run, showcase it in photos. If you live in a condominium or townhouse, emphasize nearby activities that offer family fun. This may include a swimming pool, recreation center, tennis court, etc.
When you present your photos to the REALTOR®, he/she will use them to pique the interest of potential buyers. If a buyer likes the photos, their next step will be to schedule a tour of the home. Hence, the right photos are invaluable when selling real estate.
Sign Here
Believe it or not, one of the best marketing strategies is free. By placing a sign in your yard, you will let anyone driving by know that your home is for sale. Even if you live in an area that does not get a lot of traffic, a passerby may notice the sign and tell someone they know who is in the market for a new home. Your REALTOR® will likely provide you with a sign, which should be placed in a visible area of your lawn. You can also place a sign in your window or on your front door. Be sure to check with your local community association, if applicable, regarding placement and permission for this type of sign.
Paid Advertisements
Many REALTORS® advertise their listings in local real estate publications, their business Web site and even the occasional ad in the newspaper. Depending on the terms of your listing agreement, you may be able to continue advertising the home independently. Check with your REALTOR® about their commission policy if you sell the house yourself.
If you decide to advertise yourself, try the local newspaper first. People looking to move into your area will likely be browsing the newspaper for real estate ads. Keep in mind that it's not just newcomers who may be looking to buy a new home. Perhaps an empty nester is looking for a smaller abode or a growing family is looking to upgrade to a larger house, so don't discount locals as potential buyers.
Hold An Open House
If you want potential buyers to fall in love with your home, invite them in to see what it has to offer. An open house allows for anyone to simply drop in, with or without an appointment, to tour the home. In some cases, a successful open house may result in an offer or possibly multiple offers that same day. You can advertise an open house with signs in your yard, posting a notice on local bulletin boards and by utilizing free or paid ads online and/or in your local newspaper.
In most cases, your REALTOR® will schedule the open house and will help answer questions from potential buyers. If you are still living in the home, the date and time should be convenient for you, but also a day that would be convenient for others. For most, the weekend is a good time and most open houses are an all-day event.
For the best approach at a successful marketing strategy, confer with your REALTOR®. Successful agents know their markets and what will likely be the best approach to selling your home. Don't be afraid, though, to offer your input and ask questions as you develop your marketing plan.
If you want potential home buyers to fall in love with your house, they first have to know it's for sale. This is where a strong marketing plan comes into play, which not only publicizes your property but gives people a preview of your home before they get there.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Regardless of whether your home is to be featured online, in a REALTOR'S® publication or paid advertisement, quality photos are a must. You must capture your home's best qualities in each image. Take a photo of the front and back of the home, along with interior photos of every room. Try various angles and lighting situations, which gives you the opportunity to choose the best shots.
When photographing any part of your home, make sure that it's spotless. Home buyers, especially those with children or pets, would love to see a yard. If your house has a lot of room to run, showcase it in photos. If you live in a condominium or townhouse, emphasize nearby activities that offer family fun. This may include a swimming pool, recreation center, tennis court, etc.
When you present your photos to the REALTOR®, he/she will use them to pique the interest of potential buyers. If a buyer likes the photos, their next step will be to schedule a tour of the home. Hence, the right photos are invaluable when selling real estate.
Sign Here
Believe it or not, one of the best marketing strategies is free. By placing a sign in your yard, you will let anyone driving by know that your home is for sale. Even if you live in an area that does not get a lot of traffic, a passerby may notice the sign and tell someone they know who is in the market for a new home. Your REALTOR® will likely provide you with a sign, which should be placed in a visible area of your lawn. You can also place a sign in your window or on your front door. Be sure to check with your local community association, if applicable, regarding placement and permission for this type of sign.
Paid Advertisements
Many REALTORS® advertise their listings in local real estate publications, their business Web site and even the occasional ad in the newspaper. Depending on the terms of your listing agreement, you may be able to continue advertising the home independently. Check with your REALTOR® about their commission policy if you sell the house yourself.
If you decide to advertise yourself, try the local newspaper first. People looking to move into your area will likely be browsing the newspaper for real estate ads. Keep in mind that it's not just newcomers who may be looking to buy a new home. Perhaps an empty nester is looking for a smaller abode or a growing family is looking to upgrade to a larger house, so don't discount locals as potential buyers.
Hold An Open House
If you want potential buyers to fall in love with your home, invite them in to see what it has to offer. An open house allows for anyone to simply drop in, with or without an appointment, to tour the home. In some cases, a successful open house may result in an offer or possibly multiple offers that same day. You can advertise an open house with signs in your yard, posting a notice on local bulletin boards and by utilizing free or paid ads online and/or in your local newspaper.
In most cases, your REALTOR® will schedule the open house and will help answer questions from potential buyers. If you are still living in the home, the date and time should be convenient for you, but also a day that would be convenient for others. For most, the weekend is a good time and most open houses are an all-day event.
For the best approach at a successful marketing strategy, confer with your REALTOR®. Successful agents know their markets and what will likely be the best approach to selling your home. Don't be afraid, though, to offer your input and ask questions as you develop your marketing plan.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Pricing Your Home To Sell
Pricing Your Home To Sell
In addition to location and condition, the asking price of a home is at the top of the list of important considerations. When a potential buyer is looking for a property, they want to get the best possible value for their dollar. This doesn't mean that a home should be priced too low, but it does mean that knowing how to price your home is a must.
Know The Value
Regardless of whether you are in a buyer's market or seller's market, it's important for every seller to know the actual value of their home with the help of an appraisal. With this information, you will be able to choose a listing price that does not exceed the home's value. At the same time, you will know how to react to various offers that a potential buyer may make. If you can select a price that is affordable to a range of buyers, you may receive multiple offers thereby sparking a possible competition among the interested parties.
Do Your Homework
The asking price that you choose should not be based on an appraisal alone, but rather a combination of factors. One such factor is that of recent selling prices for comparable homes in the area known as “comps.” Important comparisons include construction year, square footage, views (if applicable), interior upgrades and additional features that make the home unique. While you're doing research, check out current listings and the asking price for each home available in your area.
Set A Realistic Timetable
In researching the sale price for other comparable homes in the area, you should also note the length of time a particular house has been on the market. Some homes practically sell overnight, while others may remain on the market for months without being sold. If you want to sell your home quickly, you should consider this when setting a price. A bargain will obviously move quicker, but it's important to make enough from the sale to feel good about your choice. If you aren't in a hurry to close, talk with your realtor about a fair starting price that's at or near the appraised value of your home.
Ask Your REALTOR® For Advice
While you hold the key, so to speak, to your house's actual asking price, most sellers will ask their REALTOR® for their opinion. After all, real estate is their business and they will be working with you through every step of the process. If you choose a REALTOR® that you trust, give great consideration to the advice they offer.
In addition to location and condition, the asking price of a home is at the top of the list of important considerations. When a potential buyer is looking for a property, they want to get the best possible value for their dollar. This doesn't mean that a home should be priced too low, but it does mean that knowing how to price your home is a must.
Know The Value
Regardless of whether you are in a buyer's market or seller's market, it's important for every seller to know the actual value of their home with the help of an appraisal. With this information, you will be able to choose a listing price that does not exceed the home's value. At the same time, you will know how to react to various offers that a potential buyer may make. If you can select a price that is affordable to a range of buyers, you may receive multiple offers thereby sparking a possible competition among the interested parties.
Do Your Homework
The asking price that you choose should not be based on an appraisal alone, but rather a combination of factors. One such factor is that of recent selling prices for comparable homes in the area known as “comps.” Important comparisons include construction year, square footage, views (if applicable), interior upgrades and additional features that make the home unique. While you're doing research, check out current listings and the asking price for each home available in your area.
Set A Realistic Timetable
In researching the sale price for other comparable homes in the area, you should also note the length of time a particular house has been on the market. Some homes practically sell overnight, while others may remain on the market for months without being sold. If you want to sell your home quickly, you should consider this when setting a price. A bargain will obviously move quicker, but it's important to make enough from the sale to feel good about your choice. If you aren't in a hurry to close, talk with your realtor about a fair starting price that's at or near the appraised value of your home.
Ask Your REALTOR® For Advice
While you hold the key, so to speak, to your house's actual asking price, most sellers will ask their REALTOR® for their opinion. After all, real estate is their business and they will be working with you through every step of the process. If you choose a REALTOR® that you trust, give great consideration to the advice they offer.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Safety Tips for your home and family
- Never leave standing liquids unattended. Stay within arm's reach while your child is bathing or is near any container of water. If the phone rings, let it ring; stay with your child.
- Prevent tap water scalds by adjusting the temperature on your hot water heater to 120° F.
- Keep medicines and hazardous household chemicals locked up and out of sight. Use child-resistant packaging for medicines and hazardous household chemicals, and call 1-800-222-1222 if a poisoning occurs.
- Cut the loops on window-blind cords and call 1-800-506-4636 for a free repair kit.
- Make sure your hairdryer has a large rectangular plug. The immersion protection device prevents electrocution if the hairdryer is dropped in water.
- Change the battery in your smoke alarm when you change your clock's setting in October or November.
- Have a professional check your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks and your chimney for blockages; put a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area.
- Prevent electrocutions by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in your household outlets.
- Installing Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) can prevent electrical fires. AFCIs can sense electrical arc and trip the circuit.
- Babies on adult beds risk suffocation from hidden hazards such as entrapment between the bed and wall; entrapment involving the bed frame, headboard, and footboard; or soft bedding such as pillows or thick quilts and comforters.
DID YOU KNOW...? NEW WAYS TO USE OLD PRODUCTS
1. You can use steel wool to:
2. You can use nail polish remover to:
- Fill a screw hole that has become too big for the screw. Stuff the hole with steel wool and re-insert the screw.
- Make an instant pincushion. Stuff an old sock with steel wool and tie tightly for a pincushion that will keep pins and needles rust free.
- Repel kitchen pests, by placing steel wool around the pipes under the sink.
2. You can use nail polish remover to:
- Remove sticker residue from glass objects.
- Unstick your fingers after a superglue mishap.
- Remove marker and ink from appliances, glass, and stainless steel.
- Revitalize leather shoes and baseball gloves.
- Clean greasy hands.
- Repel moles in the yard. Soak a cloth in olive oil and stuff it into the mole hole. Moles hate olive oil!
- Remove grease stains from the garage floor.
- •Clear a sluggish drain.
- Loosen a bolt that is rusted on.
- Remove stubborn stains from the toilet. Pour in the cola and wait one hour before scrubbing.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Top Seven Sales Killers that may keep a home from selling.
1. An Unkempt Lawn
2. Chipping or Peeling Paint
3. Worn or Dirty Carpets and Flooring
4. Poor Housekeeping-Dust, Stains, and Dirt
5. Junk, Clutter, and Disorganization
6. Unpleasant Odors-Pets, Tobacco, and Garbage
7. Unusual or Odd Paint Colors
2. Chipping or Peeling Paint
3. Worn or Dirty Carpets and Flooring
4. Poor Housekeeping-Dust, Stains, and Dirt
5. Junk, Clutter, and Disorganization
6. Unpleasant Odors-Pets, Tobacco, and Garbage
7. Unusual or Odd Paint Colors
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Ten Ways to Cut your Energy Bill
1. One of the easiest ways to cut your heating and cooling bill is to make sure that your attic has seven inches (R-22) or more (up to R-49) of fiberglass or rock wool insulation.
2. A simple step we often ignore-replace or clean your AC vents once a month.
3. Don't leave your bathroom ventilator running longer than necessary, as it can drain your entire house of cooled or heated air in about an hour!
4. During the summer keep your drapes closed in the heat of the day. In the winter keep the south facing window drapes open.
5. Make sure all windows are caulked and weather-stripped to save 10% on your H/AC bill.
6. White window shades or blinds will deflect the heat away from your house.
7. Lower hot water costs by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.
8. Insulate your water heater and set its thermostat at 115° F.
9. You can cut up to 50% on your lighting costs by replacing 25% of the bulbs in your main-use areas with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights are more expensive but also last six to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.
10. Plant trees ASAP. Well-placed trees will not only lower your energy costs but will increase the curb appeal of your home and make your yard a more enjoyable place to be.
2. A simple step we often ignore-replace or clean your AC vents once a month.
3. Don't leave your bathroom ventilator running longer than necessary, as it can drain your entire house of cooled or heated air in about an hour!
4. During the summer keep your drapes closed in the heat of the day. In the winter keep the south facing window drapes open.
5. Make sure all windows are caulked and weather-stripped to save 10% on your H/AC bill.
6. White window shades or blinds will deflect the heat away from your house.
7. Lower hot water costs by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.
8. Insulate your water heater and set its thermostat at 115° F.
9. You can cut up to 50% on your lighting costs by replacing 25% of the bulbs in your main-use areas with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights are more expensive but also last six to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.
10. Plant trees ASAP. Well-placed trees will not only lower your energy costs but will increase the curb appeal of your home and make your yard a more enjoyable place to be.
Top 10 Professional Home Staging Ideas all Homeowners should know
1. Create the illusion of space by rearranging the furniture. Try different combinations or remove and store pieces that make it feel crowded.
2. Arrange the furniture in living areas into intimate groupings that suggest entertaining and ideal conversational settings.
3. Consider rental furniture, especially when the pieces you have don't match, are badly worn, or are in any state of disrepair.
4. Add decorative pillows and slipcovers in warm neutral tones to hide flaws and make pieces blend.
5. Eliminate clutter. Store or get rid of appliances, gadgets, newspapers, mail or anything that takes up space or distracts attention.
6. De-personalize your home so buyers can imagine living in it. Store pictures, awards, trophies, collectibles, and other personal keepsakes.
7. Paint walls in inviting neutral colors to cover flaws and freshen rooms.
8. Add small luxurious touches to bathrooms and bedrooms. Think plush towels, fresh flowers, high-end bed linens, and pretty bath soaps.
9. Eliminate unpleasant odors and smells that can kill a sale. Fragrant candles, plug-ins, and home sprays can help, but nothing smells better than clean.
10. Plants add an aura of softness and warmth to any room. Large or small, real or silk-they're a favorite of professional stagers.
2. Arrange the furniture in living areas into intimate groupings that suggest entertaining and ideal conversational settings.
3. Consider rental furniture, especially when the pieces you have don't match, are badly worn, or are in any state of disrepair.
4. Add decorative pillows and slipcovers in warm neutral tones to hide flaws and make pieces blend.
5. Eliminate clutter. Store or get rid of appliances, gadgets, newspapers, mail or anything that takes up space or distracts attention.
6. De-personalize your home so buyers can imagine living in it. Store pictures, awards, trophies, collectibles, and other personal keepsakes.
7. Paint walls in inviting neutral colors to cover flaws and freshen rooms.
8. Add small luxurious touches to bathrooms and bedrooms. Think plush towels, fresh flowers, high-end bed linens, and pretty bath soaps.
9. Eliminate unpleasant odors and smells that can kill a sale. Fragrant candles, plug-ins, and home sprays can help, but nothing smells better than clean.
10. Plants add an aura of softness and warmth to any room. Large or small, real or silk-they're a favorite of professional stagers.
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