3 Tips for the First-Time Home Seller
By Dana Dratch
RISMEDIA, Tuesday, June 14, 2011— Today's buyer-take-all bonanza is a boon for fence-sitters and buyers with great credit and deep pockets. But sellers are steeling themselves to new realities that include paying (rather than making) money at the closing table, providing extras to sweeten the deal, and spending more time and cash making the home camera-ready.
For first-time sellers who have never been through the process before, it's a different world. One where the value of the house isn't measured in the profit made on the sale, but by the enjoyment the owners had from living in the home.
Here are three things experienced sellers would tell you, if they could.
Price it realistically from the start
"Your largest number of showings will occur in the first two to three weeks," says Mark Ramsey, a broker in Charlotte, N.C. One reason: "The (multiple listing service) systems and the Internet tend to drive the majority of showings," he says. Many buyers are plugged in electronically. So the minute something new pops up that meets their criteria, they want to see it.
Take advantage of that sweet spot by pricing the house competitively right out of the gate, he says.
When first-time sellers James and Emily Foltz put their Oklahoma City home on the market last summer, their agent gave them a comprehensive list of the initial asking prices of nearby homes like theirs, along with the final selling prices. "Some varied by $30,000," says James Foltz.
It gave them an X-ray of their market.
How you style the price is important. The Foltzes first marketed their home for $155,000. But lowering it to $150,000 meant the listing appeared within the computer search parameters that buyers commonly used in that price range, Foltz says.
The result: A few weeks after the price change, they had a winning offer.
Be prepared to lose some money
Want to sit with a house that won't move? Be the first-time seller who insists you can get the appraised value, the tax assessor's estimate or whatever you paid a few years ago.
"It seems like there's no relationship between your assessed value, taxable value and the actual market value of our house," says Pat Vredevoogd Combs, past president of the National Association of REALTORS®. "There doesn't seem to be any correlation."
The truth is that your house is worth what buyers are willing to pay. No more. "This is a true market that Adam Smith would have loved—totally based on supply and demand," Combs says. That means many buyers should be prepared to lose some money or hang onto the home until the price rises.
"We did end up taking a loss," says Foltz, who wrote a check for $3,000 at the closing table. The good news is that the couple sold their home in less than two months.
Beware the agent who promises big profits, Combs says. That person may just be after your business. "Don't go with anyone who doesn't use comps," she says. And study sales prices, not asking prices, for real estate.
Promotion, promotion, promotion
One question to ask yourself and pose as you interview agents: How will you reach the home's target market?
"You have to consider who your most likely buyers are for what you're selling and cater to that group of people," Ramsey says.
Targeting 20-somethings who live on their smartphones? You need to effectively access the networks your buyers are tapping to find their next home. One big trend: QR (or "quick response") bar codes that allow smartphone users to access property information electronically, he says.
The typical starter home can also appeal to downsizing empty nesters, says Ramsey. To serve their needs, you might also want to have a phone number that instantly reaches someone who can provide details and answer questions, he says.
And don't neglect the modern version of curb appeal: using lots of photos on real estate listings' websites. However you market your house, you need a good number of clear, well-lit, professional-quality pictures that show your house at its best.
For more tips, visit www.bankrate.com.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.
Showing posts with label home selling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home selling. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Keeping Your Pets Happy While Selling Your Home
Courtesy of Paw Prints The Magazine
How to Keep Fido’s Tail Wagging While Selling a Home
by Stacy Smith
The process of selling a home is both an exciting and stressful time. With the opportunity for new beginnings in a new home just around the corner, homeowners are busy with frantic activity preparing to show the home to potential buyers. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle can cause undue stress on household pets, as their familiar surroundings change. With home sales increasing nationwide, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is reminding pet parents to consider pet-friendly solutions to minimize trauma throughout the process of selling a home.
“Pets are most comfortable when surrounded by familiar sights, sounds and smells,” explained John D’Ariano, President of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. “It’s important to take extra precautions in keeping Fido safe and happy throughout the transition of a home sale.”
To assist pet parents in helping pets cope with changes throughout a home sale, NAPPS is providing the following tips and recommendations:
Create a Safe Haven – Does your pet have a favorite toy, blanket or pillow? Create a safe haven of familiar objects for your pet throughout the hubbub of renovations, furniture movement and packing.
Maintain a Routine – While the household schedule may change to accommodate showings, make sure Fido maintains his regular diet and exercise schedule. Too busy to take your pet for a walk? Consider hiring a professional pet sitter for daily walks and play time.
Promote Your Home as Pet-Friendly – Is your home the ideal haven for a fellow pet parent? Highlight the specific pet-friendly features – such as a large yard or the perfect sunny window for cat naps – in your home’s description. This could be the quality that sets your home apart from the rest!
Hire a Pet Sitter During Showings – Pets are not able to run loose throughout the home during a showing, so many pet parents choose to hire a professional pet sitter to provide dedicated attention, play time and exercise during visits from potential buyers.
Relax – Tension can build throughout the process of selling a home, so take the time to relax with your pet! A ten-minute break to play fetch in the backyard or a short walk around the block will give you and your pet the opportunity to take a deep breath and enjoy each others company.
Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter
To assist pet parents in the process of finding a professional pet sitter while selling a home, NAPPS offers the following recommendations:
Develop a set of questions and conduct a thorough interview
Ask for multiple references
Request proof of bonding and liability insurance coverage
Make sure he/she interacts well with your pet
How to Keep Fido’s Tail Wagging While Selling a Home
by Stacy Smith
The process of selling a home is both an exciting and stressful time. With the opportunity for new beginnings in a new home just around the corner, homeowners are busy with frantic activity preparing to show the home to potential buyers. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle can cause undue stress on household pets, as their familiar surroundings change. With home sales increasing nationwide, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) is reminding pet parents to consider pet-friendly solutions to minimize trauma throughout the process of selling a home.
“Pets are most comfortable when surrounded by familiar sights, sounds and smells,” explained John D’Ariano, President of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. “It’s important to take extra precautions in keeping Fido safe and happy throughout the transition of a home sale.”
To assist pet parents in helping pets cope with changes throughout a home sale, NAPPS is providing the following tips and recommendations:
Create a Safe Haven – Does your pet have a favorite toy, blanket or pillow? Create a safe haven of familiar objects for your pet throughout the hubbub of renovations, furniture movement and packing.
Maintain a Routine – While the household schedule may change to accommodate showings, make sure Fido maintains his regular diet and exercise schedule. Too busy to take your pet for a walk? Consider hiring a professional pet sitter for daily walks and play time.
Promote Your Home as Pet-Friendly – Is your home the ideal haven for a fellow pet parent? Highlight the specific pet-friendly features – such as a large yard or the perfect sunny window for cat naps – in your home’s description. This could be the quality that sets your home apart from the rest!
Hire a Pet Sitter During Showings – Pets are not able to run loose throughout the home during a showing, so many pet parents choose to hire a professional pet sitter to provide dedicated attention, play time and exercise during visits from potential buyers.
Relax – Tension can build throughout the process of selling a home, so take the time to relax with your pet! A ten-minute break to play fetch in the backyard or a short walk around the block will give you and your pet the opportunity to take a deep breath and enjoy each others company.
Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter
To assist pet parents in the process of finding a professional pet sitter while selling a home, NAPPS offers the following recommendations:
Develop a set of questions and conduct a thorough interview
Ask for multiple references
Request proof of bonding and liability insurance coverage
Make sure he/she interacts well with your pet
Monday, October 18, 2010
Re/Max State Line Office Listings
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Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Scottie Broderick
www.ScottieBroderick.com
5448 W 130th Tr.
Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Cindy Dicianni
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5721 Holmes St.
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Sam Lind
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2711 W 73rd St
Prairie Village, KS
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www.PiercyGroup.com
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Prairie Village, KS
Marketed By: Scottie Broderick & Heather Broderick
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Overland Park, KS
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10130 Theden Circle
Lenexa, KS
Marketed By: Melanie McGraw & Janice Mackay
www.KCHomes4U.com
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Leawood, KS
Marketed By: Jim Henderson
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9209 Switzer Rd.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com
9101 Central St.
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Sheila Vardakis
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Merriam, KS
Marketed By: Cindy Dicianni
www.CindyDicianni.com
Re/Max State Line Office Listings
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Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com
7245 Lowell Dr.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com
7200 Maple St.
Overland Park, KS
Marketed By: Jim Henderson
www.JimHendersonTeam.com
7018 N Congress Ave
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Carrie Cowan & Lisa Kanter
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Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Marilyn Dugan & Cindy Nabors
www.MarilynDugan.com
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Fairway, KS
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www.KCHomes4U.com
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901 W 85th St
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Carrie Cowan & Lisa Kanter
www.INeedThatHouse.com
431 E 81st St
Kansas City, MO
Marketed By: Brent Kendrick
www.BrentKendrick.com
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