12 Great Real Estate Tips
Guaranteed to Work!
We are well into the first quarter of 2012 and it seems, as predicted, that the market is on the verge of an upward spiral again. There have been numerous signs economically and within the market that point to greener pastures in the real estate business this year – for everyone. As I’ve said before, the market is in a unique and interesting place…
Until now it’s been almost entirely a Buyer’s market; prices are affordable, interest rates are down to rock bottom and competition has been low. However, in recent weeks it’s been quite the opposite with competition getting heavier and heavier. Offers are rolling in fast for homes and Listing Agents are trying to keep up!
Here’s a nifty list of tips for home sellers. I hope this will help you with your clients.
1. Price your home right First:
In the past sellers have made a habbit of brushing off many home buyers and holding out for a better offer. 
No dice anymore! This strategy, if being used, needs to be cut off immediately.
2. Put Your Best Footage Forward:
Make your homes sparkle for your clients! Spackle, paint, scrub, bleach, perfect, plant.. etc. None of these are particularly expensive but will make your home look perfect for your potential buyers.
3.Be Flexible:
Be prepared and ready to negotiate and offer extras with the deal. Remodeling work, appliances, closing costs.. all of these can be thrown in with the bundle to make your deal the best deal your client can get. LISTEN to what your potential buyers want and need in their home and RESPOND accordingly.
4.Trump Your Techno-Fears:
Get up to date on your social media and online networking. Everyone goes online to look for just about anything, especially homes and real estate services. Get your brand up on Cragislist, Facebook and ActiveRain among others.
5.Don’t Fall Prey:
Be sure to make yourself aware of ‘fraudsters’ out there who are targeting distressed homeowner with false ‘deals’ that can sound legitimate. Make yourself familiar so you can also warn your clients about these possible online predators.
6.Finance 101:
Take into account how difficult FHA and 30 year fixed interest loans are to get these days. Because of this consider financing alternatives, cash offers and pricing flexibility. It’s tough out there and buyers may feel frantic and out of options. Meet them halfway and let them know you care enough to not let them lose their potential new home.
7.Be Your Own Spokesperson:
In essence, be genuine. Above all that genuine caring and willingness to work things out will get your client in the right home and another home sale under your belt. Also be ready to answer potential home buyers questions about the neighborhood, schools, pros and cons to that area… etc.
8.Fight to Quality:
What about your home is qualitative and durable? Is it made of brick or concrete and steel? Is it near a hospital, university or central business district? Highlight your assets, all of your assets.
9. Expand Your Buying Universe:
Broadening your scope is always a good idea, especially when buying homes your clients will fall in love with. This is especially the case with short sale homes and fixer uppers. Shop around! Don’t dismiss any options and don’t settle on any one specific category of home either. Make yourself available to expansion.
10. ‘Site Unseen’ equals shortsightedness:
Keep in mind that value estimates can vary to extremes on both ends, both overpricing and underpricing. However when you go to reputable real estate organizations or appraise a property yourself there are sometimes too many variables to get a correct appraisal. Go ahead and get the firsthand professional appraisal to make life a little easier.
11. Expand Your Buyer’s Due Diligence:
There’s always a list of financial details, contracts, disclosures and protections you typically make your client aware of as common courtesy in business.. but here’s a few more to add to your list. Make your client feel comfortable and confident that you’re the right choice for them and your home is perfect:
Hire a title company to check the house for liens and tax arrearages.
Hire your own inspector, it’s always the safest.
Have the inspector check for unpermitted work like illegal additions and garage conversions.
Consider overall energy efficiency and have the house tested through PG and E.
Be sure the property lines are accurate to the inch.
12.Make a Quality-of-Life Due Diligence Check list:
Go the National Sex Offender Public Website at Nsopw.gov to search for neighborhood predators your clients should be aware of.
Spend some time around the neighborhood, talk to the neighbors and get their take. Make not of anything that may sway your potential buyers one way or the other.
These are all great ways to really be in tune with no only your own motives, but also your clients. They’re the ones buying the house afterall, right? Hope you found at least one of these tips useful and can get started on your own checklists for your clients.
For the full article and all the tips click this link.
Lynn Tardibuono – Flipper Chick- Real Estate Agent and Co-Owner of Sun Pacific Mortgage and Real Estate. Serving Sonoma County since 1988. Her number is (707)523-2099 and you can also visit the website at http://www.sunpacmortgage.com.
So far the analytics firm has noted an average acceptable credit score of 700. It is a bit steep and is higher than the required score prior to our housing crisis, and many are struggling to get their credit up to that score. However, there is hope with other loan programs available such as Hard Money Loans or Credit Union portfolio loans….. so desired homeowners can still take advantage of this housing market. 
foreclosed upon since 2006 reviewed, and if any are found to have been wrongfully foreclosed upon they can receive compensation equal to a minimum of lost equity, plus interest”. This is fantastic news! 
Lynn Tardibuono – Flipper Chick- Real Estate Agent and Co-Owner of Sun Pacific Mortgage and Real Estate. Serving Sonoma County since 1988. Her number is (707)523-2099 and you can also visit the website at 
