I specialize in working with homeowners who are marketing their home independently to educate them to the pitfalls of the For Sale By Owner path. Why? Because I respect the effort you're making to save the commission, but at the same time, I've seen too many homeowners squander valuable marketing time or accept an offer much lower than they would have gotten had they hired a Realtor!
Without further propaganda, here are the ten critical mistakes you ay make when marketing your home for sale. Let's cover Mistakes 1 through 5 first...
Costly Mistake No. 1
Pricing Incorrectly
Every seller wants to get as much money as possible when selling a home, and it's understandable when you're talking about thousands of dollars. But, a listing priced too high often results in less money for the seller. If your home is not priced competitively, people looking in your price range will reject it in favor of other, larger homes for the same price. At the same time, the people who should be looking at your home will not see it because it is overpriced! Overpricing usually increases time on the market, and adds to the carrying costs. Ultimately, many overpriced properties sell below market value.
To help avoid this, I've prepared guidelines on how to assist homeowners in selecting the right price to list their home. You'll learn:
Once you learn these principles, you'll know how to sell your home for the best price. Not only that, you'll know how to avoid paying too much for any home you buy in the future!
Costly Mistake No. 2
Failing to "Showcase" the Home
Once you decide to sell your home, the property ceases to be "your house" and becomes inventory...a product for sale. Owners who fail to make repairs, such as sprucing up the house, touching up the paint and keeping it clean, can chase away buyers. If you were selling a car, you would wash it, or maybe even detail it to get the highest price. Houses are no different.
As an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), I can guide you in making improvements that will yield the most return for your effort. Being an ASP, I know how to take exceptional photos of your home that will highlight its best features and draw buyers to the listing. Buyers are very visual, and will rule out any home whose pictures do not appeal to them!
Costly Mistake No. 3
Using the "Hard Sell" During Showings
Buying a home is an emotional decision. Resist the temptation to talk the entire time a buyer is there, and let them discover things on their own. People like to "try on" a house and see if it is comfortable for them. It's difficult for them to do that if you follow them around pointing out every improvement that you've made. It may even have the opposite effect you want. One of the biggest complaints I hear from my buyer clients who have looked at homes that are being marketed independently is that the homeowner will take them through each room and proclaim, "...And this is the kitchen (or bedroom, or bathroom). Sell the sizzle and the high points within each room!
Costly Mistake No. 4
Mistaking Lookers for Buyers
For Sale by Owners get lots of activity from lookers and other real estate agents, and not enough with qualified buyers. A qualified buyer is one who is ready, willing and able to buy your home, and has been approved for the purchase in that amount by a lender.
A good agent will qualify the buyer before taking them out to houses. Agents will ask buyers how much they can really spend for a home, determine what the buyer's true timeline for home ownership is, inquire about down payment and credit AND get have them speak to a mortgage broker to ensure no one's time is wasted! Unless you have a Realtor® getting all the facts first, you should ask these questions before the buyer crosses your threshold. Otherwise, you may be spending hours showing your home to Sunday shoppers with big dreams and no ability to perform!
Costly Mistake No. 5
Not Knowing Your Rights and Obligations
Real estate law is extensive and complex. Although an effective real estate attorney will advise you and prepare the final contract for sale, you must be completely knowledgeable about the laws of disclosure to avoid a future lawsuit. If there are defects in your title, steps must be taken to remedy them before marketing the property, or risk jeopardizing a successful sale. Also, buyers have and take the option to perform home inspections. An experienced Realtor® can educate you to the alternatives you can exercise here, before you can be taken advantage of.
Watch for my next installment of Mistakes 6-10!
"Antoinette" Scognamiglio (licensed as Maria), Sales Associate, Prudential New Jersey Properties. 64 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Office: 973-625-1870 x105. Cell: 201-240-8699. Email: ascognamiglio@njrealestate.com. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Are you considering purchasing a home in Morris County? I specialize in the Morris County, New Jersey marketplace, with expertise in Lakefront property (especially Lake Hopatcong). Certified by Prudential New Jersey Properties as a relocation specialist, I take exceptional care in assisting my clients in finding their new home and community.
Please visit my website to learn more about my philosophy in conducting real estate business and to access the resources I offer to buyers and sellers. My credo is..."The title of REALTOR® should be held with great care or not held at all." Put your real estate transaction in careful hands.
Boonton Township, located in Morris County, NJ currently has 43 homes available for sale. Following is the solitary closed sale for the month of August 2008, including most recent list price at time of sale, final sale price and days on the market.
|
No: |
Address |
List Price |
Style |
RM |
BR |
TBT |
Gar |
BSMT |
Sold Price |
DOM |
|
1 |
$474,999 |
Ranch |
9 |
3 |
2.1 |
1 |
Yes |
$465,000 |
87 |
"Antoinette" Scognamiglio (licensed as Maria), Sales Associate, Prudential New Jersey Properties. 64 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Office: 973-625-1870 x105. Cell: 201-240-8699. Email: ascognamiglio@njrealestate.com. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Are you considering purchasing a home in Morris County? I specialize in the Morris County, New Jersey marketplace, with expertise in Lakefront property (especially Lake Hopatcong). Certified by Prudential New Jersey Properties as a relocation specialist, I take exceptional care in assisting my clients in finding their new home and community.
Please visit my website to learn more about my philosophy in conducting real estate business and to access the resources I offer to buyers and sellers. My credo is..."The title of REALTOR® should be held with great care or not held at all." Put your real estate transaction in careful hands.
Rockaway Township, located in Morris County, NJ currently has an inventory of 216 homes for sale. Following are closed sales for the month of August 2008.
|
"Antoinette" Scognamiglio (licensed as Maria), Sales Associate, Prudential New Jersey Properties. 64 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Office: 973-625-1870 x105. Cell: 201-240-8699. Email: ascognamiglio@njrealestate.com. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Are you considering purchasing a home in Morris County? I specialize in the Morris County, New Jersey marketplace, with expertise in Lakefront property (especially Lake Hopatcong). Certified by Prudential New Jersey Properties as a relocation specialist, I take exceptional care in assisting my clients in finding their new home and community.
Please visit my website to learn more about my philosophy in conducting real estate business and to access the resources I offer to buyers and sellers. My credo is..."The title of REALTOR® should be held with great care or not held at all." Put your real estate transaction in careful hands.
Following is the monthly residential sales report for Mountain Lakes, NJ, located in Morris County. There are currently 42 homes actively listed and available for sale.
|
No: |
Address |
List Price |
Style |
RM |
BR |
TBT |
Gar |
BSMT |
Sold Price |
DOM |
|
1 |
$650,000 |
Townhouse-End Unit |
9 |
3 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$620,000 |
43 |
|
|
2 |
$689,000 |
Townhouse-End Unit |
8 |
3 |
3.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$642,500 |
170 |
|
|
3 |
$734,000 |
Custom Home, Split Level |
8 |
4 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$709,000 |
80 |
|
|
4 |
$880,000 |
Colonial |
11 |
4 |
2.1 |
1 |
Yes |
$880,000 |
99 |
|
|
5 |
$981,000 |
Colonial |
11 |
4 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$970,000 |
77 |
|
|
6 |
$989,000 |
Colonial |
11 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
Yes |
$950,000 |
110 |
|
|
7 |
$999,000 |
Colonial |
13 |
7 |
4.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$925,000 |
142 |
|
|
8 |
$1,099,000 |
Colonial |
10 |
5 |
2.1 |
0 |
Yes |
$1,062,500 |
134 |
|
|
9 |
$1,779,000 |
Colonial |
14 |
7 |
3.2 |
2 |
Yes |
$1,675,000 |
105 |
"Antoinette" Scognamiglio (licensed as Maria), Sales Associate, Prudential New Jersey Properties. 64 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Office: 973-625-1870 x105. Cell: 201-240-8699. Email: ascognamiglio@njrealestate.com. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Are you considering purchasing a home in Morris County? I specialize in the Morris County, New Jersey marketplace, with expertise in Lakefront property (especially Lake Hopatcong). Certified by Prudential New Jersey Properties as a relocation specialist, I take exceptional care in assisting my clients in finding their new home and community.
Please visit my website to learn more about my philosophy in conducting real estate business and to access the resources I offer to buyers and sellers. My credo is..."The title of REALTOR® should be held with great care or not held at all." Put your real estate transaction in careful hands.
Following are the closed sales of residential real estate in Denville, NJ* for the month of August 2008. Denville currently has an open inventory of 145 homes available.
|
No: |
Address |
List Price |
Style |
RM |
BR |
TBT |
Gar |
BSMT |
Sold Price |
DOM |
|
1 |
$224,900 |
One Floor Unit |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
No |
$218,000 |
82 |
|
|
2 |
$315,000 |
Colonial |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
Yes |
$320,000 |
36 |
|
|
3 |
$339,900 |
Cape Cod |
7 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
Yes |
$325,000 |
15 |
|
|
4 |
$340,000 |
Multi Floor Unit, Townhouse-Interior |
6 |
2 |
1.1 |
1 |
No |
$338,000 |
55 |
|
|
5 |
$349,990 |
Ranch |
7 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
Yes |
$337,500 |
18 |
|
|
6 |
$395,000 |
Cape Cod, Custom Home |
8 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Yes |
$345,000 |
178 |
|
|
7 |
$399,900 |
Raised Ranch |
7 |
4 |
1.1 |
1 |
No |
$384,000 |
137 |
|
|
8 |
$435,000 |
Townhouse-Interior |
7 |
3 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$421,000 |
66 |
|
|
9 |
$439,900 |
Colonial |
9 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
Yes |
$420,000 |
83 |
|
|
10 |
$449,000 |
Bi-Level |
7 |
3 |
2.1 |
2 |
No |
$425,000 |
9 |
|
|
11 |
$454,900 |
Townhouse-Interior |
7 |
3 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$434,000 |
60 |
|
|
12 |
$459,800 |
Bi-Level |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
No |
$435,000 |
39 |
|
|
13 |
$639,000 |
Townhouse-Interior |
8 |
3 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$609,500 |
53 |
|
|
14 |
$659,000 |
Colonial |
9 |
5 |
2.1 |
2 |
Yes |
$670,200 |
22 |
|
|
15 |
$779,999 |
Colonial, Custom Home |
8 |
4 |
3.1 |
1 |
Yes |
$725,000 |
57 |
|
|
16 |
$825,000 |
Colonial |
11 |
4 |
2.1 |
3 |
Yes |
$825,000 |
135 |
|
|
17 |
$849,000 |
Colonial |
10 |
5 |
3.1 |
3 |
Yes |
$827,000 |
45 |
*as per Garden State Multiple Listing Service
"Antoinette" Scognamiglio (licensed as Maria), Sales Associate, Prudential New Jersey Properties. 64 Diamond Spring Road, Denville, NJ 07834. Office: 973-625-1870 x105. Cell: 201-240-8699. Email: ascognamiglio@njrealestate.com. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Are you considering purchasing a home in Morris County? I specialize in the Morris County, New Jersey marketplace, with expertise in Lakefront property (especially Lake Hopatcong). Certified by Prudential New Jersey Properties as a relocation specialist, I take exceptional care in assisting my clients in finding their new home and community.
Please visit my website to learn more about my philosophy in conducting real estate business and to access the resources I offer to buyers and sellers. My credo is..."The title of REALTOR® should be held with great care or not held at all." Put your real estate transaction in careful hands.
 |
|
|
Call 201.240.8699 for a straight-facts-and-no pressure experience in buying or selling your home! Known for my "so quick it's scary" response time...give it a try!
I'm a full-time REALTOR®, who specializes in the Northern New Jersey area and lakefront property. My daily goal is the creation of life long business relationships with my clients and earning the honor to further do business with their friends and family.
I'm well known for my "amazingly quick and almost scary" response time to my clients' inquiries. Give it a shot and call me at 201.240.8699!
Are you considering selling your current home? As an Accredited Staging Professional, I offer this service on a complimentary basis to my clients. Once an agreement to list your home has been reached, I'll provide you with the guidance you need to transform your home into a "showcase" property. With the vast selection available to buyers today, staging your home can set your property above and beyond all others!
Passive marketing is not enough to sell your home in today's market. I take a Pro-Active stance by custom tailoring an aggressive marketing plan and get results by using the most active and effective methods and tools. Each of my listings has complete exposure to the broadest range of potential business by creating a formidable online presence and maximizing the potential of each property.
If you're buying a home or relocating, many satisfied buyers have depended upon on me for my knowledge of the residential market. You should be provided with comprehensive personalized service to assist in finding an affordable first home, move up home, or dream estate as this investment involves hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Having developed many contacts with fellow REALTORS®, lenders, title companies, attorneys, inspectors and contractors, I can help you find the resources you need.
Real estate is my passion and I truly enjoy working with people to help make their lives better and their dreams come true.
I cover Morris County and sections of Sussex, Passaic, and Northernmost Bergen County in New Jersey. I specialize in marketing lakefront property and can provide valuable assistance in selling your lakefront home, or assisting in your search for lakefront real estate...ask me about Lake Hopatcong.
You deserve state of the art service and Maximum Exposure when you're selling your home. I use my progressive independent website, www.antoinetteshomes.com, among others, to showcase your home & attract qualified buyers. All listings are photographed using state of the art photo equipment. Your home will be actively showcased through direct mail and broadcast internet mail. NO ONE WILL POST YOUR HOME TO MORE INTERNET OUTLETS THAN I WILL...THAT'S A FACT I CAN GUARANTEE!
November 13, 2006,
Antoinette was by far the best agent we have ever had! This is our THIRD house, and I look forward to working with her again when we sell our home!
Steve & Casey Conti
Oak Ridge, NJ
October 14, 2006
Dear Sirs,
"Almost a year and a half ago I bought a fix- me-up home in West Milford, NJ. It was to be an invest to "flip." The home cost more than $240,000. The real estate agent said if I put in $20,000 and three months work, he could sell it for about $360,000.
After SIX months work and $40,000, the same salesman said he could get $330,000. I signed a six months contract. In that time he brought in his friends for a clean up for $150. I got a bill for $300. He wanted to bring in a crew to landscape the property for another $800. I did it myself for nothing. I was spending more than $2,000 a month in mortgage and building material payments. I was desperate.
Twice he said he had the house sold. Once for $300,000. That fell through he said. Another sale went down the tubes on the way to signing the papers for $280,000. I never met or saw a buyer.
With one month left on the contract, a friend at work recommended I talk with Antoinette Scognamiglio. I called her and explained my situation. Antoinette volunteered to look at the house and make suggestions that might help sell the house. Antoinette came to the home on her own time, offering to help me make some changes even though there was nothing in it for her. I did as Antoinette suggested and still my real estate agent could not get anyone interested. When the contract expired, I signed with Antoinette.
Antoinette went to bat and made up brochures, put the house on the internet, put flowers around the property and held an open house.
The real estate market had peaked four months earlier, and it was going to be a long haul. Not with Antoinette. She had the house sold for $286,000 in ten weeks in a soft market.
At the time of the sale, my bank account was down to my last $81 -- eighty one dollars.
Antoinette sold my house, saved my credit and made a friend for life."
Sincerely,
Don Smith (location withheld)
September 7, 2006
We went into an open house of a home that we couldn't afford, and Antoinetted gave us excellent service regardless, whether we could afford the home or not! This is why we stayed with her throughout our search.
Christopher & Christine Mirkovich
Waldwick, NJ
February 2006
To whom it may concern:
"We have found Antoinette to be a unique gem. She is a person that goes above and beyond to satisfy her clients.
We first met Antoinette when we were looking at open houses. She really listened to what was important fo our family and our needs. She searched for properties that fit the criteria we were looking for. She researched properties and towns for us. She really had an understanding of what we were looking for in a home. She always met us with excitement and the genuine desire to help.
Also, Antoinette did a wonderful job selling our home. She created a marketing plan so that our home would be well advertised and the open house well attended. The flyer that she created was magnificent and highlighted all of our home's features. She did such a great job of selling our home that we had multiple offers above the listing price. We could not have asked for anything more, as Antoinette truly made the sale of our home seamless.
We are proud to recommend Antoinette as she is an amazing person and Realtor!
Louis and Jennifer Maldonado
June 23, 2005
"On January 22, while attempting to sell my home on my own, one of your agents telephoned me offering to help me market my property. This agent's name is Antoinette Scognamiglio. At the time I was not interested in turning my property over to a real estate broker. The reason was that I was being annoyed by so many brokers that I just didn't want to deal with anyone.
As it was, Antoinette was probably the only one that did not badger me and so on February 11, I agreed to meet with her to discuss the marketing of my property. She came to my home well prepared and from that time until this very day I am still impressed with her marketing skills and her dedication in finding a buyer for my property.
On June 14 we had the closing on my property, and you can be sure that if I know of anyone who will be selling their property, I will recommend your company and Antoinette to place their home on the market.
Thank you again!
Joan Lee
February 2006
"Thank you so much for all of your help and advice during the sale of my home, especially during all of the difficulties with the potential buyers. I could not have made it through without you!
I wish I could take you with me to California!"
Annmarie B.
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