Lisa Wetzel CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

Photos And Real Estate Marketin

Pictures play a bigger role than ever these days in the selling of real estate. According to the National Association of Realtors, today’s typical buyer has been on the Internet looking at property for eight hours before they call an agent. That means the quality and content of the photos is of utmost importance to create a first and lasting impression.

With photos playing such a critical role in the sales process, more effort must be given to their quality and content. Good quality is easier to achieve with the digital cameras that most agents now use. The photos can be viewed immediately and the picture retaken as necessary to achieve an acceptable result. No excuse now for a fuzzy picture. Real estate photo situations often require an ultra-wide angle lens to properly shoot the scene and one should be used. Computers allow for the enhancement of digital pictures, but care must be taken to maintain a true representation of the subject. Don’t put green grass where there is but dirt.

Photo content is easily controlled, but an area where sales efforts often break down. It is amazing how frequently homes are presented with the photo of a toilet as one of the key pictures. Every home has one – show something else of importance! That’s not to say some bathrooms aren’t worthy of a picture – just don’t make the stool fixture the focal point. It is important, too, to change photos with the season. Having snow in the picture for a listing you are selling in July is counterproductive. Been on the market awhile? The pictures must be updated during the course of today’s longer marketing times.

Some homes are cluttered such that it is impossible to get a debris free picture. A quick clearing of a counter top, however, would be time well spent to have a more impactive presentation especially if touting an expansive granite or tile countertop. Be careful about including valuables in the picture. You never know who is looking at the personal belongings content rather than the real estate.

Videos are also a good selling tool. A video can be put on a private You Tube site to help out of town Buyers decide on a course of action. Turn the camera on and start walking through the house without turning it off. There is little that the camera doesn’t capture and the Buyer can get a great idea of the flow and features of the home. It is most helpful to have a wide angle lens to minimize the need for panning. This helps prevent motion sickness while the viewers are watching the movie and eating their popcorn.

Our Advice: Put your best picture forward. Move around to get a good angle and different perspective, i.e.- get on top of the car to shoot an elevation with mountains in the background. If appropriate, enhance the subject with a telephoto lens that will compress the image and narrow the depth of field causing the subject to pop. Open the blinds and turn on the lights. The Seller may have a picture or two of the flowers in full bloom or a magnificent sunset that will help snaz up the home’s marketing image. Pets may be cute to show at the office, but a Buyer that doesn’t like dogs or cats won’t warm up to that photo or home.

Show the best features of the home. The goal is to attract Buyers, or not. You’ll either have a meaningful showing or save you and the Buyers time. Time spent getting better pictures is a good investment for all concerned. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

1576 East Valley Road, Gardnerville, Nevada ... The Crown Jewel of East Carson Valley

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Eagle Ridge Subdivision at Genoa, Nevada - Sierra Foothill Lots ... Unbelievable Prices!

Lisa Wetzeland Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com

A Grandpa's View Of A Home Run

The triple is the most exciting hit in baseball, except for the rare inside-the-park homerun. After trailing by as many as eight runs, my grandson's Little League team was catching up having scored four runs in the final inning. Trailing by three, the tying run was at the plate in the form of my grandson. All three had to score due to the five run rule - a stop in the action without a homerun would end the game. The sun that was in his eyes all game long as a catcher and hitter had gone below the mountains. He stepped up to the plate. He could see. The pitch. A swing and a miss.

The crowd had grown as the three other games at the park were over. Baseball aficionados and friends from the other games were lingering to watch this game wrap up. Strike two. Another healthy swing. The kind of swing that appears to be three-quarter speed, the visual effect common to the power hitter as opposed to the quick flick swat of a contact hitter.

There was murmuring in the crowd as the pitcher wound up. The underdogs were ahead and this was the last strike pitch. The pitch. The swing. The CRACK of the bat! As one the crowd inhaled, in awe, as the ball arced high towards right field. Silence continued a moment as the ball began to drop. Then it hit between the outfielders and rolled.

The roar erupted and grandson rounded first. Runner scored from third. Coaches yelling, "Run!" "Throw it!" as they tried to score runs or get an out to end the game depending on which dugout they were yelling from. Grandson rounded second with a bit of a stumble but not a wobble as he clearly had a goal of reaching the pentagon known as home plate.

Another run scored. The ball was thrown to an infielder. The fans were yelling ... some the roar of fan excitement... others pleading/coaching their players to do their will. No drops by the defense. The ball was steadily moving towards home through a series of players. As it was youth play, every throw and catch was in itself a suspenseful act.

Rounding third in fluid motion sped grandson. At a full run with desire in his eyes, he was not going to quit. The throw to the catcher... the turn to make the tag... just a fraction of a second late as the sliding runner had pointed his cleated toe with a perfect low slide that seemed to furrow the basepath until gravity ruled and the momentum was stopped with just a cleat and an ankle where grandson wanted them... safe at home.

Everyone roared and clapped for both sides. The game went an extra inning. We lost the game but all were winners in a bigger sense. Everyone in the Park that night left with a glow knowing that they had just witnessed their child's growth, the education of life values. Perseverance, commitment, discipline, teamwork, and more, kept both teams in the game to the very end. Everyone, too, knew that they had experienced baseball at its best. Two hours of methodical ennui with a sudden explosion of high action and emotion. All were happy to be a witness to and a part of the action.

In a moment's time I went from thinking of the Mighty Casey when grandson had two strikes to watching him rise from his scoring slide and run to his teammates with outstretched arms and a smile that seemed wider than his ears. Regardless of what he does the rest of his baseball career, this 10 year old has a lifetime memory of a grand moment in time... as does his Grandpa. Youth sports are a wonderful thing for everyone - the athletes, their coaches, families, friends and the administrators that work so hard to facilitate the sporting opportunities for them.

Thank you Carson Valley Little League for the experience and memories.

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

1576 East Valley Road, Gardnerville, Nevada ... The Crown Jewel of East Carson Valley

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Eagle Ridge Subdivision at Genoa, Nevada - Sierra Foothill Lots ... Unbelievable Prices!

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Selecting A Buyer's Agent

A recent call reminded us that Buyers, and Sellers, don't always know how to select and use a real estate agent. The Buyer called on Carson Valley Nevada Listings, and it turned out he was calling every listing agent on a long list of properties to get information. Commendable for the effort, but not an effective way to use agents for his benefit.

He was driving around neighborhoods looking at signs, taking phone numbers, and calling. Finding a home using that method takes much time, not to mention a lot of gas. There are also many frustrating calls to make trying to connect with each agent to find out the price, bedroom count, and other important information such as distressed status. Even with that time and effort, the hard working Buyer is never sure if he knows the market as the ideal property could have just been listed and the sign put up after the house hunter drove that street.

An agent can look at all of the properties in the Multiple Listing Service, MLS, at once and determine if the price is okay, there are sufficient bedrooms, etc. The agent should interview the prospect to find out his wants and needs in a home so she can offer suggestions as to area and homes. The agent can search the MLS with specific criteria to find the "hidden" gem. Sometimes the idea home is right under everybody's nose, and it goes unnoticed without professional perspective. Cull the list with the agent and then drive around.

So how do you select an agent? Looking at their ads everybody is number one at something while others are funny. They are all attractive. You will be working with this person or team for an extended period of time while you find a home, negotiate an offer, and navigate the escrow process, to the end goal, home ownership. You don't have to particularly like them, but you must have confidence in them. Using your Aunt Betty's grandchild's wife's sister's neighbor isn't the foundation for a successful relationship. Don't be bashful about interviewing for a good agent to represent you. They should have real knowledge about what you intend to do.

An agent should be concerned about your wants and needs. They should ask many questions so they understand what you are looking for, or dreaming of. They should ask you about your financial status, if you've talked to a lender. What can you afford and what do you actually want to pay? They should stick to your price range, unless they find you what you want for less than you can afford. They should explain the process they'll use to get you the right home. Different types of homes can require different techniques and timing. They are there to help you, to do the work for you.

Our Advice: Pick your agent wisely. You can find them in the newspaper, from a sign, a referral, or online. Regardless of how you connect, you should become confident that the agent hears you, understands you, is honest and can do the job for you. There are many ways to work with an agent and many agents to work with. Determine your goals and work with a good agent to accomplish them together. When you get a good agent don't bounce around, you'll end up with nobody working for you.

Remember, it is easy to search for homes in the newspaper, real estate magazines, and online. Buyers these days often provide a list of homes to their agents who then research the properties' details for them. That way you can search and interact with your agent about what you find. You'll be involved in the process and when the right property comes along you'll know it.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

1576 East Valley Road, Gardnerville, Nevada ... The Crown Jewel of East Carson Valley

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Eagle Ridge Subdivision at Genoa, Nevada - Sierra Foothill Lots ... Unbelievable Prices!

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com

B of A Short Sales Rock!

Actually ... The bank was wonderful. Attentive ... Helpful ... Responsive!

They answered my Equator messages in a timely manner and - shocker of shockers - they even answered their phones!

I had an issue that required a specialist and he was exemplary. Worked hard to solve our problem, got us expert advice, and did everything he could to make our transaction close.

I'm working on several Bank of America short sales and I'm delighted to say that I'm finding that all of them are being handled just as efficiently and professionally!

In these times of trial and consternation I'm glad to report that Bank of America seems to be moving in the right direction.

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

1576 East Valley Road, Gardnerville, Nevada ... The Crown Jewel of East Carson Valley

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Eagle Ridge Subdivision at Genoa, Nevada - Sierra Foothill Lots ... Unbelievable Prices!

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com