Jeanne Feenick Basking Ridge, Warren Real Estate Expert

New Jersey was hit hard by Irene. In my work as a New Jersey Real Estate Agent specializing in Somerset County, I witnessed deals delayed and some derailed by Irene. But a more enduring impact of this vicious storm was how it changed the conversation with Buyers in the New Jersey Real Estate market. Topping the list of Buyer concerns in the “post Irene market” is now...

“Was the property impacted by Irene?”

I work with a lot of New Jersey Buyers and the questions that are asked are pretty predictable, deal to deal are...

How is the market doing overall?

Do I think we’ve bottomed out?

When did the current owner buy?

What improvements have been done?

What’s the township assessed?

What is my estimate of value?

But here in New Jersey, all of these questions have been trumped by “Was the home impacted by Irene?” And the fact of the matter is if the Buyer doesn’t ask, the Agent does.

I’ve observed this shift in New Jersey Buyers' thinking at the ground level and share it with you because like most organic movements, it is on its way to having a seismic impact that deserves the attention of New Jersey Sellers.

In the aftermath of Irene, we’ve all witnessed plenty of ripped up carpets from water damage – either in our own homes or piled high along the curbs of our roadways. What I’ve learned from my own experience and those of my clients is that when water is involved, what may seem like a minor issue should be taken seriously!

The homeowners that ripped up carpeting could see the impact clearly, the water stain on the floor board traveling further than the damp carpet would foretell. When water strikes it moves and the damage it does in its path can be long lasting. My bet is that 90% of the time people respond by just running the dehumidifier on overdrive and thinking the problem is resolved. But it is what you cannot see that will trip you up down the road when it comes time to sell and an inspector examines your home.

Irene will stay on our collective mind for a while, and then we’ll all move on to other concerns. But the hangover from Irene will endure and I anticipate that the only question that will top “Was the home impacted by Irene?” and that is...

“What did you do about it?”

My advice to New Jersey homeowners is to have the right answer to that one!

A seller recently asked: "Is there really a difference between real estate firms?"

It is a great question and I'm glad that this seller took the time to ask it. Though a question is frequently asked by one, it is often a topic or issue on the minds of many. So I wanted to share my answer with you here. I believe there are distinct differences between firms, but that they only matter to the extent that they impact - either positively or negatively - your agent's ability to deliver.

My response:
"There certainly is - but in the end it has much more to do with the agent you hire rather than the firm she is associates herself with. This assumes that the firm is supporting the agent in maximizing the exposure of your listing, most especially online where the today's buyers are shopping. You'll get this with most firms today - but do incorporate questions related to exposure in your interview with finalists.

But remember this, the firm is not going to sell you home, the agent is ~ it is all about the agent you hire. A great agent that is supported and inspired by her broker is an amazing thing. A mediocre agent that hangs her license with a powerhouse firm is - well - just a mediocre agent.

Online is a great place to begin your search for agents - visit ActiveRain, Trulia, and other sites - identify those that impress you - read their profiles, read their client testimonials, invite them in and interview them. Ask for references and talk to them. My suggestion is to use the interview as an opportunity to get a sense of their market, inventory and pricing knowledge, analytic skills, strength of marketing plan, with a particular emphasis on online reach. Commitment to service, responsiveness, communication, be specific and look for specific plans, commitments, deliverables and measureables...in short effort and accountability. Look for results not just listing volume. When I sit down with sellers I volunteer that while there are plenty of agents that have a larger listing portfolio, but there are few that outsell me. Your goal is not to "list" it is to "sell", so see past the heavy listers and find the agent that will get the job done for you.

All of this, all of it, is at the agent level.

Please, Do NOT just walk into or call an office and give your business to whomever is sitting at the desk/answers the phone. Also, although it may seem obvious, be sure to ask the agent if she is full time or part time - this is no market, nor is the sale of your largest asset an assignment for a part-timer.

"The Agent you choose really does make a difference!" ... make no mistake about it!"