Statistics say that 93% of our consumers will start their search for a home on the Internet. This will be your first impression, your largest audience! I have been a Real Estate Associate Broker for 13 years and I am still trying to figure out why there are pictures of bathrooms (where they show the toilet only), cats, dogs, birds, laundry, vacuum cleaners, or simply rooms that are "untidy" on any listing! There are also listings with NO pictures at ALL! Wow, in this day and age where we have a large majority of home seekers online, I find this hard to swallow! As you can see below, the pictures are worth their weight in gold - a "two-story entry foyer with spiral stair" sure looks better when you can see it! Remember the old saying, "a PICTUREis worth a THOUSAND words"
You've spoken with your seller clients about proper pricing but have you mentioned the bank appraisal aspect? There are many agents that don't touch on the appraisal issue enough or at all for that matter! Your clients need to know especially in the curent declining marketplace! When they ask you why they cannot get more for their homes you should explain the "bank appraisal" portion of the transaction! Tell them that the bank will come out to take a look at your home, comparing it to others that have sold or are under contract within the last three (3) months. They will then determine it's value based upon market conditions, home condition, and the comparable's provided but remember the time frame here - 3 months or less for most of the banks that we are dealing with here on Long Island! Show them that there are not as many comparable properties as there used to be and that the most recent sales will be the basis for the bank's decision on granting the mortgage money towards the purchase. For many buyers here (Long Island N.Y.) if the appraisal does not come in, they must now either find another home or re-negotiate the agreed upon price. This can potentially leave your seller with less money and/or no purchaser, back to square one! Proper pricing from the beginning and a constant "watch" on market conditions will ensure that you keep your seller clients informed of trends within your marketplace and keep appraisals from falling short, the "key" to closing your transaction!
February brings the winter weather but remember - serious quality buyers are always looking for homes! Below are the five reasons WHY you should consider putting your home on the market before Spring arrives....
Serious Buyers come out to view property even when it is cold! Some of our best showings occur in the rain, snow, etc. as people that are well qualified and READY to purchase don't let the weather stop them! Often as the weather warms, although it seems that there are more buyers shopping, some of them are just looking for decorating ideas!
Timing is everything! Remember, a lot of buyers have families with children who go to school. Listing in April may not allow the time needed for parents to register their children into the school districts!
Competition - Most of the homeowners feel that their homes show the "best" during the Spring season and, it may be true! What they forget is that they will also deal with more competition in the marketplace as homeowners list their properties! More choices during the "Spring" market could mean less money in your pocket!
Low Interest Rates are here NOW! We don't have the ability to predict the future but what we do know is that there are several good loan programs out there for qualified candidates that are offering LOW interest rates right now! Buyers can take advantage of these programs NOW!
Relocation Companies tend to send their relocation candidates during the winter breaks as many of the children are off for "Winter Recess" - remember, these candidates have programs in effect to cover their purchase an/or move! If you are waiting until Spring, you may miss some of these great buyers!
As a Real Estate Broker for over 12 years, I can tell you first hand that all of these examples speak the truth! I sold my own parents home in February on purpose - less competition means more money for your home! I will lend some suggestions to assist you should you consider listing your home now as opposed to the Spring -
Of course last but certainly not least, remember to hire a Full-Service Real Estate Broker who will be able to provide the reach and Exposure that your home deserves! Remember, we are now saturated with inventory - you won't want to be lost in the shuffle!
Residential Property Marketing Specialist 2005,2007,2008,2009 Top Producer, Northport Office. When you hear the name "Catherine Lindstadt", you must be talking about Real Estate!
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