Alan VanDeBoe

Some of the older agents believe that there is too much information provided free on the internet relative to real estate. The fear that with all the free information, a buyer or seller does not need an agent.

I take a different view. It is true that as many as 80% of the buyers start their home search on the internet and many of the sellers research the value of homes and the selling process on the internet and then attempt to price their house and sell their house on their own. As far as the latter, most of the sellers that try to sell their houses on their own eventually list with an agent. The primary reason is probably exposure. Once listed with an agent in the Multiple Listing Service, a house is immediately seen by all the agents in the area. Most real estate offices also spend a lot of money on print advertising and through the internet. An individual just cannot afford to do that.

Most buyers do start their home search on the internet to find out what is available and at what price. However, most also contact a real estate agent once they get serious. An agent can search through the MLS to find the right home for a buyer, check out any disclosures to see if there are issues with the house, tell a buyer about the area that a home is located and set up showings. Problably the most important thing that an agent provides is his or her experience in the law, negotiating and problem solving. Most closings go through without any major problems, but if a major problem occurs, an experience agent can negotiate and solve the problem.

If I can help you in marketing your house or finding you the right home, please give me a call and let me explain how I can help you.

With all the information about homes available on the internet, the question has to be "Do I really need a REALTOR"? Many of today's buyers start their search on the internet and research the buying process. They go to various web sites and find several homes that they like and can afford. They may even drive by the homes and call the agent that has the home listed. Showing home is only a small part of what a REALTOR does.

Finding the right home is only the first step in the process of buying a home. Once the home is located, then the process of negotiating a price and terms takes place. This may reguire several rounds of negotiating and as a buyer, you want to make sure that you have a professional opinion as to the price and what you should ask for. Once a contract is acceptable to both parties, then comes the process of inspections to make sure the house is in the condition that you thought it was. This can actually lead to another round of negotiations if some problems are found. Once all the inspections are done and acceptable, then the process of finalizing the loan, coordinating with the seller to make sure he is moved out and the house is left in good condition and the actual closing process all take place.

REALTORS are well trained in the negotiating process and have been through the inspections and closing process many times and know exactly what to expect. This is where a good well organized REALTOR can make the buying process a pleasant experience rather than a nightmare.

There are so many buyers today that purchase a home and do not properly maintain it. When they get ready to sell, they are surprised when a buyer has inspections done and come up with a long list of items that need to be repaired.

I have a neighbor that purchase his home a couple of years ago. The previous owner was in the construction business and the home was a excellent condition. The current owner has done nothing. Shrubs and other landscaping have not been trimmed, a shutter has blown off and just lays on the deck. The gutters are plugged up and during rains, water overflows and comes down next to the foundation. Eventually this could lead to water problems in the basement. Tree limbs are hanging down and damaging the shingles. When he decides to sell, this owner will have a lot of work to do and bear unnecessary expenses and then wonder why he is not getting a high offer.

Maintaining a home does take some time and it can be difficult when both the husband and wife work and then must participate in the kids activities. However, minor maintence will save money in the long term. As an example, if my neighbor would just trip the tree branches that are hitting his roof, he could avoid replacing the roof at a cost of $6000 or $7000. In some cases the owner may not know how to fix something and will need professional help, such as a plumber or electrician. Generally that will still be money well spent to prevent a major expense in the long term. Most REALTORS can help give an owner some names of people that do repair work. Contact a REALTOR for help.

As I show homes to buyers, many look only at exactly what is there. If the house is messy, that is all they see. If the house has family pictures, they spend time looking at the pictures. No home is perfect. As a listing agent, I make suggestions to a seller of the items they need to do to put their house in the best light. If that means removing extra furniture to make the rooms look bigger, then so be it. If it means removing some of the family pictures or painting a wall, so be it.

If I am representing a buyer, a try to get them to look for the potential in a home. Look at the room layout and sizes. Are they good? If so, the flooring can be changed, the wall color can be changed. Lot for the potential and you could find a diamond in the rough.

The outside of the home is the first that a buyer sees and it is very important that it makes a good impression. However, appearance in important once the buyer gets into the house as well.

If you are thinking about placing your house on the market, I am sure you have asked yourself many questions. Should I replace the old tile counters in the bathroom? Should I replace the wallpaper in the dining room with something more modern? Do I need to replace the 25 year old roof that is curling? Should I paint all the interior walls or just touch up the bad places? Should I replace the carpet?

These and many more questions will come up. In general and depending on the value of the home, I will suggest that some things that are cost effective be done. As an example, paint is relatively cheap. If walls are marred and chipped, it is probably best to repaint. If however, the paint is in good shape, but just an odd color, I would suggest leave it alone. Most buyers have their own preferences on color and would probably repaint anyway. Wallpaper is basically the same. Some people like wallpaper and some do not. If it is in good shape leave it.

The big ticket items like the roof, furnace and AC are a different matter. Generally a house will sell faster and for more money if those items are updated. If a roof it 25 years old and showing signs of wear, chances are a buyer will lower their offer to take into account that they will have to replace the roof in a couple of years. You might as well go ahead and take care of it from the start.

There are also many minor items that will leave a good impression on a buyer. Fix driping faucets, make sure the doorbell works, clean the windows and make sure they all will open and close, and make very sure there are not bas smells in the home.

If you would like some suggestions, please give me a call and I would be glad to stop by.