Working in real estate is really all about consistency and perserverance. You have to be willing to meet people and know that as an agent, be willing to share your knowledge. I've been amazed at the people that do not understand what a short sale is or the difference between short sales and foreclosures. I've even had people ask, 'what's the difference between a foreclosure and repossessed properties'. Education is a large part of earning the trust of clients and helping them along the way make their purchases or sales happen as smoothly as possible. When an agent can be willing to show and help people HONESTLY, they'll become successful. They'll have others recommend them to their friends and their business will grow.
I had the privledge to meet a person this week that is looking to buy their first home. I take that an extreme honor to help them navigate through all the paperwork and questions. Typically, agents don't make much on that because their smaller, less expensive homes but, you know, that's your future income when they want to sell that home and move to a bigger and more expensive home. It all feeds on itself if your consistent with your service and contacts.
Hope everyone out there has a super and productive week. Regardless of what Congress does this coming week, we'll still have business to do out there and property to have bought and sold.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Want to sell your home fast? Here's some information....
So, you've decided to sell your home and everyone thinks your nuts!!! Maybe not! You can buy so much more home now for the price than you could just a few years ago. The trick is not owing much on your existing home. If you can get any equity out or just break even, you can still buy more home now while the market is down. When it starts back up, and it will, you'll look like a genius when others are standing on the sidelines.
Here's what you have to do to get the most for your money.
1. Make your room colors more neutral. Now, I don't mean boreing but, neutral. Soft colors will add warmth and make the rooms look fresh.
2. Clean or replace carpet. It's relatively inexpensive but, it makes a difference to a buyer when they can just walk into a live-in-ready house.
3. Get rid of the clutter. You're moving OUT right? So, pack up the 'stuff' and get it out. Leave some furniture and accent pieces but, personal photos, etc. need to be gone. It makes the potential buyer feel like they are intruding plus with all the 'stuff' around the house, they can't visualize how their 'stuff' will fit. Remember, you're wanting to move so, someone else can move IN. Make it inviting.
4. Clean up the yard. Trim bushes, flower beds, grass, edge the sidewalk. Anything that makes it look like the buyers are getting a bargain. Less work for them will mean more dollars for you.
5. Make repairs or update things you've put off. Hot water heaters, HVAC systems, stove/ovens, dishwashers, things that might go out the minute you move out. This adds more value for the buyer and more cash for you. Besides, these are things you've been putting off anyway and the home you're buying will gain more cash for you later.
I know it might sound like a lot but, don't think of it as money your throwing away. You're investing in your NEXT home that's going to increase in value more than your existing home. You'll get it returned to you in the next house. I've never EVER seen a market like this where you can borrow money so cheaply and buy at such a low price.
Mark my words, there will be more millionaires come out of this recession than you can imagine.
Here's what you have to do to get the most for your money.
1. Make your room colors more neutral. Now, I don't mean boreing but, neutral. Soft colors will add warmth and make the rooms look fresh.
2. Clean or replace carpet. It's relatively inexpensive but, it makes a difference to a buyer when they can just walk into a live-in-ready house.
3. Get rid of the clutter. You're moving OUT right? So, pack up the 'stuff' and get it out. Leave some furniture and accent pieces but, personal photos, etc. need to be gone. It makes the potential buyer feel like they are intruding plus with all the 'stuff' around the house, they can't visualize how their 'stuff' will fit. Remember, you're wanting to move so, someone else can move IN. Make it inviting.
4. Clean up the yard. Trim bushes, flower beds, grass, edge the sidewalk. Anything that makes it look like the buyers are getting a bargain. Less work for them will mean more dollars for you.
5. Make repairs or update things you've put off. Hot water heaters, HVAC systems, stove/ovens, dishwashers, things that might go out the minute you move out. This adds more value for the buyer and more cash for you. Besides, these are things you've been putting off anyway and the home you're buying will gain more cash for you later.
I know it might sound like a lot but, don't think of it as money your throwing away. You're investing in your NEXT home that's going to increase in value more than your existing home. You'll get it returned to you in the next house. I've never EVER seen a market like this where you can borrow money so cheaply and buy at such a low price.
Mark my words, there will be more millionaires come out of this recession than you can imagine.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Selling your home yourself
Many people look at selling your home themselves rather than hiring an agent. Believe it or not, you can find an agent that will work with you to make that happen. I'm one of them. Selling your home yourself is a very tricky proposition. You have to consider many factors; like marketing! Putting a sign in the yard will cover those that drive in your neighborhood but, what about all the others that don't? Ok, take an ad in the newspaper. Not many folks are looking the the paper these days and you still have to pay for the ad. Internet! There are some sites that advertise but, your still paying for the membership and you have no guarantees to find buyers.
Now, say you have a buyer. What do you disclose that's wrong with the house? If you don't, you could get into some trouble later with the buyer should you close. What about paperwork, contracts, addendums, closings. The list goes on and on. Truth is, you will get more money using an agent and less headaches, at less costs than if you did sell it on your own. FSBO's can be successful and there are stories where the right buyer comes along but, odds are much less that you'll sell the home for the highest price in the shortest amount of time unless you use a real estate agent. I enjoy working with folks like that though and don't mind if they were successful selling their house on their own. I know I've helped someone along the way and that will come back to me someday.
Now, say you have a buyer. What do you disclose that's wrong with the house? If you don't, you could get into some trouble later with the buyer should you close. What about paperwork, contracts, addendums, closings. The list goes on and on. Truth is, you will get more money using an agent and less headaches, at less costs than if you did sell it on your own. FSBO's can be successful and there are stories where the right buyer comes along but, odds are much less that you'll sell the home for the highest price in the shortest amount of time unless you use a real estate agent. I enjoy working with folks like that though and don't mind if they were successful selling their house on their own. I know I've helped someone along the way and that will come back to me someday.
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