Thursday, February 25, 2016

For Sale by Owner

Ok, I own this house and I'm ready to move.  I don't really want to just 'give away' a bunch of money to sell it.  How hard can this be anyway right?  Put an ad in the paper, take some photos, write up a description of the house, put a sign in the front yard and wait for the phone to ring.  The market is turning around so I should have people lining up to see my house cause it's the best one on the block too!!!  Once I get a contract, I just take it down to the title company and wait for them to do their job and they'll call me to tell me closing is scheduled, show up for closing, get my check and BOOM!  DONE!

Sounds simple and easy right??  Guess what, it really is easy...........as long as you live in a world that works that way.  Unfortunately, this world don't work that way.

I've worked with folks that have tried to sell their house by themselves and really given it a very nice try but there is SOOOO much more to it than running some ads and putting a sign in the front yard.

Honestly, I know people that have successfully sold their home on their own so it's not impossible.  But, they will tell you it's work and it's harder now than it was years ago.  Plus, there is more liability selling your own home than it used to be too.  The internet has been a real blessing to many that want to go it on their own and be successful.  I have actually helped people sell it on their own too.....for FREE.  Is it something I do on a regular basis?  Nope!  But, more times than not, when I do help people, they are not successful and they come back to me asking for me to get this beast off their back.

Here are some questions to consider if someone is wanting to sell their home on their own.

How will you market your home?  You can run an ad in the news paper.  Most likely, one ad will cost you more than it will for an agent.  What about Zillow or Trulia?  They have options to advertise for sale by owners don't they?  That will get it exposure right?  Well, yes and no.  The public will see your home and YOU will have to take the calls.  The problem, most buyers are afraid of working directly with the sellers.  They fear the owner will 'pull a fast one' or be offended by negotiations.  So, they work with real estate agents.  That means you need access to the MLS (Multi List Service) which all agents have access to for housing inventory.  While that is opening up to the public, you still have to pay for that access.  You want to get your house to the best buyers and the best buyers work with agents to get the best deals.  Now, for the agent to show your home, most likely you'll have to pay them.  So, do you want to pay an agent to negotiate AGAINST YOU without representation?? The tables just got turned.

What about disclosures of any repairs?  Selling your home does not require you to disclose anything.  However, buyers really feel better about giving top dollar when they know they have a new roof, HVAC, no plumbing problems, etc.  Selling on your own, you don't know what to disclose and what not to disclose.  When you do, you have some liability to be correct so with an agent representing you, they take on that responsibility to make sure they are correct.

How will you schedule showings?  If you live in the home, do you want to take time off work to show your home?  Someone needs to be there to let them in, look at the home, answer questions.  If you have time on your hands, you're in good shape but most of us don't want to be stuck in the house waiting for the phone to ring.

How do you handle any repairs?  So, let's say you've gotten this far; you've got a buyer, negotiated the price and the buyer wants to have an inspection.  The inspector comes back with a list of items the buyer wants repaired.  Now what do you do?  Fix them all?  None at all and walk away?  Scream?  Selling on your own, you have to decide with no guidance.  An agent can help with that process and help negotiate that process where it's not too painful.  In fact, many times, repairs are nothing more than a 'wish list' but some are absolutely critical and need to be done anyway.

These are just a very small part of the questions you need to consider when you are thinking about selling your house on your own.  It can be done with great success but just know you are 100% liable for every phase of the transaction.  A real estate agent will carry Errors and Omissions insurance which can be a good protection for both agent and seller.  The cost of an agent to represent you is very much worth the costs and most of the time, you end up with more money than you would if you had tried to sell it on your own.

Saturday, January 30, 2016

350 Squaw Run Drive Bruner, MO 65620

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/NSK2C3
Brand new construction? Here it is. This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home features a huge living/dining/kitchen with a gas fireplace. You have room to move and arrange in this place. The kitchen has ample storage in beautiful Hickory wood cabinets and counter space. This home has a split floorplan. The master bedroom will easily hold a king size bed and has a roomy walk in closet. Home sits on 3 acres of cleared land. Suitable for horses. Get into some country living soon while this one is available. Beautiful view from the back deck.
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $149,900

For more information about this property, please contact Mark Broadway at (417) 887-6664 or mark.broadway@coldwellbanker.com. You can also text 3307385 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.thebroadwayteam.com


MLS ID: 60043996

Saturday, January 23, 2016

4847 South Louise Road Battlefield, MO 65619

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/PJMUQ4
No maintenance in Battlefield, this beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bath home has been completely remodeled with new HVAC, paint, doors, faucets, lights and flooring. New Hickory cabinets with new appliances and countertops and tile are found in the kitchen. You will have 2 living areas and a wood burning fireplace in one living area. Covered deck off the 2nd living room for added entertaining space. Close to schools, shopping. One bedroom is non conforming. You really need to see this property. Character with upgrades.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $139,900

For more information about this property, please contact Mark Broadway at (417) 887-6664 or mark.broadway@coldwellbanker.com. You can also text 3295296 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.thebroadwayteam.com


MLS ID: 60043502

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

1203 South 13th Street Ozark, MO 65721

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/RRB6FD
This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home has tons to offer. All brand new appliances in the kitchen, new faucets in bath and kitchen and paint throughout. Home is serviced with a new heat pump for efficiency. Living room is large enough to accommodate most any size furniture with a formal dining room and eat in kitchen. Upstairs, bedrooms are nice size with ALL bedrooms providing walk in closets. Well priced for the size in a desirable neighborhood. Hurry and don't miss this one.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $154,650

For more information about this property, please contact Mark Broadway at (417) 887-6664 or mark.broadway@coldwellbanker.com. You can also text 3272495 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.thebroadwayteam.com


MLS ID: 60042784

Monday, November 16, 2015

Year is almost over!!

WOW, how fast has this year been??  It's been a while since I've posted myself simply because we have been so blessed with business this year.  We have tripled our sales volume this year over last year.  I just can't believe it!!!  It's been a fantastic year, a busy and rewarding year.  I have to recognize that we did not do this alone but with God's help, we have had people put in our lives that allowed that to happen.  All that said, we have to thank those of you that have supported us, encouraged and done business with us over this year.

This leads me to the subject of this note.  Reputation is extremely important to the success of this business.  I hope that our reputation that we have currently is shared among our friends and neighbors giving us the opportunity to represent their friends and neighbors when they are ready to sell their homes.  We take that responsibility very seriously and work together with our clients to make sure they are getting the best possible deal for their real estate transactions.  Whether buying or selling, we spend time doing homework to make sure the price is in line with the quality of the home.  We have professionals that we recommend that work for you for any recommended repairs or maintenance from inspectors findings.

Reputation is something earned not just in the beginning but every day we are on this earth and working in this business.  I have a client right now that has recommended me to other clients of theirs.  I obviously want to do the best job possible for that person but, I'd like to think we do the same thing for every client.

This is a people business and not just a house selling business.  We get to know you on a level most agents don't only because the better we know you, the better we can service you.  As a client, you will be with us, if you want, for a very long time.  So while we may not be involved in every aspect of your world, we hope that you will let us stay involved in your real estate world forever.

Thank you again for a fantastic 2015.  We hope that 2016 will be just as good.  We hope you and your family has a very blessed holiday season coming up and prosperous 2016.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

2316 North Fort Avenue Springfield, MO 65803

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/G78PSC
Super location. Here's a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home conveniently located for easy access throughout Springfield. Home has 1 bedroom downstairs with 2 bedrooms up. Eat in kitchen and dining room separate. Deep back yard for plenty of room for nice garage or shop.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.00
Price: $64,900

For more information about this property, please contact Mark Broadway at (417) 887-6664 or mark.broadway@coldwellbanker.com. You can also text 3119329 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.thebroadwayteam.com


MLS ID: 60037580

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

West Farm Road 148 Republic, MO 65738

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/RWJLVA
Zoned agricultural, this land is suitable for many different uses. At one time was an orchard. Level land has electric to the property with water and gas nearby for development purposes.
Bathrooms: 0.00
Price: $80,000

For more information about this property, please contact Mark Broadway at (417) 887-6664 or mark.broadway@coldwellbanker.com. You can also text 3102199 to 67299.


See more listings at: http://www.thebroadwayteam.com


MLS ID: 60036874