10 Most Common Listing Mistakes-#5

Relying Solely On Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home:

The innovative agent who is willing to offer new strategies for attracting home buyers will always outperform the agents who rely solely on traditional marketing methods. As a motivated seller, you should demand around-the- clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability. In today’s competitive real estate market, these services are readily available, and your agent should offer them to help sell your home.

10 Most Common Listing Mistakes-#4

Settling on a Purchase Price Lower/Higher than Comparable Sales:

One critical reason to find the right professional is to make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and profitable sale. If the property is priced too high, it will sit and develop the stigma as a “problem property”. If it's priced too low, it could cost you considerable profit in the long run. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated by your agent every 30-45 days to help you maximize your return.

10 Most Common Listing Mistakes-#3

Neglecting to Provide Easy Access For Showings:

Accessibility is a major key to profitability. "Appointment only" showings are obviously the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least. However, there are certain considerations to take into account, such as your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale and the strength of your relationship with your agent. The more accessible your home, the better the odds of your finding a person willing to pay your asking price. And by developing a trusting relationship with your agent, he or she will show the home with your best interests in mind.

10 Most Common Listing Mistakes-#2

Failure to Consider Alternative Financing Terms:

Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction. Income level, tax benefits, and current legislation are all crucial factors when considering purchase terms. Professional real estate agents are experts in facilitating your home transaction. A smart agent will lead you to the path that will result in the highest yield.

10 Most Common Listing Mistakes-#1

Refusing To Invest in Potentially Profit-Inducing Repairs:

It always costs you more money to sell 'as is' than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home. Often even minor improvement will yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale. Your agent will be able to point out which repairs will significantly increase the value of your home. Even seemingly small “touch-up” jobs can have an impact on the eventual sales price.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#7

Leave. It's awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#6

Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that's not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let the salesperson know where to find them.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#5

Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#4

Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it's impossible to watch everyone all the time.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#3

Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesn't fill up.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#2

Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House-#1

Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.

6 Reasons You Need a REALTOR-#6

REALTORS© are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS©, a trade organization of more than 1 million members nationwide. REALTORS© subscribe to a stringent code of ethics that helps guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.

6 Reasons You Need a REALTOR-#5

REALTORS© provide objectivity. Since a home often symbolizes family, rest, and security, not just four walls and roof, home selling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and emotional issues most important to you.

6 Reasons You Need a REALTOR-#4

REALTORS© have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. That’s why having an expert on your side is critical.

6 Reasons You Need a REALTOR-#3

Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with someone who speaks that language.

6 Reasons You Need a REALTOR-#2

Selling or buying a home is time consuming. Even in a strong market, homes in our area stay on the market for an average of 100 days. And it usually takes another 60 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted.