I was e-mailed this interesting article today which has some great charts showing the pattern that has evolved in Real Estate.
The National Association of Realtors is doing its best to lower expectations while trying to cojole the FED to stop raising interest rates.
For my fellow film buffs...Martin Scorsese's NYC pad is for sale...oh and so is Hulk Hogan's!
Finally, some good news for RE Professionals...even on Second Homes people still love working with us!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Home Selling Tips!
It's no secret that in a competitive market like we are currently in, it is in the best interest of all Sellers to make the best possible first impression.
You may only get one chance to WOW the Buyers that come through your home during Open Houses and Showings so you really need to make the most of your opportunity.
Here's a few simple tips to ensure you give it your best shot.
1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY
Don't rush your home to the market. If it's broke - fix it. If it is dirty - clean it. Don't believe that the Buyer will take notice that you are a "work-in-progress" - they won't be that kind! Instead they will move on to the next place that is more "Show Ready".
2. CLEANLINESS COUNTS!
And on the contrary - "dirtiness can cost you" big bucks when it comes to the offers you get. I like to tell people to clean like they are expecting their pickiest relatives over for a family dinner - and then keep it that way - every day. I know this is much easier said than done but it WILL PAY OFF! It is a fact that CLEAN HOUSES SELL.
3. THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
I can't tell you how many times Buyers I am showing houses to are turned off by funky smells. The most likely culprits? Cats, dogs and other pets. Cooking odors. Smoking is a big one. As is mildew (get that dehumidifier going!). And sometimes the worst - OVER SCENTING with too strong potpourri, air freshener plug-ins in the like. Find a happy -neutral - medium and you will be just fine. And always get an honest second opinion from someone who doesn't live in the home. It's amazing how we can become accustomed to smells that others notice immediately.
4. SETTING THE STAGE
This is becoming more and more critical. You want the Buyer to imagine themselves living in the home. That's hard to do when there are 47 pictures of the Seller's and their kids on the wall! De-clutter. De-personalize. And take your agent's advice when it comes to staging your home to get the best mass appeal.
I have a thousand more tips. For more, please CONTACT ME!
In the meantime - here's a link to an excellent StarTribune Article with more tips.
Happy Selling!
You may only get one chance to WOW the Buyers that come through your home during Open Houses and Showings so you really need to make the most of your opportunity.
Here's a few simple tips to ensure you give it your best shot.
1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY
Don't rush your home to the market. If it's broke - fix it. If it is dirty - clean it. Don't believe that the Buyer will take notice that you are a "work-in-progress" - they won't be that kind! Instead they will move on to the next place that is more "Show Ready".
2. CLEANLINESS COUNTS!
And on the contrary - "dirtiness can cost you" big bucks when it comes to the offers you get. I like to tell people to clean like they are expecting their pickiest relatives over for a family dinner - and then keep it that way - every day. I know this is much easier said than done but it WILL PAY OFF! It is a fact that CLEAN HOUSES SELL.
3. THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
I can't tell you how many times Buyers I am showing houses to are turned off by funky smells. The most likely culprits? Cats, dogs and other pets. Cooking odors. Smoking is a big one. As is mildew (get that dehumidifier going!). And sometimes the worst - OVER SCENTING with too strong potpourri, air freshener plug-ins in the like. Find a happy -neutral - medium and you will be just fine. And always get an honest second opinion from someone who doesn't live in the home. It's amazing how we can become accustomed to smells that others notice immediately.
4. SETTING THE STAGE
This is becoming more and more critical. You want the Buyer to imagine themselves living in the home. That's hard to do when there are 47 pictures of the Seller's and their kids on the wall! De-clutter. De-personalize. And take your agent's advice when it comes to staging your home to get the best mass appeal.
I have a thousand more tips. For more, please CONTACT ME!
In the meantime - here's a link to an excellent StarTribune Article with more tips.
Happy Selling!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Consumers say there is NO HOUSING BUBBLE POP!
More good news in the "perception is reality" department: consumers, by a wide margin in a recent poll say they don't believe the so-called "housing bubble" is about to burst. Despite rising interest rates most homeowners believe that their home continues to go up in value and remains a solid investment.
They are right!
No other investment you can make has the time tested track record of real estate. Over time real estate ALWAYS (not sometimes, not occasionally) ALWAYS goes up in value.
Here's a LINK for the story.
They are right!
No other investment you can make has the time tested track record of real estate. Over time real estate ALWAYS (not sometimes, not occasionally) ALWAYS goes up in value.
Here's a LINK for the story.
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