Why Should You Use A Professional to Sell Your Home?

When homeowners decide to sell their houses, they obviously want to get the best possible pricefor their home with the least amount of hassles along the way. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is actually getting their homes sold.

In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed a buyer’s behavior during the home buying process. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2018 Home Buyer & Seller Generational Trends Report, the first step that “42% of recent buyers took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale.”

However, the report also revealed that 94% of buyers who used the internet when searching for homes ultimately purchased their homes through either a real estate agent/broker or from a builder or builder’s agent. Only 2% of buyers purchased their homes directly from a seller whom they didn’t know.

Buyers search for a home online but then depend on an agent to find the home they will buy (52%), to negotiate the terms of the sale (47%) & price (38%), or to help understand the process (60%).

The plethora of information now available has resulted in an increase in the percentage of buyers who reach out to real estate professionals to “connect the dots.” This is obvious, as the percentage of overall buyers who have used agents to buy their homes has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process.

3 Must-do Home Inspections Before Putting Your Home on the Market

Almost everyone who has made the leap to home ownership has heard the stories about what a home inspection can reveal, but many are not aware of the primary issues left out in the cold when it comes to the inspection. Whether you're surveying your home on your own or will be arranging an inspection shortly, here are the most common things that are missed when it comes to the final review.

A Weathered Roof

One of the most important parts of a home is the roof, which keeps everything contained within safe, but outside of the minor details that are obvious from the ground, there aren't a lot of home inspectors that take more than a quick look at its condition.

As this can have a huge impact on your home offer come inspection time, it may be worth calling in a licensed roof inspector so you can determine any problems beforehand and get them patched up before they adversely affect the price you're offered

Secure The Siding

Many things in the home are expertly outlined in the home inspection report so inspectors will spend the time to check them out, but siding is another item that often flies by the wayside. While damaged siding may not be clearly obvious, if there are any issues with it, it can cause significant problems for your home down the road. Instead of leaving this up to chance, you may want to request that your home inspector check these items out for your (and the buyer's) benefit.

HVAC Issues

The HVAC system in your home is responsible for heating, cooling and general ventilation, but many inspectors evade taking a closer look at these systems because they don't want to put it through the extremities of hot and cold in case it causes damage. As there may also be notes in the home inspection report that alleviate the inspector of this responsibility, you may want to make calls on your own end for a specialist to test out the functionality of your system.

There are many pieces of the puzzle when it comes to an effective home inspection, but some of the most important parts of your home may not be included in the paperwork. If you're planning on putting your home on the market soon and are looking for an experienced agent, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.

Welcoming Strangers: the Pros and Cons of Hosting Open Houses During the Home Selling Process

Whether you're ready to put your home on the market or you're preparing yourself for the ins and outs of the process, you've probably heard about open houses. While open houses can offer an easy, instant way for many interested parties to view your house, there can also be downsides to this type of showing. If you're considering whether or not to stage an open house, here are some insights into what it may mean.

Potential Buyers Or Open House Aficionados?

An open house will mean that many people can see your house at the same time, which can save the time and energy that goes into multiple viewings, but open houses can also attract many people that have no intention to buy. With so many people interested in the interior of a home or the houses in a particular neighborhood, open houses can actually attract more curiosity than actual offers. While an open house can be a great way to create interest, private viewings can be more indicative of how interested the viewer really is.

Living In Your Home Or Merely Showing It

The effort that goes into properly staging a home for public viewing can be quite considerable depending on how long your house is on the market. While an open house will get many viewers in and out on the same day, a bevy of private viewings can mean that a lot more energy will be spent cleaning up your home, which may make you feel like you live in a show home. It's worth considering how much time you want to spend staging your home before deciding if an open house will work for you.

A Private Home Or A Public Place

You may be leaving your old, familiar home behind soon enough, but that doesn't mean it's still not a place of refuge and privacy from the outside world. It's worth realizing that an open house means many people you don't know will be walking through your home and viewing your possessions, which can be quite disconcerting for some people. This may be acceptable if the benefits outweigh the risks, but if your home is too special a space you may want to consider another avenue.

Open houses can be an important part of getting your house out on the market, but whether or not this option will work for you is dependent on many factors. If you're wondering about all of the options for viewings and putting your home on the market, you will want to contact your trusted real estate professional for more insight.

Video: For Sale By Owner?

Most people don't know enough to sell their own house. Here's why.

1. They Can't List It!
- Only licensed brokers and agents can create a listing in the MLS sale-by-owner houses will be invisible to agents and unavailable on the Web.

2. Agents Won't Show It.
- Typically, a buyer's agent gets part of the commission paid to the seller's agent. Sale-by-owner houses don't have that commission commitment so a buyer's agent might not get paid. No agents makes the pool of buyers MUCH smaller.

3. It's Probably Overpriced.
- Most homeowners don't have enough data and emotional distance to put a market price on their own home. and overpricing is another deterrent to potential buyers.

4. Buyers Prefer Neutrality
- Buyers will spend less time in the home and be less likely to make an offer because owners aren't neutral about the transaction.

5. Legalities & Complexities.
-Real estate transactions are complicated. Most homeowners don't know enough to avoid potentially expensive liabilities Overlooking a form or required disclosure exposes the seller to lawsuits AFTER the transaction is closed.

There are buyers with enough real estate experience to sell their own home but if you haven't ever sold someone else's home you probably shouldn't try selling your own. 

VIDEO: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/btasyjhzn3?videoFoam=true

Home Selling Tips: How to Compete with New Construction for Home Buyers' Attention

Are you thinking about selling your house or condo? If you're in a market that has a lot of newly constructed homes, you're going to be competing with those listings for buyers' attention.

In today's post we'll share a few tips that can help you attract buyers and convince them that your pre-owned home is just as good as a brand new one.

Upgrade And Modernize Your Home Prior To The Sale

Numerous studies have shown that buyers who prefer brand new homes are mostly interested in the new appliances and fixtures throughout the home.

If your home is more than a decade or so old, you'll want to invest some time and money in upgrading your appliances and fixtures before trying to list your home on the market.

If you have newly constructed homes very close to yours it might be worth installing these items after you've moved out so that the buyer is the first person to use them.

Focus Your Marketing On A Specific Buyer

Depending on which neighborhood your home is located in and the local amenities, you may want to consider focusing your marketing on one particular buyer. For example, a downtown condo would be marketed to a completely different prospective buyer than a large four-bedroom home out in the suburbs. Take some time to consider the "persona" of your target buyers, and craft your messaging around what these individuals or families will be looking for in their dream home.

Shine The Spotlight On Your Home's Strong Points

As with any major sale, you'll want to ensure that you spend as much time as possible highlighting the strong points in your listing. Be sure to mention any local community amenities as well, such as schools, parks or community centers. If you're selling to a family, your proximity to these amenities will be a significant point of comparison with brand new homes in the area.

If you have the budget, you may also want to consider having your home professionally staged, as staging is an excellent way to show a potential buyer just how good your home can look with tasteful furnishings, art and other finishing touches.

Selling your home is a challenging proposition that shouldn't be faced alone. When you're ready to sell your home be sure to contact your local real estate agent, who has experience selling in your local market and can help to ensure your sale moves along smoothly.

How To Attract High-End Buyers For Your Home For Sale

There's at least one good thing about the drop in the dollar and it's boosting the real estate market. Many high-end Europeans are now looking toward the U.S. for a vacation home or permanent residence, and that could mean big hope for your home for sale. However, this also means a different way of selling.

Stage A Benefit

No open house for high-end buyers. Host an event instead - maybe even a benefit dinner for a worthy charity. Let people come and view the property, but give them an avenue to mix and mingle as well. In addition, they get to see how the house handles a bunch of guests.

Showcase A Chef

If you have a gourmet kitchen (or two), check with chefs that would like to showcase their cooking abilities. This creates an entire "house-buying" experience for your guests. Again, they see what the featured kitchen can handle as well as being able to enjoy the culinary arts of a professional chef.

Host A Private Tour

If your home has beautiful gardens and a large landscape, add a private concert or tour of the gardens. A wine cellar and large sitting rooms can turn the event into a stylish wine tasting event.

The biggest trick in attracting high-end buyers is showing off the house's best features. If the event is hosted at night, you can show how attractive the home is with an overall "candlelight" appearance. You might even go so far as to set the time for when the sky is at it's best and frames the home just right.

First impressions are everything, so pull out all the stops. Don't let any great feature go undiscovered, from indoor swimming pools to music rooms and manly dens. Let your home shine!

Discover Why Your Home Isn't Selling This Summer

Just when you think you've done everything you need to do to get your home ready for the market, months pass and your home doesn't sell. Consider a few factors that can effect your goal of selling your home.

Priced Too High - If your home has an excessive asking price, it will be harder to sell. With so many homes available today, a big price tag may turn buyers off.

And, your competition down the street may have the same home but a better price.

The Market - No longer can you simply put a home on the market and watch the offers roll in. Nowadays, you have to be diligent and knowledgeable in your approach.

Research the market value of homes in your neighborhood and know what kind of competition you're up against. And, understand today's buyers and what they need in order to make a good offer on a home.

Unfavorable Location - No matter how gorgeous a home is a bad location can hurt sales. Although you can't change the location, you can be creative in figuring out ways to appeal to buyers. Offer incentives to attract buyers or lower your asking price.

The Appearance - Does your home need some work? If so, you want to attack those issues first before putting your home on the market.

Things like dirty carpets and broken appliances can turn buyers off. Try staging your home. This will help to ensure your home dazzles potential buyers.

You Didn't Consult A Professional - Trying to sell a home yourself can be an extremely daunting task. That's why you need a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of the industry and can market your home in the right way.

The good thing is that you can make changes that will improve the situation. Go over all the points listed and address any problems. Once that's done, you'll have a better chance of watching your home sell.

Three Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Inviting

Many home owners putting up their home for sale on the market don't have a lot of available cash to spruce it up. While staging houses is a definite plus, it can cost a fair amount of money, as do many of the other suggested "to-dos." Here are a few inexpensive and easy ways to make your home look more inviting to buyers.

Put Up Your Personal Stuff

Not every buyer looking at a home for sale appreciates the fact that someone still lives there. Putting away the your personal things can help the buyers' see themselves in the home.

You will want to put your pet's things (toys, litter box, bowls) away and out of sight. The same goes for your medications, toothbrushes and toilet accessories.

Clean up your kids' rooms and put away any toys around the house. Minimize or put away knick-knacks and personal pictures. Remember that you want the buyer to imagine themselves in the home.

Create More Space

Small, closed-in spaces are major turnoffs for buyers. Create the illusion of more space by putting up out-of-season clothes or clothes you don't wear very often to make your closets look bigger. A good way to make your bedrooms look bigger is by taking one piece of furniture out of each bedroom.

Packing up the small appliances in your kitchen is a great way to make your countertops seem larger. You can also take out all but four chairs in your dining room, as well as extra table leaves to give that illusion of space.

Touch On The Trends

Chances are that some of the buyers are paying attention to celebrity trends. Feng shui is a big one, and you can do your part with just a few touches like adding a fresh bowl of fruit to the kitchen. Put a comfortable couch or chair on the east side of your living room or den. Place a green welcome mat on your porch to symbolize opportunity. Go through your house and get rid of reds.

Whether you see or feel a difference doesn't matter. Keep in mind that you're trying to appeal to potential buyers of your home, not make the home more livable for you. If it helps, pretend that you're the buyer, seeing the house for the first time.

If you're trying to get your home ready to sell, I can help. Get in touch with me for more information.

4 Places Real Estate Agents Say, "Don't Go Cheap!"

As most real estate agents will tell you, remodeling, decorating or repairing your home can go a long way towards getting it sold. For that matter, it can add value to your property in case you want to sell later - that is, if you don't choose the wrong places to buy cheap:

• Windows - Never buy a window based on which one is cheapest. You want windows that look good, and, as most real estate agents will recommend, you want energy-efficient windows. During 2009 and 2010, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 when you purchase Energy Star windows.

• Paint - Paint is one of the biggest places people skimp when it comes to cost, and a big no-no. Cheap paint may take several coats to look right; those several coats can end up leaving blotches and runs.  In addition, cheap paint has a tendency to peel or wash off under light cleaning.  If you're going to add painting to your remodeling or repair work, quality is always better.

• Doors - Whether it's for a shower or a screened-in porch, the door you choose can make all the difference. A rickety shower door falling off the railing is a big "don't buy" sign. While you don't want to blow your whole budget, the doors throughout your house should be of quality material. Likewise, a solid front door adds to the curb appeal and security of your home. Some exterior doors also qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency. Find out if your exterior door qualifies for an Energy Star Rebate or Tax Credit.

• Flooring - Unless it's expensive carpet on sale, cheap flooring never looks like anything but cheap flooring. Low cost carpet and wood flooring seldom has high durability and is likely to wear out before you're ready to replace it again. Take the time to find quality flooring at a price you can afford - don't go cheap!

 Many real estate agents will push quality, but the biggest point they'll push these days is - go green! It may not be the cheapest option, but the benefits in efficiency and property value more than make up for the cost.

Think Like A Real Estate Agent

Before you put your home on the market, you want to make certain that it's in tip-top condition to ensure a quick sale. The key to listing your home at a competitive price and guaranteeing you have what buyers are looking for is to think like a real estate agent.

To get your home ready to sell, here are five easy and inexpensive home improvements this real estate agent recommends:

1. Layout – Take an objective look at your home and stage accordingly. Remove clutter and rearrange furniture so that potential buyers can envision each room's purpose. Also, store any obtrusive furniture that disrupts walking flow or makes rooms look smaller.
2. Hardware – Update all hardware. Changing out door handles, drawer pulls and light fixtures is an easy way to modernize your home while costing little money.
3. Charm – Play up the unique features of your home. Refinish hardwood floors if scuffed, remove excess objects from built-in bookshelves and clean unique light fixtures. It's these irreplaceable elements that make your home stand out from other homes and hook buyers. 
4. Scent - Eliminate all bad odors like pet smells, stale cooking odors and cigarette smoke. Just lighting candles or spraying air freshener won't work. Clean, deodorize and get rid of rugs or other cloth objects that still smell bad.
5. Curb Appeal – Spend some time sprucing up the yard. It's the first impression buyers will have, and although the house might be in mint condition, a lots-of-work lawn could instill a negative notion before they even step a foot inside your home.

Buyers' needs vary in every market. However, buyers will always consider these five features before they buy. So, stay one step ahead of the game and ensure your house is up to par with buyers' expectation.

If you're getting ready to sell your home and are looking for a real estate agent who can help you sell your home fast and for top-dollar, I'd be honored to be interviewed for the job. Give me, your trusted real estate professional, a call today.

BUSTED 4 Myths About Buying Your Home That Just Aren't True

It can be pretty intimidating to dip your toes into the realm of home ownership, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. To make things worse, there are a number of myths floating around out there surrounding the home buying process.

Such misconceptions have many kept many would-be homeowners from realizing the personal and financial rewards of owning a property. To clear things up, here are 4 myths about buying your first home that simply aren't true.

Myth #1 - "It's Cheaper To Rent Instead Of Own"

If you buy a property that is within your budget and your mortgage terms allow you to make comfortable monthly payments, the cost of rent can often be higher than mortgage payments.

Sure, there are other expenses associated with owning a property that you wouldn't be responsible for if you were renting, but one thing that many people forget is the fact that renting does not allow you to build equity.

The ability to build equity into a property that you own is like paying into a savings account - if you buy a home for $200,000, and pay down your mortgage to $175,000 in 5 years, you'll have $25,000 in home equity that can be tapped into later if you need a lump sum of cash to pay for other large expenses. If you sell your property down the line, any equity that the property has accumulated will provide you with more profit from the sale of the home.

Myth #2 - "Whatever Shows Up On The Inspection Report Is The Seller's Responsibility"

Most offers on a home usually come with a home inspection condition that makes the offer contingent on the acceptance of a home inspection report by the buyer. Many buyers, however, are under the impression that sellers are responsible for any issues that show up on the inspection report.

Although the seller is required to make certain major repairs as stipulated by the lender, everything is still negotiable. A buyer may ask the seller to fix a minor crack in the basement wall or repair any scuff marks on the hardwood flooring, but the seller can essentially refuse, leaving the buyer with the decision of whether or not to continue with the offer anyway.

Myth #3 - "The Perfect Home Is Out There - I Just Have To Wait For It"

Buyers have a tendency to focus too much on all the little things that may be wrong about a house rather than on the majority of the things that are right. Homes are much like people - they aren't perfect. Even brand new homes might have a few minor flaws.

The goal of a house hunt is to find the perfectly acceptable home - one that may have a couple of quirks that you can either live with or fix, but is otherwise ideal. An experienced buyer’s agent can help you identify issues that are deal-breakers, and help keep some perspective by separating irritating details from the big picture.

Myth #4 - "I Don't Need A Real Estate Agent To Buy A House"

Without the proper team behind you - especially if you're a first-time homebuyer - you could potentially find yourself in a compromised position. Many buyers don't take the time necessary to shop for an agent who can best represent them in their purchase.

Think about it this way – would you perform surgery on yourself? Do you feel comfortable filing your own income taxes, or do you opt to use the services of an accountant? Being represented by a licensed real estate agent will give you the benefit of professional skills and knowledge, including the ability to find financing and close the deal with your best interests put first.

It’s always in your best interests to have an experienced, knowledgeable agent representing you in a home purchase. With such a major investment on the line, you want to have someone who can help you complete a purchase leaving no stone unturned, and ultimately saving you money - and a lot of headaches.

A professional real estate agent will be able to sort the myths from the reality and make your first home-buying experience a positive one. Contact us today for more information on how you can become the proud owner of your first home!

The Unexpected In Buying Real Estate

When buying real estate, you may find some unexpected problems. Generally, these issues revolve around plumbing, wiring or sticking doors and windows. Although they aren't as expensive to fix as other issues, there's always a possibility that they indicate bigger problems. 

Sticking Doors/Windows

Spotting wear and tear on doors and windows is fairly easy. Check the hinges and locks.  Squeaking hinges or locks that stick indicate wear on seals and metal. 

Although sticking doors and windows aren't a big deal in and of themselves, these issues can be indications of moderate to severe foundation problems. If you find these issues in real estate, make your way to the basement and look for cracks or dips in the floors and walls. 

Pay attention to how the floors of the house feel when you walk. If you're at all uneasy, have an inspector look at the house before you buy.

Plumbing Problems

Sometimes, plumbing problems aren't so easy to find. Sellers have been known to use temporary fixes, which does a good job of hiding the issues. However, there are places to look that make the problems easier to find.

• Look up in the corners where the walls connect to the ceiling. Spackled ceilings make issues especially easy to spot, as they pick up water stains or crack and flake. 

• Another place to check is the bathroom, along the bottom of the wall. 

• Tile grout has a tendency to crack or flake, become discolored or loosen with continuous proximity to water. 

• Finally, check the closets. 

People who use temporary fixes will generally work hard to cover up the problems in lived-in rooms, while forgetting to fix walls and ceilings in closets.

Faulty Wiring

Spotting faulty or old wiring depends on the size of the issue and where it's located. For instance, a bad socket can be found by looking for darkened spots around the holes. However, it's impossible to look through the walls to find faulty or old wiring behind them. An electrician will be able to give you a better idea of the wiring in the real estate.

Remember, nothing takes the place of getting real estate you're thinking of buying inspected by a professional. 

Are you considering purchasing a new home? Let me help you get your dream home at the lowest price. Call your trusted real estate professional.

How To Get The Full Asking Price When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a complex process and there are a lot of factors that you will need to consider. Your goal will be to sell your home in a timely manner, while getting the highest price you can.

However, many properties sell at a discount because the buyer is able to negotiate a lower price on the property.

Although it is impossible to guarantee that you will receive your full asking price when you sell your home, there are things that you can do to increase the likelihood of this happening. You will need to have a strategy that attracts highly motivated buyers and improves competition.

Here Are Some Tips To Keep In Mind That Will Help You To Get The Full Asking Price When You Are Selling Your Home:

• First of all, make sure that you have a reasonable asking price to start with. Research your local real estate market and find out what other buyers paid for homes comparable to yours.

• Hire a home inspector to perform a full inspection of your home, so that you can fix any problems. If you can show the buyer the repair receipts and inspection report, you will be in a better position to ask for full price.

• First impressions are very important and can improve a buyer’s perception of your home’s value. Make sure that your property has plenty of curb appeal and feels welcoming.

• De-clutter and clean your home – this makes it appear more spacious and luxurious and will make a buyer willing to pay more.

• Ask your real estate agent to create a flyer that compares your home’s price to other similar listings in the area – showing that your home is a great deal. This will convince buyers that your asking price is already discounted.

• Schedule your property tours as close together as possible. This can mean that you get multiple offers at around the same time, which will encourage the buyer who is eager to seal the deal to pay full price.

• If you have any rooms with bright colours that might not appeal to the average buyer, give them a quick makeover with neutral tones. These are safe colours that will increase the odds that your home will sell.

• If you have the budget to renovate one of the rooms in your home, it should be the kitchen or the bathroom. Studies have shown that renovations and upgrades in those two rooms have the most impact on the potential selling price of the home.

With these tips, you should be more likely to achieve the full asking price when you are selling your home. For more tips, contact your trusted real estate professional.

How To Emotionally Detach From Your Home When Selling

Let's face it, selling your home can be an emotionally difficult process – especially if you have lived there for a long time. When you make a house your home, it holds many of your memories and it becomes a part of your identity.

How can you sell the house in which your child took their first steps, where you held many dinner parties and where your family celebrated so many birthdays and holidays together?

You will go through a period of transition when moving house, which can be mentally and emotionally tiring.

It might be hard to sell your home, but time marches on and eventually it is time to move to a different location or simply downsize or up-size to suit your changing family situation.

The problem with being too emotionally attached to your home is that it makes it difficult to sell. When you have a sentimental attachment to your home you will estimate its value as higher than it really is and you will have trouble accepting counter offers.

Which could mean that your home is on the market for a long time when it could possibly have been sold for a reasonable price.

Here are some tips for emotionally detaching from your home so that it is easier to sell:

Remove Your Personal Items

Taking any of your personal items out of the house will make it a lot easier to sell, because the buyer will be able to imagine a blank slate filled with their items instead. Also, it will make the process easier on you if you can remove your family photos, keepsakes and personal items - because it will make the house feel less like yours.

Think About Your New Home

Whether or not you have already bought your next property, it's time to start thinking about it as your new home. It will take some time, but you can transfer that emotional connection to the new place where you will live.

Start to focus on all of the things that you are looking forward to about living in your new home.

Preserve A Record Of Your Old Home

Take photos and even make a video tour of your old home before you move - so that you can always remember where you used to live.

Get An Outside Opinion

Ask your real estate agent or a professional home stager to take a look at your home with unbiased eyes to let you know what you should change to help it sell faster.

They might tell you to eliminate the jungle wallpaper in your son's bedroom that you love - but they are probably correct in a way that you can't see because your emotions cloud your judgement.

With these tips, you should be able to emotionally detach from your old home, so that it is easier to sell. For more information contact your real estate professional.

What Is DOM And How It Affects Your Home For Sale

Oh, the dreaded/happy DOM question: "How long has this house been up for sale?" If it's your home for sale we're talking about, you're probably wondering about the split "dreaded/happy" bit. For that matter, whether you're a buyer or a seller, you're probably asking, "what the heck is 'DOM'?"

Days On Market

"DOM" is the shortened industry term for Days On Market, used by the multiple listing services. It's exactly what it sounds like: the number of days your home for sale has been on the market. This metric covers the time it actually goes on sale to the time the deal is closed.

Why Is DOM Important?

Remember the "dreaded/happy" part at the beginning of this article? As a buyer's agent, I might gleefully answer, "Fifty days." I say "gleefully," because a house that has sat on the market for a long time is a good thing for my client.

The seller is probably more eager to sell than a month before, and is most likely willing to work a deal. An eager seller makes a happy buyer in most cases.

On the other hand, as a seller's agent, I might not be so happy about it, and for the same reason. My seller is now an eager seller. I want to get the best deal for my client, but I know the buyer has the upper hand. It is then up to me to help my client get the home sold without giving away the barn, the pool, the tool shed and the tools.

Already, you may be beginning to understand how the DOM metric can affect the sale of your home.

The problem with the DOM metric is that it causes buyers and agents to build false assumptions. If a home has been on the market for an above-average length of time, we start to wonder, "what's the matter with that listing?" Even though I know there are other reasons for a home to go static and not sell, many people automatically think there's something wrong.

Reasons For An Extended DOM Metric:

• The Home May Be Overpriced – Nothing is wrong with the property itself; it's just priced too high.

• Testing The Market – Although it's a big mistake and agents will tell you so, some sellers test the market by throwing a high price on a home they don't care if they sell – just to see if somebody is foolish enough to take it.

• Sticking To Your Guns – Often, sellers get fixed on a price and won't budge, come hell or high water. They figure they can wait around until the market can meet their price, not the other way around.

• Renovations – Sometimes, a home will go on the market in the middle of renovations. The sellers aren't ready to let the home be seen, so it just sits there.

• Availability – A growing problem is the lack of access to a home for sale. Sadly, agents and FSBOs alike seem to be unavailable when a buyer wants to view the home. Obviously, no viewing means no sale.

Don't let your DOM get high because of simple mistakes. If you're serious about selling your home, remember the five reasons above and make sure you aren't doing them.

If you're ready to sell your home with a professional who understands how to keep the DOM to a minimum, contact your real estate professional today.

Why January Is The Best Month For House Hunting

Have you made it your New Year's resolution to find that perfect home for you and your family? You might have thought that you needed to wait until spring to start house shopping, but the fact is that January is a great time to begin.

Put on your winter jacket and get out there while the leftovers from the New Year's party are still in the fridge – you'll have the upper hand.

House hunting in January offers a number of advantages that will work in your favor. Here are some of the main reasons:

Busy Social Calendars

First of all, most other people will be busy with parties, holidays and getting back to work after Christmas and they won't want to venture out in the cold weather to go look at houses – so there will be less competition when bidding on homes.

This means that you can get in there and put in an offer that the seller can't refuse.

Determined Seller

Also, if the home is on the market at this time of year, there is a chance that the home sale is somewhat urgent.

If they were not as determined, they might pull their home out of the market and wait until spring to try again. With a motivated seller you are more likely to get a better price.

A Dedicated Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent will have more time on their hands at this time of the year, because they will be less busy. This means that they will be able to dedicate more attention to you and help you move through the closing and moving process faster.

Cheap Deals On Furniture

Also, during the month of January, retailers will sell off their excess inventory from over Christmas in order to make room for the new models. This means that when you move into your new home you will be able to furnish it at a great discount.

These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider getting out this January and searching for your new home. House hunting during this time of year can offer you a number of advantages and you could possibly find that dream home you have been looking for at a great price.

For more helpful tips, contact me, your trusted real estate professional, today.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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Improve Your Curb Appeal This Winter

After all of the excitement of the holidays, the sparkle of the lights and the over stimulation of decorations, the rest of winter can seem lackluster. Don’t let your home add to the dreariness of the season.

Spruce up your curb appeal with the tips below and inspire your neighbors to create well-groomed street that will make driver’s passing through smile.

Tend The Plants

If you’re currently located in a winter wonderland, then dig up any dead plants that won’t grow back. Replace them with cold-loving flowers, such as snowberry or lambs ear.

In warmer climates, this is the time for any landscaping changes you’d like to make. It will give your plants a chance to flourish by spring and have solid roots before the harsh heat of summer.

Light The Way

With daylight hours dwindling, well-placed outdoor lighting will help highlight your home’s best features in the evening.

Not only do they make your home look warm and cozy, but they also provide much-needed walkway lighting so that your guests arrive safely.

For a festive New Year’s sparkle, wrap white lights around the porch and in the trees.

Create A Custom Mailbox

Reclaim a vintage mailbox or get creative with paint to let the neighborhood know your family’s favorite sports team. A personalized letterbox says a lot about your household, so make it something special that doesn’t look like every other box on the street.

Also, visitors trying to find your home always appreciate large, easy-to-read address numbers visible from both directions.

Place Pots Strategically

Create focal points with terra cotta or colorful pots. Place them around your door to make a cozy entrance. Use evergreens and holly to give the curb appeal of your home a wintry feeling or brighten up a dark doorstep with cheerful pansies.

Paint Your Front Door

Perk up your curb appeal when the weather is dreary by painting your front door in a color that packs a punch. Try a vibrant red, bright blue or sage green. These colors will make your home feel warm and cheerful. However, don’t apply paint if the weather is below 40 degrees, because it will dry brittle and crack.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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Market Your Home For Sale Like A Professional

Anyone preparing their home for sale can get focused on all the little updates they need to make before it’s ready to be put on the market. However, once the property is listed, they usually just sit back and wait for the offers to roll in — which can be disappointing.

For A Fast Sale

Real estate agents know that the work never stops. Below are insightful tips from property experts to create buzz around your house and get it sold quickly!

Bait Buyers With Visuals

Most buyers do their preliminary searches online, so this will be their first impression of your place. Hire a professional photographer if your photography skills are lacking. Or, take it one step further and have a virtual tour video made — the extra effort might clench the deal.

Create An Online Social Life

Just posting your home online might not be enough to attract buyers. However, if you give it a persona on Facebook or tweet about its beautifully refinished hardwood floors, you’ll reach more potential buyers and establish an emotional connection before they ever set foot inside.

Be Flexible

If the market isn’t cooperating with your current strategy, then be prepared to change it. This could mean dropping the price, hosting impromptu open houses or even taking the property off the market for a couple of months. Be sure to stay abreast of local selling trends by speaking with real estate agents and tracking area comparable.

Spread It Through Word Of Mouth

Enlist the help of all your friends and family to help spread the word. Put flyers out front and pass them around to all of your neighbors — they might want their friends to move in down the street. Also, let local real estate agents know your house is available.

To get your home sold quickly, take the advice above from successful professionals who know that no effort is too small when it comes to the real estate game. If you’re getting ready to put your house on the market and would like more selling strategies, please call me, your trusted real estate professional, today.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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Flaws You Cannot Hide By Staging Your Home

When you sell your home, you want it look as good as possible. To do this, your real estate agent will help you stage your home or, if needed, help you find a professional to stage your home.

This means de-cluttering your home, re-arranging furniture, and de-personalizing each room.

A staged home is more appealing to buyers and helps to highlight your home's positive features. However, staging is not meant to cover major flaws in your home. Some things just have to be repaired.

Roof Problems

It doesn't matter how pretty your home is, your buyer is going to expect you to fix roof problems or adjust your price to cover them. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home.

Cracked Tile

Of course, you can use throw rugs to cover cracks in your tile, but chances are your buyers are going to look under them. Then they may think you are trying to hide a serious problem like a shifting foundation. Save yourself the headache and have your floors fixed.

Broken Windows

You have to expect your buyers to walk around your home checking out the views from the windows. They're going to notice any cracks. If you have the budget, consider upgrading your windows and making your home more marketable. At the very least, you should have the glass replaced.

Torn Screens

If you have torn screens, your buyers may think you don't take care of your property. Yet, screens are fairly easy to fix on your own. With the right supplies from your local hardware store, you can have new, sleek screens in less than a day.

As your agent, I will make sure your home is ready to sell fast. Call me, your trusted real estate professional, today.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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Tips For Selling Your Home In The New Year

Many people think that selling a home after the holidays and during the Winter season is a bad idea. Most people are not in the home buying mood, because they are thinking about the holidays.

Also, buyers will think that you are desperate and they will give you offers that are less than list price.

Advantages Of Selling Your Home Now

However, there are some advantages to selling your home over the holidays and into the new year. There will be less homes on the market, so there won't be as much competition.

Also, buyers will likely be on their holidays from work, so they will have much more time to view properties and look around at homes.

Another factor is mood – buyers will generally be feeling more cheery and relaxed over the holidays, which will result in them being more likely to make the decision to buy a home.

A home can have a really romantic and cosy feeling during the winter season, which could make a buyer fall in love with it.

When You Are Selling Your Home During The Winter Season, Here Are Some Tips To Keep In Mind:

• Choose a good real estate agent who will be able to communicate with you well and find the right buyers for your house.
• Price the house realistically. This time of year, it helps to be competitive. You might even get buyers competing, which will push the price up as they bid against each other.
• Make sure that you have all of the paperwork in order, including an energy performance certificate, fittings and fixtures list and much more.
• Give your home a little makeover so that it gives a great first impression. Touch up the paintwork, rearrange the furniture and remove clutter.
• Giving a sense of airy lightness is important, especially in the winter months. Make sure that your windows let in plenty of natural light.
• Be flexible. You might need to be able to accommodate last minute viewings or viewings at strange times, so keep your schedule open.
• Serve seasonal drinks and snacks at your open house, such as mulled wine, eggnog and cookies, to put your buyers in a good mood.
• Have your moving company chosen and ready to go in advance, in case there is the possibility of a quick sale.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind for selling your home over the holidays. For more helpful tips, contact me, your trusted real estate professional, today.

For more information about the Atlanta area real estate market, please email me at ed@edshort.com or call me at 404.918.2500.

~ Ed Short, Atlanta REALTOR®

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