More and more, we see people selling their homes privately and online. The greatest benefit is putting the seller in the driver’s seat. In other words, the high commission rate associated with the services of a real estate agent is immediately eliminated and the seller can work with solid buyers. The downside to selling your home online is making sure you get exposure and the right type of exposure. After all, the more that potential buyers know your home is on the market the quicker your chances of selling. Keep in mind that while selling on the internet may seem … Continue reading →

One of the most common mistakes made by people selling a home is with the pricing. Every person with a home for sale wants the most money possible. However, there is such as thing as pricing yourself right out of the market. What happens is that if you were to price your home at the top of the price range, if your home does not sell within two weeks, it quickly becomes old news. That means real estate agents begin bypassing your home to show because there are recent listings. For potential buyers, as the home does not sell, they … Continue reading →

If you were to ask people selling a home, the two things they want to see happen most, they would all answer selling at a good price and selling fast. For years, the market has been a buyer’s market, meaning they had more control over the outcome than the seller did. While the market still leans more to a buyer’s side, in recent months, we have seen some slowing in the housing market. This means houses are not selling as fast as they were. To help move your home quickly, you can do a number of things. For starters, the … Continue reading →

After months of careful consideration, you have finally decided to put your house on the market so you can move closer to the kids. While you want to do all you can to accept any buyer to get the house sold quickly, it is also important to screen your buyers, market the house, make appropriate repairs, and do all you can to sell. Remember, not all buyers are created equal, so the more you can do to interest the right people who can actually afford to purchase the home and those in the best situation to purchase, the quicker you … Continue reading →

When buying or selling a house, negotiations play a huge part of the process. For instance, the seller sets the price of the house. The buyer can offer the seller full price or as in most cases, negotiate by coming back with a lower counter offer. In addition, the buyer may negotiate with the seller on certain features. In this case, the buyer may request the refrigerator and stove be left, that window treatments remain, or that a carpeting allowance be provided. To be successful with negotiations, whether you are a seller or buyer, we have pulled some great rules … Continue reading →

You would be amazed at how many homes on the market are passed by simply due to presentation or lack thereof. If you were interested in buying a home but you walked in only to find a house filled with clutter, chances are you would never be able to see past the piles of “stuff” to imagine a clean, organized home with your furniture. Unfortunately, a cluttered home is a major mistake made by people trying to sell a home. Start with the kitchen, which is the most important room of the house. Remove everything possible from the countertops to … Continue reading →

Other things you should know when hiring a real estate agent are discussed in this second part of “Hiring a Real Estate Agent”. Have you sold houses in my particular area? Often times, agents will work in a particular geographical location so ensure you work with an agent that is knowledgeable about your area and its amenities. The more they know a specific location, the better they can sell it. What percentage of houses sold in the past year have been at asking price? This is especially important if you have a home and cannot afford to move much on … Continue reading →

Making the right decision when choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important steps you can take when selling a house. Keep in mind that not all real estate agents are alike. Although they are all working for the same goal – selling houses – each has their own set of values and priorities, which could make your venture a major failure or outstanding success! When selling a house, you want to ensure you get the best representation possible. Find an agent that will view you as the customer and therefore, always put your best interest first. … Continue reading →

Once you have your home on the market, there are a number of things you need to do to ensure the home shows well so it sells fast. First, if possible, do not be home when agents show your home. This allows the prospective buyer to look around at leisure and ask questions without pressure. If you are home. For example, in the middle of cooking dinner, stay out of the way and do not volunteer any information unless directly asked a question. Otherwise, let the agent do the talking. When you know someone is coming, ensure that appropriate lighting … Continue reading →