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Click here for information on selling a home.
PROPERTY VALUES
Focused On You
If you're interested in how hot the real estate market is in the Triangle - we are happy to provide a statistical break down of what's been going on in the past few
months. Average sales price, number of homes sold, average days on the market - all broken down for you by county and zip codes.
If you're looking for detailed information on your neighborhood let us know. We will prepare a detailed analysis of the homes sold in your neighborhood in chart format
so that you can see the list and sales prices, average days on the market and average sales prices. We also provide information on your competition, should you decide to sell your home.
For sellers wanting to sell their homes, in addition to a market analysis, we also provide a "staging" service which offers recommendations on how to prepare your home
to compete in the marketplace. Our creative marketing strategies will be custom tailored to your specific property.
TIPS FOR SELLERS:
Focused On You
The more you know about buying and selling real estate and the more familiar you are with the issues and procedures, the less stressful - and even more pleasurable - the entire process
is. That's why we strive to provide you with valuable information. This selection of articles is just the thing every home-seller needs to be knowledgeable and effective in selling their home.
Preparing Your Home to Sell
A handy flash card of items to address to have your home ready to compete with other current listings.
PREPARING YOUR HOME TO SELL
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST LASTING
The first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your lawn should be trimmed, walkways swept and the front door should be clean with a doorbell that works.
DECORATING FOR QUICKER SALE
A minor investment in paint and wallpaper will pay bigger dividends to you in the form of a better price and quicker sale.
LET THE SUN SHINE IN
Open the drapes and curtains Clean the windows so that a prospect can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home-buying prospects
DON'T BE A DRIP
Fix leaky faucets, dripping water suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing (major repair bills). Discolored, rust-stained sinks are also warning signs, they should be properly cleaned and
sparkling.
LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT
Loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors arid drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows - are negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws.
SAFETY FIRST
Keep stairways and corridors clear. Clutter is unattractive and causes accidents.
TOP TO BOTTOM
Let prospects see the full value of your basement, attic, garage and closets by removing junk & cartons. Rent a short-term storage space if necessary.
BATHROOMS SELL HOMES
Make bathrooms sparkle. Clean stained sinks and bowls, repair any damaged or discolored caulking around bathtubs and showers
Tips For Showing Your Home
Suggestions for how to get the most out of every showing.
TIPS FOR SHOWING YOUR HOME
CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT?
Illumination in your home can be the "welcome sign" for every prospect. Turn on all of the exterior and interior lights, including accent & picture lights.
AVOID CROWDS
Potential buyers will feel like intruders and want to hurry through your home if there are too many people around. Send the kids over to the neighbors or take a walk while your house
is being shown.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
When showing your house, turn down, or off, radios or television sets. Let the salesperson and buyers talk freely without having to yell over any noise.
PUT FIDO OUTSIDE
Dog may be man's best friend, but not when showing your house. Keep pets out of the way; not underfoot.
THIS IS NOT A SOCIAL CALL
Be courteous and friendly, but don't try to force conversation with potential buyers. They are there to inspect your house, not to be social. Let the salesperson do the talking.
THIS IS NOT A GARAGE SALE
Don't try to sell the potential buyers any of the furniture or furnishings that you don't want to take with you. They haven't even bought your house yet - you could foul up the sale.
LET THE REALTOR DO IT
Let our professional salespeople talk to the customer about selling price, terms, possession date and other factors. Our salespeople have been specially trained and have the experience
to bring the negotiations on your house to a satisfactory conclusion.
Know Why The First Five Minutes are Critical!
The reality of "judging a book by it's cover.
YOU'RE SELLING YOUR HOME... KNOW WHY THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES ARE CRITICAL
YOU HAVE BEEN PLANNING TO PURCHASE A SECOND CAR and have saved $7,000. It's Saturday morning and you have time to shop and make your purchase. You drive to a nearby dealer and find only
two cars for sale. Both are the same year, make and model. Both have a price tag of $7,000. They are identical -until you begin to inspect them more closely.
The first appears to be "good transportation" at best. The car's finish shows neglect, with nicks, scratches and dings abundantly displayed. The windows are smudged, the tires under-inflated,
and the radio antenna is missing. Inside, key in the ignition, it grudgingly starts on the second try. Books and papers litter the back seat, the ashtray overflows with an assortment of items, and floor
mats are missing. After an abbreviated inspection, you turn your attention to the second car.
You notice that the morning sun reflects brightly off the spotless windows and gleaming finish. This car seems to promise satisfaction. The chrome and trim are flawless, and the tires
have been scrubbed clean. It invites a closer inspection. Sitting at the wheel, the engine jumps to life, then settles down to an imperceptible idle. The interior sparkles. You feel good just sitting there
at idle speed. You make your choice. This car wins hands down.
Home buyers experience similar situations daily. With plans to purchase a home, buyers inspect a number of similar homes at similar prices. They begin making value judgments from the
moment they drive up to each home. Their first impressions begin with the yard, the drive-way, and the front door. Once inside an attractive, well-maintained home, buyers can sense the presence of "pride
of owner-ship" - or its absence.
It has been said that buyers make up their minds in the first five minutes, then spend the rest of the time rationalizing their decision. For those who plan to sell their home, a word
of advice: place great emphasis on providing a home in impeccable, move-in condition.
Steps to a Quicker House Sale
"The way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are two very different things." A two part article loaded with suggestions that will make YOUR home stand out among its competition.
STEPS TO A QUICKER HOUSE SALE
One of the major factors in getting your house to sell quickly is simply put: make it attractive. Most buyers select a home based on emotion and justify the decision with facts. So,
it is important to make the house inviting and pleasant. Yours is not the only property the prospective buyer will see. You are competing with model homes, homes that may have been professionally decorated,
and homes that have no children, no pets and that have Mr. and Mrs. Perfect as owners.
Consulting and working with a real estate professional with knowledge of what it takes to successfully "stage" or "merchandise" your home will give you the competitive edge you need
to get your home sold. for the most dollars in the shortest amount of time.
Start with the outside. Are shrubs overgrown? Oil on the driveway? How does the grass look? Do the flower beds need weeding and mulching? Try very hard to see your grounds through an
independent observer's eyes. Trim the bushes and/or plant new ones if they are lacking. A home with no landscaping in the front loses thousands of dollars of value in the minds of the buyers. Adding a
few well-placed blooming flowers also adds appeal. If the grass in the front yard is especially sparse, consider sodding. Do some price shopping on this; sod is not cheap but there is competition out there
and it helps to shop around. Kitty litter in thc driveway will absorb the oil and grease stains. (Remember to sweep up the kitty litter.)
Next, go around and clean up the yard. This means removing any toys, tools, and any building supplies that have accumulated. Here is the "white glove test:" If you don't see it in a
model home yard don't have it in yours.
Now look at the exterior. Is the paint fading or chipping? Is the color outdated or too personal? Is mildew or mold growing? If the house needs painting, choose a neutral color White,
cream (not yellow) and light gray are good colors for appealing to most people. Use contrasting colors for shutters: black, dark green and medium gray (avoid blue-based gray). Doors and trim may match
the house or the shutters or be white depending upon the amount of contrast you wish to create. If you want an idea of paint combinations, take a look at some model homes whose house prices run $2(),00O-50,0O0
more than your home to help you see the actual color combinations and choose one of those color combinations.
Always give the front door and door trim a fresh coat of paint or stain even if you paint nothing else. Remember that buyers stand at the front door waiting to get inside; it is critical
that you give them a good first impression.
If your house was painted recently or if it is a non-painted surface but is dirty, have it pressure washed. Also pressure wash mildewed decks. Have it professionally done, or rent a
pressure washer and use two gallons of water, two cups chlorine bleach. one cup powdered detergent. and.. one cup powdered dish detergent. To prevent damage to shrubs or grass, wet surrounding areas thoroughly
before cleaning the wood and rinse the greenery of all cleansing solution when you are don power washing.
Let's go inside. Go through each room and pack 30% of the accessories. If you doubt the wisdom this, once again go back to model homes and compare the countertops with yours, their coffee
tables with yours. Get the picture?
The reality is this: the way y' live in a home and the way you sell a home are two very different things. This will take time, sacrifice and adjustment but you need to remember that
you are competing with other properties - your home is not the only one on market. Those who win the Good Housekeeping Award probably will get the highest dollar. Another way look at it is this - you're
going to be moving anyway so this is just a way to do some advanced packing.
Pack any collections and family photos you have displayed. Too much of your personality does not give the buyer the room to "mentally move in" Pack everything from the cabinets and
closets you do not need on a regular basis. You want to create the perception of roominess and in fact give the buyer the space to furnish with his/her belongings. Make sure the linen closet is neat and
sparsely furnished with only a week's worth of towels and linens.
In the clothes closets, remove out-of-season clothes and pack them away. It's okay to box them and store the boxes in the garage. Arrange your shoes neatly. Hang all clothes by category:
all blouses together, pants together, etc.
Now take another walk through the house. Are there rooms that are cluttered with too much furniture? Remove the excess. Of course, it helps to have an expert on "stag-ing" a home to
help optimize the furniture placement.
Minor redecorating can also help. If your carpet or vinyl is out-dated, replace it. Off-white, light beiges and grays are best for car-pet; off-white for vinyl which tend to make rooms
look larger and cleaner. Reuse the carpet pad if it is not worn and if it is 5/8" thick or more. if you need to replace the pad, select an upgrade and install a modest carpet over it. The feel will be
plush and expensive.
If the carpeting is in good condition and neutral in color, have it cleaned. If the vinyl is in good condition and light colored, scrub it thoroughly paying attention to buildup of dirt
or wax around the baseboards and in corners.
After reading this article and next week's, make a list of what you intend to do to ready your home for the market. Consult with a real estate professional for her/his review and input.
This will save you time and money. Objective opinions are key to help-in you determine the most effec-tive things to do for the least amount of investment that will return the greatest dollar to you.
Homeseller - Your Participation Is Critical To Your Home Sale
What you can do to expedite the sale of your home.
HOMESELLER: YOUR PARTICIPATION IS CRITICAL TO YOUR HOME SALE:
True or false? Once you have chosen a Realtor to represent you in the sale of your home and have signed a listing, you should get out of the way and let the Realtor
find a buyer.
False. Selling a home quickly and at the best possible price requires involvement by the owners as well as the Realtor in the selling process. The sellers' responsibilities
fail into two areas: 1) Providing a home that is fairly priced with attractive terms, and 2) providing a home in marketable condition. The Realtor is responsible for preparing and implementing a marketing
plan which will attract suitable buyers to the home resulting in an acceptable transaction for the sellers.
Pricing is important because most buyers comparison shop before making their purchase decision. As a result, they eliminate homes which are priced above "fair market value." The Realtor
can provide details of recent sales in the local market, as well as pricing of similar homes currently for sale. This data can be used by the sellers to arrive at a price which reflects the value offered
by their home.
Providing an attractive home in marketable condition is critical to a successful sale too. No matter how effective the marketing plan, buyers expect to purchase a home in excellent condition.
By performing an objective walk-through inspection of the home, the Realtor can provide the sellers with a list of possible improvements. It is then up to the sellers to see that the home presents a positive
first impression.
With the sellers' participation, the Realtor will create an imaginative marketing plan. This plan will target groups of buyers most likely to purchase the home, and advertising and promotion
will be placed to attract their attention. The home is thus positioned to appeal to the widest possible segment of purchasers.
The next time you sell your home, plan to work in partnership with your Realtor. The results can be an emotionally and financially satisfying home-selling experience.
How Can I Be Sure That I Will Be Listing With A Superior Agent?
Twelve questions to ask prospective agents.
HOW CAN I BE SURE that I will be listing
with a superior agent?
To help you answer this question, we've listed a number of questions you can ask prospective listing agents. The answers to these questions should tell you how professional the agent
is compared to others in his/her field.
1. Is the agent a full-time real estate professional? (Real estate is a full-time job. Part-timers cannot be competitive)
2. How much real estate experience does the agent have?
3. Does the agent have more than a high-school education? (Real estate is complex. You want to be sure that your agent has the skills required to do the best job)
4. How has the way the agent does business changed over the past five-ten years? (If the agent does not mention increasing use of technological tools, target marketing, ongoing training
opportunities, etc., he/she is probably not keeping up.)
5. How many properties did the agent sell last year? (State average is five - six)
6. Does the agent have references you can call? (If not, beware!)
7. How does the agent market properties to prospects?
10 Spring Spruce Ups
Invest a little time and energy to keep your home looking as fresh as Springtime.
10 SPRING SPRUCE UPS
Spring is a time of renewal, and a time to clean and brighten your home. By investing a little time, energy and money each year; your home maintenance becomes less burdensome. Then,
when it's time for you and your family to sell your home, the must-do improvements have already been made.
Here are some improvements to consider this spring
1. Paint
Nothing makes a home look newer faster than a fresh coat of paint. It's an instant cure for an outdated look. Keep the colors light and neutral because they gave greater appeal and can
make small rooms seem larger.
2. Clean and brighten
Have your carpets professionally shampooed to help eliminate odors caused by smoking or pets. Clean all windows and make sure all light bulbs work. Consider installing higher wattage
bulbs in some lamps to create a lighter, brighter room.
3. Reduce clutter
Everyone has clothing that hasn't been worn in years. Dig in and select those items that you can donate or discard. If your rooms have too much furniture, maybe it's time for a garage
sale or to put some things in storage.
4. Organize the kitchen
You'll be surprised by the amount of space you can create by clearing the counters and adding drawer organizers. Store seldom-used small appliances in an out-of-the-way place. .
5. Update the bath
If cleaning and painting isn't enough to spruce up a dull bath, replacing the vanity and sink could be an inexpensive solution. Also, consider installing new floor covering or resurfacing
a stained tub.
6. Repair a wet basement
Simply installing covers over window wells or moving a downspout may eliminate your problem. If you need more extensive repairs, and you're not able to make them, be prepared to explain
the problem to a buyer. Never try to cover up the signs of a wet basement.
7. Make minor repairs
Tighten loose knobs, fix leaky faucets, lubricate squeaky hinges, clean out clogged drains, replace dirty filters, secure loose shingles, fix holes in screens, replace broken panes and
remove stains.
8. Create a grand entrance
Paint your front door with a bright color, add brass accents such as house numbers, a doorknob or kick-plate. Prune your bushes and add colorful blooming plants to help make a good first
impression.
9. Repair a leaky roof
One tiny water stain on the ceiling not only looks bad, it will cause buyers to question the condition of the entire roof. Fix the source of the leak and repair any damage cause to the
ceiling.
10. Exterminate
Call in a professional to rid your home of insects such as termites, ants, wasps and cockroaches. Repair any damage caused by insects. Remember that it will take a few days for the pesticide
odor to clear.
How to Find The Real Value In An Offer
What does the old "bird-in-the-hand" philosophy have to do with selling your home?
HOW TO FIND THE REAL VALUE IN AN OFFER:
What does the old "bird-in-the-hand" philosophy have to do with selling your home? Plenty - if you are serious about selling and are a realist at heart.
One of the biggest advantages to owning real estate is the ability to sell at full value to an ever present supply of potential buyers. This means that, given a fair amount of time,
a "ready, willing and able" buyer can always be located to purchase your home.
The "full value" which that buyer will pay for your home is a subjective figure though, based on the individual's own value system when applied to your property. The "full value" price
offered by a buyer may not match the "full value" figure expected by the seller.
Sellers who price their home at "fair market value" may find that qualified buyers immediately offer full price. On the other hand, what should sellers do if an unqualified buyer offers
full price? What if a qualified buyer offers less than full price?
Here is where the "bird-in-the-hand" concept pays off. Wise sellers will analyze each offer to purchase as though it were the only one they would ever receive, since there may never
be "two in the bush". If the offer is made by an unqualified buyer, at an unreasonably low price, with an unacceptable settlement date, rejection of the offer would be appropriate.
On the other hand, a low offer received from an obviously qualified buyer with a settlement date that is a perfect match to the sellers' moving plans may deserve close scrutiny. Even
though the offer may appear low, the buyer may not require the seller to participate in the payment of closing costs, discount points or other costs usually associated with a sale, resulting in "net proceeds" close
to an acceptable level.
The net effect could be an acceptable transaction with the added benefit of a closing date that relieves anxiety about an unsold home. When selling your home, ask your agent to explain
both the pros and cons of every offer received. The result can be both an early and acceptable sale.
Hiring the Wrong Agent Can Cost You Thousands of Dollars!
An individual who consistently outperforms others as a real estate representative will display certain characteristics or traits, all of which add up to real estate excellence.
HIRING THE WRONG AGENT CAN COST YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!
Planning to sell your home? How will you find the right agent to represent you? What traits should that person exhibit?
When choosing an agent, expect excellence! That's right - "excellence". An individual who consistently outperforms others as a real estate representative will display certain characteristics
or traits, all of which add up to real estate excellence.
What are those traits? Commitment, superior knowledge, empathy, enthusiasm, consistency and stick-to-it-iveness are but a few. Here's why they are so important when
selling your home.
Commitment is evidence of the desire to achieve an objective. When you list your home for sale, the objective is a favorable sale. Would you want anything less than
your agents total commitment to that objective?
Superior knowledge is the direct result of two things: 1) Formal education, and 2) Daily contact with buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, title companies, fellow agents
and others directly involved in real estate. Look for an agent who regularly pursues additional training and who is active in the local real estate market.
Empathy and enthusiasm can be found together in the successful agent. Look for a person who listens carefully to what you say, and responds with energy, a good attitude
and a smile. Such an agent will attract buyers too.
Consistency and stick-to-it-iveness can usually be found together also. Look for an agent willing to repeat the same tasks over and over without quitting. Locating a
buyer for your home is not a simple task. It is accomplished through the exercise of determination in the face of rejection. It means not giving up - no matter what.
When choosing an agent to sell your home, ask questions - lots of them. Look for the traits mentioned here, and you can enjoy the benefits of an early sale at a favorable price.
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