Simple fixes and staging practices can focus buyers' attention in the right places and keep them from getting sidetracked by personal items in the home.
Here are some staging suggestions from Deborah Ehrlich-Layne of Staging Plus in Tampa, Fla., Handyman Matters, and HGTV's The Stagers.
Eliminate countertop clutter. A countertop covered with small appliances and utensils looks crowded, not spacious.
Pack up the too-personal. Don't leave toiletries on the counter. Stash family photos.
Be prepared for snoops. Prospective buyers pull open drawers, look in closets and peek behind the shower curtain.
Make sure things work. Dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, and squeaking hinges detract from the home's appeal.
Think "white-glove clean." Mop, dust, vacuum, clean baseboards, wash windows. Make sure the house looks fresh and smells neutral.
Make sure the front door is clean and the hardware polished. Power-wash walkways.
Store furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.
Show every room for the kind of room it is. Maybe you've turned your formal dining room into a home office. Get rid of the desk and computer, and bring back the dining table and chairs.
Source: The Dallas Morning News (09/05/08)
Showing posts with label Home selling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home selling. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
How to Make Rooms in Your Home Look Larger with Lighting!
A bright and well-lit home can dramatically change the mood of your home and help you feel relaxed and comfortable all year long. Here are some tips to lighten up your home and make the rooms look big and inviting:
* Choose different types of lighting to avoid the expense of installing windows or skylights. Lamps or other accent lighting can make a dull room appear elegant or small rooms seem larger.
* If you have a room with a dark wall or a narrow, dark hallway, hang a group of pictures and light them with adjustable halogen track lighting to create the effect of a photo gallery.
* Paint ceilings a light color to avoid making them seem lower than they are and give the room a cramped feel.
* Use color to add cheer to a room. Pink and green tones have a calming effect while darker colors, such as red, tend to cause agitation. Neutral wall tones create a harmonious environment. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.
* When selecting paint, tape large color chips together on a wall to get a better idea of the shades you like. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, buy a quart of 2 or 3 colors and paint 1 or 2 foot squares next to each other on both shaded and brightly lit walls. Choose the color that looks best in both kinds of light.
Call or send me an email if you’d like the names of decorators, contractors, or other service providers.
* Choose different types of lighting to avoid the expense of installing windows or skylights. Lamps or other accent lighting can make a dull room appear elegant or small rooms seem larger.
* If you have a room with a dark wall or a narrow, dark hallway, hang a group of pictures and light them with adjustable halogen track lighting to create the effect of a photo gallery.
* Paint ceilings a light color to avoid making them seem lower than they are and give the room a cramped feel.
* Use color to add cheer to a room. Pink and green tones have a calming effect while darker colors, such as red, tend to cause agitation. Neutral wall tones create a harmonious environment. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.
* When selecting paint, tape large color chips together on a wall to get a better idea of the shades you like. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, buy a quart of 2 or 3 colors and paint 1 or 2 foot squares next to each other on both shaded and brightly lit walls. Choose the color that looks best in both kinds of light.
Call or send me an email if you’d like the names of decorators, contractors, or other service providers.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
How to Obtain Top Dollar for Your Home!
If you are considering selling your home, you are probably asking yourself questions like:
* Should I replace the tile counters in the bathroom with granite?
* Does the wallpaper make the house look dated?
* Is the cost of installing new kitchen cabinets worth the expense?
* Do I need to put on a new the roof or can I just have it inspected and replace the deteriorated areas?
* Is it necessary to paint all the interior walls, or would touching-up the obvious areas work just as well?
* Would installing new carpets and/or refinishing the wood floors be worth the expense?
* Should I have the house painted before putting it on the market, or use that as a bargaining point in negotiating the sale?
These are all outstanding questions. And none of them has an easy yes or no answer. Your home is unique, as is the neighborhood you live in.
Part of The Davidson Team's expertise is helping sellers prepare their homes with the right improvements that bring in top dollar. We would be happy to stop by and do a simple walk-through to point out areas to focus on to improve your house's market value, as well as what projects will not likely give you a good return on your money or time.
There is no charge for our service. Our goal is to be the neighborhood expert. The more neighbors we talk to and the more familiar we become with the homes in our community, the better level of service we can offer to families moving into our area.
If you are interested in having us do a free walk-through to get your house market-ready or simply have questions you'd like answered, please contact us today!
* Should I replace the tile counters in the bathroom with granite?
* Does the wallpaper make the house look dated?
* Is the cost of installing new kitchen cabinets worth the expense?
* Do I need to put on a new the roof or can I just have it inspected and replace the deteriorated areas?
* Is it necessary to paint all the interior walls, or would touching-up the obvious areas work just as well?
* Would installing new carpets and/or refinishing the wood floors be worth the expense?
* Should I have the house painted before putting it on the market, or use that as a bargaining point in negotiating the sale?
These are all outstanding questions. And none of them has an easy yes or no answer. Your home is unique, as is the neighborhood you live in.
Part of The Davidson Team's expertise is helping sellers prepare their homes with the right improvements that bring in top dollar. We would be happy to stop by and do a simple walk-through to point out areas to focus on to improve your house's market value, as well as what projects will not likely give you a good return on your money or time.
There is no charge for our service. Our goal is to be the neighborhood expert. The more neighbors we talk to and the more familiar we become with the homes in our community, the better level of service we can offer to families moving into our area.
If you are interested in having us do a free walk-through to get your house market-ready or simply have questions you'd like answered, please contact us today!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Are You Thinking About Selling? Not All Realtors and Marketing Plans Are the Same!
In this market you need to use as many effective marketing tools as possible to compete with the other listings in your area. I am absolutely passionate about marketing and am constantly evaluating and improving my techniques!
You will see based on the strategies listed in my Marketing Plan that I am an aggressive marketer and very detail oriented. But I’d like you to know that I feel that communication and good customer service are equally important! I will make every effort to make sure you are 100% satisfied with the service I provide.
You will see based on the strategies listed in my Marketing Plan that I am an aggressive marketer and very detail oriented. But I’d like you to know that I feel that communication and good customer service are equally important! I will make every effort to make sure you are 100% satisfied with the service I provide.
Phase 1: PREPARATION
- I will prepare a Highest Price Analysis to assist you in correctly pricing your home.
- I will estimate your net proceeds from the transaction.
- I will conduct a thorough walk through of your home; taking measurements, noting amenities, and giving staging advice.
- I will provide a lock box to ensure easy access by Realtors® with qualified buyers.
- I will take several digital photographs of the interior and exterior of your home.
Phase 2: AGRESSIVE MARKETING TECHNIQUES
This is the fun part! Marketing is a passion of mine, so I am always working hard to find new ways to set your listing apart from the competition!
- I will install the distinctive RE/MAX sign, property brochure box and directional signs to lead people to home.
- I will submit complete and accurate details regarding your listing to the MLS reaching thousands of realtors every day.
- I will create and distribute a full color property brochure especially for your listing.
- I will create aVirtual Tour especially for your listing, and link it to my web site.
- I will send out an Email Blast of your Virtual Tour to over 5000 Realtors in the Richmond Metro area.
- Internet exposure is key! Your listing and Virtual Tour will be advertised on the following top internet sites (and hundred's more!)
Realtor.com - Remax.com - Google.com - Yahoo.com - E-RichmondHomes.com - Just listed brochures and post cards will be distributed to Realtors, as well as current and past clients.
- I will create a bound, full color property information book for display at your listing with extensive information for potential buyers (schools, area information, specific details about the house, etc).
- I will create Special Feature Cards to highlight the special features of your listing that a buyer might not notice during showings.
- I will schedule and host a Sunday Afternoon Open House.
Coming soon! Television commercial advertising!
And much much more techniques of aggressive Marketing that I will use to get your home sold quickly for the highest possible price!
Phase 3: COMMUNICATION DURING YOUR LISTNG
During your listing constant review and attention to detail is required to effectively market your property and protect your position.I will constantly monitor your listing until the day it closes! Communication is the key! You will hear from me a minimum of once per week, if not more often. I am dedicated to personally providing the highest level of service to each of my clients every day until their home is sold!
- I will provide you with a copy of your MLS listing details for your review.
- I will keep you informed, at least once per week, or as many as you want me to communicate with you.
- I will be available by cell phone and promptly return your call if you must leave a message.
- I will follow up with every agent who shows your home to provide you with up-to-the-minute feedback about price, condition, location, and potential buyer interest.
- I will handle inquiries regarding the home, qualify interested parties, and pursue showing appointments with qualified buyers.
- I will work with the buyer’s agent, and their inspector to negotiate any objections raised by the inspection of the property.
- I will assist the title company in setting the closing and obtaining all information needed for the completion of the paperwork.
- I will carefully explain to you all documents that you will be required to sign, and provide you with copies each document.
- I facilitate your closing and handle last minutes issues.
In the end, it's all about results. Mohamed will turn FOR SALE into SOLD!
To learn how Mohamed will specifically create your Custom Marketing Plan, contact them today to schedule a listing presentation.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Richmond Virginia Real Estate - If the price of your home is too high!
If the price of your home is too high, several things could happen:
Limits buyers . Potential buyers may not view your home, because it would be out of their buying range.
Limits showings . Other salespeople may be less reluctant to view your home.
Used as leverage . Other realtors may use this home to sell against homes that are better priced.
Extended stay on the market . When a home is on the market too long, it may be perceived as defective. Buyers may wonder, "what's wrong," or "why hasn't this sold?"
Lower price . An overpriced home, still on the market beyond the average selling time, could lead a lower selling price. To sell it, you will have to reduce the price, sometimes, several times. In the end, you'll probably get less than if it had been properly priced at the start.
Wasted time and energy . A bank appraisal is most often required to finance a home.
Realtors have known it for years - Well-kept homes, properly priced in the beginning always get you the fast sale for the best price! And that's why you need a professional to assist you in the selling of your home.
CONTACT ME for assistance with RICHMOND REAL ESTATE
Mohamed Mekhimar , Realtor®, Accredited Buyers Representative , RE/MAX Commonwealth, mekhimar@remax.net, (804) 243-0605 Cell, (804) 288-5000 Office, (804) 288-8989 Fax, http://www.richmondvahomes4sale.com/, Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Limits buyers . Potential buyers may not view your home, because it would be out of their buying range.
Limits showings . Other salespeople may be less reluctant to view your home.
Used as leverage . Other realtors may use this home to sell against homes that are better priced.
Extended stay on the market . When a home is on the market too long, it may be perceived as defective. Buyers may wonder, "what's wrong," or "why hasn't this sold?"
Lower price . An overpriced home, still on the market beyond the average selling time, could lead a lower selling price. To sell it, you will have to reduce the price, sometimes, several times. In the end, you'll probably get less than if it had been properly priced at the start.
Wasted time and energy . A bank appraisal is most often required to finance a home.
Realtors have known it for years - Well-kept homes, properly priced in the beginning always get you the fast sale for the best price! And that's why you need a professional to assist you in the selling of your home.
CONTACT ME for assistance with RICHMOND REAL ESTATE
Mohamed Mekhimar , Realtor®, Accredited Buyers Representative , RE/MAX Commonwealth, mekhimar@remax.net, (804) 243-0605 Cell, (804) 288-5000 Office, (804) 288-8989 Fax, http://www.richmondvahomes4sale.com/, Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Why Use a REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.
But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:
1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.
2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.
10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
Source - realtor.com
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.
But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:
1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.
2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.
3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.
6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.
7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.
10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.
12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).
Source - realtor.com
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