Over the years, I have had many people ask questions about buying a new home or selling the one they have. Below is a list of questions and answers that may be helpful in answering questions that YOU might have. If you do not see something below, please do not hesitate to contact me through my Feedback Form.

What I can provide to you as a: Sellers Agent Buyers Agent

The Sellers Role Make a positive first impression Showing your home Getting the word out Where do buyers come from Determining your homes value (scroll down to find out more)

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The Sellers Role:

How can you make a positive first impression?

The correct staging of your home can go a long way toward achieving a successful sale at the highest price. Here are some tips...

• Enhance drive-up appeal by removing clutter, cleaning stains off the driveway, and touching up exterior paint where needed.
• A nicely trimmed and edged lawn always makes a good first impression.
• Remove dead and dying plants and consider adding color with hanging baskets or pots of flowers
• Sparkling clean windows let the sun shine through.
• Give the carpets a good cleaning to remove stains and odors, or even re-carpet if you feel it is appropriate
• Cracked or peeled paint and smudges on walls are easy fixes that can give the home a fresh, new look.

Showing your Home

Here are some tips to help potential buyers mentally move into your home...

• Maintain the home in ready-to-show condition with beds made, clutter removed, dishes put away and so forth. Then, you're always ready for a showing as soon as you get the phone call.
• Showcase your home as if you are receiving guests - turn on lights or open drapes, place flowers in vases, hang your best towels, light a fire in the fireplace if it's cold outside, and play soft background music.
• During a showing, try to step out for a cup of coffee or run a few errands. The buyer will feel more relaxed if allowed to view your home without any distractions.
• Make sure your pets are confined to a safe and out-of-the-way place.
• If you are present for the showing, it's best to reserve comments until the buyer has left your home.
• For safety purposes, it is wise to show the home to a buyer only if the agent working with them is present. You should also put away your most valuable items such as jewelry and collectibles.

Getting the word out

There are a number of different ways to market your home.

• The Internet
• Signage
• Multiple Listing Services (MLS)
• Local Marketing and Newspaper Advertising
• National and International Advertising
• Relocation and Referral Services
• Direct Mail
• Open House

Where do buyers come from?

Different places that attract potential buyers.

• 58% Company Recognition / Internet Access or Sales Executive Contact
• 13% For Sale Sign
• 12% Respond to Ad (but purchased a different property)
• 8% Open House
• 6% Referral by Relocation Company
• 3% Respond to Ad (but purchased same property)

Determining your Homes price

What factors influence the pricing of your home?

The Real Estate market is constantly fluctuating, so pricing is not an exact science. Rather, it's a reasonable figure derived from a number of different components.

• The status of the current real estate market.
• Hard facts such as lot size, square footage and the condition of your home.
• Desirability factors including location, special amenities, and property attributes.
• Selling and listing prices of comparable home.
• A sophisticated marketing plan.
• Your level of motivation.

It's important to note that the following conditions DO NOT affect your homes price.

• The profit you wish to make from the sale.
• The amount of money you've spent on improvements.
• What other sources, such as friends and neighbors, have told you it's worth.
• What you originally paid for the home.

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