Saturday, October 3, 2009

Has your home been sitting on the market for quite some time with no offers? What should you do?

Have you been unable to sell your home? Don't understand why you've had several showings but no bites? In these circumstances, I recommend sellers to examine the following:

1. List Price- How does your home compare to like properties in your area? With today's competitive market, sellers need to list their homes appropriately with the competition. It happens quite frequently during showings, I will show 2 exact homes, however one being 10k more. It's common sense the lessor of the two will most likely sell first.

2. Curb Appeal- How does your home look from the street? The exterior is the first impression buyers have of a home. You want to maintain your yard at all times during the listing period. I highly recommend planting flowers and mulching. You'd be amazed at how many homes I've shown in which the buyer wanted to view a home based of the beautiful landscaping without previously seeing the interior of the home. Over 80% of buyers are searching for their homes online. Make your home stand out from the rest.

3. Staging - Staging has become a widely used service in the real estate industry. Ever walked into a model home and fell in love with it? Most do. Would you have felt the same way walking into the same home if it was vacant? Most likely no. Interior designers are great at what they do. They help the consumer feel a sense of "home" and "comfort". They want you to feel as if you could see yourself living in that home. Why not deliver that feeling to potential buyers upon entering your home. Staging companies come out and consult the seller on how to better their home for showings. They may do as little as re-arranging your current furniture or as much as filling an vacant home. Research shows that well staged homes sell approximately 32% faster and for 3%-10% more.

First-Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit - Expiring November 30th, 2009

Are you contemplating becoming a first-time homeowner? Our current housing market could not be any more favorable towards buyers. Mortgage rates are at historic lows, housing prices are down, and the government is now offering an inducement for you to buy. You may receive up to an $8000.00 tax credit (10% of purchase price, up to $8000) for closing on your new home by November 30th, 2009. I recommend checking with your accountant to ensure you qualify. Don't be left out! Make homeownership a Reality.