Why use a Realtor when selling your home?

7 Reasons to Use a REALTOR® When Selling Your Home

Long & Foster OC

10 Best Secrets for Selling Your Home

                                                   

RISMEDIA, Saturday, September 26, 2015— Selling your home can seem a daunting task. When you close that deal, you want to make sure that your home goes to the best buyer for the best price. It may seem cheaper to sell your home yourself, and many do; however, there are a lot of details to work through.

“Selling your home through a REALTOR® can help you make sure you get the best value overall,” says Kimberly Nicole, a REALTOR® based in The Woodlands/Houston, Texas metro area who caters to luxury homes and their clientele.

Nicole offers seven reasons why you should use a REALTOR® instead of selling your home yourself:

1. REALTORS® Know How to Navigate the Process – A REALTOR® is the manager of your home buying process. Nicole explains that you and your REALTOR® will begin with extensive discussions to head off any road blocks later on. Your REALTOR® is aware of your concerns, needs and priorities. They are there from the beginning to end, navigating each step of the way with you. Selling real estate can be a tricky business, full of regulations and involved steps. Your REALTOR® works for you, staying on top of the latest regulations and helping you meet them.

2. REALTORS® Know How to Professionally List the Property – In the age of Web 2.0, it’s not enough to upload your phone photos to a few random sites. Buyers expect professional photos, videos and flawless online presentation. To get the most exposure, you also need to manage your listing across multiple channels. REALTORS® will do all this for you, including coordinating with photographers and videographers to make sure your listing is top-notch. “Hitting the right emotional and responsive chords with buyers is the goal,” says Nicole. “Determine who the likely audience is, and market directly to that audience.”

3. REALTORS® Know How to Prepare Sellers – Before you sell, your home must be in the best condition possible. Your REALTOR® can advise you on what repairs need to be done, and they frequently know good contractors. You may have to have inspections done before you sell, and will probably have to do repairs. A REALTOR® can set up any required inspections and instruct you on how to prepare. Sometimes homeowners will take out a loan against the house to finance costly repairs, but this can’t be done while the house is on the market. A REALTOR® may help assess the situation, and then wait to list it until the repairs are completed.

4. REALTORS® Can Help Sellers Prepare for Showings – “Staging is extremely important,” says Nicole. “That first impression is vital.” Not only do all of the repairs need to be done, but if you still live there, the place must be kept clean and staged. This means everything from maintaining curbside appeal to the little details, like placing out a plate of cookies or laying out your best dishes in a table setting. She advises that a home must be open and inviting, and that smells, pets and lighting must all be taken into consideration. “We don’t want a home not selling because a buyer can’t see their own furniture in the home.” Your REALTOR® may also advise you to de-clutter certain closets and rearrange rooms. They may explain which personal touches add a “homey” look and which things detract from a potential buyer envisioning their own decor.

5. REALTORS® Can Help Get Buyers Through the Doors – REALTORS® not only get the traffic in, they know how to manage it. They can arrange and hold open houses in a way that gets as many visitors as possible. They also work with buyers so that showings are more convenient for you. This is especially important if you still live in the house. REALTORS® may also help weed through potential candidates so that you don’t waste your time with no-shows or non-serious buyers. “If a person needs to sell a house before buying another, the seller needs to know this,” says Nicole. This all factors in to final decisions and net proceeds.

6. REALTORS® Know How to Objectively Negotiate – You may think preparing and showing your home may be stressful, but receiving offers can be difficult. “The goal is to get the most money as the seller, and as the buyer the goal is to look at market value and if it’s priced appropriately. You don’t want to present an offer that’s an insult to the seller," says Nicole. A REALTOR® can help you stay reasonable, without letting you take a lowball offer either. They will also be there to navigate a multi-bid and renegotiations. “Renegotiations fall apart all the time, and deals frequently don’t come through,” she says. “Each side has different concerns, and each party needs to know where the other stands.” Closing can be a confusing process, and there is a lot of paperwork to sign. Your REALTOR® has been through this many times and can explain everything you are signing and why. If you have any questions on anything, your REALTOR® is right there.

7. REALTORS® Know the Area – “The key to a good agent is knowing the area,” says Nicole. They know what the property values are, and have a good idea of future market fluctuations. They also know where and how to list your property for best results. Having a home listed on MLS is not enough. A good REALTOR® that is knowledgeable of the area is essential to getting the best deal on your home.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for real estate tips and trends for you and your clients.

Need a New Car? Consider a Car Buying Service. Better Ways To Reach The Beach

Thinking About Using a Car-Buying Service? 6 Things to Know First

It is possible to save money (and agitation) on a new ride without ever speaking to a car dealer yourself. Here’s how it works.

By Michael Koretzky on August 10, 2015 / Photo (cc) by pedrosimoes7

Reach the Beach in Ocean City MD –    Beach Properties  Long & Foster

The last two new cars I bought, I did so without speaking to a salesman.

I bought a vehicle in 2004 after emailing every dealer within a 50 mile radius of my house. I haggled via email with a half-dozen of them, probably spending about the same amount of time it would have taken to visit a couple of showrooms.

My car before that, a brand-new 1996 Oldsmobile, was an easier experience. I simply hired a car broker I learned about from a co-worker. The broker called me, asked what I was looking for, discussed prices and options, and went on his merry way. A week later, he found the perfect car at a near-perfect price. He even had it delivered to the parking lot at my office building.

Best I can tell, I saved a couple thousand dollars by buying a car online, and slightly less buying a car through a broker. These are two of the options to consider if you want to buy a car. Here’s a guide to these and related ways to make this important purchase, and other key considerations before you take the leap.

1. Not all services are the same

As you saw in the video above, Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson recently used a car buying concierge service, Authority Auto, that saved him $2,000, but he spent $795 to do it, so he only netted $1,205. Still, spending $795 to make $2,000 is a 60 percent return on investment within a very short time — good by pretty much any standard.

In my case, the broker I hired didn’t cost me a dime. He made his money by charging the dealer instead of charging the customer. Brokers often have close relationships with a handful of dealers in the area who are willing to give them a discounted price because of the volume of sales they generate.

I could have gone to a car concierge like the one Stacy used. They generally charge customers a flat fee or a percentage of the savings they generate for the buyer. Generally, a concierge scores deals by casting a wider net. As the name implies, concierges excel at buying luxury or harder-to-find vehicles.

In addition, there are car-buying services available through membership organizations, such as the AAA Auto Buying Service and the Costco Auto Program. (AAA is regional or sometimes just by state, so it’s best to just track down the link on your local club’s website. Go towww.aaa.com to get started.) Many credit unions also offer this service, like this one from PenFed, or this one from USAA.

Before selecting a service, get the answers to these questions:

• How is the service paid? If the service is being paid by the dealership, what gives it the incentive to find you the best possible price?
• What services are included? Will the contract be ready for your signature? Will the car be delivered to you? Is the service simply introducing you to potential sellers? What else is involved?

2. Consider selling your old car on your own

In my case, the car broker offered to include my old car in the deal for a new one. But I quickly figured out I could sell my ancient, no-frills Nissan hatchback on my own for a few hundred more.

Then I had a change of heart and let the broker handle the trade-in. Why? Because I was willing to lose some value if I could gain some free time.

Do this math for yourself. If you’re willing to put in the hours, sell your trade-in and pocket the cash. If it’s too much hassle, or if you live in a small town where your customer base may be limited, consider doing what I did.

3. Do your own research

A broker, concierge or buying service can save you legwork, but you still need to do your homework. Spend some time online studying what vehicle you want, the options you crave and those you could do without. You want to give the service as much detail as possible. In my case, the broker said I would save time and money if I didn’t care what color my Oldsmobile was. So I ended up with a red car, which was fine with me.

4. Line up your financing in advance

There’s no point in shopping for a car, or anything else, until you know you have the money to buy it. Shopping for a car before securing the loan is like stepping on the gas before you’re in gear: You may make a lot of noise, but you’re not going anywhere.

5. Figure out what happens afterward

What happens if you get a lemon? What if you just don’t like the car when you show up on the lot or it’s delivered to your door? Also, if you want it to be maintained by a dealership, where’s the nearest one that services your make? Besides the potential savings, a major advantage to embracing one of these services is sparing you time and hassle. If you don’t ask these questions upfront, you could be facing complications and demands on your time after the sale.

6. Consider what your time is worth

If I had to do it all over again, would I use another broker or buy on my own? At the time I called the broker, I was starting a new job, so it was invaluable to me to have someone else handle the purchase — even worth forgoing a few hundred dollars on the sale of my old car — so I could focus on proving my value at work. And I ended up getting a great deal on the car.

However, shopping and comparing prices online continues to become more efficient, so hunting down the best deals on a new car and selling an old car becomes an increasingly worthwhile DIY project. If you’re willing to put in the time online, you can save more, especially if you’re buying a popular, midpriced model that many dealers have stacked on their lots.

Money Saving Maintenance Tips for Rental Properties

By Silvia Englert, General Manager at Houserie.com

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, August 05, 2015— One of your responsibilities as a landlord is to take care of maintenance and repair issues in your rental. Regular maintenance can help you catch small problems before they turn into big expansive problems and will in the long run save you lots of money, time and reduce the number of tenant complaints!         Buying A Home VS Renting: Weigh All the Factors   consider options when looking at beach resort real estate.  Ask Long & Foster Real Estate - Ocean City for advice on the local market.   Visit:   http://www.susanantigone.com/ Here are some maintenance tips that can save you money: 1. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.  Set a regular schedule to test all detectors. Also be aware that the average lifespan of a carbon monoxide detector is five years, and of most smoke alarms 10 years. Replace according to manufacturer recommendations. These devices save lives and can help minimizing damage by alerting people when there is a fire! Be aware that if these devices are not in working order, you can face legal action.  2. Have a thorough electrical inspection done by a qualified technician at least once every 10 years. This inspection will reveal any problems with unsafe wiring and circuits that could cause an electrical fire. In addition, if your rental unit comes with appliances, make sure that these are in good working order before new tenants move into the property. 3. Check for water damage and leaks. Check for leaks and soft spots after heavy rain storms. Also look for signs of water around windows, showers, and toilets and check under sinks, boilers, and water heaters. Identifying water leaks early can prevent major damage to walls, ceilings, and a tenant’s possessions. It also prevents dangerous mold! 4. Inspect shower caulking and grout between tiles. Wear and tear on bathroom and kitchen surfaces can result in mold and even cracking of tiles. Prevent any moisture or mold from getting below the surface by making sure the areas around tiles, tubs and sinks are sealed. 5. Inspect and treat for pests on a regular basis. Even if you do not currently have a pest problem, you should exterminate on a regular basis to prevent such problems from occurring. Tenants hate seeing bugs in their home and keeping up with pest control will prevent a larger pest problem later on. In addition, regular termite inspections should be performed as well. Pest control is usually best left to a professional. 6. Inspect heating and air conditioning systems regularly and replace air filters more often. Heating or air-conditioning systems should be inspected at least once a year. This will help to ensure that such systems are able to run safely, as well as efficiently. Filters should be replaced regularly at least a couple of times a year. A simple $15 filter for a furnace or air conditioner can potentially save a landlord thousands of dollars in repairs. Dirty filters can increase your utility bill by causing the system to work harder or can lead to malfunctions in the systems. Replacing the filter will help prevent the air duct from becoming contaminated. If clogged, the ducts will need to be professionally cleaned, and that is an expense you do not want to incur. 7. Paint your property before damage occurs. Painting inside and out does not only make your property look better but it can actually help to prevent water damage, mold and rot. If you have noticed that the paint on your property has started to peel, paint immediately! 8. Flush your water heater. Once or twice a year, you should drain and flush your property’s water heater. This needs to be done to remove the sediment that can build up in your unit which can reduce the efficiency of your water heater and clog the drain valve. Replacing a water heater is expensive!  By spending a little time and money now to perform property maintenance, you can save yourself a lot of time and money in the future. Another way to save money in the long run as a landlord is to perform a comprehensive tenant background screening on every prospective tenant. For more Information, please visit www.houserie.com, follow and like us onFacebook or visit our Landlord Blogs. RISMedia welcomes your questions and co

Selling Your Home? Price It Right From the Start!

by The KCM Crew on August 3, 2015 

In today’s market, where demand is outpacing supply in many regions of the country, pricing a house is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals face. Sellers often want to price their home higher than recommended, and many agents go along with the idea to keep their clients happy. However, the best agents realize that telling the homeowner the truth is more important than getting the seller to like them.

There is no “later.”

Sellers sometimes think, “If the home doesn’t sell for this price, I can always lower it later.” However, research proves that homes that experience a listing price reduction sit on the market longer, ultimately selling for less than similar homes.

John Knight, recipient of the University Distinguished Faculty Award from the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific, actually did research on the cost (in both time and money) to a seller who priced high at the beginning and then lowered the their price. In his article, Listing Price, Time on Market and Ultimate Selling Price published in Real Estate Economics revealed:

“Homes that underwent a price revision sold for less, and the greater the revision, the lower the selling price. Also, the longer the home remains on the market, the lower its ultimate selling price.”

Additionally, the “I’ll lower the price later” approach can paint a negative image in buyers’ minds. Each time a price reduction occurs, buyers can naturally think, “Something must be wrong with that house.” Then when a buyer does make an offer, they low-ball the price because they see the seller as “highly motivated.” Pricing it right from the start eliminates these challenges.

Don’t build “negotiation room” into the price.

Many sellers say that they want to price their home high in order to have “negotiation room.” But, what this actually does is lower the number of potential buyers that see the house. And we know that limiting demand like this will negatively impact the sales price of the house.

Not sure about this? Think of it this way: when a buyer is looking for a home online (as they are doing more and more often), they put in their desired price range. If your seller is looking to sell their house for $400,000, but lists it at $425,000 to build in “negotiation room,” any potential buyers that search in the $350k-$400k range won’t even know your listing is available, let alone come see it!

One great way to see this is with the chart below. The higher you price your home over its market value, the less potential buyers will actually see your home when searching.

A better strategy would be to price it properly from the beginning and bring in multiple offers. This forces these buyers to compete against each other for the “right” to purchase your house.

Look at it this way: if you only receive one offer, you are set up in an adversarial position against the prospective buyer. If, however, you have multiple offers, you have two or more buyers fighting to please you. Which will result in a better selling situation?

The Price is Right

Great pricing comes down to truly understanding the real estate dynamics in your neighborhood. Look for an agent that will take the time to simply and effectively explain what is happening in the housing market and how it applies to your home.

You need an agent that will tell you what you need to know rather than what you want to hear. This will put you in the best possible position
.