"They've got to understand" is something I often hear from a buyer or seller during negotiations. From sellers I hear "They've got to understand that our house can't be kept tidy because we live here," or "They've got to understand we can't leave for the showing because . . ." and from buyers "They've got to understand that we need this to be a profitable investment for us," or "They've got to understand we can't leave our lease any sooner."
Well, I'm here to tell you that the other party does not understand and does not "have to understand." That is a negotiating perspective that makes the other party angry because they don't have to sell to you or buy from you. It's your responsibility to make it work for you not the other persons or the other person's REALTOR.
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Showing posts with label how to sell a house. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to sell a house. Show all posts
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
SELLERS BEWARE
It seems that since the market has shifted to a buyer's market there are a lot of buyers looking for a real deal and there is so much inventory they jump from showing to showing.
This is having an adverse effect on sellers because so many buyers are not committed to the offer they make. Recently, I've experienced listings go under contract as soon as they hit the market only to be terminated within the option period for no explainable reason. I'm surmising that the buyer found another property that was a better "deal."
Since in Texas, the buyer has the unrestriced right to terminate within the option period the buyer does not have to explain why he is pulling the plug. One listing I have is in a hot area and we had an offer the first day. The buyer number 1 terminated before he even had an inspection. No problem because buyer number 2 was waiting in line and shortly after they sent an amendment asking for repairs they terminated with no explaination so now we are on buyer number 3. With another lisitng I had a similar esperience receiving an offer the first day on the market and then a termination before there was an inspection. I even had a buyer I represented terminate an offer to chose another home.
So if you have a home to sell, hang tight. The first offer may not fly. The best advise I can give is to make your home very appealing by keeping it clean and attractive, make sure it's in good repair and price it competitively.
This is having an adverse effect on sellers because so many buyers are not committed to the offer they make. Recently, I've experienced listings go under contract as soon as they hit the market only to be terminated within the option period for no explainable reason. I'm surmising that the buyer found another property that was a better "deal."
Since in Texas, the buyer has the unrestriced right to terminate within the option period the buyer does not have to explain why he is pulling the plug. One listing I have is in a hot area and we had an offer the first day. The buyer number 1 terminated before he even had an inspection. No problem because buyer number 2 was waiting in line and shortly after they sent an amendment asking for repairs they terminated with no explaination so now we are on buyer number 3. With another lisitng I had a similar esperience receiving an offer the first day on the market and then a termination before there was an inspection. I even had a buyer I represented terminate an offer to chose another home.
So if you have a home to sell, hang tight. The first offer may not fly. The best advise I can give is to make your home very appealing by keeping it clean and attractive, make sure it's in good repair and price it competitively.
Friday, April 25, 2008
LEASE/PURCHASE
When I have a listing, I get a lot of inquiries about lease/purchase. I've been told it is against Texas law and our attorney says not to do them. There are reasons it's not beneficial to either the buyer or the seller.
For the seller: The seller gets his house cleaned up, repaired, maybe painted and new flooring and decides to lease/purchase. After time, the freshness is gone. Suppose tenant/buyer changes his mind and decides not to buy or can't get loan approval to make the purchase. Now the seller must spend the money again to get the house ready. It could even be in worse shape if the tenant/buyer wasn't taking care of it. Perhaps the market has gone down and it won't bring as much money as previously. Did the seller trust the tenant/buyer to make the payments to the mortgage company and it didn't happen and now the house is being foreclosed on?
For the buyer: Suppose you give the seller a down payment at an agreed sales price but at the end of the lease term your situation hasn't improved and you still can't get loan approval or afford to buy? What if the market has gone down and you've agreed to a price that's now too high? Have you been trusting the seller to make the mortgage payments but he hasn't and now the house is being foreclosed on and you can't get your deposit back?
Just things to think about. I wouldn't take the risk either way.
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Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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For the seller: The seller gets his house cleaned up, repaired, maybe painted and new flooring and decides to lease/purchase. After time, the freshness is gone. Suppose tenant/buyer changes his mind and decides not to buy or can't get loan approval to make the purchase. Now the seller must spend the money again to get the house ready. It could even be in worse shape if the tenant/buyer wasn't taking care of it. Perhaps the market has gone down and it won't bring as much money as previously. Did the seller trust the tenant/buyer to make the payments to the mortgage company and it didn't happen and now the house is being foreclosed on?
For the buyer: Suppose you give the seller a down payment at an agreed sales price but at the end of the lease term your situation hasn't improved and you still can't get loan approval or afford to buy? What if the market has gone down and you've agreed to a price that's now too high? Have you been trusting the seller to make the mortgage payments but he hasn't and now the house is being foreclosed on and you can't get your deposit back?
Just things to think about. I wouldn't take the risk either way.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Monday, February 18, 2008
10 COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN TRYING TO SELL A HOME
1. Not understanding the market. The Realtor doesn’t determine the value of a home, the market does. A Realtor helps interpret the data based on trends in the neighborhood which are not accurately reflected in what one's heard but in what the statistics of recent solds show.
2. Not cleaning thoroughly enough. A homeowner may overlook the details but when a buyer is touring a home she is very conscience of dusty baseboards and moldy grout in the shower. Please keep the toilet lids down.
3. Not decluttering. Personal collections, family photos and sometimes extra furniture are a distraction to the potential buyer. Don’t clear to the extent that it looks like a hotel room but remove everything in excess. Consult a home stager.
4. Not removing pets. Not everyone likes dogs or cats. Some buyers have allergies or fears. It’s hard to show a property with a barking dog or multiple dogs in the backyard. Once, when showing a home, we left because a parrot was searching so loudly we couldn't talk.
5. Not removing odors. Nothing will turn a buyer off faster than odors in the house. Room deodorizers are pleasant but do not mask orders. Ask someone who doesn’t live in the home to tell the truth about possible odors. Common unpleasant odors: cigarettes. pets, mildew, diapers, garbage, pesticides in the garage.
6. Not keeping the yard pristine. The first impression will make a difference as to whether the buyer even enters the home.
7. Not removing yourselves. Please leave when a buyer comes. It’s very intimidating and the buyer won’t look, won’t talk and won’t stay long. They always say they are uncomfortable and want to leave asap.
8. Listening to the advise of coworkers whose advise may be based on a different experience, a different market and a different decade rather than a professional Realtor.
9. Not approaching the sale as a business transaction. The objective is to sell the house. Don’t take it personally.
10. For-sale-by-owner. According to NAR, 9 out of 10 for sale by owners eventually list with a realtor. A realtor has the resources to properly price a home, advise you on home readiness, market the home and negotiate through to closing.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
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2. Not cleaning thoroughly enough. A homeowner may overlook the details but when a buyer is touring a home she is very conscience of dusty baseboards and moldy grout in the shower. Please keep the toilet lids down.
3. Not decluttering. Personal collections, family photos and sometimes extra furniture are a distraction to the potential buyer. Don’t clear to the extent that it looks like a hotel room but remove everything in excess. Consult a home stager.
4. Not removing pets. Not everyone likes dogs or cats. Some buyers have allergies or fears. It’s hard to show a property with a barking dog or multiple dogs in the backyard. Once, when showing a home, we left because a parrot was searching so loudly we couldn't talk.
5. Not removing odors. Nothing will turn a buyer off faster than odors in the house. Room deodorizers are pleasant but do not mask orders. Ask someone who doesn’t live in the home to tell the truth about possible odors. Common unpleasant odors: cigarettes. pets, mildew, diapers, garbage, pesticides in the garage.
6. Not keeping the yard pristine. The first impression will make a difference as to whether the buyer even enters the home.
7. Not removing yourselves. Please leave when a buyer comes. It’s very intimidating and the buyer won’t look, won’t talk and won’t stay long. They always say they are uncomfortable and want to leave asap.
8. Listening to the advise of coworkers whose advise may be based on a different experience, a different market and a different decade rather than a professional Realtor.
9. Not approaching the sale as a business transaction. The objective is to sell the house. Don’t take it personally.
10. For-sale-by-owner. According to NAR, 9 out of 10 for sale by owners eventually list with a realtor. A realtor has the resources to properly price a home, advise you on home readiness, market the home and negotiate through to closing.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Monday, January 21, 2008
I'M LOOKING FOR HOUSES TO SELL
Do you intend to sell a house in the next 6 months?
If you are in the Austin area, I have an exceptional marketing program to sell your home and would appreciate an opportunity to present my services and show you how I can help you sell your home. In addition, I have a "move-up" program that offers a reduced commission on the sale of your home if you purchase at the same time.
If you do not live in the Austin area, I can still help. Through my Certified Residential Specialist Association, I'm networked with REALTORS all over the country and would gladly refer you to an exceptional REALTOR in your area.
To schedule a presentation or find a referral call me at 512.589.7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com and type "house hunting" in the subject line.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
If you are in the Austin area, I have an exceptional marketing program to sell your home and would appreciate an opportunity to present my services and show you how I can help you sell your home. In addition, I have a "move-up" program that offers a reduced commission on the sale of your home if you purchase at the same time.
If you do not live in the Austin area, I can still help. Through my Certified Residential Specialist Association, I'm networked with REALTORS all over the country and would gladly refer you to an exceptional REALTOR in your area.
To schedule a presentation or find a referral call me at 512.589.7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com and type "house hunting" in the subject line.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Friday, October 12, 2007
HOW TO BROADEN THE APPEAL OF YOUR HOME
• Make a list of things that would appeal to you as a buyer like fresh paint and do what you can.
• Use a rooms features, such as a fireplace, to capture a buyer’s attention.
• Remove extra furniture so the spaces fell larger.
• Remove personal things like refrigerator magnets and collectibles.
• Clear surfaces in bedrooms and bathrooms so they are less personal.
• Consider hiring a professional to improve visual appeal. The fee charged by a “stager” can be worth it if the changes bring a quicker offer or a higher sales price.
Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.com
Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Real Estate Selling SUCCESS STORY in Austin
Last Friday evening I posted a home for sale in south Austin. My seller worked hard following my suggestions to clean, pack away everything extra, rearrange the furniture and board her pets. I didn't even have a chance to post it on my blog. By 11 am Saturday we had a call that an offer was coming in. Before we could negotiate, more offers came. The house sold for above asking price. If you would like to experience this success in selling your house. Give me a call or email 589.7988, robin@robinscottrealtor.com
Homes sellers are also homebuyers. If you are in the Austin, Texas area and are planing to sell and/or buy a house, contact me for a FREE home market analysis and marketing plan or help finding and purchasing your new home. Robin Scott, REALTOR® 512.589.7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.com
Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
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