REALTORS vs for-sale-by-owner

Sometimes people think they want to sell their home without enlisting the aid of a REALTOR but I don't understand why. REALTORS have so much more experience and much better resources than a homeowner for marketing a property, negotiating an offer and navigating the processes.

HomeGain recently conducted a survey to find out how much home sellers valued REALTORS and the results are as follows:

83% of homeowners used a REALTOR to sell their home

59% of homeowners who used a REALTOR were successful in selling their home.

39% of homeowners who tried to sell on their own were successful in selling their home

88% of homeowners who successfully sold their home through use of REALTOR said they would use a REALTOR again

81% of homeowners who tried to sell their home on their own said they would use a REALTOR next time

24% of homeowners who tried to sell their home without a REALTOR eventually hired a REALTOR

I want to be your REALTOR. If you are thinking of selling a house, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the seller's disclosure or other matters involving selling a home. 512. 589.7988.

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com

Austin, Texas Homes for Sale. Robin Scott, BROKER Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

Another Successful Closing

As closings are coming less frequently, I felt it was important to celebrate another successful one. I've been chronically my experiences with this particular buyer because it has been so great. New construction, no hitches and a new friend to boot. There are many satisfying reasons to be a REALTOR and it's not always about the money. I like meeting new people and making new friends. It's great when everything works out well too.

Robin Scott, Broker. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

SUCCESS STORY - 7521 WINDRUSH

Another successful closing for 7521 Windrush Dr. Priced at $200,000 and on the market 53 days. A 4/2.5/2 with all tile downstairs, freshly painted inside, updated baths, security system, deck and backing to the greenbelt. This house is in my neighborhood so look for my blog "My Neighborhood and Why I Love It."




If you have a house to sell, call me at 512.589.7988. I want to be your REALTOR®. If you are in the greater Austin area, I can represent you personally. If you are from another area, I can find a reputable REALTOR® through my REALTOR® network for you. And visit my Web site at http://www.robinscottrealtor.com to find out more about how I can help you and to search for properties in the greater Austin area.

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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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.
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WHAT'S YOUR HOME WORTH?

If you are thinking of selling your home and would like an idea of what it may sell for, I offer a FREE comparative market analysis for Austin area homeowners based on actual sold homes of similar size, age and quality from your neighborhood. Call or email me with the request at 512.589.7988 or robin@robinscottrealtor.com

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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HOW TO BROADEN THE APPEAL OF YOUR HOME

Here are a few tips:
• 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.

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FREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS of Your Home In Austin

If you are thinking of selling your home in the Austin area and would like an idea of what it may sell for, I offer a FREE comparative market analysis for Austin area homeowners based on actual sold homes of similar size, age and quality from your neighborhood. Call or email me with the request at 512.589.7988 or 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!

REAL ESTATE COMMISSSIONS

A potential client asked me to reduce my commission because his house would probably sell in 2 weeks. What a curious thing to ask. I'm thinking, if it takes longer than 2 weeks will I get more commission? If that's how it works, should I slow the marketing process so it won't sell as quickly?

The truth is I put all the effort I can into selling a house quickly. Most of the work I do is in the first 2 weeks and negotiating after an offer is submitted. Just as the home seller wants to be compensated for the work they do at their job, so the REALTOR® wants to be compensated for their.

I charge a 6% commission which I split with the buyers agent and then split again with Amelia Bullock Realtors plus I pay for MLS membership fees, continuing education and the marketing of a home. If you use my services to sell your home and buy a new one, I will reduce my commission on the sale of your home to 5%.

Did you know that national statistics show that 9 out of 10 for sale by owners eventually list with a REALTOR®? As a real estate professional, I'm here to make the process as smooth and easy as possible. If you have any questions or would like a presentation on how I can help you, call or email 512.589.7988 or 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!

Hiring a REALTOR to Sell Your House

I want to be your REALTOR®. Below is a list of the things I do to market your home:

• provide advice on preparing to sell including providing a consultation about staging
• have a professional photographer photograph your home for marketing
• put a sign in yard and lockbox on door
• create flyers for the interior of the house
• send an email broadcast to REALTORS, client & prospect database
• post on ABOR multiple listing service the most important marketing source
• post on austinhomesearch.com
• post on REALTOR.com
• post on robinscottrealtor.com
• post on robinscottrealtor.blogspost.com
• post on tourfactory.com
• hold open house
For an appointment for a presentation of my services please call me at 512.589.7988

        


I want to be you REALTOR®. If you are thinking about selling your house in the greater Austin area, call me at 512.589.7988 and I can walk you through getting your house ready to sell, marketing your house and represent you to the end of the transaction.

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!

AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS FOR JULY 2007

Market Summary from July 2007 as Compared to July 2006
ALL SINGLE FAMILY SALES 2,645 - DOWN 2%
All Active Single Family Listings 9,451 - UP 13%
Single family Median Price $190,000 - up 7%
Single Family Pending Sales 2,573 - DOWN 16%
source: Austin Board of Realtors

MY OPINION OF THE MARKET
Although the information is that our job market and real estate market are strong, I think we are going to start to see a trickle down effect from the real estate and mortgage crisis in the rest of the country. When? I'm thinking some time next year. As you can see, our inventory is high and sales have started to slow. If you know anyone who is intending to sell a house, I'd love to help. You can call or email me at 512.589.7988 or 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!

GARAGE SALE TIPS for Austin, Texas

Remember: In Austin, the city only allows each residence to have two garage sales per year.

1. Sell only seasonal items: hang clothes and tablecloths up for better viewing. Group pots and pans and bakeware in boxes and let buyers decide what they want. Put a price per piece on the box.

2. Tie sheet sets together with ribbon and mark the size. Generally, they sell for $2-5, depending on size and condition. Tie towel sets together and price them per set.

3. Put kitchen items on a table. Groups pots, pans, bakeware in boxes and let buyers pick out what they want for a set price per piece.

4. Sell dishes, glassware, mugs, and flatware in sets and price them per set.If your set is incomplete, price it lower; if you have sets of 4,6, or 8, price it higher.

5. Put inexpensive flower vases in a box and let buyers pick one for 50 cents to $1.


I want to be you REALTOR®. If you are thinking about selling your house in the greater Austin area, call me at 512.589.7988 and I can walk you through getting your house ready to sell, marketing your house and represent you to the end of the transaction.

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!