Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 8

Tip # 8

Photography 

Among all the tips I can give you, this is by far the most serious.

Take good photos!

Whatever marketing scheme you use, online advertising, newspaper adds, social media etc., your home’s pictures are always needed. As for buyers, they have an abundance of properties to choose from and usually narrow it down based on several criteria. However, when it comes to choosing their favorites for viewing, they can easily discard a property based on its photos (Even though in reality the home may be beautiful).

In photos, try keeping them bright, and colorful. Keep your horizon and framing in order. Choose a good time during the day for photos. Night or day photography greatly depends on your home’s exterior or interior setting. Remove unnecessary clutter in photos and keep your photo quality sharp.

In all honesty, I would recommend hiring a professional photographer. Photos greatly impact your home’s “first impression”. So try to make a good impression on your buyers.

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 7

Tip # 7

The more you put in, the more you can ask

This is a very simple equation….and logic.

Let’s say you buy a plain glass vase for $5. You buy $5 worth of glass painting supplies and paint the vase making it look absolutely beautiful. Taking into account labor time, you can sell that glass vase for $20. Making a decent, $10 profit.

Same goes for your home! Don’t be lazy about re-painting all the walls, upgrading the floors and counter tops, and re-carpeting. Remember how much money you put in, and you can easily include that into your selling price.

Typically when clients ask me how they could increase the “value” of their home, I always tell them to do an upgrade. Even simple tasks, such as planting special flowers into your garden increases your home’s equity.

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 6

Tip # 6

Clean-up!

Seriously. Sometimes half the flaws in a home can be fixed with a simple clean up. If you have carpets definitely get your carpet steam cleaned. Have a good look at your walls, doors, cabinets and see if they need some paint touch-up. Get a good cleaning detergent and scrub those counter tops, tabletops, shelves, and cabinets. Make them shine!

Also don’t forget the outdoors. Is your lawn clean? Trimmed? Neat? Landscaping is also part of your home.

Try to organize as much clutter as you can. This is a worth-it task, especially for photos. 

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 5

Tip # 5

Documentation

YES! Now is the time to go through your old file cabinets, attics, and pretty much any furniture covered in dust and try to find as much paperwork as you can on the house. A lot of buyers are interested in the house’s history, the floor plan, any blue prints, upgrades etc.

Having your paperwork in order is appealing for clients. It allows them to get to know your home better. And it provides proof on your behalf that the home is in fact well maintained.

Remember, you may have a huge selling point hidden in somewhere in all that paperwork!

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 4

Tip # 4

Do a pretend walk-through

As someone selling his or her house, it is important to view the home from the buyer’s perspective.

Try your best to enter your house as if it is completely brand new to you. I would suggest by starting to drive/walk up to your driveway. You might be able to view the house’s exterior aesthetics better. Or maybe able to see a very noticeable crack in the wall that needs some minor repair. As you walk through the home, analyze everything: Paint, carpet, counter tops, cabinets. If you see minor things that are out of place, fix them immediately. There are little details that can put-off a buyer like a broken door knob, hair on the carpet, dirt on shelves etc.

You can notice things better when you try to be someone else. It is not really aesthetics that matter, think of your home on a larger scale. Location? History? Upgrades? Security? Put yourself completely in the buyer’s shoe and analyze well!

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 3

Tip # 3

Marketing!

When hiring a realtor to sell your house? An important question to ask them is “how are you going to market my home?”

Since I work for Coldwell Banker, the company provides several resources to its realtors on marketing a house. They are also well affiliated with 3^rd party companies like Trulia or Zillow.

So I guess when hiring a realtor, the company they are from may matter. However, I know many realtors, not affiliated with big companies that are extremely successful. It’s really all about how much you make with what you got.

A typical advertising media is Social Media. It has definitely become an increasing trend to advertise using social media, and a realtor makes use of this platform immensely, along with other typical forms of online advertising like craigslist. Additionally, “open houses” are great events to get the word out to the public that there is a home being sold in the neighborhood.  

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 2

Tip # 2

How much is my Home worth? Research!

If you would like to educate yourself a little bit on current prices, simply access any home searching website like Trulia or Zillow and look at current home prices in your neighborhood with the same number of rooms and property description. It will give you a better idea of what your home is worth.

According to USAToday, “Best sites to determine your home’s value”, is Trulia and Realtor.com.

Typically, once you hire a realtor they will be the ones providing you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) using the MLS (which gives more exact and up-to-date figures), and you should have peace of mind knowing that your realtor is answering all your questions. When a realtor is providing you a price on the home, they are also taking into account their experience, and current knowledge of the market. This is why it is necessary to get an “expert’s opinion”.  

I read on some websites that customers should hire “several” realtors and see which one gives the best price on the home. I would definitely NOT advice that. Let’s say another realtor says your home is worth $5000 more than the price I gave. But you should ask WHY would he say that? And when your own little research online using Trulia and Zillow and see comparable homes are not the same price as your realtor provided, you know there is a problem.

A good realtor backs up all his numbers with proper reports. And provides a price well fitted for the current state of the market (without being too optimistic or too pessimistic on it).

Tips For Selling Your Home - TIP # 1

For my new posts I decided to talk a little about selling your home. I am sure you must have already heard a ton of advice and feedback about selling your home. In that case, I am simply adding to your knowledge. For those who have no clue about selling your home, don't worry, I keep my language as simple and clear as possible.

Tip # 1 For Selling Your Home/Listing Your Home

Find a Realtor!

I know that is a very biased tip because I AM a realtor. But it will truly benefit you. I say this because as a realtor, I have access to the MLS (also known as multiple listing service).  The MLS is sort of a real estate database with plenty of information. This assists the agent in compiling a CMA (comparative market analysis) report for you on the house’s pricing history and a report on houses that are comparable to yours and what they are selling for. As a realtor, I can provide you official up-to-date numbers.

More importantly, realtors have "experience" in selling homes. 

"Homes" are my business. So I make sure to do my best.

I would suggest when looking for a realtor, view their ratings, or ask for their references. Also ask your realtor what you should expect as their client.

 

Question to ask your Realtor COMPLETE (Q1-10)

Here is a compiled list of some basic questions that all clients should ask their realtors/real estate agents.

QUESTION # 1: "Can I see your references?"
 ---> Read more here

QUESTION # 2: "Do you work solo or as part of a team?"
---> Read more here

QUESTION # 3: "Is this area growing or declining? Can I have a CMA for the area?"
---> Read more here 

QUESTION # 4: "What experience do you have?"
---> Read more here

QUESTION # 5: "How many clients are you currently representing?"
---> Read more here 

QUESTION # 6: "How long have you been a real estate agent and how much education have you received? Is your real estate license in good standing and have you ever been subject to a client complaint?"
---> Read more here 

QUESTION # 7: "How do your realtor fees work? Are your fees negotiable?"
---> Read more here

QUESTION # 8: "How will you keep me informed? How often will you communicate with me?"
---> Read more here 

Question # 9: "What aspects of the transaction will you personally handle and which will be delegated to others?"
---> Read more here 

QUESTION # 10: "What else do I need to know? Is there anything else I need to know now?"
---> Read more here

 

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 10

Lastly, ask your realtor:

QUESTION # 10: "What else do I need to know? Is there anything else I need to know now?"

I always try to go through the process of "buying a home/listing a home" with my seller very briefly at first, in order to communicate to them that there are several steps that they must go through. And of course, in order to go through these steps as effectively and efficiently as possible, it is important to be as PATIENT as possible. I thrive on being a patient person and I understand not everyone is like that. But by reminding my clients that patience is the key, they typically begin to understand and develop that characteristic (at least for the home purchasing/selling process).
I also try not to use too many field-specific words. Obviously, I don't want to scare my clients off or intimidate them in anyway.
It's also important that I provide the right information at the right time and in the right way. Years of experience has helped me gain this skill. In other words, I reassure my clients by saying "we'll cross the bridge when we get there".

And last but not least, it is my job to make this process as easy as possible for my clients. Therefore, I always make it my priority to earn their trust as quickly as possible. And do you know what is the easiest way to earn anyone's trust? Just be honest. Just be yourself.

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 9

This question is related to an earlier question I mentioned: "Do you work solo or part of a team?"
But you can get more detailed on that question if it is a concern to you.
So ask your realtor:

Question # 9: "What aspects of the transaction will you personally handle and which will be delegated to others?"

Basically, I will handle everything on the Realtor side whether representing a buyer or seller.
Then, the title company will handle all the legal aspects of closing the sale, and of course, the lenders handle everything with the financing end.
I also have all my contacts for home inspections, appraisals, contracting on home improvement or property management.

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 8

Communication is key to ANY relationship. And this is no different to the agent-client relationship. Based on that you should ask your realtor:

QUESTION # 8: "How will you keep me informed? How often will you communicate with me?"

I enjoy staying in touch with my clients. I prefer contacting them (by phone) on any major decision making. And then prefer recapping those talks on an email. When I am actively working with a client, I will be in touch daily on any updates.

Since I work at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, we have many tools to assist with the communication process. Typically, Zip Platform and Dotloop are the major communication highways. Dotloop is a program that keeps everyone involved in the loop. Buyers, Sellers, Title, Agents, and Brokers. The buyers/sellers are emailed automatically with any additions or changes that occur during the sale and purchase. And using the Zip Platform, an agent can periodically send emails regarding houses of interest or any news/updates related to the city/community of interest.

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 7

I think the following question is something a lot of people have misconceptions about and is an important question to be answered

QUESTION # 7: "How do your realtor fees work? Are your fees negotiable?"

I found the following photo on a website. I think it explains generally how a realtor's commission is broken down. 6% seems to be the general commission paid by seller (included in sale price).
However, every realty works differently. And the part of commission paid to the broken varies widely.

The above diagram does not work on me or many of my real estate contacts in central florida.
However, for me personally, realtor fees are only negotiable when I am listing a home for a seller. normal rate is 6% but it can be negotiated to 5% to get the listing (that is something I would do if I really had to get the listing!).

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 6

This is another crucial question to ask your realtor:

QUESTION # 6: "How long have you been a real estate agent and how much education have you received? Is your real estate license in good standing and have you ever been subject to a client complaint?"

I have been an agent in Florida for about 5 years.
As a realtor, you must pass the education test in order to take the state test for a license. Education is ongoing and most times a weekly process with webinars, workshops, and training classes that I attend and present. Yes, because of my diverse experiences I am also a trainer and educator.
My real estate license is in good standing and I have never been subject to a client complaint.
I currently have a 5/5 star rating. You can view my ratings here.

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 5

I have read on several website online to ask you realtor:

QUESTION # 5: "How many clients are you currently representing?"

I have personally never been asked that question. However, I do have an intensive list of clients on my platform that I communicate with through emails on a weekly/monthly basis.
However I typically average working with 15-20 clients actively.
It is very important for me to work with my clients intensively and communicate with them on an extremely regular basis. Because it is my top priority to give me clients individual time, it is also important for me to work with a reasonable number of clients at a time.

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 4

When clients start working with a Realtor, I believe an important question to ask (instead of assuming) is asking your realtor:

QUESTION # 4: "What experience do you have?"

Real Estate has several divisions. Some realtors are very specific about their areas of expertise. Thankfully, due to my diverse experiences, I have been able to provide a variety of services to my clients. Obviously, primarily I deal with homes for sale and listing homes, mainly in the Central Florida area. Therefore, I deal with a variety of properties such as: Multi-Family Homes, Vacation Homes, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes, Retirement Homes, Retirement Communities, Condos, Townhomes, New Construction, Resale, and Land.  

My other area of expertise is real estate investing. I work with local and international investors to purchase homes for rent purposes, or flip-homes, and provide property management services as well. 

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 3

When clients are viewing homes of interest, they should always ask thier realtor:

QUESTION # 3: "Is this area growing or declining? Can I have a CMA for the area?"

I can pull all the reports for this question. Most importantly the CMA – Comparative Market Analysis. Don’t be confused. This is not the same thing as an appraisal. A CMA simply shows stats on recently sold homes in the area or homes of similar attributes. As a conclusion, a market value of the home can be discussed.

However, I cannot steer a client in anyway. Steering is saying something like a neighborhood has crime, or racial profile of the area. That is against the law.
In the reports it would give me market increase or decline for the area. This would lead into pricing history. Has the prices increased or decreased? According to other statistics I can predict if the area is growing or declining.

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 2

When getting to know your realtor, according to sites, customers/clients should ask their realtor:

QUESTION # 2: "Do you work solo or as part of a team?" 

Apparently this question does not have a right or wrong answer.
 If a realtor says they work solo, that could mean they are not using all the necessary resources provided by their organization. However, it could also mean more consistency of communication between the client and realtor. In other words, the client will work directly with the realtor and the realtor solely.
On the other hand, if a realtor say they work as a team, that would mean they have several contacts to make the home purchasing process as smooth as possible. But it could also mean the client would be communicating with several people through this process.
In my case, I believe I have the right balance of both. I do work solo which means I try my best to have the client communicate with only me unless completely necessary to speak to a another person (for example: a client may have to speak with a third party for loan approval). However, I would also say I work as part of a team. Which means, I have the right contacts to refer my clients too. It also means I have the right contacts in place that do not require my clients to speak with. For example, I have my contractors all ready to-go for home inspections or working on fliphomes that the client do not have to deal with. I am also part of a company that provides realtors with a variety of resources that I use extensively to provide my services. And since I am part of a team, I also happily refer my clients to other agents who I believe have a better expertise for certain locations or certain kinds of home sales.
Either way, I believe a successful realtor should be working solo and part of team. That way, they are using the positives of both. 

Questions to ask your Realtor - Question # 1

I have read through a few sites to try and figure out what are the questions my clients might have in their mind about the home-buying process?
Or maybe questions about me?
Not necessarily every client will ask me these questions but I believe I should be giving them the answers even before they ask the question.
So I've decided to use my blog to answer one question everyday........

Sounds complicated enough.......Lets dive right in!

According to one site, customers/clients should ask their realtor:

QUESTION # 1: "Can I see your references?"


I proudly display my ratings in all my email signature.
I have 51 reviews so far with a 5-STAR rating.

You can view some reviews on my website at: http://www.timsorlandohomesforsale.com/my-ratings.html

You can also view full reviews at: http://www.ziprealty.com/real-estate-agents/a/155822/Tim-Manko/ratings

I do try and always ask my clients to write a review for my website if they believe I exceeded their expectations with my realtor services. I am always so grateful to my clients for taking the time out and writing a positive review for me!