Q: "We need to sell our house in Truro and we are wondering when is the best time to put it on the market. Should we wait until spring and how can we position it to move quickly?"
A: It is no secret that the real estate market is still adjusting. Those who don’t have to sell right now may be better off waiting until the market stabilizes. For those who ‘need’ to sell, don’t fret. Property is still selling and there are steps that you can take to maximize your chances of standing out amongst the competition in your price range.
1. TIMING: Should you list now or wait until spring? The answer is simple. List it now. Spring may be the ideal time to list a property in a primary home market, but in a second home market, buyers start looking in the winter so they can ensure that they will occupy the property before season begins. Another reason to list sooner than later is to get your property out there before all the others who think they have to wait until spring!
2. STAGING: Give your house the best odds to impress by making it as attractive as it can be. Clean it thoroughly, clear away unnecessary clutter, and light the rooms well. You would be surprised how many buyers are instantly turned off by an untidy or dark house and they dismiss a property like that within the first five seconds. Give your buyers a reason to look through the whole house. Prepare the house as if it going on a first date! It’s all about first impressions.
3. PRICING: We’ve saved the most important for last! It is critical that you price your property appropriately. Over priced homes are not selling in this market. Look at the comparable properties that have sold within the past few months and work with your Realtor® to price your property to sell. Resist the urge to listen to the opinions of your family and friends. Remember, your Realtor® is in tune with the market and knows the value of your house. If you want results, price the house competitively. Keep in mind that, for every month the house doesn't sell, you will pay carrying costs, and ultimately you must deduct those from any higher price that you may have achieved by waiting an extra year to get your price. Furthermore, with the current market conditions, there’s the risk that every month that passes may equate to a decrease in your home’s value. Can you afford to wait?
If you would like to sell, please contact us for a complimentary market analysis of your property.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
What is smudging? Will this help sell my house?
Q: "What is smudging? Will this help sell my house?"
A:These days, sellers are turning to non traditional means to use as tools in selling their homes. Forget the gimmicks of bonuses, new cars, vacations and more. The latest is energy cleansers, house blessings and smudging. These unorthodox strategies have increased in popularity over the past few years as sellers eager to move their property will try anything.
We strongly believe that potions and powders will not be as effective as a calculated, realistic listing price.
However, according to a recent report by NBC News, homes that are smudged and cleared of negative energy have actually sold.
One real estate agent reported that the condominium of a couple who was divorced and had bitterly argued in the home, was on the market, reasonably priced for over two years. The property was in a good location, clean and priced right. The desperate listing agent could not understand why the property had not sold after numerous showings. Hesitantly, she hired an energy cleanser to smudge the house and release the negative energy. She reported that immediately after the smudging, the next customer who looked at the property made a full price offer. She was stunned.
There is no scientific proof that this works so beware. If you are going to pursue an energy cleanser, be careful that your wallet isn’t cleansed. But if it’s cheap enough, you may want to try it as it can’t hurt.
A:These days, sellers are turning to non traditional means to use as tools in selling their homes. Forget the gimmicks of bonuses, new cars, vacations and more. The latest is energy cleansers, house blessings and smudging. These unorthodox strategies have increased in popularity over the past few years as sellers eager to move their property will try anything.
We strongly believe that potions and powders will not be as effective as a calculated, realistic listing price.
However, according to a recent report by NBC News, homes that are smudged and cleared of negative energy have actually sold.
One real estate agent reported that the condominium of a couple who was divorced and had bitterly argued in the home, was on the market, reasonably priced for over two years. The property was in a good location, clean and priced right. The desperate listing agent could not understand why the property had not sold after numerous showings. Hesitantly, she hired an energy cleanser to smudge the house and release the negative energy. She reported that immediately after the smudging, the next customer who looked at the property made a full price offer. She was stunned.
There is no scientific proof that this works so beware. If you are going to pursue an energy cleanser, be careful that your wallet isn’t cleansed. But if it’s cheap enough, you may want to try it as it can’t hurt.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Is It Time Yet?
Q: "My partner and I have been looking to buy in Provincetown for a couple of years. Every time we find a property that we like, my partner says we should wait a little longer, that prices are still dropping. We’ve missed out on a few properties at this point. When will the prices level off?"
A: From our perspective, the leveling off has already begun. There are indicators to suggest that there is no time like the present to make a move. As a result of the crash of the financial markets, we are seeing sellers withdraw their properties from the market. Those without an urgency to sell are deciding to wait out the cycle. The result will be a reduction of inventory, a shrinking of the supply. Demand may begin to rise after this week’s news of the proposals on the table for the Treasury to buy securities backed by 30-year fixed rate mortgages from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If rates drop to 4.5% as proposed, we expect more buyers to enter the market to begin absorbing the current inventory. The result of this equation will be an end to the price reductions and an increase in buyer activity. With more buyers in the market, prices will be poised to level off.
A: From our perspective, the leveling off has already begun. There are indicators to suggest that there is no time like the present to make a move. As a result of the crash of the financial markets, we are seeing sellers withdraw their properties from the market. Those without an urgency to sell are deciding to wait out the cycle. The result will be a reduction of inventory, a shrinking of the supply. Demand may begin to rise after this week’s news of the proposals on the table for the Treasury to buy securities backed by 30-year fixed rate mortgages from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. If rates drop to 4.5% as proposed, we expect more buyers to enter the market to begin absorbing the current inventory. The result of this equation will be an end to the price reductions and an increase in buyer activity. With more buyers in the market, prices will be poised to level off.
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