Monday, March 21, 2011

FSBO is not a tossing game you play with your pet!

FSBO is an acronym for "For Sale By Owner".  Even though your local hardware sells lovely "For Sale by Owner" signs ready made with a nice space for your phone number, it takes alot more marketing expertise to sell your home, particularly today.
 
Since the price you will be able to list your home at is probably lower than you would like, you may be tempted to forgo paying a commission to a Licensed Realtor. Save wherever you can-right? 
 
Well, maybe.  The advantages of working with an agent are numerous. From the most basic-he/she handles the phone calls and showings, to how you market you home to prospective buyers.  One of the biggest advantages to having agent for is uploading your home listing to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  You cannot access the MLS-only a licensed agent can.  This national data base will put your home in front of the widest possible audience because the information will be picked up and posted to thousands of real estate websites.
 
A real estate agent knows how to market and arrange for all the details of selling your home.  An agent has a network of trusted professionals at his or her fingertips.  You'll need a home inspector,  and escrow agent, maybe even a professional home stager to get your home sold.  An agent can be your best weapon in a very tough market.
 
Lastly, ask friends who they have used.  Agents covet referrals and the opinion of a trusted friend is a great place to begin your search for a professional you can work with.
 
So, let the agent do the work and you'll have more time to play FRISBEE with your pet while you await the perfect offer for your home!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sign, Sign everywhere a Sign...

My kids call me the sign Nazi. Being employed in Real Estate, I look at For Sale signs as I make my way around town and feel compelled to remark about them- bad logo, print is too small. Really, that agent might want to reconsider that picture...

The thing that bugs me the most is the sign that looks yellow and faded.  It makes the home listed look faded too.  Agents are telling sellers to spruce up the landscaping, wash the windows, keep the lawn trimmed or the snow shoveled and then they plop a faded ragged looking sign out front? If I were the seller, I would be very unhappy.  I would not want to look at that sign as I left and arrived home each day.

As a watcher of signs my reaction to the faded sign is "I bet that one has been on the market forever!"
The sign is supposed to be getting a buyers attention-positively and should be a reflection of the professional who will guide the sale.

So Realtors, sharpen up your marketing tools & Sellers, make sure your Realtor does!