Tag: real-estate

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Five Sure-Fire Ways to Make Sure it Sells!

Alright, alright, alright (channeling my Texas roots and inner Matt McConaughey)! It’s January, and you know what that means?? I mean, besides renewing my coffee club membership? It’s almost selling season! Spring is almost here. At least that’s what I keep telling myself as we burrow down over here in Bentonville in preparation for the Artic Blast of 2024 and negative temps. Brrr…

But I digress. So, without further ado!

  1. Hire An Awesome Agent!
AWESOME AGENT HERE!

Ahem….this is where you call or email me if you’re in the NWA area…..seriously though, wherever you’re at, you need a great agent. Now, I can hear you already, “I can sell my house myself.” “This is the digital age.” I don’t need to pay someone 6%”. Time out. Lemme take a quick little aside and give you just a couple of reasons it pays to have an agent on your side

Expertise – We know our market. The top reason most houses do not sell promptly is pricing! An expert agent will nail the price and have you moving down the road.

Network and Resources-  We know people. People who may want to buy your house or bring someone who wants to buy your house.

Legal and Contractual Expertise– Real estate agents are not attorneys, but we know a thing or two (or a million) about real estate contracts. A good agent will explain all the deets to you.

Time and Effort: A really wise old dude once said, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 While you may be knowledgeable and capable, it’s great to have someone on your side to help with the heavy lifting. Both furniture and all the other home-selling tasks, from coordinating showings to negotiating offers.

Ok…back to our list.

2. Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal!

The exterior of your house is the first thing potential buyers will see. Ensure it looks appealing by maintaining the lawn, cleaning the driveway, and adding colorful plants.

3. Repair:

Look around your home with a critical eye. Are there any repairs you’ve been putting off? Leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors are all easy and affordable fixes. You might also consider springing for a pre-inspection. More on that in another post. 

4. Declutter and Depersonalize!  

Clear out any clutter and personal items to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Consider renting a storage unit if necessary.

5. Professional Photography and Staging! Don’t skimp out on this! High-quality photos and professional staging can make a significant difference in attracting buyers. Consider hiring a professional to showcase your home in the best light.

By implementing these tips, you can increase the chances of selling your house quickly during the peak selling season. Call me today to grab coffee and talk about getting your home sold during this upcoming selling season.

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The #1 Secret Your Real Estate Agent Wants You to Know

Have you ever bought or sold real estate? If you have, you know what it’s like to sweat through the offer, inspection, appraisal, and negotiation process. You either made it through to the end with success or a whiskey caffeine addiction and a twitch under your left eye. Or all of that.

Maybe it was easy-peasy thanks to a fabulous agent who made it look like a walk in the park, and you know nothing about said agent’s new nicotine addiction. 

But here’s the deal. Even if you had an award-winning, go-getting, nerves-of-steel-even-after-6-cups-of-coffee agent who makes it all look like sunshine….it’s not. Real estate, albeit enjoyable, is challenging. You’re dealing with human beings and their emotions centering around the most significant purchase they will ever make, dealing with some of the most important decisions they will ever make. Throw in any number of other extenuating circumstances, like:

  • Foreclosure
  • Divorce
  • Death

Just to name a few…..

And you have a recipe for a high-pressure, trauma-inducing, therapy-necessitating event. 

Having just anybody represent you is not a great plan. But even if you have the best possible agent beside you, you need to know something. It’s actually the number one secret that every agent wants you to know.

Ready?

Real estate agents do not own a crystal ball. 

Shocking, I know, but the fact remains that we can give you the very best updated market statistics. A detailed comparative market analysis, including showing you the average days on the market for properties in your area. We can send you spreadsheets, videos, and data with exhaustive information regarding interest rates, potential buyers, and marketing scenarios, but at the end of the day….

We’re just really educated guessers. The most experienced agent can give you all the information, list, and market your home perfectly, and it might not sell right away. Although real estate is all about numbers, list price, days on the market, interest rates, and potential buyers through the door, ultimately, it’s also about people. People who have emotions, life changes, and changing desires. 

As an agent, anxious sellers often ask me how long I think it will take for their house to sell. And with all the confidence of a 4-year-old in a Batman shirt, I cite the current market statistics and pray for the best. 

And I consider myself a good agent. 

So I guess what I’m trying to say is be realistic and don’t assume your agent has psychic skills, a crystal ball, or practices witchcraft. 

However, there are ways you can help mitigate some of the unknown. First, listen to your agent. Even without black magic, a good agent (like me!) can guide you through the process.

Remember, homes require three things to successfully sell. Price, marketing, and condition are the most important criteria. Listen to your agent’s advice about these three points. If you do, I can almost guarantee your house will be sold, and you’ll be on your way to new pastures. 

Second, give yourself and your agent grace. Selling (or buying) is a process, often with factors out of your control as well as your agents’. 

And finally, practice patience! We know that you want and need your property sold. No one wants it to happen for you more than your agent. It can be a difficult and emotional journey, but patience is the best trait to bring with you for the trip. 

As a final aside, going through a challenge with someone can often bring you closer. Facing obstacles together allows individuals to rely on one another, offer support, and work towards a common goal. In the process, connections can grow stronger, and what once started as a challenging situation can lead to developing a meaningful friendship. So, embrace challenges with an open mind, as they may bring you the gift of a good friend as well as a fabulous agent. 

Now I’m off to eBay to see if they have crystal balls for sale.