Seller Tips

MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW OWNERS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 13, 2014

MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW OWNERS

When it comes time to sell your house, It’s often hard to say goodbye to your old home that is filled with so many happy memories. But in order to attract a new buyer, you will need to emotionally let go of your old nest and make room for someone new.

To make the transition, start by packing up all your personal mementos: family photos, team trophies and kid’s artwork. Store extra toys, worn furniture, out of season clothing and anything not essential for daily living. Paint the walls a new neutral color and move the furniture around to create a fresh inviting environment. Put out a brand new welcome mat.

Make your house into a model home – beautiful, but impersonal. Think of yourselves as temporary caretakers who can’t wait to hand over the keys to the new owner. This will make it easier for prospective buyers to imagine themselves settling into their new home and making it their own.

BOOST YOUR HOME’S APPEAL INSTANTLY WITH CONTAINERS OF COLORFUL PLANTS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 30, 3016

BOOST YOUR HOME’S APPEAL INSTANTLY WITH CONTAINERS OF COLORFUL PLANTS

What’s the best way to generate a positive reaction from buyers – even before they walk through the front door? With attractive, healthy plants located right near the entryway, and there’s no time like spring to make this simple change that can make a major difference in your home’s appeal.

Adding some container plantings to your front porch is a great way to add some color, and it also sends a message that your home is well cared for. For optimal effect, use a mix of upright and trailing plants with both flowers and greenery. Opt for annuals for color all season long. And make sure the container is attractive – don’t simply buy a plastic nursery pot of flowers an plop it on your doorstep. Choose a colorful container that “pops” or one that enhances your home’s style or color scheme. Be sure to water regularly (read the plant labels for complete instructions) and use a plant food supplement designed for container plants.

No green thumb? No eye for color? Buy a pre-planted container from your local nursery or home improvement store for instant plant appeal without any guesswork.

SELLING? HERE’S THE BEST WAY TO GENERATE A BIDDING WAR FOR YOUR HOME

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 23, 2016

SELLING? HERE’S THE BEST WAY TO GENERATE A BIDDING WAR FOR YOUR HOME

After a few years of sluggish activity, bidding wars have returned to the home market, and – not surprisingly – sellers and buyers in popular communities like Princeton and below $1,000,000 are most affected. As a seller, one of the best ways to generate a bidding war for your property is to underprice it – not so much that it throws up a red flag, but just enough so it stirs greater interest.

Studies have shown once a potential buyer decides they’re interested in buying a home, most of them automatically become at least a little emotionally invested in it. That means once they start bidding, they’re more likely to continue, even if the price goes above what they consider to be their upper limit. That’s the psychological effect of a bidding war – not just in real estate, but in auction settings as well: An initial offer makes it just a little harder to let go and walk away.

So how do you determine how to underprice your home for best effect? Start working with an agent who knows the market and understands how bidding wars work, and aim for a price slightly below your market comps.

ONLINE PRICING SITES: HOW ACCURATE ARE THEY?

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 24, 2016

ONLINE PRICING SITES: HOW ACCURATE ARE THEY?

In today’s web-savvy culture, most people seeking information begin by “Googling” – and that includes real estate searches. If you’ve ever “Googled” your own address, you’ve undoubtedly seen the sites that purport to show your home’s value, as well as the value of homes nearby. And you may even be tempted to use that information as a starting point when determining your home’s selling price. But is that a wise move? Not really.

Informational sites like Zillow and Trulia rely on general market data including sales from months or even years earlier for homes that in no way compare to your own – including homes that are well outside of your neighborhood. As a result, the value they provide for your home can be substantially inaccurate for your home and the buyers you’re targeting.

That’s not to say these sites can’t provide any useful information, especially when it comes to general guidance or tips on selling or buying homes or even moving; but to really price your home accurately, you need to work with an agent who knows the area, the current market, and the buyers so you can get the best price possible when you’re ready to sell.

SHOWING YOUR HOUSE

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 17, 2016

SHOWING YOUR HOUSE

Ideally real estate agents like the properties we sell to look spotless. However, even the most impeccable housekeepers find it difficult to keep the house in prime showing condition during the entire time the home is on the market.

Keeping beds perpetually made, dishes washed, bathrooms spotless and closets neatly organized is a lot of work. Is it worth it? Yes – if you want your house to sell in a reasonable amount of time and for the best price.

Buyers often see normal clutter, and what registers is “this place hasn’t been maintained.” They see bathtub rings and think “plumber’s bills.” They see lint under the refrigerator and grease on the electric range and imagine having to replace all of the appliances. When people make their final selection, they may be going on emotion and adrenaline rather than imagination. You can help your agent by minimizing the amount of imagination the buyer will need to fall in love with your home.

DETERMINE YOUR PRICE BEFORE THE SPRING RUSH

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 10, 2016

DETERMINE YOUR PRICE BEFORE THE SPRING RUSH

It may seem hard to believe, but spring is just around the corner, and that’s when a lot of sellers decide to list their homes – and a lot of buyers are scouring the listings. Of course, when it comes to selling your home quickly, you need to make sure it’s priced correctly – getting buyers’ attention while still providing you with a healthy return.

Pricing a home for sale is no easy task: You need to consider the size and style of your home, the neighborhood it’s in, its amenities and features – even its drawbacks – and compare all those factors to similar homes in your neighborhood. Plus, you have to know who your most likely buyers are and what they’re looking for. Not easy, especially when most sale data is a year old and you have little idea how the market will do this year.

That’s when a great agent can help. Agents have up-to-date info on all these factors and more, so they can help ensure your home is priced correctly. If you’re considering a spring sale, start working with an agent now to make sure your home is priced right for your market.

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