Dan and Inez were renters in our community and decided that the town offered everything they were looking for! A train, excellent schools, terrific friends and the ability to get to family outside of Philadelphia without sacrificing Dan’s commute to Manhattan. So…. after months of searching they found their “forever” home on Hereford Drive. If you see them around town, say “welcome and congratulations!”
West Windsor Sellers, when it comes to choosing a new family home, pint-sized opinions make for sizeable decisions!
Of those families with children, the Harris Pole survey discovered that 55 percent of U.S. homeowners and 74 percent of millennial homeowners with children under the age of 18 factor their children’s opinions in their home-buying process, while 83 percent of renters with children under age 18 also said their children’s opinions are taken into consideration.
Survey results showed that 57 percent of the children expressed a desire for their own b
Of those families with children, the survey discovered that 55 percent of U.S. homeowners and 74 percent of millennial homeowners with children under the age of 18 factor their children’s opinions in their home-buying process, while 83 percent of renters with children under age 18 also said their children’s opinions are taken into consideration.
Survey results showed that 57 percent of the children expressed a desire for their own bedroom, 34 percent wished for a large backyard and 25 percent were interested in the home’s proximity to parks and activities. Schools and friends factored in at 24 percent each, followed by swimming pools at 21 percent.
When listing your home for sale, be sure to highlight any family-friendly features included in your home and neighborhood. You don’t have to have a big play structure in your backyard, as even a fully-fenced yard helps reassure parents that their kids will have a safe place to play, and adds to the appeal.
Listing close-by, child-friendly amenities up-front in your home listing allows for an extra level of appeal for parents when scanning potential properties to view. If you’re looking to sell your house, let’s get together to review all the family-friendly features you have in your current home, and if you’re looking to buy, let’s talk about the features that would appeal most to you and your family.edroom, 34 percent wished for a large backyard and 25 percent were interested in the home’s proximity to parks and activities. Schools and friends factored in at 24 percent each, followed by swimming pools at 21 percent.
When listing your home for sale, be sure to highlight any family-friendly features included in your home and neighborhood. You don’t have to have a big play structure in your backyard, as even a fully-fenced yard helps reassure parents that their kids will have a safe place to play, and adds to the appeal.
Listing close-by, child-friendly amenities up-front in your home listing allows for an extra level of appeal for parents when scanning potential properties to view. If you’re looking to sell your house, let’s get together to review all the family-friendly features you have in your current home, and if you’re looking to buy, let’s talk about the features that would appeal most to you and your family.
SOLD!! 3 Sapphire Drive, multiple offers
Pay off that home sooner, retire earlier; here’s how!!
What Real Estate Agents Want You To Know
Over the years, we have come to know and work with many realtors. In that time, our conversations have frequently turned to the challenges we face trying to advance our profession. Here’s what the best agents would like you to know:
1. We’re NOT all the same. The best of us devote time each week to evaluating the inventory and seeing it first-hand, attending classes or webinars so we can remain informed and relevant, and networking with others so we can provide a better experience and outcome for you. We have committed to competency around technology, social media, and digital prospecting — because it matters. Ask the next agent you meet what makes them unique in their market. The best can answer you without hesitation.
2. We’d like to get to know you. Really, we would! So when you call and want to see a house and we ask you to come to the office first, that’s why. We would like to better understand your needs, consult with you regarding the process, and offer an effective course of action. Oh, and by the way — we’d like to stay safe. Meeting a stranger at a home is never a good idea. You certainly understand that, don’t you?
3. We work in our client’s best interests. Have you ever wondered why you have been asked to sign-in at an open house? (Because the seller would like to know who has been there and they have instructed us to do so!) Why you have been requested to obtain mortgage pre-approval? (Your time could be completely wasted looking at the wrong type or price of home.) Or why you’ve been told you need to list your current home before shopping for the next one? (In certain markets, an offer with a home sale contingency could make it extremely difficult for you to purchase your home of choice.) We’re not trying to make things more difficult, really. We’re trying to honor our clients by respecting their wishes, setting them up to achieve their goals, and helping them avoid a loss – of time, money, opportunity. We’ve seen what can happen and we’re looking to avoid any bumps in the road.
4. We’re not all rolling in the dough. Agents have often shared that they feel they must defend their compensation, and it’s largely because the public generally doesn’t understand how we work. We are small business owners with fixed and variable expenses, and net only a fraction of our gross income. The best agents invest significant money and time in marketing their listings, and because they do, they attract more interest and offers. Consider “what will I NET?” over “what will I SPEND” — and give greater consideration to the agent who can show you the difference.
And finally:
5. We’re worthy of your respect. You trust us to help you make BIG — hundreds of thousands and sometimes multi-million dollar — decisions. We advocate, we advise, we negotiate. We pledge our loyalty and discretion while working hard on your behalf with no guarantee of compensation. We care about your experience and sometimes set aside our own personal and family obligations to put you first. We promise to respect you – will you do the same?
There’s an Art to Hosting An Open House…Hire the Agent Who Goes Above and Beyond!
Research has shown that over 90% of people search for real estate online – combing through lists of available inventory, photos and video – but guess what? An overwhelming majority of folks state that attending open houses and viewing properties first hand is still a favorite way to find their home of choice!
If you’re considering a sale, you should evaluate your agent carefully. There’s an art to hosting an open house, and the best agents have a “signature system” designed to attract interest and more importantly, guests. MANY guests. When asking a potential agent about how they work, here’s what you should look for:
- A timeline and plan of action. An agent who decides to host an open within 72 hours doesn’t have sufficient time to coordinate the event and pique interest. Your agent should initiate their plan of action at least a week in advance. Ask about their system!
- A marketing plan to drive attendance. It’s not enough to put directional signs on street corners and in your yard. A sign rider should go up 5 days before. Neighbors should be invited. (Don’t fear the “nosy neighbors” – they can be your best word of mouth and besides, you’re moving!) Local agents should be proactively notified, and your listing should be updated so the open will be reflected in the MLS and on the syndication portals (like Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow). The best agents also harness the power of social media; Facebook promoted posts, Craigslist, Pinterest, and Instagram are all ways to invite folks to attend – in and out of your market area! Ask about this – it’s critical!
- A list of things for you to do. There’s a partnership between the agent and client, and the best agents are always working in your best interests. When we ask you to secure your valuables, weapons, and prescription medications, it’s to protect you. We may ask that trash cans be placed in the garage, toys or clutter be put away, or small maintenance items be addressed. We will ask that you not be present during the open – this inhibits guests. Whatever may be requested, please know that we want to attract visitors, get them in the door, and have them spend enough time to appreciate all your property has to offer!
- A method by which they register visitors – and feedback! Asking visitors to sign in on a sheet of paper is SO 1995. Remember, you are allowing strangers into your home. Savvy agents are using their tablets to register guests and gather essential information. It’s a requirement designed to protect you. As guests tour, they should be asked about their impressions and your host should be listening for their comments.
- Assistance to manage traffic. If promoted effectively, you should expect visitors – plenty of them. A co-host, loan officer, or other featured service provider should assist with greeting folks and insuring that everyone gets attention. An agent who tells you that they will lock the door and leave people waiting outside while they take a group through is missing the whole point – it’s an OPEN house. We don’t want to give anyone a reason to leave!
- A follow-up plan of action. It is reasonable to expect to receive a recap of the event within 24 hours. This should include the total number of visitors – potential buyers and agents – as well as any questions or comments received. A great agent will reach back out to follow-up with those who had expressed some level of interest, and will keep them informed of any changes made at some point (whether it be price or something else).
- A positive attitude and interest in connecting with everyone! Finally, know this: it is critical that you choose an agent who is anxious to promote your home to everyone they meet. They should plan and host your open house with enthusiasm. Acting as HOST, they will greet, connect, and create comfort with guests as if they had been personally invited by you. Your event will be memorable, both for what’s being offered and the awesome agent you hired to represent you!
Your agent matters, so choose wisely!
There are Great Reasons to Hire a Listing Agent…and They’re Not What You May Think!
Recently, when preparing for a listing appointment and talking about the challenges we face in communicating to the seller how we, as agents, are “different” from the rest, we had a huge ‘aha’ moment….the public is misinformed as to how to choose the best listing agent for their needs and circumstances. In fact, the two reasons why most folks agree to list with an agent are the very reasons why you should NOT!
So, just what are the two things the typical homeowners give the most consideration to that really should have no bearing on their decision? The price the agent agrees to list the home for and the rate of commission they request. Why should these be given less weight? Well, because agents and sellers don’t determine the sales price – the MARKET (and the buyer) dictates that – and it’s NOT about the commission, it’s about what you will NET from the sale!
Real estate is a commodity, subject to fluctuations in value determined by the amount of available inventory, demand for the product, and even available financing (and rates.) What a seller would like to sell their home for may not be supported by the market at that time, and yet they’ll choose an agent who leads them to believe it’s possible. Listings “expire” every day in most markets, with sellers having wasted their time for six months or more waiting for an offer that never materializes. Their home then becomes stale inventory and is passed over for what is newly listed and priced appropriately.
We once had a mentor who asked us, “Why would you buy milk for $4 a gallon when you can go around the corner and buy it for $3?” It really is that simple. Your overpriced home helps to sell the other inventory!
As for commission, we’ll say this: choose your agent carefully and you’ll sell your home faster and for more money. You’ll reduce carrying costs and expenses and can then move forward. If you intend to buy something else, you’ll be in a better position to take advantage of lower rates and prices that you’ll benefit from!
Here’s what SHOULD be considered when choosing an agent to sell your home:
1. Their marketing plan. Look for the agent who takes a proactive approach to marketing your home and presenting it in an exceptional way. Home staging, professional photography and property narratives that pique interest are the first steps that are key! Will your agent promote your home globally? Commit to placing promoted posts on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media portals? Optimize syndication to all real estate search sites? Announce your new listing to everyone in their database, as well as to agents in and out of your market? What’s their plan around open houses? Will they work to get dozens of folks in the door? This is the stuff that matters.
2. Their knowledge of the local inventory and current market conditions. The best agents invest time each week previewing homes. They also know how much inventory is available, what IS – and isn’t – selling, and what’s happening with rates. They understand what buyers are looking for and can advise you as to what can be done to make your home more desirable. They’ll have a strategy around timing and their message in order to place your home at the top of the “must see” list.
3. Their reputation and results. Your agent should be able to provide you with references and testimonials. They should be able to demonstrate the success they’ve had with folks like you, and share the system behind it. They commit to doing their job well, at a very high level. Why? Because they want to create raving fans – satisfied sellers and buyers who’ve had an exceptional experience and will happily refer others.
If it’s time to consider a sale, ask great questions, dig deep, and ask for proof. Consider what’s really important. Your agent matters – choose carefully!
Newsletter: March 2016
This month’s newsletter features articles on:
Spring Into the Market!
March marks the beginning of the busy spring market, and this year promises to be even more active than usual.
Time to Come Clean
Even if you keep a clean household, there are probably a few areas of your home that get overlooked. Here’s a list of items you likely don’t clean enough, and tips on how to tackle them this spring-cleaning season.
Order of Events
Buying and selling this spring? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the “buy first or sell first” predicament, there are pros and cons to each approach that everyone facing this decision should understand.
Smooth Move
We’ve all heard moving horror stories – you might even have one yourself! But take these steps to avoid common problems and your next move will surely have a storybook ending.
All in a Day’s Work
Amping up your curb appeal doesn’t have to be time consuming. Each of these five projects, guaranteed to enhance your house’s exterior, can be done in just a day.
Newsletter: February 2016
This month’s newsletter features articles on:
Buying Beats Renting in Today’s Economy
Is paying a mortgage more affordable than renting? That’s the conclusion of a recent study reporting on the U.S. housing market.
Turn on the Charm
Is there a room in your home that feels a bit cold and uninviting? A room lacking that certain something that gives a space warmth and personality? Want to avoid creating such a room? Then keep reading! Below are some sure-fire ways to imbue a room with that cozy, lived-in feeling that truly says home.
Children on Board
Many people don’t involve their children in the home-buying process until they’ve narrowed their choices down to serious candidates. But if your children will be accompanying you in your home hunt, here are some ways to make it easier.
Staging Slip-Ups
Staging your home can help sell it faster and for more money – provided it’s done right, that is. Avoid these staging mistakes that could sabotage your sale.
Money-Saving Maintenance
What better incentive to stop putting chores off than a financial one? By regularly taking care of these home maintenance tasks, you can start saving money right away!
Newsletter: January 2016
This month’s newsletter features articles on:
Homeownership: The American Dream
Happy New Year! Is 2016 the year you buy your dream home? If so, you’re in good company: recent results from the National Association of Realtors® 2015 National Housing Pulse Survey indicate that a growing number of Americans believe the time is right to buy a home.
Dated Décor
Decorating trends come and go. Are there any that have overstayed their welcome in your home? With another year behind us, it seems fitting to talk about those once-stylish décor choices that could cause your home to look like it’s stuck in a time warp, and turn buyers off when you’re trying to sell.
Mortgage Myths
Misconceptions about mortgages can cause buyers to stumble on the path to their next home purchase and even cost them money. So let’s bust some common mortgage myths!
Decluttering Dividends
Declutter, declutter, declutter may well be the seller’s equivalent of location, location, location. Why? Let’s count the many ways clearing out the clutter can pay off for sellers.
Renovation Revolution
Do you tend to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to home improvement projects? Resolve to make 2016 the year you stop overextending yourself and finish the unfinished!