Market Familiarization

What are ways our listeners can familiarize themselves with our current real estate market?

Depending upon your motivation to move, that will change the various ways that you could select how to keep an eye on the market. For example, if you’re looking to move within the next year or two, I offer free monthly market reports delivered straight to your inbox. These will touch base on statistics such as price points and areas selling the best, indicating the strength of the market. You can then make decisions with knowledge of how the market has been and is predicted to be.

What if someone wants to buy within the next couple of months?

Now is the perfect time to buy! Last week I spoke about interest rates, and their potential and likelihood to reach 6% interest. This goes back to your motivation to move or buy a home. For those buyers that have a higher motivation level, we also offer a free, personalized, up-to-the-minute search that you can interact with. This is called a portal, and you can view a slideshow of property pictures, rate how you like properties, and save homes that you’d like to visit within the system. This system will notify you of price improvements/reductions on homes you’re keeping an eye on, and when new listings come on the market. This information is valuable because, as I’ve previously reported on, sites such as Zillow and Trulia are often inaccurate.

After someone has found a home, how is the offer price determined?

A Realtor with experience is extremely valuable in such an important transaction in your life. Part of the reason why that is the case, is that with my 4,000 homes sold, I am an expert on determining the value of a property. Knowledge of the areas in town, which affect value from one street to the next, comparing condition and upgrades, projecting resale potential, and many other factors are taken into consideration when analyzing the value of a home.

Buyer & Seller Mentality

How is the spring market?

With the spring market in full swing and the strong activity we’ve been seeing lately, I wanted to discuss motivation and mindsets of buyers and sellers as it’s very important for all parties to understand what their goals are and the best way to achieve them. As a seller, if you can get into the buyer’s mindset, the sale of your home can happen faster and for more money.

What, in your opinion, are the most important steps in selling a home these days?

The first step starts with a decision. I often talk to my clients in terms of motivation. So ask yourself: on a scale of 1-10, what level of motivation are you at to sell your home? A three would be maybe next year; 6-7 would be to get the kids in school before August; 9-10, we are relocating to Chicago for a job. Often selling is a hard decision, so this process helps people focus on the decision with more clarity.

What are other factors in selling a home?

Success in selling a home is primarily driven by three factors – the condition of your home, appropriate pricing, and an aggressive marketing plan to generate traffic through the door! My proven aggressive marketing plan can make the difference between a for sale and a sold sign. I just sold a home in 8 days that had been on the market with another company unsold for several months, a clear indicator that the marketing plan is critical to a successful home sale. As the seller, remember that the old cliché of “you only get to make one first impression” definitely applies to selling real estate. With many serious buyers looking right now, you want your home to stand out amidst all of the competition! It’s important to remember that your home is for sale and on open display. Buyers like to see things that are streamlined, clean, and fresh looking. Deep clean and declutter to showcase how beautiful your home can be!

How can sellers achieve their real estate goals by thinking from a buyer’s point of view?

Today’s buyers benefit from historically low interest rates and they still want the absolute best deal on a home! They are focused more on the best value and less on emotional purchasing. They will buy their second choice before paying top dollar for their first choice! By working with an experienced Realtor, like myself, you can ensure that your home makes the best overall presentation. This will give you an upper hand when negotiating on price and other important terms of your home sale. My job is to protect the interests of my clients, from the price war, to the beauty contest, until your home is closed and the cash is in your hand!

Contact Cheryl today at 505-238-3272 or email her at cheryl@cherylmarlow.com!

As always, who do you know that needs to buy or sell real estate today? Thanks!!