Real Estate Articles

I’ve been in the real estate business for a long time now, and during that time I have answered many questions on the topics of selling a home. The question that I hear most often is “Why didn’t this house sell?” Many different people including other agents have asked me this question. I tell them there are many factors why a home might not sell. The most common factor is the home is overpriced. There are many important factors that come into play when deciding on an asking price for a house that is for sale.

A couple reasons that cause’s the asking price to be too high are unrealistic expectations from the seller and an over enthusiastic listing agent. These reasons and many more can cause a house not to sell. Even in cases where an offer is made on an overpriced home, the hopes of the homeowner and buyer can be shattered when the buyer realizes he will have some problems financing the home. One way to determine if you have an overpriced home is by checking the prices of similar homes that are nearby. If those homes are selling for less than yours, you may have priced your house too high. In the end it is the buyer that sets the price of the home because they are shopping for the best deal and will typically pick a similar home that has the lower asking price.

If you put a home on the market that looks like it has been twenty years since it was last painted, home buyers will not be impressed. Most people that are looking for a home to buy want to know that the home is ready to move right into. The chances of a quick sale are much higher for a home in good condition. You need to take a step out of your shoes and into the shoes of a home buyer to view your home with a very critical eye. Then you will be more apt to see what needs to be done to make the home more attractive to a home buyer. You might find that you need to repaint the inside and outside of your home. Paint does not cost that much and a freshly painted home will make a big impact on a home buyer. You should also make sure that the flooring is in good condition. New flooring is not that expensive and if yours is worn, you should have new flooring installed. New carpet and flooring will be something that makes a positive impact on the potential buyer.

Another important point is that for anyone to buy your house, they need to see it. Agents will need to show it to as many potential buyers as possible. Real estate agents are typically pretty busy and will find homes that accommodate their schedule and are easily accessible. Having a lock box at your home and being flexible with scheduling showing appointments is vital to getting traffic through your home.

You should also check to make sure that your agent has an aggressive marketing plan to sell your home and ask them to explain that plan to you. You can then determine how effective that real estate agent will be in selling your home. Request for your agent to show you the information on some of the homes for sale in your area and make sure that he agent knows your market.

If you would like to have your metro Denver, Colorado home evaluated to determine why it did not sell, or if you need advice on how to sell your Denver home for the best possible price visit my Denver Real Estate website, and give me a call.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Swedal

So you want to know how to be an utter failure at selling your home. I completely understand. I have spoken to countless people while consulting with home sellers over the years that had the same goals even if they did not realize it at the time.

When you want to completely fail at selling your home the first key thing you need to do is not hire a good Realtor. When you are trying to unsuccessfully sell your home the last thing you need is a real estate professional that understands the market, the pricing and techniques to get your home sold fast? So don’t even talk to a Realtor. If you don’t want to sell your home I guarantee that you can accomplish that task all by yourself by the time you finish reading this article.

If you make the mistake of getting a professional real estate agent involved they might actually do the unthinkable and sell your home.

The next absolute requirement when you don’t want to sell your home is called over pricing. Find out what the comparable homes in your area have recently sold for and tack on a zero. Tack on two if you’re feeling frisky. You may need to contact a Realtor to get that recent sales data which goes directly against the point we just made so have your neighbor, your friend, you co-worker or even your boss call. Do not violate the first point by talking to a professional Realtor yourself because that might lead to you actually selling your home.

Who needs an effective marketing plan when you your goal is to not sell? Not you, so don’t think about the marketing systems, networking, advertising and home buyer leads that are available to Realtors, because you don’t need them. Real estate professionals may be tapped into the market, but your goal is to be tapped out so you probably should try For Sale by Owner for a while.

Now to get your home properly prepared to not sell you should take a quick walk through your home and I emphasize quick. You should probably put on some blinders so that you don’t actually see the worn carpet, cracked tile, broken windows, outdated kitchen, peeling paint and shoddy landscaping. Let that hot water heater leak. Who needs hot water anyway? If the home buyer is that fixated on having a hot shower they can fix it themselves.

Be sure not to take notice of any items like this on your walk through. You might get a wild and crazy urge to fix something and that could undermine all your efforts to not to sell your home.

If you happen to come across someone that wants to look at your home, make it as inconvenient as possible for them. Only give them about a 10 minute window to see it and definitely not on the day and time that is convenient for them. Let them know next Friday about 2:00 AM works for you as you will be getting home from the clubs about then.

Putting the potential home buyers off for a while also gives you time to make sure that your home is as untidy as possible. Leave the dirty clothes lying around. In my experience about 2 feet deep on the floor is the magic mark. Leaving dirty dishes about 5 days worth in the sink and on the kitchen counter should have the potential home buyers running for the doors. They could even trip over themselves in their haste so set up a video camera to catch the action.

I hope that you enjoyed our little article and found it useful.

When you want to sell your home wouldn’t it be a good idea to have it listed on the Denver Real Estate website with the most traffic? Visit your Denver CO Real Estate professional now and get your free home search.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Swedal

The key to the Open House is to make sure all the upgrades and repairs are complete. There’s no point holding an Open House if the house is not in show case condition. Take the time to make sure it looks its best so viewers will know you are serious about selling. Keep in mind that viewers tend to make a tour of a number of houses so they may only spend 10-20 minutes in your house. Here are some more ideas to create interest in your property and to facilitate an irresistible atmosphere once the potential buyers are in the door.

1) Begin by having the property Staged to make sure it is show case condition. Staging is preparing the house so that it appeals to the broadest buying audience. - clutter is removed, there is an identifiable focal point, the furniture is placed advantageously, and the spaces are neutralized.

2) Use the directional signage (either your Realtor has placed the signage or your private sale company has provided it for you to place in your neighbourhood) to advertise your Open House. Place them on the corners on major thoroughfares and side streets leading up to your house. Indicate the day and time the Open House is in operation. Make sure there is a sign on your front lawn as well.

3) Advertise creatively in every medium that is available to you. Take an ad out in the local papers, advertise on cragslist.com and kijiji.com - these are both free - and any other real estate web site you can find. Consider starting a blog and writing in it on a daily basis while the house is on the market. Activerain.com is a real estate web site where you can sign up for free and promote your listing by location.

4) Ensure that the curb appeal is strongest on the day of the Open House. Pick up scattered items like toys and garbage, clean out the flower beds and pick weeds, cut the grass or shovel the walk and driveway.

5) Clean the windows and open the drapery to allow in as much natural light as possible. Switch on lights and lamps so viewers can see every room clearly, and so they are not fumbling for the switches.

6) Light a few vanilla scented candles and possibly a cinnamon apple candle in the kitchen. Be careful not to over power the house with heavy aromas. The scent should be just enough to create a pleasant sensory experience for your viewers. Avoid incense and potpourri.

7) Have some pleasant, easy listening music playing in the background. Place a medium to large flower arrangement on the dining table or kitchen island. Have a plate of freshly baked cookies on the counter. It all adds to the homey atmosphere.

Place a large mat at the door so that at least three people can stand comfortably at the entry; designate a spot for shoes. Viewers seldom remove their coats so don’t worry about providing a coat tree or hangers.

9) Clean the house from top to bottom. The kitchen and bathrooms in particular should sparkle. Make sure all the beds are made, personal items are put away, and the floor space in each room and closet is clear of clutter.

10) Greet your viewers, tell them your name and make sure you get their name(s). Let them know that you are comfortable with them opening cupboards, drawers and closets so they can fully appreciate the storage space that is available. Do not follow them as they tour the house.

11) Allow them to wander through the house at their own pace, and let them know that you will be in the kitchen should they have any questions. Have a stack of Feature Sheets available for each viewer to take a copy and read as they tour the house. Let them know that your name and contact information is on the sheets, and ask them for a number where they can be reached should any aspect change while the house is listed (i.e. price, possession date, or inclusions).

12) Ask your viewers for their honest impression of the house and listen attentively to their feedback. Ask them what they liked and what they would change. This will help open a conversation to build a relationship, and the information they provide will give you insight into presenting the house better for the next open house.

13) Remember to take down all the Open House signs right after it’s over.

Gabriele P. Campbell is a Certified Interior Decorator and Accredited Staging Professional. She recently co-authored a book with Greg Tonn, “The EasySell System - Every Tool You Need To Sell Your House on Your Own”. Visit her website at http://www.campbellventuresgroup.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriele_P._Campbell