Hot Sales in Cool Markets!

While some real estate markets are experiencing increasing listing times and decreasing sales, others are still doing well or even booming.  Regardless of which applies, how do you position yourself for a quick, full-price sale?  Even in slow markets, some houses sell quite quickly, and it's for the very same reasons that they would in a hot market.

The best performers these days are older homes with three bedrooms and two baths.  In addition to those features, they are priced a few thousand dollars below the area's average asking price. 

You won't consider competitive pricing a concession when offers come in more quickly and with less negotiation.  Peace of mind and a quick sale are more than worth the difference between your asking price and that of your competition.

The second common denominator among successful sales in slow markets is the fact that the properties show like model homes.  Sure, location is critical, but it's condition, condition, condition that helps to set your offering apart from other homes on the market at the same price.

The final factor these sales share?  Aggressive marketing by a real estate agent.  A professional who shows your home to an already qualified and motivated group of buyers is worth his or her weight in gold at the closing table. Combine price, condition, and marketing for a satisfying sales result!

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.WeSellCentralNJ.com.

Timing Isn't Everything

In light of declining sales and tougher loan requirements, many potential buyers are asking if they should buy now, or wait several months before moving forward with a decision.  The thing is, you can't time the real estate market any more than you can time the stock market.  Simply put, the best time to buy is simply when you need to do so.

Start searching now, targeting your preferred locations and getting a sense of the local trends.  Speak with local realty professionals to gauge listing times, list-to-sale ratios, and contract terms.  There's no such thing as a "national" market, and every area is going through its own adjustments, up or down.

Now isn't a bad time to begin your loan search as well, to determine how much home you can afford, and to start assembling the required paperwork.  If you're not pressured to move right now, securing loan pre-approval will give you the chance to immediately take advantage if an excellent purchase opportunity appears.

Owners who are pressured to sell for reasons like foreclosure or job relocation may be more willing to negotiate, but if you really love a particular home, don't lose it by haggling over a few thousand dollars.  A home is not a stock certificate.  In a buyers market, take your time, do your homework, and make the most of it.

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.wesellcentralnj.com/.

Truth or Consequences!!

It's more difficult than ever to realistically and successfully price your home for sale.  Many economic factors affect your pricing decision.  Agents present you with the facts, but the final determination of asking price is yours and yours alone.  So contact a representative and familiarize yourself with the following criteria.

There are more homes for sale now than in the past.  Larger inventories exist mainly due to the fact that many sellers waited to list, trying to catch the top of the market.  Now they're trying to sell before it bottoms out.

While still historically low, mortgage rates are creeping up.  Every rate increase disqualifies a segment of buyers for financing, negatively impacting your selling ability.

Besides higher interest rates, buyers are subject to stricter loan application requirements.  Again, the higher downpayments and credit scores needed for financing eliminate many applicants from your pool of prospective buyers.

Are there homes in your neighborhood that investors couldn't "flip"?  Then they are either vacant or listed below market value by owners who would rather take the loss than become landlords.  Either way, these homes and foreclosed properties adversely affect property values of others in your community.

This is reality.  Expect your agent to be completely honest with you about it, and learn that trust, reason and determination will create a sale, even in a down market.

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.wesellcentralnj.com/.

Stepping up to a down market...

Remember the ancient curse, "May you live in interesting times"?  While many are indeed cursing the current real estate climate, others see opportunities.  In a "soft" market, the short-term options dwindle, but seasoned investors in for the long haul are positioned to take advantage.

In the words of billionaire J. Paul Getty, "Buy when everyone else is selling and hold until everyone else is buying."  Just like the stock market, more money is often made in a down cycle than in an up market.

Slower times encourage sellers to be more open to negotiation.  Combine acceptance of lower prices with currently low interest rates, and you've got the perfect recipe for bargains.  Real estate is continually cycling, and it's guaranteed that prices will rise again.  The time to get in is now, before that begins to happen.

A "buy and hold" strategy works in this market, while your property appreciates.  While you wait, consider leasing it.  The property can pay for itself with rent collected, and an investor that can pay off a small mortgage is in an excellent position indeed.

Learn from your real estate agent and tax advisor how a "1031 Exchange" can greatly reduce your tax liability when it does come time to sell your investment.  Now is the time to get in, but be sure to know how you'll get out, too!

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.wesellcentralnj.com/.

In Your Own Back Yard...

Are you aware that over two million people in the United States have real estate licenses?  With that many practitioners, the seed quickly separates from the chaff, with a small percentage rising to the top in quality service to buyers and sellers.

As you consider the mountains of documentation, financing, negotiating, marketing, inspections and the like, where would you begin to locate the agent best suited to your needs?  It makes sense to start at home, with those individuals who participate in neighborhood organizations, local government, charities, etc.

It makes sense to work with someone who is active within and knowledgeable about the local community.  More information for your choice of representative can be found through open houses, advertising, and referrals and recommendations from other agents, neighbors, and local business leaders.

Once you've interviewed and selected a real estate agent, make sure your relationship is clearly defined and documented.  Some agents represent sellers, while others exclusively represent buyers.  Make sure your representative explains how he or she works with all parties to the transaction, and provides a complete "agency disclosure" to document your relationship.

Then your agent will begin discussion of local market conditions and how they come to bear upon your listing or your purchase.  A carefully selected representative from your community will provide all the information you need to move forward with confidence.

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.wesellcentralnj.com/.

Avoid The Red Tag!!!

Have you ever noticed clothing sales that advertise "seconds" at greatly reduced prices?  The "second" quality merchandise may exhibit flaws like uneven seams and pulled stitches, and capitalizes on the slightly lower quality in exchange for a lower price.

Much like those "mark downs," a home being offered for sale with obvious flaws also invites a lower price.  Homebuyers, like other savvy shoppers, quickly become aware of needed repairs, and then begin scrutinizing the home for other defects.

If you plan to sell your home and expect to receive full price, be certain that all needed repairs are completed before the "For Sale" sign appears out front.  If you don't, expect to receive about $2 less for each $1 in needed repairs. 

Protect your investment by asking an agent for advice.  They will walk through your home as a buyer would, making notes of all apparent defects that attract attention.  This could range from a cracked windowpane to carpet in need of replacement.  No matter what the flaw may be, if it attracts attention, it also becomes a point on which the buyer may negotiate a lower sale price.

Your real estate agent can guide you further by providing marketing tips to make your home more attractive to buyers.  Remember that by offering a "first quality" home, you may expect to receive the best price.

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.wesellcentralnj.com/.

New Price! 317 Jacobstown-Cookstown Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562

317 Jacobstown-Cookstown Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562 Location: Wrightstown, NJ This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5-bath 2-story colonial sits on just over an acre of property. Features include hardwood flooring throughout with wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms, a full finished basement with a sliding door walking out to a large fenced-in yard and a master suite, which includes a large walk-in closet, full master bath with a soaking tub and shower. The front porch welcomes all ? truly a must see! For more info, call anytime 24hrs. 1-800-587-6754 and enter extension 1125 for a pre-recorded message! Photo Gallery Information Contact Information Michael Sinton MSinton@Assist2Sell.com 609-587-4227 Pricing Asking Price: $399,000 Flexibility: Negotiable Property Location 317 Jacobstown-Cookstown Road Wrightstown, NJ 08562 Features Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Parking: Private Year Built: 2002 Lot Size: 1.03 Acres Garage Size: 2-Car School District: North Hanover Twp. Agent Name: Allan Brown Broker: Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge MLS #: 5304107 Attributes Appliances Range/Oven Full Refrigerator Washer/Dryer Dishwasher Interior Amenities Basement Exterior Amenities Fenced Yard Secluded setting Powered by vFlyer.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY VFLYER ID: 1540412

Jump-Start Your Home's Heart!

A Lot to Consider

Buy or build?  If you're considering new construction, the first item on your To Do list is to find a suitable lot.  The experience of builders and architects points to a few key features you should investigate in your search for the perfect spot.

First, and perhaps most obvious, is the size of the lot.  The larger the lot, the greater the cost, depending on location. Consider the property taxes and how much maintenance it will require.  Remember that the smallest lots tend to appreciate more quickly than their larger neighbors.

Next, imagine how the terrain will affect aspects like drainage and the positioning of the home.  Ask your builder to explain the impact the terrain will have on your plan.

Related to the terrain is the view the property offers.  Take great care in discovering how adjoining land will be developed, and how that could affect your view.  A gas station may one day be built on that beautiful meadow out back.

And finally, the mantra of real estate is "location, location, location."  Want a faster commute?  Buy a lot near the entrance of your subdivision.  Want to keep your kids safe from traffic?  Then plan a purchase further toward the back.

It's all common sense, really, but it helps to take an organized and educated approach to this critical element of home construction.

For more information, contact Michael Sinton, Broker/Owner, Assist-2-Sell Buyers & Sellers Edge, America's leading discount real estate company, directly at 609-587-4227, via email at MSinton@Assist2Sell.com or on the web at http://www.wesellcentralnj.com/.

Looking Beyond the Price!