What does a buyer really know about the home they're buying? Sure, inspections are done and you learn about any structural or safety issues. But when you're buying a home you're not just buying the structure and land, but you're also buying the neighbors, the trash collectors, the mail carrier and so on.
I know you have a lot to think about when selling your home, but after you go into contract, there is usually period of several weeks before you close. Why not take a moment while your sale is pending to make the transition easier for the people buying it? It's helpful to leave a list behind for the new owners with neighborhood info. It will take you 5 minutes, and will make life so much easier for them.
Here is a list of 10 suggestions:
When is trash/recycling day?
What is the mail carrier's name?
What are the friendly neighbor's names?
Where can they find the best pizza/Chinese/Italian food in the area? It might be nice to leave behind any menus you have hanging around.
Where is the nearest grocery store?
Location of nearest hospital/fire station/police station and phone numbers
If you use a landscaper, what is their name, number and rate? Or, if a neighborhood kid mows lawns, what is his or her name and number?
Local babysitters names and numbers
Are there any existing service contracts for pest control/boiler service, electrical service, etc? If so, provide contact information and paperwork.
Where are the nearest playgrounds, dog parks and walking trails/bike paths?
As a member of the Community Outreach Committee at Williams & Stuart Real Estate, I've been asked to spearhead a blood drive that will benefit the Rhode Island Blood Center. I'm humbled to be associated with such a noble cause and the fact that I get to represent Williams and Stuart and all my amazing colleagues is truly an honor for me. As a monthly pherisis donor myself, I know exactly what it takes to keep the people in need supplied.
If you stop and think for a moment, donating blood is the basis for all other charity work. Without the blood supply and generous donations from everyday people like you, our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters would not survive if faced with needing a transfusion. Children of all ages suffering from any number of diseases count on donors to keep them alive every day.
Our lives have all been touched by someone who has needed blood at one time or another so I would encourage everyone to call your local blood center and find out how you can make a difference in a stranger's life.
Never before had I realized how much I needed the office until this past holiday season. As any real estate professional can attest, working from home is just so damn convenient but as was the case with me and so many other “work from home professionals”, I became complacent. Of course I was able to still work just not as well. There’s something to be said for getting up everyday with a destination in mind and a plan in place.
Recent events within my office have led to a shake up of sorts that, when the smoke cleared, left us with a different company, including name and leadership. With the advent of Williams & Stuart Real Estate I felt this was my chance to get back into the game with a fresh outlook on business and a clear goal for 2009. It’s cliché to say that I’d like to grow my business, but who wouldn’t? And the office is just the place to make that happen.
Early on in my career I was fortunate enough to attend company run classes that spoke of the importance of being in the office. At first I said to myself that I’d always be there or at least that’s what I had believed but as time went on I started to work more and more from home. While this wasn’t a terrible idea, I found that eventually I would only get to the office once or twice a week. Not the best thing for any business professional.
Thankfully those days are behind me and I’ve attacked the office concept with fervor of epic proportions. Being around like-minded professionals can only increase my knowledge. I feel that any good office should be a think tank of ideas and growth and that’s what I’ve got at mine. I’m surrounded by successful experienced real estate professionals who are always eager to lend advice or a helping hand to anyone who’s willing to listen and learn. 2009 is my time to shine. Please forgive the rhyme.
Today marks the first day of a new chapter in my real estate career.
As you may know, I've recently been asked to join the newly formed Williams & Stuart Real Estate in Cranston, RI. The company is the brainchild of Sue Rowles and Paul Zarrella who will serve as Brokers. Given Sue and Paul's considerable experience in Rhode Island real estate, it was an easy decision for me. Along with our management team, we'll also have a strong supporting cast of heavy hitters including Bruce Lane who is well known throughout the RI Realtor world.
With our offices staying in the same Cranston location at 870 Oaklawn Ave, it's been an easy transition. In fact I haven't even had to change my desk, at least not yet. We've also recently had Tommy's Pizza open in the building, which should provide for many long "working lunches" I'm sure. If you're not familiar with Tommy's then check it out at www.tommyspizzari.com for more information. They're fantastic and I'm looking forward to lots of hot delicious pizza.
I know that some people would be nervous about the unknown of moving to a new company in the midst of a recession but I couldn't be more confident. Luckily real estate is what you make of it and I'm looking forward to making this a banner year. Being part of Williams & Stuart at a point which is equivalent to the ground floor only makes me more eager than ever before to get out there and do what I've come to love.
I've recently been contacted by a friend who wants to put their house on the market in order to downsize to a Ranch as a matter of convenience. My first thoughts were that it was going to be a challenge to walk into their home and explain all that needs to be changed in order to make it appealing to the masses. Friends and family are always a bit more challenging to work with for some reason. Fortunately, in this situation I think they'll listen because in this market sellers need to pay close attention to the advice of a Real Estate Professional... no matter if they are family, friends or perfect strangers.
Realtors across the country never know what they are walking into when entering a listing appointment. We've all seen the "horror show" that should just be torn down. And on the flip side of that, we've all walked into the "hidden gem" that we're eager to list before anyone knows that it's out there. Of course there are the in-between homes that need updating and upgrading because it's been 30 years since anyone's even thought about it. This is the side of the market that challenges us the most but is also the most rewarding when they sell.
Getting sellers to understand the importance of preparing their homes for sale can often be the biggest challenge faced. We all have a million stories about our attempts to get homes ready for sale and sellers who just don't seem to get it. Whether it's an over-loaded laundry area, a poorly maintained yard or an unkempt childs' room... there is always something that needs to be done. Even in the best cared for homes there will always be something.
For any homeowner who may be considering listing their home, I would give you this advice: take a self-evaluation tour of the property inside and out. Approach your home as if you were the potential buyer walking up for the first time. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. It may sound cliché but it is absolutely the most important aspect of the sale.
Pull up to your home and park on the road in order to gain perspective of its curb appeal. This should be, with out a doubt impeccable. It doesn't have to be brand new, just well kept and clear of any toys, burned or damaged grass or broken concrete, etc. The same goes for the exterior of your home. If your paint is peeling, paint your home. If your siding is falling down, have it repaired. The yard and exterior are often the only thing people look at when they scroll through listings online and if they look bad, you don't stand a chance at getting them to walk through. Of course the same advice will hold true for the interior of the home. Please consult your real estate professional for specific tips and advice.
Given the current climate, making that great first impression is one of the biggest challenges that sellers and Realtors alike will face. Good luck.
I recently began working with new clients and have listed their home. I really enjoy working with this couple for many reasons, but one of them is that they are making it easy to sell their home! When I was working on my market analysis and doing a walk through of the home, I made recommendations as I always do. In this case, I recommended that they clean out the basement, go ahead with their plan to replace all the basement windows, attic windows and those in the sunroom. They had a bathroom shower installation company come in to install a new surround, and will replace all of the switch plate covers and electrical outlets.
Most sellers are receptive to suggestions regarding what will make their home appealing to buyers, but not all are motivated to put the money into repairs or updates. It could be a matter of not having the money to invest, or it could be that they don't see the point, not understanding what a difference these small changes could make.
There are small, inexpensive changes you can make to increase the value of your home. Here are some suggestions:
Change your switch plates and outlet covers. Go with plain white or you could step it up a little and get a brushed nickel, if that goes along with your décor.
Replace light fixtures. Where you can, and where necessary, replace ceiling fixtures with a more updated version. I was at Lowe's recently and saw a 4 pack of modern looking flush mount dome lights for less than $30.
Tidy up your yard! Curb appeal happens when you pull up to a house and you find it inviting enough to want to go inside. How inviting is a home with trash, leaves, branches, toys, tires, old lawn furniture in the front yard? Get rid of or store any lawn furniture that's not so easy on the eyes. Put the kids' toys away. Grab the rake and get those leaves off your grass! And while you're at it, mow the lawn. Rent a power washer and give the house, garage and deck a once over.
Keep it clean. I realize that if you're a family with small kids, it's not always possible... but the reality is, if you're trying to sell your home, it needs to be clean. Period.
It should smell good. I've walked into homes before where the owners were smokers. You can tell the minute you walk in, and honestly, it's a turn off for most people. What can you do if you're a smoker? You can start smoking outside. If you have carpets, replace them or have them deep cleaned. Paint your walls. If there are smokers in the house, another telltale sign is yellow walls.
Replace hardware in the kitchen. It doesn't cost much to replace your cabinet knobs with a nice brushed nickel, and it really makes a difference.
Paint. You may love your orange kitchen, but the truth is, most people prefer a neutral tone. And they have to be able to "see" their style fitting in. So grab some cream, taupe, very light yellow, or white paint and spend the weekend painting. Also, if you have wallpaper, take it down.
Big money renovations are not worth the effort in this market. The smart money is in the details.
Two weeks ago Melissa and I attended what has become a Summer and Fall Providence tradition, Waterfire. We started out with drinks at Olives on North Main St. It was Dirty Goose Martinis and a great little grilled pizza. Even though I think they forgot that we ordered the pizza because it almost 30 minutes to get it to us, it was still very good. As for the martinis, what can I say; they don't call the place "Olives" for nothing. Melissa and I have become self-proclaimed martini experts and Olives doesn't disappoint.
We headed over to check out the festivities. We came upon a traditional Incan group with dancers that just blew us away. Their sound was mesmerizing and the dancers where very impressive. After we listened and took pictures and videos we moved on to check out what it was we came to see, the small bundles of fire hovering inches above the surface of the water. If you've never been, I'd highly recommend getting down there and letting the trance-like music take you over. It's a perfect combination of elements.
There's plenty of food and drink to be had - like kettle corn, hand made chocolates and doughboys - just to name a few. Of course we tried almost everything. For anyone who would like to experience Waterfire first hand, you're in luck. The 3rd Annual Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation: Flames of Hope is taking place this Saturday October 11, 2008. There will be numerous events taking place including the lighting of the State House in a pink hue to honor the fight against breast cancer. It guarantees to be a fantastic night and 100% of the proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation. I think that's amazing and I hope they raise a huge amount of money for a very worthy cause.
If you're thinking of heading DownCity for this noble cause, be sure to hit up Olives for a quick martini. Have fun!
Mondayand Tuesday- Typical: Showings, phone calls to various buyers, sellers, lenders, MLS searches. Lunch with my best girl. More phone calls. Stop at Whole Foods for dinner supplies, come home to cook and eat dinner. More MLS work, blogging.
Wednesday - Golf Committee meeting for the Greater Providence Board of Realtors where we discussed the results from our tournament on July 21st. We also discussed other causes, and as a regular platelet donor, I mentioned the Rhode Island Blood Center and spoke about my experience and also the Donor Reception I recently attended. I was asked to head a blood drive, which I'm very excited about. More details to follow. Met a client and his contractor at a home in Providence which we hope to close on in the next few weeks. Showing in the afternoon. Phone calls all day. Send out monthly e-card to clients to let them know what fun events are takng place in Rhode Island for the rest of the summer.
Thursday - I was an extra on the Showtime series "Brotherhood"! The scene was shot in East Providence, RI. I wrote about it in my Rhode Island blog. It was quite an experience.
Friday - Very busy for a Friday. Lots of phone calls - one from a former client who is looking to invest in several single family homes! Lunch at Garden Grille. Met with a new client at the office in the afternoon. Melissa and I had a joint consultation with a new trainer at Village Health in Providence. We begin officially on Monday evening and we're both very excited.
Saturday - Head to the new gym for a good workout - we need to prep for our first session with Rachel! Home for a healthy breakfast, then off to Breton Point for the afternoon. We thought we'd have time to hit the Scituate Farmer's Market but we didn't make it. A friend recently moved to Newport and she invited us to see the new place, which is right in the middle of everything. Great location! We met her neighbors and we started talking about the old homes in the neighborhood. As a Realtor, I'm always interested in a home's history and mechanics. He took me over to his basement and showed me how his home was supported by giant blocks of granite. It really was something to see. We sat by the pool and our friend cooked us dinner on the grill. Some of her neighbors were headed to the Newport Storm Luau, which was at Fort Adams State Park. There really is nothing like Newport in the summer.
Sunday - Can't go the entire weekend without working! Open house from 12-2 in Coventry, come home and go for a walk, Whole Foods for dinner supplies, blog, MLS, Olympics, bed.
As I look at this, I think about how lucky I am to live in Rhode Island. I got to be an extra on a cable TV series, I got to spend an evening by the pool in Newport with friends, I get to visit some amazing farmer's markets and restaurants. I get to contribute to my community and have many resources to help me stay healthy. And I get to stay busy doing something I love. What's better than that?
Washington County Fair Rhode Island largest authentic county fair. Annual fair with country music concerts, a giant midway, animal shows, Grange and 4H exhibits, crafts, children's games and more. 8/13/2008 - 8/17/2008 Daily, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Washington County Fairgrounds 401-782-8139 www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
Flutterby:Butterflies in Bloom Exhibit - Roger Williams Park Zoo is hosting this exhibit in a 2100 square foot greenhouse which is filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Melissa and I went a few weeks ago. Click here to see my photos! Daily 9:30-4:30 Through September 1. Adults $3 - Children $2 ages 3-12. http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/
Pawtucket Riverfront Concert Series Free Sunday night concerts - This Sunday, Charlene Marie (Country), 6pm-8:30pm Veterans Amphitheater Roosevelt Ave. Pawtucket 7/6/2008 - 8/24/2008 401-724-5200 For more info on other upcoming performers http://www.pawtucketri.com/calendar/
Scituate Farmer's Market - Fruits, vegetables, plants, pastry, eggs, honey, flowers, preserves, pottery. Saturday 9-12. North Scituate Village- West Greenville Rd.- Scituate - 401-647-5110 I checked it out last weekend. Click here to read more!
WaterFire 100 bonfires blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence. Full Lighting. Begins at Sunset. 8/16/2008 Waterplace Park 401-272-3111 www.waterfire.org
Rhode Island has a lot to offer! Get Out and Have Some Fun This Weekend!
Block Island Arts Festival - Overlooking Great Salt Pond. Local and regional artists! Lawn of the Narragansett Inn - Ocean Ave - Block Island - 401-466-2626 - Free Admission http://blockislandinfo.com/
Pawsox Vs. Charlotte Knights - Sunday 1:05. Kids run the bases after the game! McCoy Stadium 401-724-7300 www.pawsox.com
Providence Italian Festival - Arts and music festival. Nonstop music, free admission, food, fashion show, dance exhibits and lessons. Waterplace Park 8/7-8/11. 401-808-5614- www.providenceitalianfestival.com
Newport Jazz Festival - 3 Day event, beginning Friday. On 3 stages at Fort Adams State Park. Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Anthony Hamilton and many more! 401-847-3700 2008 JVC Jazz Festival
Rhode Island has a lot to offer! Get Out and Have Some Fun This Weekend!
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