Simone's Blog

Question to buyers from a Realtor.........

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:50:58 -0500

Why would you, the buyer, want to go out with just a listing agent?

Reason 1: Do you think that you will get a better price if you go with the listing agent for every property you have an interest in?

Answer 1: The price is the price is the price whether you go through the listing agent or another agent of your choice. The seller will agree to your offer no matter which agent you use as long as the offer is within their acceptable range, with a good down payment, & a copy of a preapproval letter with a qualified lender.

Reason 2: Do you feel if you use one agent then he/she will try to pressure you to purchase a property ?

Answer 2: You should pick an agent that is knowledgeable in general real estate as well as knowledgeable of the areas of interest. You should also "click" with the agent in order to feel comfortable as well as trust him/her. As in any "line of business" you have people that you feel are more proficient than others. If you feel pressure from an individual(s) then that's not the person you want to work with but the majority of Realtors are professionals who will give you the pros and cons to any property and not pressure you to buy something just to make money. In our line of work we grow our business with referrals from former clients as well as other spheres of influence.

In speaking with various agents, these are the most popular excuses but if there are other more pressing reasons feel free to drop a note.

I wanted to ask this question as well as address some of the reasons because lately this has come up in conversation with various agents.

Secaucus Summer Concerts in August

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:57:17 -0500

2009 Secaucus Concert Series

The Secaucus summer concert will be held on Thursday evenings, 7pm at the Amphitheatre in Buchmuller Park.

Performance schedule:

Thursday, August 6^th - Showstoppers

Thursday, August 13^th - The Cameos

Thursday, August 20^th-- Somers Dream Orchestra

Thursday, August 27^th - David Cedeno Orchestra

Secaucus Library Mini Fair--Save the date

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:22:04 -0500

12th Annual Mini Fair/Used Book sale

Saturday, September 26th

Time: 10am-3pm

Save the date

Rain date: Sunday, September 27th, 11am-4pm

Used books are sold -- as many as you can fit in a bag for $1 including hardcover books
bake sale
school supplies
food
free balloons for the kids
Raffles
loads of freebies (i.e pens, pads, frisbees, etc.)
wide array of vendors

This event has a great turn out every year. Come and Join the fun as well as purchasing some great books for a "song".

Secaucus Block Party

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:39:12 -0500

Block Party

Sunday, August 9th

Secaucus, NJ

1pm-5pm

The Secaucus Rotary and Secaucus businesses have coordinated this event.

It will be held at the Front Street parking lot in the center of town.

Fun for everyone

Food, Drinks, games & prizes

Most everything free! (love free)

In these times

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:41:30 -0500

During these hard economic times you wouldn't think that a deal could die over stupity but it's quite possible. The seller had no exclusions on the listing agreement or the seller's disclosure and signed the contract without exclusions but wanted to take the stove, dishwasher, dining room chandelier, & all a/c units. My client just won the bidding war and paid over list price for this property and was now being told to basically suck it up and take whatever they want to do without any credit back for these items. This buyer has a mortgage commitment with 20% down and willing to close within 30 days. A dream buyer for most sellers. I will now be on the hunt for a new property in Glen Ridge so if anyone has a new listing let me know.

Happy 4th of July

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:41:02 -0500

To everyone

HAVE A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!!!! ENJOY & BE SAFE!!

FHA and tax credit working together

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:52:16 -0500

Most people know about the tax credit advantage for purchasing a primary residence between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009 but did you know that you can receive the credit of up to $8000 by the the time of your closing? If you obtain a FHA loan you can use the $8000 credit towards your closing costs or towards your downpayment. If you decide to use the credit towards down payment you will still need to have the minimum down payment requirement of 3.5% but you can add the $8000 to the down payment. This is a great way to get a little down payment assistance. Any assistance when purchasing a home is great news. Can you think of a better time to buy?

There are a few blogs about this additional assistance but there are many buyers still not familiar.

What's Hot & Happening within these fluctuating times.........

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:09:39 -0500

In this "buyers" market or these "rocky" times, we hear all the bad, doom & gloom on the news as well as from some of our colleagues but here are rays of sunshine. There are great deals & hot market areas.

In Union City (Hudson county) I found a great deal on a 2bdrm condo for a client and it wasn't a short sale or foreclosure. She loved the property. The deal was put together & here comes appraisal time. I knew in my heart that she got a good price (plus comparables to back it up) but you never know these days when it comes to appraisal time. The appraisal came in and it was HIGHER than the sales price and HIGHER than the list price. Hooray!!! Lately many appraisals have come in at value but I know of others that have come in below the sales price. Due to the many new constructions and the light rail, Union City has done well in retaining it's value. Many of the new constructions within Union City have received FHA approval or the approval is pending. Union City has much to offer the young professional with a variety of styles, reasonable pricing, & commuting options. Is Union City hot or not? In my opinion, Union City is HOT!

Hudson View in Union City Altessa in Union City

Another hot area is Glen Ridge. Glen Ridge is a lovely town with really good schools and a midtown direct train. How can you ask for anything more? Except of course that "perfect" property to call home. In Glen Ridge there are properties that are receiving multiple offers. Again, these are not short sales or foreclosures. Some of these properties have gone under contract within 15 days or less. The properties that are going are the ones that are priced right for the condition of the house. The other properties, that are not priced right, are sitting, expiring and relisted with another agent. Most buyers know when the house is priced right and when it's over priced. If they don't their Realtor will educate them. Is Glen Ridge hot or not? You must know my answer to that, HOT!

A quiet street in Glen Ridge

A town can be "hot" for many reasons. Montclair at this time is "luke warm". There are too many properties in Montclair to choose from and not all are priced right. There have been a few that have been priced right on the money and those properties went under contract within a week but the majority are a "tad" high. At this time my opinion for Montclair is NOT (not quiet yet but the right pricing will get them there)!

These days some towns have been "hit" harder than others in this economic downturn. As a seller you should make sure to get a detailed market analysis from an experienced and knowlegeable agent so that you don't end up making the mistake to over price. Listen to your Real Estate Experts and price the home for this market not several years back. Buyers make sure to get a market analysis as well and listen to your Realtor in regards to the price because not everything is $50k-$70k below asking pricing.

If you have a city/town that you feel is "hot" please feel free to add it to the comments and share your experience or opinion. Explain why "hot" or not.

MLB in Secaucus

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:11:21 -0600

Major League Baseball now has their headquarters in Secaucus. They were planning on leasing for only 1 or 2yrs in Secaucus while they were having construction done in Harlem but the delays, construction costs, and economy made them rethink that decision. They installed HD lines throughout the old MSNBC bldg and are now going to stay in Secaucus. It didn't make sense to spend millions on the rewiring to have to spend the same money and more on the bldg in Harlem. Secaucus is a "hop, skip & jump" from NYC so it seemed to make sense from what I understand.

Hartz Mountain owns numerous properties throughout Secaucus and the MSNBC bldg is one of the many. Hartz has worked previously with several companies within t.v and radio. We've had the spanish t.v station at one time, Z100, MSNBC, and still have WWOR TV. You never know but we may get others within the town due to the economic changes. We'll just have to watch and see who else will want to pay less per sqft but still have the benefit of easy access to NYC.

Secaucus.............

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:44:39 -0600

Secaucus has been and continues to be a great town to live in but as with anything there are pros and cons. The cons are the lack of a supermarket within the town and political chaos.

We went from 2 supermarkets to none. How is that possible? There are supermarkets that are close but that still isn't the same as right in the center of town, which was convenient. We have movie theatres galore and now Xanadu opening (sometime in 2009- may postpone August 2009 opening with only 70% leased) wants to bring in another movie theatre as well as bowling, indoor snow dome, etc. I am not sure but I don't think we need another movie theatre. Secaucus is still ranked #11 in NJ Monthly as one of the best places to live in NJ and I still agree but people can we get a supermarket in the town?!

Our second dilemma in this wonderful town is in our political arena. The mayor of our fair town is not liked by many and on a weekly basis our town paper is filled with letters of disapproval of the mayor's job. It also doesn't help him that he's trying to get rid of a council man that many people actually like. I really wish they would get back to the more important issues like a supermarket.

I am really being light hearted about these situations. These things came to mind while reading our local news and it made me laugh. The circumstances may change but the news is pretty much the same in the articles, some for and some against. Next time I write I will be on all the positives of Secaucus because I do like the town. It's small, quaint (with some new developments), and quiet with a good school district for my daughter. Of course, low crime rate a big plus too.

Activerain getting connected

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:59:05 -0600

I have not had a chance to blog lately but I had to take a quick moment to say thanks to Gina Lollo, an activerain member, who gave me a referral in my area. These clients were relocating from North Carolina and originally planned to move to NY. They were working with Gina but decided they wanted to move to Secaucus or Jersey City, NJ so she went to activerain to find an agent in their area of interest. Gina picked me and I truly thank her for her thoughtfulness and professionalism. These clients were only looking to rent but Gina still took that extra step, which is more than some other agents would have done. These are the types of professionals you find on activerain. I am glad I can be associated with the professionals in this community.

Thank You Gina.

2bdrm Co-op in 1 River Rd Nutley NJ

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:26:45 -0600

Updated, spacious 2bdrm, 1bth in a beautiful gated community w/ lovely grounds, common room w/fpl & 2 outdoor pools. The kitchen has been updated with newer cabinets, corian counters, tiled backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. The bathroom has been remodeled as well as the plumbing updated. The electrical panel has been replaced (out with the old and in with the new). New GFCI outlets have been added and shutoff valves installed in the kitchen and bathroom. The windows have been replaced as well as the siding (1/2yrs old).

The exterior -- front of the bldg for this unit. Large grounds has several bldgs.

Exterior foliage

2 outdoor pools

balcony overlooking the trees and grounds

partial view of the living room

bright and airy living room

dining area

partial view of the kitchen

partial view of the 2nd bdrm

hallway to the bedrooms

The asking price is $239,900. The total maintenance is $1147/mth which includes heat,hot & cold water, parking which is $25/space per month (included in the $1147),maintenance of the common grounds (which is $645), underlying mortgage, & taxes. The maintenance is 37%-40% tax deductible. At this time the taxes are being appealed and the management is waiting on a response within the next 2 weeks. Call, email or go to www.secaucusproperties.net to obtain more information or to schedule an appt.

Life & Times in Secaucus

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:10:29 -0600

The holidays are over, the tree lighting ceremony has come and gone. The new year has started and it's time to jump into to work again but wait my daughter decided she wants to go ice skating with me at the Secaucus Ice Rink. I haven't been on the ice with her since she was 4 1/2-5yrs old. Now it's time for me to free up my schedule to freeze my "whos it whats it off" (rink outdoor but covered). To say the least I'm a tad apprehensive on doing this skating bit. Hopefully skating is like riding a bike because I really don't want to go "splat". Help!! I hope I can remember to stay up on my feet and not break my "whos it whats it". Wish me luck.

Hudson Co. Tax Rates

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:00:13 -0600

SECAUCUS HAS THE LOWEST TAX RATE IN HUDSON COUNTY

TOWN TAX RATE/1000

Secaucus $30

Weehawken $35

Hoboken $35

North Bergen $42

West New York $50

Harrison $50

Union City $51

Guttenberg $54

Jersey City $55

Bayonne $57

East Newark $75

Kearny $83

Based on the last full year of available data from Hudson County Board of Taxation.

Another reason I love Secaucus.

Information provided by Secaucus Spectator

Santa's Little Helper

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:40:30 -0600

With the holidays steadily approaching and the economy in the "toilet" I felt it was the right time to become Santa's helper and help the children to get their letters out to Santa and receive one back from Santa. It's also a great marketing tool for me and free holiday fun for the family. It's great all around. Besides adding Santa I also added a snow falling effect to give the right atmosphere.

As I have talked about before I love CGI Connection. I downloaded the web based program for Santa's Helper, copied the html and pasted it to my website. It was that simple to create a button to email Santa and falling snow. The letter back from Santa is beautiful too. I, also, really like that the picture of Santa randomly changes.

If you would like to take a look at my website and email Santa please visit me at http://www.secaucusproperties.net/.

Why would I want to do this or why would you?

I think it's a nice little gift for the kids and they have fun with it but it's also a great marketing tool for me. It gives some people a reason to want to come back and check out your site as well as refer your site to other people. Someone may also need a real estate agent now or sometime in the near future.

For more details check out http://www.cgiconnection.com/homes.

Not Getting What I Want.........

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:58:28 -0600

I'm not getting what I want or need. I haven't been getting anything but headaches from my website and hosting company. I can go in the backend and make changes but they are limiting my changes which just "pisses" me off. I have spent entirely too much money on my website and when I switch to another hosting company I'm going to have to make changes to the pages as well which will cost additional "bucks". Once I got tired and frustrated with this company and what it doesn't provide I started looking around and found a company that works with what you've got to make it better. I am extremely utterly in love with CGI Connection. I am happy once again with no thanks to my hosting company. I can do what I want now with adding in the html once from CGI. I think this is great (easy works for me). They have TraceWatch which tells you whose coming to your site and from where and I don't have to be a "rocket scientist" to understand the information. I can follow the graphs and other info. LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!! I am including an example of the stats (pict. of 1st pg info-2 more pgs of info not included in pict.) because I think this is phenominal. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Just make my life easier and I'm thrilled. http://www.cgiconnection.com/homes If there is anyone that is going through this "drama" you've got to check out this site.

Fun in the Meadowlands

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:32:40 -0600

Secaucus is a great town to live in not only because of the town itself but the various activities in the surrounding areas.

Harness Racing Opening night Friday Nov. 21st at the Meadowlands. For more info go to www.thebigm.com.

The Bergen County Film Commission has a series of movies running at the Williams Center in Rutherford through Dec. 12th of oldies but goodies. For more info go to ww.bergencountyfilmcommission.org.

If you crave football then check out the NY Giants vs. St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Nov. 9th at 1pm or
Dec. 7th at 1pm the NY Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles both games in the Meadowlands at the Giants Stadium. For more info www.meadowlands.com.

For the kids: The Bossy Frog Band at the NJMC Center for Environmental and Scientific Education in Lyndhurst on Sunday Nov. 9th at 1pm. This is a show that's great for the younger kids between the ages of 2 and 6. The band performs songs about nature in a fun way for the kids to enjoy. Also, on Nov. 22nd they will have Native American story telling and songs for ages 4 and up. For more information check out www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec.
If anyone is into the stars (in the sky not the ones in Hollywood) The William D. McDowell Observatory in Lyndhurst is open to the public on Monday and Wednesday evenings in November at 8pm and 9pm (weather permitting) for free. They just require you to pre-register. Go to www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec or call 201-460-8300 for more information and to pre-register. Just a quick note on the Observatory--if you don't want to climb 25 steps then this is not the activity for you--no elevator --must climb. Enjoy.

Meadowlands Museum in Rutherford is a definate stop for the whole family. They have antique toys, fossils, crafts, etc. Call 201-935-1175 for more information. www.meadowlandsmuseum.org.

I can't forget Disney on Ice which is always wonderful. Disney on Ice presents World of Fantasy will be in the Meadowlands at the Izod Center between Nov. 25th and Nov. 30th. This show will have characters from Cars, The Little Mermaid, and the Lion King. For more info check out www.IZODcenter.com or go to ticketmaster.com.

Last month I didn't get a chance to present to information of the up coming events so I missed informing about the art show as well as some other items.

Are You Getting What You Want From Your Website?

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:03:30 -0600

I wasn't getting what I wanted from my website so I went looking around. I didn't like what my hosting company could provide but now with CGI Connection it's giving me one stop shopping. All the programs you need in one place including a finding a better hosting company. I love this website because they have a little of everything from the fun programs to the technologically savvy programs but you don't have to be a "techy" to use or install the programs. Most of the programs even give you a video tutorial which is great. They have a program called TraceWatch which shows you who visited your web site and where they're coming from. They also have Random Image Rotator which shows your pictures in a variety of ways. You can pick fade in and out, slide show, carousel style, etc. InstaPhoto manages and enhances your pictures without any other software. CGI has a section for Realtors with the most commonly used programs but they have so much more. Check out www.CGIConnection.com/homes . If you are looking to enhance, re-do your web site, or just want to see what marketing tools are working then this is the place to look.

Looking for a wonderful gift idea for a baby?

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:38:12 -0600

If you are looking for a wonderful gift idea for a baby or a dog (your other baby) I've got a new website for you to checkout. I love www.moorbows.com . It's got a great boutique feel.I know when my daughter was small I couldn't find a lot of the bows in the right colors that I needed but now this place has a great assortment of colors. I plan to include some of the bows and the pacifier holders in my next baby gift. Oh ya the holidays are coming up so there is my order. I will be ordering the headbands for my daughter as well because she loves various styles. My daughter likes a little "bling" so I figure I will have some of the headbands encrusted with crystal or a rhinestone initial. I think that will be her stocking stuffer this year.

The site right now is geared toward babies but the owner has received inquiries from dog owners, like my mother, who want bows for their pets. My mom is very particular as anyone who knows my mother can tell you and she is already getting her order filled.

Car Wash or Dog Wash?

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:28:59 -0500

I recently learned about a dog groomer who also has a self service dog wash. The company is located in E. Rutherford, NJ and it's called Wag 'N Wash. East Rutherford is a hop, skip, and a jump from Secaucus but I hadn't heard about this place before. They've been in business for a few years now. Now you can go and wash your dog yourself without breaking your back bending over the tub. They provide everything from raised tubs, steps for the dogs to walk up to the raised tubs, shampoo, blow dryers, etc. You just provide the dog and get busy washing and drying or you can go the easy route and have the groomer do the work. I would pick the easy route. The website is www.wagandwash.com. Wag 'N Wash just reopened in a new location on Park Ave in E. Rutherford, NJ.

I do think this is a cool idea for all the dog lovers to have a right to choose.

Secaucus Junction and The Meadowlands

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:02:38 -0500

As many people are probably aware of by now Secaucus has a new train station(last few years), Secaucus Junction. You can take the train direct to NYC (Penn Station) or stop to get the PATH. Secaucus Junction is a transfer station so you have numerous other places to go as well. Now sports fans and concert fans can take the train to Secaucus Junction and then take the NJ Transit bus to all events at the Meadowlands. NJ Transit has plans for a new rail line starting in 2009 that will connect the Junction with the Meadowlands Arena. Once the line starts the bus service to the Meadowlands will stop. This should help to lighten the traffic on Rt 3 on event days. Hooray! Have fun at the game!

It doesn't take much to make my day these days and this did it. Anyone that has traveled on Rt 3, Rt 120, or Rt 17 merging onto Rt 3 on game days can understand why this is a GREAT thing.

Life in Secaucus..............

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:47:05 -0500

Life in Secaucus during Halloween, for kids, is great. The town holds a parade for the children to march with their customes the weekend before Halloween. The schools will also have a parade. The ice rink is utilized by the town for the older children (Grade 5 and up) to go "wild" on "mischief night". The toilet paper and whipped cream stay in the rink area which is great. The children can enjoy themselves but the streets, stores, and houses are not tampered with.
In the Harmon Cove Outlet Center they are going to have pumpkin decorating on 10/25 from 12pm-4pm. The pumpkins and decorations will be provided by Harmon Cove Outlet Center. You can participate for free if you register your children in the Harmon Cove Kid's club located at the information desk. I mention this because I know many people shop at the outlets in Secaucus and you may want to stop by with your children for some Halloween fun. They will also have a Halloween performance on 10/31 with juggling, magic, music and more. Harmon Cove Outlet mall will allow children to trick or treat throughout the stores.

If you miss the pumpkin decorating at the outlets the Secaucus library is also having a "Pumpkin Decorating Party" on Oct. 28 but space is limited so don't forget to register.

Stay tuned for any new updates for "Secaucus fun". There is always more fun to be had in this charming town.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://holiday-clipart.net/

Reasons To Buy............

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:36:43 -0500

Despite current market conditions purchasing a home is still a good long term investment. Owning a home offers immediate benefits as well as long term value. First time buyers who purchase a primary home between 4/9/08 and 7/1/09 may be elegible for a tax credit up to $7500 or 10% of the purchase price(of course which ever is the lessor amount). Check out http://thomas.loc.gov/ for more information. Buying a home gives you tax benefits that a rental won't give you. If you rent you know that you are looking at increases on more than likely a yearly basis without tax benefits. At this time there are numerous properties to choose from and the interest rates are reasonable. It's a perfect time to start your research. Check with a lender to get pre-approved. Once you are pre-approved check the various cities and towns that would interest you in order to get familiar with the pricing of those areas. Find a real estate professional that you feel comfortable with and who is knowledgeable of the areas you want to purchase in. Once you have done that you can start eliminating the types of properties you don't want and working to find the properties that you do want. Work closely with your lender as well to make sure you stay within your comfort zone for your monthly payments. Enjoy and good luck!!!!!!!!!!

FYI- Also check in with your accountant on the tax credit to get the full details.

simonehomes.net

c21goldrealty.com

Here's to Hoping.........

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:17:29 -0500

..........that sellers and buyers will be on the same page. There are some sellers that just aren't facing the reality of the current market conditions. They are living in the past and believing they can get whatever price they want for their home "just because". They aren't paying attention to the sales in their surrounding neighborhoods. They feel their house is better and more special which maybe true to them but not so true to the potential buyer. Their are realistic buyers who are looking at the solds and comparing the houses to come up with a realistic offer but these particular sellers come back with these unrealistic counter offers. I am not saying that all sellers are unrealistic or all buyers are realistic. I am just saying it is a lovely thing when we have a realistic seller and a realistic buyer at the same time on the same deal. What a wonderful thing! I understand that some people are attached to their homes but if you have lived in the home for years and you haven't done much if anything to the home you can't expect top dollar. The banks aren't going to lend money to the buyer to purchase a property that is over priced "just because".

Secaucus and Bayonne are lovely towns that many people have an interest in but some of the sellers in these towns are not paying attention to the market. If you have a house on the market for months without getting an offer and you get a realistic offer then you need to give a realistic counter offer. If the sales within your neighborhood are less than you want to sell your home for then take your home off the market until it gets better because you are not getting your price.

There are some buyers as well that aren't paying attention to the neighborhood pricing. They feel that because of the market the prices should be 10% to 20% below the sales of the neighborhood. I know you have to try but really you need to look at the details of the sales and the condition of the property NOT just throw out a number to see if it sticks.

I gather most people are going through these issues but this was just one of those weeks.

TIPS ON SELLING YOUR HOME IN A GOOD OR BAD MARKET

Simone Shaw-Disla, e-Pro (C21 Gold Realty) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:01:33 -0500

Whether a good or bad market (financial disaster) as we have now a seller needs to do certain things to make their home more appealing. Even in this market there are still multiple offers coming in on properties where sellers have taken these steps.

PRICE YOUR HOME CORRECTLY FOR THE MARKET
REVIEW THE SOLDS WITHIN THE LAST 3MTHS THAT ARE PROVIDED BY A KNOWLEDGEABLE AGENT
DE-CLUTTER YOUR HOME
REMOVE MAJORITY (NOT ALL) PERSONAL PICTURES
REMOVE PIECES OF FURNITURE TO MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL AS OPEN AS POSSIBLE - IF NEEDED
FRESHLY PAINT, TOUCH UP PAINT OR CLEAN WALLS IF NEEDED
DE-PERSONALIZE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER FOR A BUYER TO SEE THEMSELVES LIVING THERE
IF THE PROPERTY IS VACANT IT CAN BE VERY HELPFUL TO STAGE IT--SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE VISION SO IT IS EASIER FOR THEM TO SEE THEMSELVES IN THE PROPERTY IF IT'S FURNISHED
HOUSES--PAY ATTENTION TO LANDSCAPING--EVEN IN THE FALL--REMOVE THE LEAVES--REMOVE WEEDS--REMOVE SNOW & ICE IN THE WINTER
PEOPLE WITH CHILDREN--PUT AWAY THE TOYS--KEEP EVERYTHING NEAT--REQUEST 24HR NOTICE IN YOUR SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS TO GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO PREPARE

I have been a realtor for over 12 years but I have also been a buyer and a seller. I also have a young child. I not only recommend my clients to do these things but I have personally done it when selling my homes. I listen to the comments my clients make when going through various homes and I see what they feel is important. Not everyone can afford to put in new bathrooms and a new kitchen but if you have everything clean, decluttered, and the property priced right the property will sell and sell well. Sometimes people just need to invest some time and energy to sell a property.

FYI------Even after the financial meltdown--this past weekend there were 3 offers on a property that has been on the market for 18 days-------wonder why? ----(SEE ABOVE)