felton: Why buyers actually prefer agents - 03/14/10 04:50 PM
Why buyers actually prefer agents
 
Most buyers feel uncomfortable dealing directly with the seller of the home because of the different confrontations involved, not to mention the buyer feeling anxiety from the seller hovering over them while they shop for a home.  Another reason why buyers prefer real estate agents vs.  Dealing directly with the seller is because they're afraid that they will offend you...  They might not like the way a certain thing looks in your house but will not tell you because they don't want to offend you.  Buyers don't mind telling their real estate agent things that … (11 comments)

felton: Number one reason why for sale by owners don't sell - 03/14/10 04:49 PM
What is the number one reason why for sale by owners don't sell?  Yes it is a good lesson near to go to the corner of the room and repeat yourself....  Price, price, price, and yes say it again to yourself...  Price!  If you want to sell, vertically in today's market you have to have a realistic price.
 
So let's explore why most for sale by owners set their price too high to track perspective buyers.  The reason often is because the seller is focusing on the wrong goal.  The number one goal should be to sell your property.  What … (6 comments)

felton: Cleaning the bathroom - 03/14/10 04:47 PM
Cleaning the bathroom.
 
You would be surprised at how many homes I've toured in which the bathroom could have had a much better positive impression on the buyer.  One of the number one things I see buyers looking at is that caulking around the bathroom tub, toilet, and sink.  Most of my buyers have come to expect clean, clean, and did I say clean bathroom?!  Spending extra time in the bathroom could be the best thing a seller could do to make their home or sellable.  Have you looked at the tiles in your bathroom lately?  Many homes I've seen, … (3 comments)

felton: Your best return on investment is paint - 03/14/10 04:44 PM
Your best return on investment is paint!
Paint paint and paint!  I tour so many homes on the market and notice so many Sellers make this mistake, they do not paint their home!  Paint neutral colors like white would be my recommendation.  You could try to talk a dog off a meat wagon, but until it's painted, the buyers simply won't be as motivated and excited about your home.
 
Sometimes, I feel like I could be a painter, and offer my services to all the Sellers out there but that's not my job.  I really wish I was a professional … (5 comments)

felton: Selling your home quickly - 03/14/10 04:43 PM
Selling your home quickly!
Selling your home quickly involves many different things and one of those are making sure you have a better looking house then the rest!  One way to do this is staging but usually before your home is staged, it is a good idea to have your agent walked through the home and give you great suggestions.  You'll be surprised that some of the responses your real estate agent will give you, for example: neutral colors all throughout the house....  I often get a surprised look on the Sellers face when I discussed this with them.
 
Remember … (1 comments)

felton: Do not hide defects in your property or it could come back at you - 03/14/10 04:41 PM
Do not hide defects in your property or it could come back at you.
 
When you meet with your real estate agent at the time you list your home for sale, it is extremely important to be very truthful and honest with your agent.  The home inspection that will be done on your home is an important step of the home buying process.  I always recommend to Sellers to get a home inspection done before listing their home for sale, this way, you may discover everything that is wrong with your home in advance, so you may fix it before … (2 comments)

felton: simple checklist that I found that could be very helpful for those that might be considering selling their home on their own. - 03/14/10 04:39 PM
Here is a simple checklist that I found that could be very helpful for those that might be considering selling their home on their own.
 
Are you willing to give up your weekends and any evenings for the next three months, just to show buyers around your home?
 
Will you be willing to let strangers into your home as you try to sell your home on your own?
 
Can you be ready to show your home day and night, on a moment's notice?
 
Are you a risk taker?
 
Are you willing to learn how to do … (4 comments)

felton: Many people lead busy, hectic lives - 03/14/10 04:37 PM
Many people lead busy, hectic lives and simply do not have the time or the energy to bother with selling a home themselves.  The vast majority of people simply bypass selling a home on their own because of various reasons just like the one I just mentioned.  There is certainly a lot of twists and turns when trying to sell a home.  Just getting a buyer to sign a bunch of paperwork can be a process all in itself and that's why there are professionals who specialize in this and they are buyer's agents.  Listing agents are another type of agent … (0 comments)

felton: One big misconception that Sellers have - 03/14/10 04:35 PM
One big misconception that Sellers have when they try to sell their home on their own, is that they lower the price of their home by a certain amount, they feel they can get away with that lower price because they do not have a real estate agent.  The problem is because that seller does not have a real estate agent, most buyers who come looking at a for sale by owner, know this and will automatically expect a lower price than what the market usually commands for the home.  Buyers who are looking at for sale by owners usually are … (2 comments)

felton: Are you a frustrated seller? - 03/14/10 04:34 PM
Are you a frustrated seller?
In Delaware some Sellers decide to sell their home on their own.  There could be a variety of reasons for selling your home on your own.  For many of these for sale by owners, it is their first time trying to attempt to sell their home on their own.  With all the factors and mind, selling a home on your own will take a lot of work and require a full-time effort on your part.  If you do not have the time needed to sell your home, you may find that you'll go through a lot … (4 comments)

felton: Hot water heater and homes in Delaware - 02/21/10 10:01 AM
I recently read an important post about the hot water heater.  It should have an 18 inch platform to avoid fire hazards.  Every home needs one of these and you want to be sure that yours is large enough to supply your needs.  The system should be able to handle running let's say your dishwasher and take a shower at the same time. 
 
Oil-fired and gas-fired water heaters are quite efficient and will reheat more quickly.  An electric water heater takes longer to reheat so that is why you usually find them with a 60 gallon tank. 
 
If you … (5 comments)

felton: Repairs a home needs in Delaware - 02/21/10 09:59 AM
The Repairs a home needs can often throw a buyer though a loop so that's why I always address the repair thing right up front before we begin any tour. 
 
It should be expected that all homes have something wrong.  Really , none of them are perfect and even the brand new homes have been known to have inspection problems.
 
Don't worry too much as I will ensure you get a home inspection that will tell us exactly what issues the home has. 
 
If the home has any structural issues the seller will be required to fix those … (0 comments)

felton: Roof Problems on the home you buy here in Delaware - 02/21/10 09:57 AM
Roof problems are a common thing when buying a home.  It is one thing I study for my buyers as they tour the home.  I want to address any problems I notice.  It can me among one of the most disturbing things you will encounter when you search for a house to buy.  Roofs can be a little more than pocket change, they can add up as a big expense.  It is important to know that the rood repair is not necessarily a deal breaker as some sellers are willing to negotiate.
 
In a matter like this it is important … (0 comments)

felton: Growing Vegetables on your Delaware property - 02/21/10 09:55 AM
Growing Vegetables on your property can be a great way to save money. With the Spring and Summer Approaching us soon this is something to think about when you purchase a home.  I know many folks like to have their own personal gardens.
 
Take a look at the quality of the soil and see if it is rocky, sandy, or does it seem to be just right...rich and fertile?  Also take note at the sunlight direction. 
 
If you have kids, is the yard large enough for you and a garden? 
 
Speak to your REALTOR ® if you have … (0 comments)

felton: First Time Buyers and Mistakes That First Time Buyers Make as it is some good advice for Delaware - 02/21/10 09:52 AM
First-time buyer reality is that there is "No Perfect Home" as if their was it would have been built just for you.  Every customer is different with their own set of expectations. Almost every time we sit down to discuss the home criteria the truth in the matter is that the absolute dream house you would want to own and live in for your whole life long usually is a fantasy. 
Remember that this is your first-house and their will be some things that you will need to understand about buying a home.  Some homes you see will be much older … (0 comments)

felton: Biggest Worries That Sellers Have - 02/13/10 12:39 PM
According to an older NAR article I was reading, here are the biggest worries that all sellers have.
17% of Sellers - Getting enough money to recover what I put into the house (I'm sure this # is a little higher today!)
14% - Worry about the hassle of keeping their home in constant showcase condition
11% - Worry about closing on time to meet their relocation deadline date
11% - Worry about selling in time to buy the house they want before it sells to someone else.
8% - Worry about temporary housing and a second move
7% - Worry … (0 comments)

felton: What is Trench Foot and prevention tips for Delaware - 02/06/10 06:39 AM
The east coast has been slammed with snow and Delaware is just one of those States!  With all this snow I've already discussed Hypothermia, Frostbite and now my part 3 of 3 on "Trench Foot". 
Trench foot is a medical conition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to a damp, unsanitary as well as cold condition.  Today's snow storm of up to 23 inches is just the right recipe for developing this condition of Trench Foot!
Affected feet may become numb and turn red or blue as a result of poor vascular supply.  Feet may also begin to decay if … (4 comments)

felton: What is Frostbite and important tips for Delaware - 02/06/10 06:08 AM
Snow, Snow, Snow is coming on down and with that means kids that are excited to play in all that snow!  Let me remind you of Frostbite!
What is Frostbite?  It is a medical condition where damage is caused to the skin and other tissues in the body due to extreme cold.  The initial stages of frostbite are often called "Frostnip". 
Hands, Feet, Nose, Leg, and Ears are the most likely parts of your body to be affected by frostbite.
Other Factors that will contribute to frostbite will be the extreme coldness outside like it is today, any inadequate clothing, wet … (1 comments)

felton: What is hypothermia - 02/06/10 05:53 AM
With all the up to 23 inches of snow today here in Delaware it is important to remind you of a condition called "Hypothermia".  What is it?   Hypo means "under" or "below" and therm means temperature.  It is a condition in which the core temperature drops below that required for a normal metabolism as well as body functions.  In all warm-blooded animals the core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through what is called "Homeostasis" & "Thermoregulation" but when the body is exposed to cold, it's internal mechanisms may not be able to replenish all the heat that is being … (0 comments)

felton: Cold Conditions means you need to prepare for the cold weather Delaware - 02/06/10 05:40 AM
How does the body react to cold conditions?When in a cold environment, most of your body's energy is used to keep your bodys internal temperature warm. Over time, your body will begin to shift blood flow from your extremities (your hands, feet, arms, and legs) as well as the outer skin to the core (your chest and abdomen areas). This process will allow the exposed skin and the extreme coolness to rapidly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you combine this with cold water, and trench foot may also be a problem.What are the most common cold induced problems?Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Trench … (0 comments)