ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT PUTTING YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET?
January is traditionally a time when I get phone calls that begin with "we are thinking about putting our home on the market." It is a simple statement but has lots of ramifications. Often the families giving me a call may not actually put their home upf for sale for 5 or 6 months. Some have never put their home on the market. Most are just thinking about putting their home on the market but have some specific things they need to know.
Number One Question: How Much Is My Home Worth?
This is a market based question that is not easily answered. Yes, I can give an estimate over the phone. It will be a down and dirty estimate based on pulling some comparable sales up while we are talking on the phone. Not the best way to do a market estimate but probably better than just guessing.
Given time to do a little research I can dramatically improve the reliability of this estimate. I can gather more information about your home, more thoroughly research the market and use some analytical tools to determine a market based estimate of the value of your home. Some folks want a sit down formal presentation of this information. Some just need to know the "number". Let me know which you are looking for and "so it will be done" to quote my favorite line from The King and I.
I advertise FREE MARKET ANALYSIS and I mean it. You have no obligation when you request a market valuation.
If you are facing foreclosure or considering a short sale I would be particularly glad to give you a market opinion. I understand how stressful the situation can be and I want to help. You do not have to list the home with me to receive a Market Analysis.
Number Two Question: What Do I Need to Do To My Home To Get It Ready For the Market?
This question almost always involves a visit to your home to "take a look" and walk through the home. Most of the things we find will be issues you already know about but just needed a little confirmation that a task needed to be tackled. Some issues may come as a surprise. I often find home owners have pet peeves about their homes and want to spend money on improvements that really do not have any impact on the marketability of the home. Home owners are often surprised when I do not make suggestions like "rip out your kitchen and replace it with a new one".
Having owned, renovated and sold many investment properties over the years, I find smaller cosmetic changes have the most immediate and dramatic effect on a property. Removing dated wallpaper, fresh paint, organizing storage areas and improving curb appeal are the most cost effective ways to get your home ready for the market.
SEE PREVIOUS SERIES OF POSTS: Are You Ready To Sell Your Home? Detailed information about how to prepare your home for the marketplace.
Number Three Question: What's The Market Like Right Now?
Some people want the numbers and others just want a shoot form the hip answer. Most just want to know if real estate in Atlanta has started to move again. 2010 has a lot of promise and opportunity. Will we see a return to house values of the go go years in 2010? The answer is "not likely". Do I anticipate the market will improve? I am hopeful and we have started to see encouraging signs. I give you and update when you call!
SALLY ENGLISH AND THE ENGLISH TEAM
Sally English and the English Team specialize in Atlanta homes convenient to Emory University, Centers for Disease Control and the VA Medical Center. We look forward to hearing from you about your real estate needs. Call us at 770-939-3174 or email sallyenglish@englishteam.com
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