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What I learned from door knocking in Dutchess County.

Over the last couple days the temperature was somewhat warmer, don't get me wrong it is still cold and many driveways are still covered in snow. Living here in the Northeast during the winter months you can easily suffer from cabin fever so I decided to go out and meet a few of my neighbors yesterday. Everyone I met was rather pleasant and we spent a few minutes talking about what was happening in town and of course everyone wanted to know about the real estate market and the economy in general. I heard many predictions as to when a turn around would happen.

So what did I learning from door knocking?

Making a decision to sell a house is more complicated these days. Homeowners are concern they won't make enough on the sale, or they might get less than they owe on the house.
Concerns about job loss, theirs as well as friends and neighbors.
Waiting for spring to list because they are hopeful things will be better then.
Everyone is just sick of the weather and would be happy if there is no more snow this winter

Why it would be wise to list now.

There are buyers looking right now who can't find the house they want. Yes there is a lots of inventory but what if your home was the one that would appeal to these buyers? If you wait until spring this could be a missed opportunity.
As I mentioned earlier many sellers have told me they are waiting until spring. Speaking to my associates they are hearing the same thing, so it seems come springtime the the competition will get stiffer.

How I can help you.

If you are considering selling your Dutchess County home you would want to know how much your home is worth and arriving at this number is very critical these days. As a real estate agent who is always reviewing and providing updated statistics about the housing market in the area I would be able to provide you with a market analysis.
To provide you with the analysis I would need to take a look at the property I would then be in a position to give you feedback on items you could address to ensure that you get a better price.
What if you are having trouble paying your mortgage? here too I can provide you with useful information and point you in the right direction as to how to avoid foreclosure. It is always a pleasure educating the consumer.
Yes these are just a few of the services I offer.

Written by:Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

Posted by Jennifer Fivelsdal, Fishkill NY on 01/23/2009 11:13 PM

Comments (26)

Selling Your Home in the Home Selling Channel

door knocking, dutchess county, dutchess county realtor, market analysis, home for sale in ducthess

Originally posted at: Rhinebeck Living: What I learned from door knocking in Dutchess County.

This post has been included in New York Information Dutchess County, NY Information
Post is included in group: REALTOR LIFE
Post is included in group: Hudson Valley Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals

26 Comments on What I learned from door knocking in Dutchess County.

JAN

OK Jennifer, I'm convinced... you make a compelling case for why now is the time for sellers to list their homes... and not just in Dutchess County! Let's hope that the sellers think so too!

JAN

Steve - I think if everyone is waiting to list at the same time competition will be stift.

It's great to get out and meet the neighbors... you have made a difference so when sellers and buyers are ready .. you will be the 1st they contact... All the best for 2009

if you need to sell, now can be a great time to list a home . IF and only IF you price the home right, otherwise, it will never sell

Jennifer, I'm proud of you for going out in this weather to knock on doors particularly! This is one of the coldest winters I can remember--but only 55 days until Spring!! I'm glad you got out and met new people (and helped your business).

Wow I have never knocjed on doors before. I am not sure I would have the courage to do it either. Good for you Jennifer...I am sure people will remember you!

Jennifer, excellent blog, and yes it is amazing what you can learn by just getting out and talking to the neighbors.

Jennifer - There is never an "ideal' time to list a house. Those who list NOW might save themselves from future decline in value.

Kudos to YOU for door-knocking! I love your posts - and your tips - and advice to buyers/sellers......its professional.....to the point........nothing but the STRAIGHT goods!

JAN

I agree that selling at the right price will bring the Buyers.......too many dreamer's still on the selling side.

You are a hearty bunch up north!! It sounds like you got a good response though. I am working with out of town buyers moving here from Colorado. I thought it was cold so was in my coat and sweater while they are in short sleeves. When we first moved here we use to laugh at the wimps but we have TOTALLY acclimated and have become a wimp.

JAN

Jennifer - I enjoy door knocking in the warmer months. The very first time I did, I must confess I was terrified, but only then. It turned out to be a very pleasant experience that I wanted to repeat. Besides, when I do I don't have to go to the gym.

Jennifer, you are so right. Buyers don't just move and want to buy in the Spring. Sellers need to grab the opportunity while the irons are hot and get their homes on the market before the supply and demand goes up in the Spring.

JAN

Donna - I really enjoyed doing it. I am a people person.

James - Price is key, those seller who quickly embracing the shifting market are selling.

Carole - I have to keep that in mind that spring is less than 2 months away. It was really nice to get out.

Bill - For me it comes easy. I really enjoyed meeting the people at the door.

I love the post. It's great information for everyone to read. Have a great 2009.

George - You are so right, you really learn so much.

Carol - Good point.

Liz - Coming from you that is a real compliment. Thank you.

Dan - I so agree with you.

Marchel - We adapt to our surroundings, I have friends who moved to Florida and when the temperature dips they complain the loudest.

Eloise - Door knocking sure has it's advantages.

Gena - It is amazing how many do things according to traditions. Sellers need to realise we are in a shifting market.

Jennifer you're so great with your comments and such a loyal reader! I truly appreciate you! :-)

Jennifer,

Good points! I need to door knocking also. How you get yourself to knock doors one after another.

Grace

JAN

Jennifer:
Good for you for getting yourself out there, knocking on doors! It isn't easy to motivate in this weather, and you're right, that there is a general feeling of uncertainty in the air. I don't blame people for feeling this way -- I'm certainly not immune to the feelings. However, for people who want to sell in the next year, your words ring true: Now is the best time to get your home on the market, for the reasons you list.

I don't know what's happening in your market, but in Rockland County, I anticipate that the prices will go 2 to 3% lower this spring. We've just begun to feel the effects of foreclosures and short sales -- this quarter will be very telling.

Through all the uncertainty I remain optimistic, though, that we will come out of this with a lot more knowledge. I am definitely paying attention to things that I didn't need to pay attention to in a seller's market (like lead generating!) which are making me a better agent.

Here's to a good spring.

PS I went door knocking on Sat, slipped on some ice on a steep driveway, pulled a muscle in my back, and went back home after 10 houses!

Liz- It is alway a pleasure reading your postings. Informative and your photos are just awesome.

Grace - It was graet, I had great conversation at several doors.

Jennifer - Yes remain optimistic markets do shift.

Sorry about your accident while door knocking. At this time of year I choose a neighborhood where the homes are close and the driveways are short, and I won't go up a slippery one. I do hope you will feel better soon.

FEB

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Rhinebeck NY (Keller Williams Realty)-Great as usual from you Jennifer. This is a great reason why home buyers in Dutchess County New York and across the country should buy a house now while interest rates are historically low and more inventory to choose from. And I might try door knocking again. Any advice on what I should do or questions to ask when I approach home owners? Great post.

FEB

We're currently thinking about selling to move up. My husband said the same thing - let's wait until Spring. I said what you said - everyone is waiting until spring. If we list now, we won't have as much competition. Guess I was right! Cause Jennifer said so!

~Renae

I knew you were a KW agents when I read the title! (Not that that's a bad thing!) Gary Keller really stresses door knocking, cold calling, etc. Basically, getting to know your neighbors. Good on you for going out there and actually doing it. Now you need to set up a community newsletter-type website and send them all postcards to introduce it. "Hi! I came by your house on __________. I just wanted to let you know that I've set up a community newsletter that you can access by visiting www.HudsonValleyNewsletter.com. Let me know if you'd like something specific included in the newsletter!" It will be a great way to continue to keep that rapport you've started by getting up the guts to knock on their door!

Kathy

FEB

It's difficult to go door knocking here because all the flat land is taken by shopping centers and condo complexes, and the condo HOA's don't allow door knocking. Out in the neighborhoods, some of the streets are so steep that one is tired after walking to just two or three houses, and driving forty feet and parking at very house is time consuming on its own.

APR

Thanks for the great input. It will help me in my door knocking endeavors.

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