What I do to market and sell a home in Atlanta GA - Real Estate Listing Services

If you interview listing agents to sell your Decatur or Atlanta home, they will usually give you a high-level overview of  marketing plans and services.  Have you ever wondered what a real estate agent REALLY has to do to get your home on the market.... and get you to the closing table?  To follow is a deep dive into all that goes into marketing and selling an Atlanta home.

LISTING PRESENTATION / HOME VALUATION

• PRICING RESEARCH:  Before I meet a seller for the first time, I typically spend about two hours looking at comparable homes, evaluating market trends (local and hyper-local), and creating a detailed report to share with the homeowner.

• LOCATION RESEARCH:  I also drive by the house and/or look it up on Google Earth to see if there is anything that could impact the value of the home (small yard, neighboring home in disrepair, backyard faces a commercial area, etc).

• CUSTOM MARKETING PLAN:  Every Atlanta home and every neighborhood is unique, so I typically prepare a custom marketing plan to ensure that the home sells quickly and for top dollar.  For example, homes that are under $350K usually get a great response when advertised on Craigslist and other classfied ads.  For luxury homes, I may need to host a special event or connect with several relocation services.  For areas in high demand, I like to host a "Sneak Preview" agent caravan to generate interest (and sometimes offers) BEFORE your home is on the market.

• FINDING THE PERFECT PRICE:  If the seller isn't 100% comfortable with my pricing recommendation, I typically do one of two things:

COMING SOON or PRE-LISTING MARKETING

• Staging Consultation:  Hire a staging consultant to do a 2-hour assessment of your home. It's a great way to get a professional opinion, even if you home already looks fantastic, the stager always seems to add the extra touch that makes your home stand out in the photographs and/or when buyers first walk through your door.

• Signage:  Install a "Coming Soon" sign in your front yard (about 7 to 10 days before we officially list the home in the multiple listing system)

• Photographer:  Hire a professional real estate photographer to take pictures of your home.

• Flyers:  Hire a graphic designer to create fabulous, professionally designed flyers for your home.  I also have them professionally printed so they are ready as soon as your home is officially listed.

• Internet Promotions:  Create a "coming soon" web page for your home and then promote it on Facebook, Twitter, at least three real estate blogs, Craigslist, AJC Classifieds, Trulia and also feature your home in our bi-weekly eNewsletter that is sent to more than 1,000 past clients, friends, and associates.

• Agent Promotions:  Send an eFlyer out to all of the "Intown Atlanta" and Decatur realtors to let them know that your home will be listed soon.  

At the end of the pre-listing marketing period, my goal is to have at least three (very excited) buyers who want to see your home the MINUTE it is officially on the market.  This is a fantastic way to quickly generate multiple offers for your home.

ON THE MARKET

When I enter your home in the Atlanta multiple listing system (MLS), I know we only have a limited amount of time to stand out from the crowd, so my team and I act quickly.  All of the photos are ready, marketing copy written, professional flyers ordered from the printer and custom marketing plan for your home is in place.  

We have a checklist that includes more than 35 marketing items for your home -- everything from Postlets.com, Activerain blog post, Trulia blog post, and even Craigslist ads.  

A "Just Listed" sign is installed, along with a custom website address, and flyer box in front of your home.

We also use a home feedback system called Showing Suite that will allow you, the seller, to receive direct feedback about your home from the showing agents and their buyers.

*** Please note that there are at least a dozen other marketing tactics I utilize to help promote your home , but because they are part of my "secret recipe" you will have to call me for more information! 

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS & PAPERWORK

After we have successfully negotiated an offer (or offers!) for your home, many sellers are amazed at the amount of paperwork involved.  This year, we've started to focus on going paperless, so 99% of the contract paperwork is signed using an "eSignature."

But getting an offer is only the first step.  As your listing representative, it is my responsibility to help you negotiate home repairs, handle earnest money, connnect with the buyer's lender to ensure that things are progressing on schedule, submit the necessary paperwork to my broker, coordinate utility transfers, answer questions from the buyer's agent, submit contract paperwork to the closing attorney, schedule the closing, order termite inspections and/or property surveys, install / update / remove signage, meet with the appraiser, weekly (or daily) seller updates, and more.  

Listing an Atlanta home in today's market requires organization, time-tested marketing strategies, and perserverance.  I truly love what I do and there is nothing more rewarding than sitting across from a happy seller at the closing table!

____________________________________

If you are thinking of selling your home this year and want to learn a bit more about the services I provide, my flexible listing commission plan, and track record for generating multiple offers, please call anytime at 404.721.3001 or my direct line at 404.432.1844.

____________________________________

There are many steps to buying a home and reaching that move in day! Probably the most important one will be to make sure you qualify for a mortgage, and are comfortable with the payments. In this part of the Intown Atlanta Real Estate Buyer's Guide, we'll talk about getting your mortgage. Your Lender, Your, Loan, Don't Lie! Now the title might sound a bit harsh, but I'll explain. There are many, many options to you when you look for a lender or mortgage broker to help you with the financing of your new home or condo. Above all else, you want to make sure they can get the job done. So what all is involved?

Selecting The Right Lender or Mortgage Broker

You found me, right? You decided that my knowledge of the Intown Atlanta real estatemarket was important, and I knew the area you wanted to buy in. You decided I understood what you were looking for. You need the same knowledge and understanding from your mortgage broker. But, they need to KNOW you....in a financial sort of way. They will be asking you lots of questions, and asking you for various documents. Don't dilly dally in getting them what they need. They need it for a reason! And here's where the "don't lie" part comes in. If you missed payments on credit cards, or any other important financial "stuff" has happened to you, bring it up NOW! You can't hide it...it WILL be found. And the sooner the better, so your mortgage broker can address the issue, and let you know if it IS an issue in your getting your loan.

Disclose, Disclose, Disclose

If you were selling your home, I'd be telling you this for a different reason. But for the purpose of BUYING your Intown Atlanta real estate, you need to disclose things for a different reason. If Grandma Hilma is proud of you and going to give you a gift ot $10,000 to help with your down payment, you need to disclose this. If you already have the money in your account, it will show on a bank statement and believe me, somebody is going to want to know where that came from. You'll need a gift letter from Grandma. Same applies if the money is coming from your parents. You'll disclose your financial situation when your lender gets a copy of your credit report. Credit is crucial to getting your loan as well as getting a better interest rate on your loan.You'll need to show proof of income. Bank statements, pay stubs and previous years tax returns are going to be asked for. Gather these documents NOW...don't wait till you've found the home or condo of your dreams, and now you're trying to find all the paperwork you need for your lender.

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre Approved

This is often a confusing and misused set of terms in real estate financing. When you have been pre-qualified, most likely, your lender or mortgage officer has pulled your credit report, looked at the amount you told them you make and given you an indication you qualify for a certain mortgage amount. This helps you know the amount of Intown Atlanta real estate you can shop for. But by being pre-approved, you've provided your lender all the documents we've talked about. He's been able to review all this information in greater detail, know your financial condition, and then just be waiting for you and I to write an offer on your home! 

In today's real estate market, homes are moving quickly. And manytimes, the offer, especially on a foreclosure requires you have a pre approval from a lender. Sometimes it will be a lender other than you have initally choosen, but you can still get your actual loan with the lender you have selected. During all this process, you may find out that you qualify for MORE than you want to spend. This is an important step for both you and I to take a look at. You might qualify to purchase a $300,000 home, but maybe YOU don't want the payment that comes with it. After looking at the number, you and your lender might find you are more comfortable with the payment on a $250,000 home. This is important for you and me, so I can make sure we look at the right priced homes, and I don't show you more of a home that you want to buy!

Your Lender, Your Loan, Don't Lie leads to another equation....Your Lender, Your Loan = Your New Home! I've got a great team that includes lenders I've worked with in the past. They know the Intown Atlanta Real Estatemarket and will help both you and I get you into your new home!

Looking for a particular article in our Intown Atlanta Real Estate Buyer's Guide? Here's the entire series!

Finding the Right Agent

Your Lender, Your Loan, Don't Lie

Desire vs. Require

Let's Go Shopping -- Looking For Your New Home

Making The Offer (The Contract)

Contingencies In The Contract

Inspections, Oh My!

Walk and Close, Oh Happy Day!

Associate Broker

Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

2911 Piedmont Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Direct: 770.713.1505  Office: 404.876.4901  Fax: 404.478.8495

 

              

 

 

 SEARCH ATLANTA HOMES FOR SALE BY ZIP CODE!

 

Brookhaven/Ashford Park 30319	Buckhead 30305
Buckhead 30327	Buckhead 30342
Chamblee 30341	Decatur 30307
Doraville 30340	Downtown Atlanta 30303
Druid Hills 30329	Dunwoody 30338
East Atlanta/Ormewood Park 30316	East Lake/Kirkwood 30317
Grant Park 30312	Midtown Atlanta 30308
Midtown Atlanta 30309	Midtown West/Collier Hills 30318
Morningside 30306	Morningside 30324

Are you looking for a specific Intown Atlanta neighborhood to focus on?

Contact Thomas Ramon Realty and we can set up a search for any specific neighborhood you are looking for!  

How This Atlanta Vacant Home Went from Staged to Under Contract in 1 day!

Yesterday, while driving back from a home staging in Virginia Highlands, I received the following text:

Forgot to let you know that we listed the home on Friday and got an offer on Saturday! Great team work!

We had just staged this home last Thursday. As you might imagine, I'm super excited, as is he. For us, this is a new investor that had reached out to us to put-us-to-the-test (sort of speak). With such a great result, we'll be staging other investment properties he has on the horizon.

So, how did we help get this Atlanta vacant home under contract in 1 day?:

• We visited the home on April 6th to see it first-hand
• We asked as many question as possible to learn the demographic of the buyer
• We selected furniture and accessories appropriate for the home

Here are a couple of before and after pictures:

Home Staging Atlanta - Kathy Nielsen - 678 522 8392

 TOP 10 Professional Stager of the Year in the

United States 2013  - RESA

This Atlanta home stager understands what it takes to separate your home or listing from the others on the market. Armed with a massive inventory, we can add the furniture and accessories befitting the style of the home as well as the demographics of the buyer. We also provide our after pictures at no additional charge. 

 

 

Our Atlanta home staging services have helped hundreds of sellers secure a contract quickly. Visit our website at http://atlantahomestaging.net to see first-hand the solutions for selling your home, listing or flipped property. Contact us today to schedule your appointment by emailing Kathy at Kathy@HomeStagingAtlanta.com or by calling 678 522 8392. We've got the furniture and accessories your home needs!

 

 

PR: wait...  I: wait...  L: wait...  LD: wait...  I: wait... wait...  Rank: wait...  Traffic: wait...  Price: wait...  C: wait...

Let your voice be heard!

On January 30th the Atlanta Public Schools will be holding the next Demographic Study Public Meetings regarding the APS redistricting for the Jackson and Grady High School clusters, which includes Springdale Park Elementary, Morningside Elementary, Mary Lin Elementary and Inman Middle School, Toomer and many others.

This is such an important issue for your children's education.  Even if you don't have kids, the changes may have an impact your property values.  

JANUARY 30 APS MEETING:

Jackson High School

 801 Glenwood Avenue SE

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

For more information, please visit the following websites:

Atlanta Public Schools - Demographic Study and update from Superintendant Davis (released 1/19/2012)

East Atlanta Patch - Summary of redistricting articles and opinions

Morningside Re-zoning

http://vahi.patch.com/topics/Atlanta+Public+Schools+Redistricting

New options and maps will be posted on the APS district’s website prior to the January 30 – February 2 meetings.

Townhomes for sale in Morningside Atlanta - Just Listed Townhouses Atlanta

JUST LISTED TODAY!

570 Rock Springs Place

Atlanta, A 30306

FMLS # 4290681

2 bedrooms

2.5 bathrooms

This spacious Morningside townhome is the kind of place that just feels like "home." The inviting open floor plan, light-filled rooms and gleaming hardwood flooring really make you want to come inside and stay a while.

The large living area is just off of the foyer with a beautiful fireplace that serves as the room's focal point. The formal dining room is perfectly positioned between the living room and kitchen, so it's ideal for entertaining. On a warm evening, you can open the French doors, allowing you to expand your entertaining space onto the back patio.

A light and bright kitchen offers plenty of counter and storage space, newer appliances, and a breakfast nook that is perfect for your morning coffee or tea. Another set of French doors open onto the fully fenced backyard - this low maintenance area is a great space for your pets or children! 

Two spacious bedrooms can be found on second floor, including a dreamy master retreat with a spacious walk-in closet and a freshly tiled master bath with whirlpool tub, separate shower and double vanity. 

This home is truly move-in ready, with a newer roof, HVAC, appliances, freshly-painted rooms, flooring, and more. With no Homeowners Association (HOA) dues and low unincorporated Dekalb County taxes, you will save hundreds of dollars each month! 

If you decide to make this your new home, you will be within walking distance to popular restaurants, shops, parks and local events. Emory University, Virginia Highland, and the interstate are only minutes away.

For more information and additional photos of this well-loved and well-cared for townhouse visit:

570 Rock Springs Place >>

To schedule an appointment to tour this lovely home, please call Anne Landers at 404.547.0330 or Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844.

View ALL the Atlanta Townhomes for Sale

Search for homes and townhouses in Morningside Atlanta

Morningside Atlanta Townhome for Sale - Coming Soon!

In the next week, we will be listing a spacious, light-filled town house in Atlanta's popular Morningside neighborhood.  To follow are just a few of its many features:

• 2 bedrooms
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Privated, fenced backyard
• Large living room
• Formal dining room with French doors leading to back patio
• Eat-in kitchen
• Oodles of storage
• Spacious master retreat with walk-in closet and master bath with double vanity, garden tub and separate shower
• Off street parking (assigned)
• Walk to all the shops and restaurants in Morningside
• Convenient to the interstate, shopping, Virginia Highland, Piedmont Park, CDC and Emory University
• Low property taxes (unincorporated Dekalb county)
• NO HOA DUES!  

Even though the Atlanta real estate market has slowed in recent months, there are still plenty of home buyers ready to make a purchase. And knowing how to prepare your Morningside home for sale, when to allow access for showings, and how to offer buyer incentives will help you find the right buyer, even in a down real estate market.

Before you put your Morningside home on the market, make sure that all basic repairs are completed. Nothing turns a prospective buyer off faster than loose hand railings, torn window screens or missing hardware on cabinet doors. These are easy repairs and don't cost a lot of money. If a homebuyer sees that little repairs are not fixed, they will likely wonder what else has been neglected. Let buyers know that you take pride in your Morningside home by making sure that all of the small repairs are taken care of.

Keep your Morningside home clean throughout the time it's on the market. In a slow real estate market, it's important to have your home available to show at a minute's notice. The more often your home is shown to propsective home buyers, the more likely it is your home will sell. 

Have your home staged by a professional. A professional home stager can help you remove clutter and depersonalize your space. Prospective home buyers want to picture their family in the home and a home full of clutter will not show off your home's true potential.

Keep pets contained during a real estate showing and make sure that your cat litter box is always clean. Pet owners tend to get used to odors caused by litter boxes and it's important that you remember to clean it every day. Nothing will turn off a prospective buyer like a home that smells. Many people are afraid of dogs, large or small. Make sure that you take your dog with you for a showing or put them on a leash in the back yard.

Be realistic in your expectations of your price and you will sell your Morningside home. Forget about what you might have been able to sell it for last year and focus on what your home is worth now. In a buyer's market, buyers know that they don't have to negotiate much. Buyers know that you want to sell your Morningside home and a home that is priced too high is likely to be over looked. Ask a fair and correct price for your Morningside home to minimize negotiations.

In a slow Atlanta real estate market, hiring a real estate agent is crucial to get your Morningside home sold in a reasonable time. There are ways you can list and sell your home yourself by using the internet, but nothing beats the experience of a real estate agent who is able to take care of everything involved to sell your home.

Selling your Morningside home can be a stressful time, but you can be successful in selling your home if you're patient, reasonable and flexible. There are home buyers out there and the key is to find them and get them to fall in love with your home the minute they step foot in the front door.

For a free consultation and more information on selling your Morningside home, contact Ron Tissier at (404) 580-9069 or visit MyAtlantaLuxuryHomes.com.