Barbara Falfas's (bfalfas) Blog

The real estate agent has done the preparation for the listing presentation.  The CMA has been done and you know the price range the market is willing to bear.  The homeowner believes their home is worth more than your price range.  You list at the sellers price even though you know it is too hig...

Real estate market to tumble again?  This bill is very troubling especially with the current real estate market struggling. This bill will make sellers have an energy inspection prior to being able to sell their home. Windows, appliances and insulation will have to be inspected and approved by a ...

Interest rates are at all time lows.  Home prices have dropped drastically.  Yet, buyers are not buying because they think interest rates will drop again or they want an even lower purchase price.  No one knows when the market will turn.  If you wait until it does, you will be too late.  My advic...

Technology has revolutionized the real estate market.  Buyers are armed with data before entering a house.  Prospective buyers have listing price, previous sales price, neighboring home prices, tax records, and the going square footage rate all from the click of a mouse.    Sellers must understan...

I am an Erie County Master Gardener, so I am more critical than most on landscape design and maintenance.  However, when "non gardening" clients make comments on overgrown landscape, lack on color, poor plant choices (too large for location) then you know the home has no curb appeal.  Many articl...

If you need more space, it is a great time to buy a larger home.  Why, you ask?  The reason is, it is a buyers market.  Yes, this means everyone is taking less for their home, but larger homes have a higher reduction.  Let's do the math:  List a home for $88,000 and sell it for $80,000 - a 10% re...

I am deciding whether I should purchase a new software that lets prospective buyers call and listen to the listing information on the phone.  If the home sounds promising, the caller can enter their fax number and a flier will be sent immediately.  Lastly, if the potential buyer wants to speak to...

The Erie County Master Gardeners are hosting their annual plant sale on May 10, 2008 at the Erie County Fairgrounds.  This is a great place to purchase plants to add "curb appeal to your home" at a very cheap price.  Most plants are $1.00 including a variety of perrentials, both shade and sun pla...