home: How Did You Determine That Listing Price?
- 02/02/10 07:05 AM
Successfully selling homes isn't rocket science. Or, is it? Does a home sell itself, or is smart marketing the key? Or, is it a little of both?
While most of us realize that targeted marketing is a sound sales strategy, it is tough to sell a lemon in any market. But most would agree, rarely is a buyer willing to pay more than an item is worth, unless of course, there's more to the item than meets the eye. But, that is seldom, if ever the case. Wouldn't you agree? Attempting to accurately price homes requires consideration of various factors including: … (0 comments)
home: Are The 5 W’s Important in Real Estate?
- 12/04/09 05:48 AM
We've seen lots written about the latest "du jour" method of communication, advertising.....and marketing. It's called Social Media. If you aren't there yet, they say you should be, and ultimately, will be. I know, sometimes we just don't have much choice.
Most of us have realized, usually through trial and error, that success depends a great deal upon building a firm foundation to begin with. And, in Social Media, it's no different. It begins by understanding who you audience is and what they want. In Social Media "speak", it starts with the 5 W's. 1. WHO Who is saying things about your products … (1 comments)
home: First Things First in Real Estate Practice
- 11/01/09 11:01 PM
Most of us that have served time in the military have been the beneficiary of training that develops skills that serve us well for the remainder of our lives. One of those skills is punctuality.
Recently, I attended a local Real Estate Expo. Arriving early provided me the opportunity to spend a few minutes discussing the state of real estate practice with the event's featured speaker, who is recognized as one of the nation's premier coaches in real estate. During our short exchange, I mentioned the need for better training, and much more demanding pre-licensing requirements for Realtors. The speaker agreed, but … (0 comments)
If you're looking for Stafford and Fredericksburg area homes, this simple resource is just that, simple, easy, and gives you homes, and nothing else. So, take advantage of: http://www.searchingsolutions.com/fredericksburghomebuyer.com Take a look and keep coming back. If you need more information than provided, don't hesitate to call me. To Continue Reading this Article, Click Here: New and Easy Area Home Search … (0 comments)
Have you ever heard the popular phrase, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" when discussing the differnces between men and women? Of course, as many people know, that phrase comes from the title of the best selling book by John Gray, written in 1992. While the title is often remembered, the subtitle, which is the essence of Gray's book, is rarely, if ever cited. That is, "A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want in Your Relationships." The author's focus is on the differences between behaviors and desires of men and women. From there, the … (0 comments)
The term "Short Sale" has become common place in housing markets over the past few years. Yet, for many, what a short sale is, and how it becomes a reality, is still a mystery. A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from the sale are less than, or "short of", what's owed on the balance of the loan securing the property being sold. The Good At first glimpse, one might wonder why a lender would ever entertain such an arrangment, accepting less than what's owed on a loan. In most cases, the owner(s) are "upside … (0 comments)
home: Are You Looking for the Four E’s?
- 06/24/09 01:22 AM
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be successful? Of course, "successful" means different things to different people. But, for the sake of our argument, let's use Webster's definition, " a favorable or desired outcome." Most of us would probably agree with that characterization. But, what does it take to get there, to achieve that end? In the real estate business, many of us define personal success in terms of goal achievement, and numbers or monetary sales goals met. For others, it may be as simple as satisfied clients. But, whatever measure is used, what strategy do we use to acheive … (0 comments)
As an old friend used to remind us, "We all going to make a little bit money, but none of us is going to get any more time." Wasting time is something none of us can afford to do (well, at least I can't). But, it seems that no matter how hard we try, it's "built into the system". In other words, it's just part of life. Many of the processes we're involved in are controlled by others. We don't control all the moving parts, the timing, the content, or, the logistics of getting to the finished product. But, what … (0 comments)
home: How Firm Is Your Foundation?
- 04/29/09 03:05 AM
So, you're looking at a home you're considering purchasing, and you've found a couple of cracks in the home's foundation. While we might think this is the exception, it is often the case. We've found a perfectly good home, but we have questions about the integrity of the cement foundation. Frequently, the cracks are small, but, every now and then, the cracks are much bigger. Which foundation cracks pose a problem? All of them? Any of them?
First, concrete cracks sooner or later. Yes, all concrete cracks. Many cracks are too small to see without the aid of good light and … (0 comments)
Have you ever heard the bar bell? The one that rings around closing time for last call, and as a reminder that it's time to pay the tab. In the U.S., the bell is oftentimes used to signify a generous tip. In the home foreclosure business, there aren't any bells to ring, but there are an abundance of great deals to be had, if only ready, willing and able buyers have the necessary tools to avoid the pitfalls. There are a number of roadblocks to purchasing a foreclosed home. They include: The Bank handling the property. As most Realtors can attest, … (0 comments)
"Doubtless one man's loss is another man's gain." Walter Scott, 1821 Yesterday's New York Times featured an article on the influx of first time homebuyer's who've taken advantage of the current real estate market, which is flush with foreclosured homes for sale. Of course, "foreclosure property" normally means a home priced at a bargain.
The article highlighted a few bright spots in the evolving housing market: 1) Many families, who previously rented, are now finding bargain prices coupled with rock bottom interest rates, resulting in increased purchases. 2) The addition of the first time homebuyers tax credit of $8000.00, coupled with … (0 comments)
home: Latest Local Housing Data
- 03/31/09 01:33 AM
The latest housing inventory numbers for the local area are: FAUQUIER COUNTY and the CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG
SPOTSYLVANIA and STAFFORD COUNTIES
Days on Market (DOM) numbers have remained fairly consistent as we head into Spring. With buying season in full swing, next month's indications should give us a better picture of what's in store for this year.
To Continue Reading this Article, Click Here: Latest Local Housing Data … (0 comments)
home: HOME Relief for the TROOPS
- 03/30/09 02:16 AM
Have you heard of the Housing Assistance Program (HAP)? Most of us haven't. Why would we? HAP is a Department of Defense (DoD) program to assist federal personnel who are stationed near an installation scheduled for closure or realignment, who, no fault of their own, are unable to sell their homes under reasonable terms and conditions. The good news is, the program has expanded.
The newly signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expands the HAP program. Not only does it cover personnel impacted by the Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC), but now has expended to include: … (0 comments)
home: Homes By The Numbers
- 03/13/09 03:18 AM
Our local newspaper, the Free Lance Star (FLS), provided us with housing figures this week. First, on Wednesday, it reported the median sales price for the Fredericksburg area had fallen to the lowest level since April, 2003. February sales figures indicated the median sales price dropped to $190,000. RealtyTrac provides current tracking data for foreclosure properties nationwide. Below is a snapshot of the latest picture of Virginia foreclosures.
Yesterday, the FLS followed up with news that Spotsylvania was #1 last month. First in Virginia in the rate of foreclosures, by county. Again, the figures were drawn from RealtyTrac. As the article reported, Stafford County wasn't … (0 comments)
home: Shakin’ Up the Commonwealth
- 02/13/09 11:18 PM
One of the many pleasures of life in Northern Virginia is the opportunity to enjoy the well kept history of the Commonwealth. For U.S. Colonial history buffs, there are more historic sights, sounds, and treats than one could possibly enjoy in a single lifetime. Fortunately for me, my hometown of Fredericksburg offers a multitude of historic must see venues, some of which are worth stopping in more than just a couple of times a year.
Goolrick's Pharmacy is a combination of drug store and Soda Shop. While the convenience of a corner pharmacy isn't lost on its clientele, the front half of the store … (0 comments)
home: There’s Gold In Them There Hills!
- 09/03/08 06:37 PM
"The strong take from the weak, but the smart take from the strong." from Coach Pete Carril's book, "The Smart Take From the Strong"
In today's digital world, these words have taken on special meaning. Those of us that have been involved in any type of physical competition can attest to the strong taking from the weak, the big beating up on the small. While bigger may not necessarily mean better, when to comes to physical prowess, it goes a long way. Who didn't grow up with a neighborhood bully? But, with today's technology, what kind of online assistance exists for an effective and … (0 comments)
IF you're here to search for home in the Stafford, Fredericksburg or surrounding area, this new Search is about as good it gets. So take a look:
http://www.searchingsolutions.com/fredericksburghomebuyer.com
Successfully selling homes isn't rocket science. Or, is it? ;)
;)
