As a listing agent, I have learned and stumbled along the way when it comes to discussing showing expectations with my sellers. What is a normal for me as a buyer's agent is not everyone's normal procedure, even in the same market.
Ultimately, the homeowner hired the listing broker to keep their home safe. The responsibility falls directly on the listing agent. So I let my sellers know ahead of time the following:
1. The buyer's agent may or may not leave a business card. (depending on the market) 2. All or some of the lights may be left … (2 comments)
When I meet with a homeowner for the first time, we talk about the importance of "buyer's eyes", this is especially important if the homeowner has lived in their home for 10+ years. (The market has changed A LOT in that time frame.) The court of public opinion begins with the photographs of your home.
What is "buyer's eyes" you may ask? Buyer's eyes is looking at your home as a buyer would. How would your home compare with the other homes in the neighborhood, in the school district, or in the city that you live in? … (10 comments)
Every day, I spend some time looking at the "hot sheets" on the MLS. They will show me at a glance the properties that have:
An accepted contract Have closed/sold Have canceled their listing with the current agent Have withdrawn their listing from the market Or have expired.
And most of the time, especially on the expired listings, I can see the reason why they failed at selling the first go around.
Sometimes, it is the agent that you chose. Whether it be lack of accurate information or remarks with typos, poorly lit photos or lack of photos, or an unrealistic … (25 comments)
The preparation of getting the house ready for listing, for professional photos, for showings....that is all done with suggestions from the listing agent. But the execution clearly falls on the homeowner to make it happen. So when all of the things are done and checked off the list, it is time to enter the market. … (15 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: Taking Your Property Off the Market
- 02/18/14 02:17 AM
Taking Your Property Off the Market Sometimes, sellers find that their situation has changed. Their motivation to sell is gone. Whether it be because their dream home that they wanted to buy sold to another, or they no longer qualify for the program to build a home, there are some reasons that a seller may want to go off the market to regroup. A couple of things to be aware of when you leave the market. 1. You will be bombarded by other agents that don't know your situation that will try to be your savior. They will tell you … (5 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: Biggest Home Seller Mistakes
- 01/24/14 12:44 PM
This month, as a community in Active Rain, we were challenged to highlight what we felt were the biggest home seller mistakes. I was tickled pink to see that one of my posts this month was featured in this community post. All 10 of these articles are great, especially #9 (that one is mine!). If you are considering a move in Cedar Rapids in 2014, or if you know of anyone that is, make the great decision of including me when you interview possible REALTORS to represent your home. I will be diligent about making sure that all 10 of these … (0 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: Seller Tip #1: Safety First for Showings and Open Houses!
- 01/13/14 01:36 PM
Seller Tip #1: Safety First for Showings and Open Houses! Sellers need to be aware of a few things when they are preparing for their home to be shown, whether it be a private showing with a buyer's agent or a public open house, here are a few tips to keep your belongings and your home safe. 1. Pets should be removed....completely if at all possible for showings. Before you object to this one, hear me out. I know that your dog and cat have never hurt anyone and they are super friendly. But that is because YOU are there with … (3 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: And Then There Were Two....What is a Seller to Do?
- 08/29/12 01:28 PM
And then there were two...what is a seller to do? We have all been there....either with a buyer or a seller. You are the listng agent and you are calling for feedback on the showing and the buyer's agent tells you that you are in the TOP TWO! Elated, you hang up the phone and carefully decide IF you are going to relay this information to the seller. Why, you may ask? Well, depending on the seller, it could be disasterous. Or it could be beneficial. Example of disasterous: You tell your seller that the buyer has narrowed the choices for … (0 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: FAQ #9 for Sellers: What is a Subject to Sale Contingency?
- 04/06/11 03:52 AM
In Cedar Rapids, the average home price is about $175,000 so in most cases, homes that are above the price will have their fair amount of buyers that must sell, and receive the proceeds from that sale, in order to purchase another home. What is a subject to sale contingency? This is when the buyer currently owns a home that they must receive the proceeds from in order to purchase your home. First, there are two types of subject to sale contingencies. 1. The buyer's current home is on the market and has received an offer from a qualified buyer. In … (2 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: FAQ #4 for Sellers: What Do You Mean? You are Giving me "Homework"?
- 02/08/11 07:35 AM
Once you have selected me as your agent of choice to represent your home on the market, it is time for your homework. Remember in the initial home selling consultation, we discussed that your home price was going to fall within a range? The price would be depending on your willingness to do the things necessary to get the highest price? Well, this series of questions, suggestions, disclosures, and inspections will help us determine the best price for your home. Your "Homework": Not to be confused with house work, this part of the listing process is all about preparing your home for the … (2 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: FAQ#3 for Sellers: Why Do We Need a Home Seller Consultation?
- 02/08/11 07:33 AM
Not to be confused with a CMA, a home seller consultation is more about the marketing plan of your home. First, we will sit down and discuss: 1. Why you want to sell your home 2. Where you are planning to go 3. Your financial ability to sell 4. Your timeframe for selling 5. Your improvements and repairs to the home Once we determine your motivation for selling and your timeframe that you need to move in, you will show me your home. Please tell me anything that you think buyers will want to know about your home. If you have added … (0 comments)
selling your home in cedar rapids: FAQ #2 for Sellers: What is the First Step in the Listing Process?
- 02/08/11 01:42 AM
Especially for sellers that are doing this for the first time, they are researching all that they can to try to figure out where to start. After all, this is your largest asset. You may have purchased at the height of the market a few years ago with 100% financing, or maybe you came into a financial windfall that allowed you to pay a huge chunk ahead on your mortgage. Your situation and reasons for selling are unique to you. It is not always about the price. And that is okay... So the question is: What is the First Step in the … (2 comments)
Whether you are relocating from another state or you are moving within the market area, there is always some adjustments to be made! My focus is on the well-being and safety of your family. A house is very important, but making the Cedar Rapids area your home takes a little more effort. My clients call me long after the closing for advice on a veternarian for their new puppy or the best daycares in the area. Meeting new people is always fun for me and I love my job! Call me if you would like to know what your home is worth in the current market or if you think that you might want to move up to another home somewhere else. We will miss you, but I will happy to get you on your way to your next adventure as quickly as possible!
Sellers: Showings Can be Risky Business!
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