 How much does landscaping make a difference?
We received a new REO listing a couple of weeks ago. The home is now in pretty good condition after the bank decided to put some money into this asset to appeal to even more buyers.
Fresh Paint, new carpet, cleaning, servicing the furnace, and high end appliances. The interior of this home looked good. The exterior left something to be desired. The only problem was the curb appeal of the home. Luckily the Asset Manager agreed after coming to the property (Yes, they do that from time to time) and quickly approved the added cost and the lawn care specialist was quickly dispatched to this home. They arrived within 40 minutes.
As a REO Agent it is important to have a network of individuals from lawn care specialist, painters, contractors, electricians, and inspectors that will answer the phone when you call.
Not only does it make your life easier, it also puts a smile on an Asset Managers face.
If you're interesting in viewing more photos and property information for this property click here
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Homesale Realty - Camp Hill, PA
REO/Short Sale Specialist
We try to make sure that at least the grass is cut every two weeks on our bank owned inventory
Nov 21, 2012 04:32 AM
Fillmore Real Estate 2990 Av U, Bklyn , NY 11229 - Brooklyn, NY
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker -
You may a good point- it landscaping and curb appeal does make a difference- i've know agents to even work on the front yards of homes next door to their lisitngs just to present the property in the best light and get it sold.
Nov 21, 2012 04:36 AM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Homesale Realty - Camp Hill, PA
REO/Short Sale Specialist
Michele, luckily I haven't had to go that far but I would be willing to do just that. Well maybe not me personally but I know some people that can do some things. LOL
Nov 21, 2012 04:50 AM
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale
Darius, I agree, landscaping can have a huge impact. I wish we'd see more REO properties here looking like this.
Nov 21, 2012 05:15 AM
Keller Williams Realty East Valley - Tempe, AZ
Realtor - Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Phoenix
Just yesterday I was doing weekly rounds, and discovered a few things not quite right at one of our listings. We have a contractor who's supposed to be minding the store - and I let the workers on-site have a piece of my mind.
Nov 21, 2012 06:02 AM
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
It makes a tremendous difference but I'm still in shock that you found an asset manager that agreed with you and had someone there in 40 minutes.
Nov 21, 2012 07:19 AM
Bowie, MD
www.search4homes.us
Landscaping always leave impressions as to what more can be expected of a house, including what can be seen inside of the house. An attractive and beautifully-landscaped garden or lawn area influences a buyer one way or another, that the house is indeed the right choice for them.
Nov 21, 2012 07:28 AM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Homesale Realty - Camp Hill, PA
REO/Short Sale Specialist
Jill,
I was shocked as well. It's rare that A.M's visit the property so they were able to see for themselves. Once they gave the approval, I called my vendor and they came.
Nov 21, 2012 07:28 AM
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA
Darius:
You are lucky that the bank paid for the improvements and gardening. Sometimes they will not pay for anything.
Nov 21, 2012 07:47 AM
Long Realty West Valley - Anthem, AZ
Anthem, Phoenix, and Scottsdale AZ Real Estate
Much, much better. If banks would understand that the appearance of a house, both inside and out, can increase the sale price, they would be absorbing such huge losses on these homes. Best of luck to you Darius.
Nov 21, 2012 08:10 AM
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate
Darius, yes, you are correct. Curb appeal is so important. When a buyer pulls up to the house, wonderful landscaping can have a lot to do with "pulling" the buyer out of the car and into the home. Great job.
Nov 21, 2012 08:57 AM
Alachua, FL
full service
Hi Darius,
Good job recommending lawn care maintenance to enhance the curb appeal of this home.
Curb appeal really does matter.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 21, 2012 01:04 PM
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M
Darius - Without curb appeal, sometimes you can't even get the buyer in the door.
Nov 21, 2012 02:28 PM
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate
Good morning Darius - a strong network of people you can count on to help you and your clients is critical.Great post!
Nov 21, 2012 07:11 PM
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty
Good post Darius. Landscaping can make a work of difference. I've had clients not even want to go in a home because of how the exterior looked.
Nov 21, 2012 09:10 PM
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
It's always all about curb appeal! It's the first thing that buyers see and they make up their minds about a home in the 30-60 seconds it takes to walk up to the front door. I always tell my sellers if a buyer likes what they see as they come up to the front door they will go into the house and do their best to validate their first impression in terms of liking the interior. If they don't like what they see outside, they will do everything possible to validate that first impression by being critical of the interior.
Nov 21, 2012 09:38 PM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Homesale Realty - Camp Hill, PA
REO/Short Sale Specialist
Thank you all for such wonderful insight and responses. I'm learning so much from you all.
Nov 21, 2012 09:43 PM
Eagle Ridge Realty / Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA
REALTOR and Broker, Notary
That is an incredible difference. I've had to landscape my last two bank owned properties, and not only did I feel it helped them sell faster, but it made for grateful neighbors!
Nov 21, 2012 11:28 PM
Finish Line Realty - Louisville Ky Real Estate - Metropolitan Service Area - Louisville, KY
Louisville Kentucky real estate - Metro Area
Landscaping can definitely make a huge difference. It can transform a home that looks unkempt and uncared for into something that is beautiful, and desirable. :)
Nov 22, 2012 12:49 AM
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Homesale Realty - Camp Hill, PA
REO/Short Sale Specialist
Gary,
Have you noticed more and more Asset Managers asking for repairs to be done?
Nov 22, 2012 01:16 AM
Rainer
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Darius Ramsey
REO/Short Sale Specialist
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