I'm sitting here trying to get inspired to write something here that will be catchy, witty etc. All I can think about is changes. I mean, look around. If you live in the state of Illinois like I do things will really change after January 20. How so, well Illinois will go down in the history books as being the home of the first African American President in our country's history. That should do something for real estate. And of course, with all new Presidents taking office, comes change. We can only hope it is for the better.
Then there is the seasons. Soon the land our snow-covered properties set on will come back to life. So seller's you need to start thinking about those valuable "first impressions." Right now, with snow on the ground, the flaws in your lawn, steps, porch, and nearly everything else is covered up. Kinda like shoving everything in the closet. Everything is nice and neat until someone opens the closet door.
Remember a first impression can never be made on a second showing. Sellers, if possible, step outside the box and see your home through your buyer's eyes. Would YOU buy YOUR home? If not, why? Make a list and get to planning. Spring is coming, and in Peoria we are already experiencing a slight increase in showings.
Interest rates are lower, that's a big change; FHA has new more relaxed guidelines, huge change; the weather WILL change; and eventually our market will change as well, but until then sellers, you must do what you can to sell your home.
Sellers, start thinking about sprucing up the yard when the weather starts to warm up. Clean the windows inside and out. Open the curtains/drapes when you have a showing scheduled. Put out a new welcome mat at the front door and make sure the walk and/or porch is swept. These are just a few simple, very low-cost items that will help you make a great first impression.
What can you do NOW, with snow on the ground? Shovel the walks and drive. You don't want snow tracked in your home, so it's your responsibility to clean the walks and provide a rug that buyer's can wipe their feet on or leave their shoes. Place notecards in special feature areas of your home to draw attention. Add a short note as to why you like a particular feature or room. Make sure all clutter is put away. Keep slice and bake cookies on hand and if you have time, bake a few before a showing. Place on a tray with a "Thank You - Help Yourself" note to buyers. It really can make a difference.
Buyers, don't expect sellers to give their homes away. It may be a buyer's market, but last time I checked buyer's market did not mean free or next to free. If you buy a home, chances are in a few years you will be a seller. Try to put yourself in the current seller's shoes. There are good deals to be had, but please be reasonable to seller's needs. If you want a "blue-light special" expect to put a little elbow-grease into it. Fresh out of elbow-grease? Then go to KMart, they invented the blue-light special.
Tonight, our part of the world is covered in a blanket of snow, transforming even the most needy piece of real estate into a sparkling gem. But when the weather changes, the snow will be gone. The earth will be ready for the changes Spring brings. Are you ready to make any changes necessary to sell your home?
A joke to end on:
A doctor vacationing on the Riviera met an old lawyer friend and asked him what he was doing there. The lawyer replied, "Remember that lousy real estate I bought? Well, it caught fire, so here I am with the fire insurance proceeds. What are you doing here?"
The doctor replied, "Remember that lousy real estate I had in Mississippi? Well, the river overflowed, and here I am with the flood insurance proceeds."
The lawyer looked puzzled. "Gee," he asked, "how do you start a flood?"
Make tomorrow worth remembering!
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