What I learned from door knocking in Dutchess County.

Wow I have never knocjed on doors before. I am not sure I would have the courage to do it either. Good for you Jennifer...I am sure people will remember you!

Jennifer, excellent blog, and yes it is amazing what you can learn by just getting out and talking to the neighbors.

Jennifer - There is never an "ideal' time to list a house. Those who list NOW might save themselves from future decline in value.   

Kudos to YOU for door-knocking! I love your posts - and your tips - and advice to buyers/sellers......its professional.....to the point........nothing but the STRAIGHT goods!

I agree that selling at the right price will bring the Buyers.......too many dreamer's still on the selling side.

You are a hearty bunch up north!!  It sounds like you got a good response though.  I am working with out of town buyers moving here from Colorado.  I thought it was cold so was in my coat and sweater while they are in short sleeves.  When we first moved here we use to laugh at the wimps but we have TOTALLY acclimated and have become a wimp. 

Jennifer, you are so right. Buyers don't just move and want to buy in the Spring. Sellers need to grab the opportunity while the irons are hot and get their homes on the market before the supply and demand goes up in the Spring.

I love the post. It's great information for everyone to read. Have a great 2009.

Jennifer you're so great with your comments and such a loyal reader!  I truly appreciate you! :-)

Jennifer,

Good points! I need to door knocking also. How you get yourself to knock doors one after another.

Grace

Jennifer:
Good for you for getting yourself out there, knocking on doors! It isn't easy to motivate in this weather, and you're right, that there is a general feeling of uncertainty in the air. I don't blame people for feeling this way -- I'm certainly not immune to the feelings. However, for people who want to sell in the next year, your words ring true: Now is the best time to get your home on the market, for the reasons you list.

I don't know what's happening in your market, but in Rockland County, I anticipate that the prices will go 2 to 3% lower this spring. We've just begun to feel the effects of foreclosures and short sales -- this quarter will be very telling.

Through all the uncertainty I remain optimistic, though, that we will come out of this with a lot more knowledge. I am definitely paying attention to things that I didn't need to pay attention to in a seller's market (like lead generating!) which are making me a better agent.

Here's to a good spring.

PS I went door knocking on Sat, slipped on some ice on a steep driveway, pulled a muscle in my back, and went back home after 10 houses!

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Rhinebeck NY (Keller Williams Realty)-Great as usual from you Jennifer. This is a great reason why home buyers in Dutchess County New York and across the country should buy a house now while interest rates are historically low and more inventory to choose from. And I might try door knocking again. Any advice on what I should do or questions to ask when I approach home owners? Great post.

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Rhinebeck NY (Keller Williams Realty)-Great as usual from you Jennifer. This is a great reason why home buyers in Dutchess County New York and across the country should buy a house now while interest rates are historically low and more inventory to choose from. And I might try door knocking again. Any advice on what I should do or questions to ask when I approach home owners? Great post.

We're currently thinking about selling to move up. My husband said the same thing - let's wait until Spring. I said what you said - everyone is waiting until spring. If we list now, we won't have as much competition.  Guess I was right!  Cause Jennifer said so!

~Renae

I knew you were a KW agents when I read the title! (Not that that's a bad thing!)  Gary Keller really stresses door knocking, cold calling, etc.  Basically, getting to know your neighbors.  Good on you for going out there and actually doing it.  Now you need to set up a community newsletter-type website and send them all postcards to introduce it.  "Hi! I came by your house on __________. I just wanted to let you know that I've set up a community newsletter that you can access by visiting www.HudsonValleyNewsletter.com.  Let me know if you'd like something specific included in the newsletter!"  It will be a great way to continue to keep that rapport you've started by getting up the guts to knock on their door!

Kathy

It's difficult to go door knocking here because all the flat land is taken by shopping centers and condo complexes, and the condo HOA's don't allow door knocking. Out in the neighborhoods, some of the streets are so steep that one is tired after walking to just two or three houses, and driving forty feet and parking at very house is time consuming on its own.

Thanks for the great input.  It will help me in my door knocking endeavors.