Vacation Motivation

A couple of months ago I read an article about productivity and although I don't remember the quote exactly- it went something like this, ""If I were leaving for vacation tomorrow, what would I be able to accomplish today?" This quote has absolutely stuck with me! I keep thinking about those days before I leave on a trip that I work feverishly on my to-do list and get energy, drive and focus from places I never knew existed.

What would happen if you worked today like you were leaving on vacation tomorrow? I have a feeling your to-do list would have a lot of things checked off by the end of the day!

Looking for a Realtor with energy, drive and focus? www.TanyaRuff.com

The Art of Attraction

Ten Ways to Attract Buyers to your Home

You’ve undoubtedly heard from media reports, and perhaps friends and neighbors, how tough it can be to sell a home in today’s “buyer’s market.” Granted, it’s not the easiest time in the history of real estate, but it isn’t the toughest time either. Here are 10 simple ways to attract buyers to your home...

#1: Offer a Home Warranty A home warranty adds value to your home. It gives potential buyers a little extra piece of mind in the form of protection against unforeseen problems including appliance break down, roof leakage or a malfunctioning furnace. Warranties vary in coverage, but in general there are plans that will cover your home while it’s on the market as well as plans that kick in once it sells.

#2: Create a Virtual Flyer Sometimes sellers find that friends, neighbors and associates can be some of the best buyers. Create a free virtual flyer to advertise your home at www.vflyer.com and email it to everyone you know. (You can use this service to advertise other things as well such as parties, events and so on.)

#3: Advertise on the Internet More than 80% of buyers begin their home search on the Internet, so be sure your home is there for them to find. List your property on craigslist.org, backpage.com, zillow.com and trulia.com. After your Realtor enters your home into the MLS it will automatically be on Realtor.com as well. You can also buy your own domain name to match your home’s address. Then create a website or blog for your home (or ask a web-savvy teenager to do it).

#4: Aim for Amazing Curb Appeal While buyers are out driving around and viewing neighborhoods, you want your home to make them literally stop the car and look upon it with awe. Having the best dressed home in the neighborhood will attract buyers and higher offering prices. Do not underestimate the importance of this. It’s the first impression potential buyers have of your home, and poor curb appeal may actually discourage them from wanting to even take the time to view the inside.

#5: Price it Properly If your home is priced too high, buyers may think that you’re not serious about selling, or that you may be difficult to work with and unwilling to negotiate. Also, buyers who are looking within a specific price level may miss your home even though you may actually be willing to accept a much lower price. Your Realtor can help you price your home properly for the quickest sale.

#6: Host an Open House While opinions vary on the success rate of Open House events, it certainly can’t hurt to host one. Even if your neighbors are the main visitors, they may actually know someone who could be interested in your home. The fact they’ve seen it with their own eyes could encourage others to visit.

#7: Take Tons of Pictures Potential buyers love to see pictures of homes, whether on the Internet or on flyers. Your Realtor should post pictures on the MLS. You can post them on the other websites listed above. If you have a video camera, you can even create a virtual tour of your home.

#8: Directional Signs If you live near a corner or busy intersection, place the “home for sale” signs that point towards your home in the best spot possible. If you ask nicely, your neighbors who live on the corner may be willing to let your place one of those signs right in their yard.

#9: Stage Your Home After you’ve made sure your curb appeal is tops, you should not neglect improving the inside via staging. Hire a professional stager or ask your Realtor for assistance. If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a stager, many offer different levels of service which range from a walk through of your home and verbal advice, to a full blown service where they bring in their own furniture and decorations and redesign your entire home.

#10: Update Your Home Buyers love nothing more than brand new carpeting and paint, updated sinks, fixtures, cupboards and so on. You obviously don’t want to update to the extent that you overprice your home for the neighborhood, but you do want to update to within a comfortable level for the market value in your area.

 

If you have more questions about the best way to attract buyers to your home, call me! I have the professional understanding and insight to help you attract the most potential buyers to your home.

 

For other great tips from In Touch Today take a look at monthly newsletter:

Your Story Begins at Home Monthy Newsletter

 

10 Commandments

All Home Buyers Should Know Their 10 Commandments.
For the last 6 years I’ve spent 95% of my Wednesday mornings at Hirschi Realtors,
attending our weekly sales meeting. Recently, one of our local lenders came to talk to us about the ever changing lending market and brought with them the

“10 Commandments when Applying for a Mortgage Loan"

Although the below “commandments” are written in a joking manner, there is certainly truth to each one. If you’ve been preapproved to purchase a home, you’ll want to pay close attention…

10 Commandments
when Applying for a Mortgage Loan

Thou shall not change jobs or become self-employed

Thou shall not buy a car, truck or van unless you plan to live in it

Thou shall not use your credit cards or let your payments fall behind

Thou shall not spend the money you saved for your down payment

Thou shall not buy furniture before you buy your house

Thou shall not originate any new inquiries on your credit report

Thou shall not make any large deposits into your bank account

Thou shall not change bank accounts

Thou shall not co-sign for anyone
Thou shall not purchase ANYTHING until after the closing

Looking for a trustworthy local lender? Visit my website and apply online with a local lender of your choice. www.TanyaRuff.com

Our First Date...

BEFORE I LIST YOUR HOME I WILL…

• Research property values by studying recently sold properties, analyzing expired listings and reviewing homes currently on the market.
• Prepare a market analysis of properties in your geographic area.
• Secure necessary tax and appraisal district information on your property.
• Suggest an appropriate pricing strategy and marketing plan.
• Recommend possible improvements to yield the highest price.
• Explain seller closing costs and provide Estimate of Net Proceeds from the sale.
• Prepare a market update to review market conditions and prevailing interest rates.
• Review “Information About Brokerage Services” and discuss agency relationships.
• Discuss Seller Disclosure Statement and possible Lead Based Paint disclosures.
• Review the Multiple Listing Service Listing Agreement.
• Review my "homework folder" that I'll need the seller to work on.
• Discuss personal property and exclusions from sale.
• Offer assistance and information about your destination city (if moving from area)
• Lastly and perhaps most importantly- I'll prepare myself for any key questions you may have regarding my marketing plan, experience and track record!

Looking forward to earning your business,
-Tanya