by Maria Morton
The ultimate GOAL of marketing any property is to get it SOLD, right? If you are only interested in getting your name up on the yard sign for the free advertising, just overprice the home and ignore the following suggestions.
1. Put the home on Centralized Showing Service (CSS). This makes it EASY TO SHOW any house to Qualified Buyers. Around 90% of homes sold will have an agent representing the Buyer. The Cooperating Agents need to be able to show the home. If the Buyers can't see it, they won't make an offer to purchase. Sure, I know that it costs more money annually to keep up your membership in CSS but this is the 21st Century; it's how Real Estate has evolved. Even if you're a part time agent, do this to maintain the appearance of professionalism.
2. PHOTOS ON MLS & other Websites. Yes, it takes time to take photos. It takes more time to upload them to MLS and all the other websites on which you advertise the property but it's important to do so. Either spend the time to take the photos yourself or hire a professional photographer to take the photos for you. There are several companies that will take the photos/videos and upload them to your MLS for you. Remember that the #1 thing BUYERS LOOK FOR ON REAL ESTATE WEBSITES ARE PHOTOS.
3. Return Phone Calls in a Timely Manner. Are you kidding me? THREE DAYS to return my phone call? The first day, the Buyer is waiting anxiously. The second day, the Buyer is telling me how unprofessional you are and asking if the Seller knows what kind of agent they hired. (I'm trying to be diplomatic but you're making yourself look bad.) The third day, the Buyer is telling me 'Forget that house; the Sellers must not want to sell it or they would have hired someone else. Let's look at that other home we liked.'
4. Upload Documents to MLS. The general public doesn't see this part of our MLS but it's where we can upload documents like the Seller's Disclosure, Agency Disclosure, LB Paint Disclosure Addendum and Franchise/Company Disclosures. The Cooperating Agents are going to need these when they make an offer to purchase so why not make it easy? When I see these documents loaded, I know that I'm dealing with a professional.
5. Stage The Home. If the property is listed for more than $200,000, it's worth staging. Show the Seller the statistics for staged properties vs. un-staged properties. Show them how much faster they sell and how much more money they get. Sellers want the house sold NOW for as much as the market will bear. Refer them to a great stager. The cost of paying a stager per month is much less than the carrying costs incurred by the Seller every month the property sits there unsold. When you have a home listed for sale in a desirable neighborhood and all the other homes are staged, your Seller is at a disadvantage. The competition will sell and your poor Seller's house will just sit there as an example of how much LESS the Buyers can get for the same price.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Opportunity in Brookside
There are now 3 Duplexes for sale within easy walking distance of Price Chopper, St. Peter's, the Brooksider, Charlie Hoopers', Brookside Market, Avenue's Bistro, The Roasterie, Bella Napoli, Brookside Toy & Science, Sharp's, and all the other great Brookside businesses.
Each duplex is priced well under $250,000. Rents range between $700 and 1200 per month. (Small basic 2 bedroom vs. large, well finished 3 bedrooms.)
You could live in one side and rent the other side out or you could rent both sides out. Or, live in one side and keep the other side open for out of town company.
Home Prices in Brookside have not been this low in 20 years. Interest rates have never been this low. This is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
Each duplex is priced well under $250,000. Rents range between $700 and 1200 per month. (Small basic 2 bedroom vs. large, well finished 3 bedrooms.)
You could live in one side and rent the other side out or you could rent both sides out. Or, live in one side and keep the other side open for out of town company.
Home Prices in Brookside have not been this low in 20 years. Interest rates have never been this low. This is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Seeing The House Through An Agent's Eyes
Although most home buyers have figured out that working with a Buyer's Agent is to their advantage, some are not quite sure exactly how seeing homes with an agent benefits them until they visit a few homes with their agent; then the light bulb clicks on.
Your agent sees many more homes than you do so is able to notice things about each house that may escape your attention. Things like drainage, attempts to cover up defects, and quality of workmanship, for example. Many home buyers are not aware of the difference between a regular water heater and a tankless water heater; your agent can explain the value to you.
The buyer sees a well-furnished, well-decorated, charming home. The agent sees an air conditioner older than Moses, cracks in the foundation, gutters that need to be cleaned and a roof nearing the end of its' lifespan.
Home buyers often lack the expertise to imagine future changes to a house. Your agent will also be able to help you envision what can be done to improve the home in the future and how much that work might cost. For instance, you may want to add a screened in porch or a swimming pool; your agent can help you figure out if the house you are considering would be able to accommodate this plan.
The buyer sees a garden shed, dog run and children's swing set all in the same space. The agent helps the buyer realize that all those objects cannot exist in the same space.
Sometimes, the home buyer is focused on the appearance of the home's decor and forgets to consider the condition of the house. Other times, the home buyer is too focused on unimportant details and needs the agent to help them evaluate the whole house in comparison to their other possible choices. The agent brings balance and perspective to your home finding experience.
The buyer is enamored with the bay window and window seat in the family room. The agent points out that the window is 50 years old while the window in the other house is the newer, energy efficient kind and the view is presently obscured by the window treatments which could be easily changed.
Most home buyers today understand the value of having an agent to negotiate and conduct the transaction for them but are unaware of the value of seeing a house through the agent's eyes. How often do I hear the words "Wow, I never thought about that! I'm so glad you're here with me!" ... The Second Showing ...
A good agent will help you evaluate each house so that you make sound decisions based on facts rather than fluff.
Originally published by Maria Morton on the Active Rain real estate website. http://activerain.com/blogsview/2447148/seeing-a-house-through-the-agent-s-eyes
Your agent sees many more homes than you do so is able to notice things about each house that may escape your attention. Things like drainage, attempts to cover up defects, and quality of workmanship, for example. Many home buyers are not aware of the difference between a regular water heater and a tankless water heater; your agent can explain the value to you.
The buyer sees a well-furnished, well-decorated, charming home. The agent sees an air conditioner older than Moses, cracks in the foundation, gutters that need to be cleaned and a roof nearing the end of its' lifespan.
Home buyers often lack the expertise to imagine future changes to a house. Your agent will also be able to help you envision what can be done to improve the home in the future and how much that work might cost. For instance, you may want to add a screened in porch or a swimming pool; your agent can help you figure out if the house you are considering would be able to accommodate this plan.
The buyer sees a garden shed, dog run and children's swing set all in the same space. The agent helps the buyer realize that all those objects cannot exist in the same space.
Sometimes, the home buyer is focused on the appearance of the home's decor and forgets to consider the condition of the house. Other times, the home buyer is too focused on unimportant details and needs the agent to help them evaluate the whole house in comparison to their other possible choices. The agent brings balance and perspective to your home finding experience.
The buyer is enamored with the bay window and window seat in the family room. The agent points out that the window is 50 years old while the window in the other house is the newer, energy efficient kind and the view is presently obscured by the window treatments which could be easily changed.
Most home buyers today understand the value of having an agent to negotiate and conduct the transaction for them but are unaware of the value of seeing a house through the agent's eyes. How often do I hear the words "Wow, I never thought about that! I'm so glad you're here with me!" ... The Second Showing ...
A good agent will help you evaluate each house so that you make sound decisions based on facts rather than fluff.
Originally published by Maria Morton on the Active Rain real estate website. http://activerain.com/blogsview/2447148/seeing-a-house-through-the-agent-s-eyes
Monday, March 21, 2011
Free Money For Kansas City Home Buyers
Home buyers in Kansas City may be eligible for a 20% forgivable loan up to $20,000. 10% of the loan is forgiven for every year the borrower lives in the home. The home buyer must qualify. The home must qualify. Only certain lenders offer the program. (Yes, I know who they are.)
To qualify, you must meet income guidelines and first time home buyer status. Income guidelines start at $39,500 for one person and increase for each number of people who will be living in the home. A first time home buyer is someone who has not owned their primary residence for the past 3 years.
The home must also qualify – it must be located within the Kansas City MO city limits and the price must be $150,000 or less.
The Kansas City Dream Home Program is a service offered by the City of Kansas City MO to help people fulfill the American Dream of home ownership.
Most of the first time buyers I am working with are using this program. It’s FREE MONEY! How cool is that?
The Kansas City Dream Home program is very popular with Kansas City home buyers so be sure to get your application in before the money runs out.
To qualify, you must meet income guidelines and first time home buyer status. Income guidelines start at $39,500 for one person and increase for each number of people who will be living in the home. A first time home buyer is someone who has not owned their primary residence for the past 3 years.
The home must also qualify – it must be located within the Kansas City MO city limits and the price must be $150,000 or less.
The Kansas City Dream Home Program is a service offered by the City of Kansas City MO to help people fulfill the American Dream of home ownership.
Most of the first time buyers I am working with are using this program. It’s FREE MONEY! How cool is that?
The Kansas City Dream Home program is very popular with Kansas City home buyers so be sure to get your application in before the money runs out.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Home For Sale In Brookside
Wonderful opportunity in Brookside! FIVE 5 BEDROOMS! House has updated electric, newer roof, newer boiler, outside grading, 3/4 bath has been updated, full bath has not. 
MLS #1712934 ...
Courtesy Maria Morton of Prudential Kansas City Realty 816.410.5499.office or call mobile number for faster response
Abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws
MLS #1712934 ...
Courtesy Maria Morton of Prudential Kansas City Realty 816.410.5499.office or call mobile number for faster response
Abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Lake Lotawana Kansas City
Lake Lotawana in Kansas City Missouri is sooo wonderful! The water is the perfect temperature for swimming during our humid hot Kansas City summers. Here is a view from a home in the H-I cove of Lake Lotawana.
With 600 acres of surface water and 27 miles of shoreline, Lake Lotawana is one of the largest lakes in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. There are about 80 homes for sale on Lake Lotawana ranging in price between $100,000 and $1,575,000. You can buy a 2 bedroom cabin or a 6 bedroom house with upper and lower decks. No matter the size, there's always room for one more at a lake home!
SEARCH LAKE LOTAWANA HOMES FOR SALE
Lake Lotawana is east of Kansas City proper, in Lee's Summit. It's about a 40 minute drive from the Plaza. Perfect for a weekend getaway!
2010 © Maria Morton *Lake Lotawana - Kansas City Missouri*
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Real Estate Services
Historic Kansas City Homes & Buildings
Utilities & Cable Connections
Kansas City Schools - includes surrounding cities in the KC Metropolitan Area
Things To Do in Kansas City
Find out about Short Sales
Utilities & Cable Connections
Kansas City Schools - includes surrounding cities in the KC Metropolitan Area
Things To Do in Kansas City
Find out about Short Sales
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