At Century 21 Realty Partners, we believe selling your home should be a journey you take with confidence. Let’s walk through how the right listing agent can turn stress into success from the first “For Sale” sign to the final handshake at closing.
It is no secret that Houston’s economy just keeps pumping, throughout the region both transplants and locals are discovering that buying a home makes sense. Understandably, housing supply has been extremely tight throughout the year. All this growth has driven single-family home sales in the Houston area to the lowest recorded inventory levels. Ever. According to the latest Houston Association of Realtors monthly report, single-family home sales hit a record 73,232 closings in 2013, up an astounding 17.4% over 2012 (itself a very active year). Here’s a look at some statistical highlights from 2013:
Having your home on the market is a stressful time for even the most organized person. Keeping your home in a show-ready status at all times can be a challenge. There are many things you can do in advance to ease your stress level and make your home stand out. The amount of preparation you put into it before you list will definitely keep you ahead of the game, but what about everyday living?
Here are ten tried and true tips from some very clever sellers.
Keep a list of to-do tasks, and review it every night before bed.
Enlist the help of your kids. Make them responsible for making their beds, tidying the bathrooms, and putting away all toys and clothes.
Do you have pets? If so, vacuum and sweep daily. Also, keep the yard picked up after the pets and clean the litter box daily too.
Empty the dishwasher as soon as the dishes are clean. For those crazy days when it’s not all done and you have a last minute showing, throw the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
Keep a couple of empty laundry baskets handy. When the call comes for a showing, dump everything you can’t find a place for in the baskets. Load up the baskets, the kids, and the pets in the car and take your messy house with you. When it’s time to return home, bring in the baskets and work from there.
If you […]
See how the market is doing with our latest Montgomery County Residential Market Update. Click the link above to see a short video outlining the key market trends at the end of the summer. In case you are wondering, it’s been another white hot summer buying season here in Texas. Many buyers who waited have found fewer homes on the market and higher prices, despite mortgage rates creeping upwards after historic lows. If you would like a market video regarding your city or zip code, contact us and we will be glad to provide one.
Getting your home ready to sell can be a lot of work. I find that sellers who invest in curb appeal, clearing clutter, and cleaning windows help buyers fall in love with their house.
Curb Appeal. First impressions matter. Drive up to your home as if you were a new buyer. What do you see? Are the gutters full of debris? Is the driveway clean? Do your flower beds need some fresh mulch and a little trimming? Are there brown spots or unmanicured areas in the lawn? Now, walk to the front door. Does it need a fresh coat of paint or varnish? Is the hardware okay or does it look past its prime? Look up, are there cobwebs or nests in the corners of the porch? Remember, this is the location a buyer stands waiting for an agent to unlock the door. They have time to look around and notice these things. Make a ‘to do’ list – and get it done!
Clearing Clutter. Buyers want to imagine your house with their belongings. Clean out closets to show off how much space is available. The same goes for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. If you don’t use it every day, consider packing it up and storing it. You don’t really need 50 glasses and 30 plates right now, do you? Having less clutter and storing your excess items makes it easier to keep your home tidy and show ready!
Being organized helps you when it’s time to start […]
Choosing an agent is crucial. Here are some things to consider when selecting a real estate professional.
Are you planning to buy or sell a home in the near future? Choosing your agent is critical. Whether you’re a first time buyer or seller or a seasoned veteran, you want to make sure your agent is a professional. When considering your agent selection, ask yourself if he or she is:
Available. When you reach out to a potential agent, is he or she available to answer the phone or call you back within a reasonable time? If you’re selling you want to know that potential buyers can reach your agent.
Visible. What marketing plan does your agent provide? Does your agent have the ability to properly promote your property and attract potential buyers? If you are buying, does your agent have insight into homes that are available and meet your criteria?
Knowledgeable. If you’re buying, how much knowledge does your agent have about the area? Is he or she willing to do the homework to provide you with any answers for your concerns? Will your agent advise and guide you throughout the process? Will he or she provide you with a list of helpful references such as inspectors and handymen?
Experienced. Working with an agent who understands negotiating and performs on […]