Searching for more than just eggs this Easter?

Shima 0 comments 25.03.2016

We’re not even half way done with the first quarter of the new year and it seems as though all the good homes are tricky to find just like the most rewarding eggs!

Experts predicted early on that the housing market in 2016 would be a seller’s market. Fast-forward to March and it is evident that home prices are increasing, inventory is low, and there are many buyers looking for the same things.

What should you know?

In a seller’s market, there are more buyers than sellers. This tends to cause discouragement in buyers as they find themselves competing amongst others for the home of their dreams.

Certainly, buyers must keep an open mind and stay prepared to move quickly. If one should find the home of their dreams- they should act now as statistics show that 85% of buyers who say they plan to buy a home in the next year, say they will wait until late spring or early summer. Luckily for buyers who begin their house hunt early on, face less competitors with just as many homes for sale.

When choosing a mortgage, it is helpful for buyers to shop around and meet with several lenders. By speaking to different parties, you will find you have multiple options to choose from and are not putting all your eggs in one basket.

As for sellers, prime home buying season usually begins in April and reaches a peak in June. When choosing to list your home during the prime months, as a seller, you are benefitting from a larger population of buyers and potential bidding wars. Surely, this brings in higher prices and quicker closings.

Frankly, by pricing a home to sell accurately, based on comparable sales, buyers will naturally be attracted to the home. It is therefore essential to price a home adequately for the market.

Undoubtedly, it is important to get the right help when buying or selling.

Remember, you surely don’t have to house ‘hunt’ alone… I’m only a ‘hop’ away from helping you and those you know during such a monumental time.

I wish you a happy Easter and spring!

S.H.I.M.A

Shima 0 comments 16.02.2016

Often times I am asked, “Shima, how can I sell my home the quickest?”

My most common response is, “Well, what is fast?”

A home is not something many of us can let go of easily. It is a place where we’ve lived, made memories and held many gatherings in. It’s a part of a chapter of our lives and we tend to grow an emotional bond with our homes. In result, we also tend to idolize our homes anf view them as far more magnificent than others will see them.

Because of our perceptions, we idolize the home and overvalue it at times. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how much a seller loves the property – because it is only worth what the buyer is WILLING to pay for it.

So, I know it’s hard to let go of our homes when we’ve made so many memories, but look at it this way- You’re leaving behind the old, 1.0 version of you and starting over. This is a new start, a new life, a new opportunity, a new luxury.

So, how can you get rid of the old quickest so that you can get the new? Well, it’s all about selling your home in a marketable area.
You may be wondering, “What is a marketable area?”

MARKETABLE is defined simply as: able to be sold, wanted by buyers.

So the ultimate goal is to make YOUR home a marketable place so that it attracts buyers. Of course, your home will not be for everyone, but it may possibly be for someone they know. If you’re able to present a home where anyone can see themselves living in it, you are far closer to selling your home. In order to do so, you must present a home that allows others to paint an image of themselves in it.

Here are some ways you can do that:

 Declutter: 

Your home will be open for viewing at times and if it is filled with too many of your belongings, it may be difficult for a potential buyer to not only see themselves living in the home, but to value it. When we have furniture, boxes, etc. lying around- rooms seem smaller, more crammed.

You only have one chance to make a good impression with buyers, so you want to make sure that they’re impressed enough to write an offer.

 Just as beautiful on the inside as the out:

Before even entering the home, potential buyers will see the outside and we want to make sure the outside looks as good as the inside. There are simple ways to do so- gardening, mowing the lawn, or even adding flowers. Also, it doesn’t hurt to do a pressure wash on exterior walls so that they’re clean and free of dust and dirt.

When your home looks welcoming and presentable on the outside, buyers will want to see what it looks like on the inside.

The price is right!

You don’t show up on the day of a test without studying- you prepare. Prior to pricing your home, you will want to be guided by your Realtor of most recent sales in the area where your home is. This prevents overpricing your home, causing it to sit on the market and going stale. The goal is to price your home to sell so that an offer is received in just a few weeks.

Ultimately, whether you want to move out of your house quickly or have time to relocate- you have to be strategic when it comes to attracting buyers.

You want your home to express to others that it is what they want and what we have to offer is the best!

Here’s to Selling YOUR Home In Marketable Areas.