I spotted today's Quote of the Day stenciled on a window of a restaurant along Wisconsin Avenue NW in DC.
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
--Milton Berle
What a great concept for real estate, in many ways. For example, if my buyers are having a difficult time getting a new home due to multiple offers with escalations and no contingencies by other bidders, we might need to be more creative with our search strategy: look for properties on the market for longer periods due to overpricing or property condition; actively communicate with other agents in my brokerage for upcoming listings so we can be first in when it hits the market; or even broaden our search to other areas where inventory might be higher.
Another way to ponder this quote is for people who might decide to stay in their current home and improve it rather than making a move. While it might seem contradictory for a Realtor to talk about a situation that does not result in a home sale, I believe in providing organized, creative, intelligent real estate solutions for clients whether they are buying, selling or staying. Give me a call to discuss how I can help you find your best solution.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Top Ten Tips for Open House Prep
For an open house, to the general public or to other Realtors, your house does not necessarily need to look like a photo shoot for the spring Pottery Barn catalog (although that would be terrific if that were the case). And I'm not talking about a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter or baking cookies in the oven. No, those are advanced topics.
Rather, based on just four broker open houses I attended earlier this week, these are some basic steps I recommend for both agents and homeowners trying to sell houses. I am not suggesting you try to transform your house into something it is not; it should simply be the best it can be at that time.
10. Throw away the empty pizza box from the stovetop.
9. Grab two or three large black garbage bags and walk through the house for 15-20 minutes, throwing away obvious trash and junk.
8. If it is going to rain, don't leave the windows open.
7. That said, if possible, air it out ahead of time; food and pet odors can be overwhelming.
6. Sweep.
5. It's handy if your azaleas are in peak bloom; as an alternative, some pansies might be nice.
4. Vacuum up the dead flies from the floors and window sills.
3. At least put your laundry in the hamper.
2. No one wants to see your dirty dishes.
1. Get the house ready like someone is coming to visit, because they are.
Prospective buyers and their buyer's agents will thank you.
Rather, based on just four broker open houses I attended earlier this week, these are some basic steps I recommend for both agents and homeowners trying to sell houses. I am not suggesting you try to transform your house into something it is not; it should simply be the best it can be at that time.
10. Throw away the empty pizza box from the stovetop.
9. Grab two or three large black garbage bags and walk through the house for 15-20 minutes, throwing away obvious trash and junk.
8. If it is going to rain, don't leave the windows open.
7. That said, if possible, air it out ahead of time; food and pet odors can be overwhelming.
6. Sweep.
5. It's handy if your azaleas are in peak bloom; as an alternative, some pansies might be nice.
4. Vacuum up the dead flies from the floors and window sills.
3. At least put your laundry in the hamper.
2. No one wants to see your dirty dishes.
1. Get the house ready like someone is coming to visit, because they are.
Prospective buyers and their buyer's agents will thank you.
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