Ideal Market Reach

I receive the letters in the mail just like you. The local builders are back in full force, and they prey on uncertainly. They focus on everything negative in big bold "NO" letters. They scream at you to convince you that selling directly to them, off market, is the only logical choice and in your best interest.

There is a market for less than perfect homes, "fixer uppers" even. The open, free market with expert presentation and targeted, multi-faceted marketing opens doors to as many well-qualified, interested buyers as possible. A measured, thoughtful approach to preparation, which does not have to be expensive or particularly disruptive, can help reach your most likely buyer who actually may want to live in your home for as many years as you have. Your own advocate, who has your needs in mind, can guide you throughout the selling process to a successful settlement.

If you are considering selling your home directly to a builder, I strongly encourage you to also meeting with a Realtor who can give you another option to consider. Explore options, protect yourself, open the possibilities, then decide.

On the Ground: Hyattsville, Maryland

I recently had the good fortune to help some lovely buyer clients purchase a terrific home in Hyattsville, Maryland.

The original owners of house, the Mosedales, built it in 1935 and their children sold the home in 2009 to the recent sellers. These sellers found tucked in the eaves of the unfinished attic three diplomas from the folks who first built the house, including this 1925 typing certificate of Mrs. Mosedale before she was married. Although a touch dusty, my clients, the happy new homeowners, will clean these up and display in their beautiful, original framing, once they finish that attic space into a fifth bedroom.

Also found was box of original tiles for the first floor bathroom which we think was added in the 50s or 60s. 

Although not part of the designated Historic District of the town, this home is just blocks away from classic four-squares and quite a few Queen Anne Victorian style homes built in the late 19th century. I also unearthed in my web research the Original City Charter for Hyattsville.

Areas like this are ripe for continued vitalization and discovery: inside the Beltway with a short commute into the District and to the University of Maryland, filled with character, charm, and history. More recent developments like the New Arts District and the continuous Green Line Metro that now goes all the way from West Hyattsville and Prince Georges Plaza stations through to Anacostia (stopping in the heart of downtown DC and the Navy Yard/Waterfront areas) are sure to make Hyattsville even more popular over time.

QOTD: Opening Doors

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.

Dogwoods and Daffodils

Spring has sprung here in Washington, DC.  Of course you'd never know it by the temperature today, though we should not complain about waking to temps in the 30s; family and friends in Wisconsin are being treated to snow today, tomorrow and Monday!

I mean the spring real estate market of course.  Contract activity has picked up; multiple offers are part of the story in some neighborhoods and price ranges. Supply is lagging behind though!  Inventory in Montgomery County, Maryland, is so low that over 60% of properties going under contract in February 2013 were on the market for less than 30 days. The total number of active listings decreased 37.1% compared to February 2012, with only a 1.5 month supply of homes in the county overall.

In our area, homeowners often want their beautiful dogwood trees and daffodils to be blooming before they try to sell their house, so it looks its best. This year, perhaps more than the last few years at least, getting a jump on the spring market may prove to be a successful strategy. Note that price and preparation, plus expert marketing, advertising and promotion to your targeted buyers are still critical. I can help with all of those factors if you are considering selling soon.  I am ready for your call, even if the branches on your trees are still bare.