We’ve Been on the Market a Long Time … How Do We Stay Sane?

Marketing times have increased for most Sellers in today’s market and it can take a toll on Sellers. We have some tips that will help you keep your sanity while you keep your home in presentable market condition for the showing you are looking for … the one that sells your home.

When the call comes for a showing most Sellers immediate reaction is to “pick up”. Many will pick up every day in anticipation of a showing, and still worry about things being picked up. This anxiety can take its toll. Here’s a simple solution… buy a big plastic tub for each room. When you have a showing, remove the clutter by throwing unattractive essentials in the tub, i.e.- toys, magazines, clothes, etc. This tub system will work especially well for your teen’s room – put the games, clothes, all the loose “teen gear”, etc. in a big tub. Put the tub in the garage and leave it there. If your teen wants it back he can do it himself. This might work well to encourage your teen to keep his room clean if his clutter gets slammed into a tub … no guarantee of successful teen training – only that your home will show better with this system.

We understand that if you take numerous medications it is convenient to have them on the kitchen table, but it is not good for a Buyer to know your medical condition. Put your medicine in a small tub and stow it away in a kitchen cabinet. Smaller tubs work well for bathroom counters, cleaning your bills off the desk, etc. Everything is still organized, but out of sight for a Buyer.

Another way to be prepared for a showing is to keep up with the “land mines” your pets place around the yard. The weather is nice – people will be looking around the outside of your home. If you pick up things regularly, not only will you enjoy your home more, you will not worry about it being show-ready when the call homes. Another aspect to consider as you prepare your home for showing is the positive vibration it puts forth. The more you prepare and anticipate a showing the more likely you will attract one. Keep that thought as you take the extra minute to tidy and clean and you will be empowered and happy in your endeavor. Remember, the law of averages is on your side - the longer you go without a showing the sooner you will have one … if you are priced right.

Our Advice: Every showing is much more important these days. There is a lot of competition and there aren’t ten more Buyers behind the one bad or missed showing you have like there was two years ago. Don’t fret over getting everything perfect – a less than perfect showing is better than not showing your home. If they are ready to buy and can’t see your home they will buy someone else’s. Keep you home market ready, but don’t worry about it being “sterile”. Some homes are so incredibly clean and uncluttered that Buyer’s will comment, “does anybody live here”. Most don’t relate to a home like that as they will to one that is clean & tidy, but lived in.

Extended marketing periods are a reality – make the best of it, however “Tub Living” can be tiresome too after awhile. Tubbing will help your home show better – pricing will help it sell better. Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, www.carsonvalleyland.com or www.carsonvalleyland.net , 775-781-5472.

Selling Smart in Today's Market

How in the world can we be smart in today’s market?

Everyone wants to be smart in their real estate moves. Really, most just don’t want to be dumb. Unfortunately, many are now considering non-action for action and are hiding behind the mantra of, “We’re not going to give it away!”

It isn’t that kind of market, folks. Consider what the Chief Executive of Countrywide Financial, Angelo Mozilo, the Largest U.S. mortgage underwriter, said on July 25th, “No one saw the deterioration of real estate values coming.” He went on to say, “The Company is seeing home price depreciation at levels not seen since the Great Depression.” If you still can’t adjust your expectations to reality, or if you are wondering why you weren’t told about this think about the above statements. The number one man of the largest mortgage company in the nation says they didn’t see it coming. Don’t fault yourself, or your agent – take action now.

We’ve recently seen amazing Seller resistance to price adjustments in all market segments. It has been frustrating for agents offering professional insight and perspective to Sellers in denial. The results are numerous agent “firings” of customers. This is when they give back the listing because they feel they can’t get the job done at the List Price in today’s market. Given that Mr. Mozilo thinks it will be mid-2008 or even 2009 before things come back, it is important to evaluate your situation with brutal honesty. Listen to your agent.

Our Advice: Quit worrying about what your property was worth in 2005 – that was then. Don’t scheme about how you can take advantage of an unsuspecting out-of-state Buyer – Buyers are smarter now and nobody pays too much in this market. If you have an opportunity to replace your residence with something equally affected by the market as your present property – sell and buy and get on with your life. If you have health or family issues that are affecting your need or desire to sell – price it right and get on with your life, prioritize right between money/health/family and your decision should be easy. Don’t try to fool your agent into believing your value story – if they believe you then you haven’t selected the right agent to work for you. Your agent must take a risk right now. Your agent must tell you what you don’t want to hear … the Truth. The risk of disappointing you now greatly outweighs the risk of really disappointing you in six months. The good ones will take that risk to serve you professionally – it’s up to you to listen and take action.

Property is selling … at interesting prices. Yours can sell – when you remove the blinders and have an honest look at where you fit in today’s market. Buyers are “pricing forward” in their offers – something Sellers were doing not too long ago in the other direction. If you don’t have to sell now … don’t!

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, www.carsonvalleyland.com, 775-781-5472.