We are into a new year! Change your attitude and simply be more positive about what is going on in the real estate market. Ignor the doomers and gloomers. Reality is only an illusion...it stems from our thoughts, so, what you think is what you will create. I have decided to make this year great and I am owning it. In the last six weeks I have sold three of my listings at open houses and with two of them, I had a back up buyer. Take charge of your life and use your imagination. Ask and you shall receive. Believe that the perfect person for that house is going to come along and want to make it their home. Albert Einstein said, "imagination is the prelude to what is to come."
Loretta Washburnof VA12:21AM March 18, 2011
Have SHOE GUARDS for your potential buyers when they visit. Have a basket of these inexpensive gems at the ready. It's offensive to ask guests to remove their shoes. Why would they want to walk, oftentimes barefoot, on your floors that may, or may NOT not be up to their standard of cleanliness? I know I don't.
Annette Crews, REALTORof VA10:42AM March 25, 2010
Put a potted plant, Red Geraniums on the front porch and on the deck, Color and greenery add a lot to a house. Soft music helps too sometimes to keep everyone at ease, and a few candles burning.
Kay Sextonof VA9:56PM March 24, 2010
I like to get out and put my directional arrow signs up early and have the time of the Open House on the signs. If my Open House is 1:00 - 4:00...put those times on the signs and don't be afraid to put as many signs out as you can. I sold four homes at Open Houses last year and six the year before. I like to take vanilla beans, put them foil and put them in the oven...makes the home smell fabulous!
Make sure there is no clutter in the home and arrange furniture to make the rooms look larger. Don't let furniture block any windows and have your Sellers store items that take up too much space...GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR OPEN HOUSES!
Loretta Washburnof VA11:25PM March 23, 2010
There's absolutely NO reason why you can't do it yourself.
Howevever, the MAJORITY of my clients want to be able to relax and envision themselves in the home. When a homeowner is hovering around they want to leave more quickly or not even see the home on a first showing....
Lori Riveraof FL12:47PM October 14, 2008
Internet notice of open houses also allows more potential visitors on open house day. ERA has a special open house web section that automatically posts to OpenHouse.com as well.Also, local MLS services have open house postings that other realtors can note.
It is also important to pick times that buyers are likely to come, such as 1-4 p.m. Saturday--and be willing to stay later. Many signs out front on the nearby streets where traffic will bring some passers-by help as well.
Jean McPheeof FL11:10AM October 14, 2008
I am a realtor and it is hard for a seller to sell his own home. Most buyers would prefer to work with a realtor. They can open up to a realtor, when they might not feel comfortable with the seller. I have heard sellers say that they have showed their home many times and never heard feedback from the prospective buyers. Buyers are more likely to say what is on their mind when their is a realtor involved.
I have showed property when there were owners present and the buyers won't open closet doors or feel free to look comfortably.
Ginny Marshof 10:24AM October 14, 2008
Of course this was written by a realtor. Make yourself disappear, he says
There is no earthly reason why homeowners cannot sell their home themselves. My wife and I have done it four times. You do not have to go hide and leave it with an agent. You DO have to be super honest and super friendly.
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Loretta Washburn of VA 12:21AM March 18, 2011
Annette Crews, REALTOR of VA 10:42AM March 25, 2010
Kay Sexton of VA 9:56PM March 24, 2010
Loretta Washburn of VA 11:25PM March 23, 2010
Lori Rivera of FL 12:47PM October 14, 2008
Jean McPhee of FL 11:10AM October 14, 2008
Ginny Marsh of 10:24AM October 14, 2008
of 11:28AM August 21, 2008