Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda

5 Mistakes to Avoid if you are in a Hurry to Sell!

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

In this housing market, it can be difficult to sell a house fast. These are the five mistakes you need to avoid if you want to have your house sold quickly:

1. Asking Too Much (Pricing too High)
Setting your price too high is the biggest mistakes home sellers are making in this market. Your Realtor may give you a price that they feel the house should sell for that is higher than what it is likely to sell for. Some Realtors inflate their estimate so that the prospect of selling your house is more attractive. There is more incentive to sell your house.

Make sure you have a good idea of what other similar houses are selling for in your area. You should be comparing houses with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size that is within about 300 square feet of the size of your house, and similar amenities. Other factors that should be taken into consideration is the amount of time the houses sat on the market before they sold. This brings up another point in that you really should focus mostly on houses that have already sold. Anyone can ask anything they want for a house. What someone is willing to pay for it is an entirely different story.

If you want to sell a house fast, you should price your house slightly lower than the other comparable homes that are on the market. Evaluate your competition. See what their houses have that yours doesn’t.

2. Not Being Aware of Your Competition
This one is an extension of the last mistake. If you do not know what you are competing with, how are you going to know if you are priced right? Your house needs to priced lower than a house that has more upgrades. These upgrades include things like granite counter tops, hardwood floors, new energy-efficient windows, new mechanicals, and just about anything else that buyers will find more appealing. You can compete by offering your house at a more attractive price.

Visit open houses to get a sneak peak at your competition. Take note of anything they’ve done to make the house more appealing that you might be able to incorporate. If there are not a lot of open houses taking place, you can have a Realtor show you the houses.

3. Being Stubborn & Emotional
Do not be the seller that is unwilling to negotiate or give concessions. Buyers want to feel like they are getting a great deal, especially these days. It is a buyer’s market and if you don’t accept that, you shouldn’t be selling your house.

Even if you feel like you are giving them a good deal, you have to be willing to give a little. It doesn’t have to be price that is sacrificed, you could offer to throw in some appliances or furniture that they might like. Get creative.

If you are not getting showings and you’ve done your homework and know the house compares favorably with your competition, your best bet is to reduce the price. Do not be stubborn and refuse to budge. Your house will just sit and the costs you accrue while your house is the on the market will likely exceed what you would be giving up with a price drop.

4. Not Having The House In Sellable Condition
Buyers are extremely picky these days because they can be. With a high number of houses for sale and lenders tightening their lending criteria, this is inevitable. You will need to make sure that your house is in move-in condition. Replace rotted wood, repaint inside and outside, update anything that is dated (including 90′s style wallpaper and fixtures). You will need to make your house stand out and make the people viewing it feel like they can see themselves living there.

Some things can be done relatively cheaply that will provide big improvements. Paint is the cheapest thing you can do that will bring the biggest returns. You can update cabinets simply by replacing the handles and knobs. Clean the windows. This always helps with the impression the house makes.

If you can’t afford or don’t have the time or energy to complete necessary repairs, you will need to adjust your price accordingly. Most of the time the price needs to be reduced more than the repairs would cost due to the fact that buyers will want a good deal because of the hassle and unknowns that come with remodeling a house. Working with contractors can stress anyone out.

5. Refusing To Consider Selling To The “We Buy Houses” People
If your house needs repairs that will scare off buyers, you really need to consider getting an offer from real estate investment companies that advertise “We Buy Houses”. These companies typically pay cash and buy houses as-is. This allows you to sell without providing any warranty or doing any of the repairs. Even if the house does not need repairs, they will make an offer to buy it so that you can sell the house fast.

If you’ve inherited a house or just evicted some tenants and want to avoid renting the house again, real estate investors may be your best best. You can have an instant buyer rather than putting it on the market and having to have showings to try move it. These house buyers will make an offer and you can either accept it or not. Why not try them out and see if you could save a lot of time and hassle?

The trade-off with using a house buying company is that they typically need to buy the house below market value as they are buying for investment purposes. It’s better to know this upfront. Most “We Buy Houses” websites do not mention this. For a lot of sellers this trade-off is well worth it to avoid the hassles of selling a house in this market.

Hopefully you can avoid making these mistakes while trying to sell your house fast. Understanding what to avoid will put you far ahead of the competition. Good luck with the sale of your house.

Remember if you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call me. I will help you find a “Good”one! M.K. (Mike) Kissinger – #941-979-1455.

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Buying A Punta Gorda Home, Charlotte County, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Punta Gorda - Best Places to Live in the South, Sunshine State
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | No Comments »

Punta Gorda Owners Ask: Home Staging Cost Justifiable?

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

Home Staging – an essential merchandising tool for resale

If you are wondering what Home Staging (or House Fluffing) is all about, here is a definition for you: MSN Encarta dictionary defines Home Staging as the act of “beautifying a home for sale: cleaning, repairing and updating the decor and furnishings of an older home to make it more attractive when shown to potential buyers.” Actually, I believe that ANY home can use some staging before being put on the market. Remember, the way we live in a home and the way we want to sell a property are two completely different things. When we sell a property, there is no room for emotions – after all, it’s probably our biggest financial investment and, so, we want the biggest possible return on it!

The concept dates from 1970s, when a California realtor and decorator noticed that the properties she took the time to «stage» sold faster and for more money than the average. Today, it’s an important marketing/merchandizing tool in the USA (and spreading to Canada from the West) for the realtors and the home owners alike and it’s especially important in a slow market, where you need every advantage over your competition. TV shows, such as Designed to Sell and Flip that House demonstrate that a bit of effort and a small investment can transform a property and make a BIG difference at sale time!

The logic is strikingly simple: when you decide to sell your used car, wouldn’t you clean, wash and fix it up before reselling it? You should do the same for your house, which is probably your biggest investment and presents an opportunity for a biggest return.

First impressions count for a lot, especially today, when most buyers pre-select the properties they are interested in on Internet. If your photos don’t show your house at its best, you are probably missing out on dozens of potential buyers. The same is true for the visitors – when they come, make them feel «at home», create that first impression which will make them fall for YOUR house.

Statistics vary from marketplace to marketplace but, on average, a staged home can sell 30%-50% faster and for 2%-10% more money than a comparable unstaged home. So, a few hundred dollars invested can bring you back thousands! And a home staging consultation costs a lot less than a first price reduction on the property.

A professional Staging consultant looks at your property with a buyer’s eye and will recommend some easy and inexpensive solutions to enhance its value – such as decluttering, depersonalizing, and reorganizing your furniture and artwork.

The end result: your house «shows» better than its competition and it willl sell faster and for more money!

Source: By: Sveta Melchuk, Founder of Home Staging Montreal, a Montreal firm that has been working with sellers and Realtors since 2005 to enhance the properties for sale.You can visit www.home-staging-montreal.com for more information, tips and advice on Home Staging and Interior redesign.

For the “What it’s Worth File: Unless you have been under a rock for three years, you know that we are in a tough housing market and utilizing every opportunity to get a edge on the competition is something that we all need to focus on. Selling my home 30-50% faster and for 2-10% more money is all the motivation I would need to find me a local Home Stager. Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you live or needing one where you are moving – just call me. I will help you find a “Good” one! M.K. (Mike) Kissinger – #941-979-1455.

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Buying A Punta Gorda Home, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Punta Gorda - Best Places to Live in the South, Punta Gorda Florida Real Estate Market, Sunshine State
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | No Comments »

Short Sales In Punta Gorda, Fl – 7 Tips that Help!

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Have to sell your home for less than it’s worth? Here’s seven tips that will help you get the best price.

There are seven important steps to consider if you are faced with a short sale.

When you owe more on your home than it’s worth, but you have to sell, you need to squeeze every dollar possible from the sale. Here are seven tips for navigating the short-sale process.

1. Know who you owe
A short sale has to be approved by any company that has a mortgage or lien against your home. That includes your first, second, or even third mortgage lender, your home equity line lender; your homeowners or condominium association; and any contractors who’ve placed a lien on your home. Make a list and start talking to everyone early in the process. Ask what documents they’ll need from you.

2. Pick your short sale team
You’ll need to work with a team of short sale experts, including a real estate agent, real estate attorney, and your accountant. Look for agents and attorneys who advertise themselves as short sale experts. Interview at least three, and listen carefully for signs that they understand the complexities of the short sale process.

Agents should explain how they’ll arrive at a suggested price for your home. Ask them to show you a sample short-sale package or for an example of a prior short-sale success.

3. Get your documents ready
Gather the paperwork your creditors and mortgage lenders asked to see, like your listing agreement and a hardship letter explaining why you need to do a short sale. You’ll also need proof of what you earn and what you owe as well as copies of your federal income tax returns for the past two years.

4. Expect delays
Despite a federal rule saying banks participating in the federal government’s Making Home Affordable loan modification program must respond to short-sale offers within 10 days, it may take weeks or months for your lender to decide whether to allow you to sell your home in a short sale—and even longer if you must negotiate with more than one lender or lienholder.

Your lender and lienholders don’t have to agree to your proposed short sale. They can reject your terms or make a counteroffer, which can create further delays.

5. Anticipate demands
Discuss with your short-sale team how you should respond to common short-sale demands from lenders. For example, are you willing to sign a promissory note agreeing to pay outstanding amounts after the sale is complete?

6. Know the tax implications
Any unpaid amount of your mortgage “forgiven” by your lender through a short sale may be considered income to you under federal tax rules. Ask your attorney or accountant whether you qualify to exclude that amount as income on your tax returns under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation Act. Also ask if you’ll be required to report amounts “forgiven” by other lienholders, if applicable.

7. Consider how the short sale will affect your credit and what you must pay
Ask whether your lender will report the short sale to credit-reporting agencies. Having a portion of your debt forgiven may negatively affect your credit score, but a short sale typically damages your score less than a foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Ask your lawyer whether you’ll be responsible for paying back the lenders’ loss. If the lender says it will forgive any losses on the sale of your home, get that promise in writing.

This article includes general information about tax laws and consequences, but isn’t intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice; tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

For the “What it’s Worth File.” Three years ago no one really talked about short sales. Wow, what a dfference a couple of years make. The “Short Sale” process has become quite refined and is much less obtrusive today than it was say 18 months ago. Here is the reality: a short sale is less damaging to your credit than a foreclosure, the foredclosure is less damaging than a bankruptcy. So, it behooves you to get involved early, before it is too late to accomplish a short sale! Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call me. I will help you find a “Good”one! M.K.(Mike) Kissinger #941-979-1455

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda, Sunshine State
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | No Comments »

Punta Gorda Sellers Get Ready for Offers!!

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don’t let the best slip through your fingers.

Selling your home will go a lot smoother if you think of it as a business transaction and don’t let emotions get in the way.

You’ve worked hard to get your home ready for sale and to price it properly. With any luck, offers will come quickly. You’ll need to review each carefully to determine its strengths and drawbacks and pick one to accept. Here’s a plan for evaluating offers.

1. Understand the process
All offers are negotiable, as your agent will tell you. When you receive an offer, you can accept it, reject it, or respond by asking that terms be modified, which is called making a counteroffer.

2. Set baselines
Decide in advance what terms are most important to you. For instance, if price is most important, you may need to be flexible on your closing date. Or if you want certainty that the transaction won’t fall apart because the buyer can’t get a mortgage, require a prequalified or cash buyer.

3. Create an offer review process
If you think your home will receive multiple offers, work with your agent to establish a time frame during which buyers must submit offers. That gives your agent time to market your home to as many potential buyers as possible, and you time to review all the offers you receive.

4. Don’t take offers personally
Selling your home can be emotional. But it’s simply a business transaction, and you should treat it that way. If your agent tells you a buyer complained that your kitchen is horribly outdated, justifying a lowball offer, don’t be offended. Consider it a sign the buyer is interested and understand that those comments are a negotiating tactic. Negotiate in kind.

5. Review every term
Carefully evaluate all the terms of each offer. Price is important, but so are other terms. Is the buyer asking for property or fixtures—such as appliances, furniture, or window treatments—to be included in the sale that you plan to take with you?

Is the amount of earnest money the buyer proposes to deposit toward the downpayment sufficient? The lower the earnest money, the less painful it will be for the buyer to forfeit those funds by walking away from the purchase if problems arise.

Have the buyers attached a prequalification or pre-approval letter, which means they’ve already been approved for financing? Or does the offer include a financing or other contingency? If so, the buyers can walk away from the deal if they can’t get a mortgage, and they’ll take their earnest money back, too. Are you comfortable with that uncertainty?

Is the buyer asking you to make concessions, like covering some closing costs? Are you willing, and can you afford to do that? Does the buyer’s proposed closing date mesh with your timeline?

With each factor, ask yourself: Is this a deal breaker, or can I compromise to achieve my ultimate goal of closing the sale?

6. Be creative
If you’ve received an unacceptable offer through your agent, ask questions to determine what’s most important to the buyer and see if you can meet that need. You may learn the buyer has to move quickly. That may allow you to stand firm on price but offer to close quickly. The key to successfully negotiating the sale is to remain flexible.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has survived several closings. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

For the “What it’s Worth File.” Let’s face it! You are attempting to get the best price you can for your property and the buyer is trying to get the lowest price they can. Naturally, there may be some difference of opinion. This article gives some very good advice and if you embody the suggestions, you will be able to accpmplish what the process is really about – Agreement! Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call me. I will help you find a “Good” one! M.K. (Mike) Kissinger #941-979-1455

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Punta Gorda - Best Places to Live in the South, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | No Comments »

Punta Gorda Florida Sellers Learn WHEN to Drop the Price

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Is Your Home Priced Right?

While you’d like to get the best price for your home, consider our six reasons to reduce your home price. If you don’t receive any offers for a few weeks, check out other comparable houses on the market and what they’re going for.

Home not selling? That could happen for a number of reasons you can’t control, like a unique home layout or having one of the few homes in the neighborhood without a garage. There is one factor you can control: your home price.

These six signs may be telling you it’s time to lower your price.

1. You’re drawing few lookers

You get the most interest in your home right after you put it on the market because buyers want to catch a great new home before anybody else takes it. If your real estate agent reports there have been fewer buyers calling about and asking to tour your home than there have been for other homes in your area, that may be a sign buyers think it’s overpriced and are waiting for the price to fall before viewing it.

2. You’re drawing lots of lookers but have no offers

If you’ve had 30 sets of potential buyers come through your home and not a single one has made an offer, something is off. What are other agents telling your agent about your home? An overly high price may be discouraging buyers from making an offer.

3. Your home’s been on the market longer than similar homes

Ask your real estate agent about the average number of days it takes to sell a home in your market. If the answer is 30 and you’re pushing 45, your price may be affecting buyer interest. When a home sits on the market, buyers can begin to wonder if there’s something wrong with it, which can delay a sale even further. At least consider lowering your asking price.

4. You have a deadline

If you’ve got to sell soon because of a job transfer or you’ve already purchased another home, it may be necessary to generate buyer interest by dropping your price so your home is a little lower priced than comparable homes in your area. Remember: It’s not how much money you need that determines the sale price of your home, it’s how much money a buyer is willing to spend.

5. You can’t make upgrades

Maybe you’re plum out of cash and don’t have the funds to put fresh paint on the walls, clean the carpets, and add curb appeal. But the feedback your agent is reporting from buyers is that your home isn’t as well-appointed as similarly priced homes. When your home has been on the market longer than comparable homes in better condition, it’s time to accept that buyers expect to pay less for a home that doesn’t show as well as others.

6. The competition has changed

If weeks go by with no offers, continue to check out the competition. What have comparable homes sold for and what’s still on the market? What new listings have been added since you listed your home for sale? If comparable home sales or new listings show your price is too steep, consider a price reduction.

Source: G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who made strategic price reductions that led to the sale of a Wisconsin property. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

For the “What it’s Worth File.” Of all the issues in dealing with the sale of your home – the Price is one of the toughest to deal with! Don’t hesitate to consult a real estate professional to assist you in setting the right price. Remember this - you can’t pick the right price – the Market will determine the right price! If you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call me. I will help you find a “Good” one! M. K. (Mike) Kissinger #941-979-1455

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Punta Gorda - Best Places to Live in the South, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | No Comments »

7 Tips for Short Sales in Punta Gorda, Florida

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Have to sell your home for less than it’s worth? These seven tips will help you get the best price.

Agents should explain how they’ll arrive at a suggested price for your home. Ask them to show you a sample short-sale package or for an example of a prior short-sale success.

4. Expect delays
Despite a federal rule saying banks participating in the federal government’s Making Home Affordable loan modification program must respond to short-sale offers within 10 days, it may take weeks or months for your lender to decide whether to allow you to sell your home in a short sale–and even longer if you must negotiate with more than one lender or lien holder.

Your lender and lienholders don’t have to agree to your proposed short sale. They can reject your terms or make a counteroffer, which can create further delays.

Ask you lawyer whether you’ll be responsible for paying back the lenders’ loss. If the lender says it will forgive any losses on the sale of your home, get that promise in writing.

Source: Houselogic.com, G. M. Filisko Published: March 19, 2010. G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

For the “What it’s Worth File”. Short Sales have been a very tedious element of the current real estate sales cycle. However, time and experience has benefited the process to where they are much better than they were a year or so ago. Don’t ignore them – they can be a viable solution to your situation. Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you are or need one where you are moving – just call. I will help you find a “Good” one! M.K. (Mike) Kissinger, # 941-979-1455

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Punta Gorda New Home Search, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | 6 Comments »

Punta Gorda, FL Sellers Confused – Will Incentives Work?

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Homebuyer incentives can be smart marketing or a waste of money. Find out when and how to use them.

When you’re selling your home, the idea of adding a sweetener to the transaction—whether it’s a decorating allowance, a home warranty, or a big-screen TV—can be a smart use of marketing funds. To ensure it’s not a big waste, follow these dos and don’ts:

Do use homebuyer incentives to set your home apart from close competition. If all the sale properties in your neighborhood have the same patio, furnishing yours with a luxury patio set and stainless steel BBQ that stay with the buyers will make your home stand out.

Do compensate for flaws with a homebuyer incentive. If your kitchen sports outdated floral wallpaper, a $3,000 decorating allowance may help buyers cope. If your furnace is aging, a home warranty may remove the buyers’ concern that they’ll have to pay thousands of dollars to replace it right after the closing.

Don’t assume homebuyer incentives are legal. Your state may ban homebuyer incentives, or its laws may be maddeningly confusing about when the practice is legal and not. Check with your real estate agent and attorney before you offer a homebuyer incentive.

Don’t think buyers won’t see the motivation behind a homebuyer incentive. Offering a homebuyer incentive may make you seem desperate. That may lead suspicious buyers to wonder what hidden flaws exist in your home that would force you to throw a freebie at them to get it sold. It could also lead buyers to factor in your apparent anxiety and make a lowball offer.

Don’t use a homebuyer incentive to mask a too-high price. A buyer may think your expensive homebuyer incentive—like a high-end TV or a luxury car—is a gimmick to avoid lowering your sale price. Many top real estate agents will tell you to list your home at a more competitive price instead of offering a homebuyer incentive. A property that’s priced a hair below its true value will attract not only buyers but also buyers’ agents, who’ll be giddy to show their clients a home that’s a good value and will sell quickly.

If you’re convinced a homebuyer incentive will do the trick, choose one that adds value or neutralizes a flaw in your home. Addressing buyers’ concerns about your home will always be more effective than offering buyers an expensive toy.

Source: HouseLogic.com, by G.M. Filisko who is an attorney and award-winning writer who gritted her teeth and chose a huge price decrease over an incentive to sell a languishing property—and is glad she did. A regular contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

For the “What it’s Worth File”. Creative marketing is a great way to focus extra attention to your property. Don’t forget – Differentiation sells! These are good ideas, but you need to use some good judgement when utilizing them. My suggestion would be to ask a professional realtor for their advice. Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you live of need one where you are moving – just call. I will help you find As “Good ” one! M. K. (Mike) Kissinger – #941-979-1455

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Punta Gorda New Home Search, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda, Sunshine State
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | 8 Comments »

What to Expect After “Listing” in Punta Gorda, FL.

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Selling your home can be a lot like a “remodeling project”. It will take longer than expected, it will cost more and is more emotionally draining than you thought it would be – but in the end, it’s worth it!

The process, in and of itself is not complicated. It is just a little demanding, primarily because it is an environment that you are not familiar with. If you break it down into it’s simplest form, it contains three parts. The preparation, the showing of your home’s best points to potential buyers and dealing with the market.

Mr. Rick Hazeltine breaks down the process and points out some of the pitfalls to avoid in his article, ” What to expect after listing”. Having a fundamental awareness of the essential components of the procedure should allow you to maintain your composure and avoid having to make frequent visits your friendly pharmacist. If by chance, you would like to review the entire article, click here.

For the “What it’s Worth File”. Listing your home for sale seems to be relatively a simple process and can be, provided that you are properly informed before entering into the process. Some things people do not realize are that it costs you – the seller, nothing, You are in total control and may reject any offer you recieve and sell to whom you want to, plus you make pick and choose between any multiple offers you might receive and the bottomline is this. It is like playing the lottery. You can’t win if you don’t play. Don’t forget! If you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call. I will help you find a “Good” one!

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Port Charlotte Real Estate, Punta Gorda - Best Places to Live in the South, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | 3 Comments »

Punta Gorda, FL Sellers Run from These Buyers!

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Avoid these no-down, bullies and sight-unseen home “buyers”

Are you selling your home? Then you should know what — or whom — you’re dealing with, advises Michael Corbett, the author of “Find It, Fix It, Flip It!” and the new “Ready, Set, Sold!” guide to selling a home.

Most buyers fall into one of three categories, he says. You’ll find buyers searching for a dream home, buyers looking for a great home at a fair price and buyers scouring for the next bargain.

The dream-home searchers will probably pay full price if they find the place they want. The great-home shoppers aren’t going to offer full price but will be especially willing to negotiate. The bargain hunters? They thrive on finding the best price and may be looking for a fixer-upper.

If your house is priced correctly and is in good shape, you probably won’t encounter the bargain hunter. But, you will find three types of buyers among dream-home and great-home shoppers that aren’t going to serve your bottom line. These are the buyers you want to avoid, warns Corbett.

The Zero-Percent Down Buyer
If your home is setting a selling-price high mark for comparable homes “a mortgage company might find it challenging to appraise your house for buyers with little or no money down,” writes Corbett. “You’ll have to put your house back on the market again when your buyer’s mortgage request falls through.”

The Bully Buyer
Nobody likes a bully and chances are you’re not going to like this type of buyer either. You will be inundated with a list of things that are wrong with the house — all while presenting an offer. The inspection process? It will be a nightmare. If you detect a bully, move on. “This bully approach is a prelude to endless negotiations, and his or her trying to obtain concessions by nitpicking on the disclosure and the inspection.”

The Sight-Unseen Buyer
You may get an offer from someone who has only seen photos of your house. But that can signal a trick up the sleeve. No one is going to buy a house without seeing it — this buyer just wants to tie up your house to take it off the market and make a decision later.

For the “What it’s Worth File”. Don’t forget – you are in control of the decision regarding who you sell to and who you don’t sell to. If you have a problem with some of the unpleasant buyer types – just reject the offer and move on to work with someone who is acceptable. Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call. I will help you find a “Good” one!

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Buyer's Market in Punta Gorda, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Port Charlotte Real Estate, Punta Gorda - Best Places to Live in the South, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda, Sunshine State
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | 2 Comments »

Punta Gorda, Fl Sellers find that “Cluttered Homes” equals “Undesirable”!

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

One person’s clutter is another person’s “prized possessions”. Unfortunately, as a realtor who is hired to sell the house, it is one of the most difficult issues to get resolved, without completely alienating the seller. When a buyer comes into a home they psychologically place themselves and their things in the seller’s home. If the house if full of “stuff”, it can make it impossible for the buyer to visualize how it will look after the sale.

I found this article authored by, David Kopec, that exposes the truth about “clutter” and how it can kill a potential sale, which I personally completely agree with! However, he does point out that there is a spectrum of buyers out there, that actually look forward to a seller ‘s house being cluttered. To get the full scope of the article, click here.

For the “What it’s Worth File”. Do yourself a favor and step back and put yourself in the buyers shoes, looking through the buyers eyes - look over the house and put away stuff that is only important to you – like the flashing Budweiser sign in the family room that says, ” Redneck Heaven”. Remember, if you need a Realtor® where you live or need one where you are moving – just call. I will help you find a “Good” one!

Tags: Best Home Values in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Coldwell Banker Morris Realty, Finding the Right Punta Gorda Agent, Port Charlotte Real Estate, Selling your Home in Punta Gorda, Sunshine State
Posted in Selling Your Home in Punta Gorda | 2 Comments »

Search

My Blog

Hot Topics

M. K. (Mike) Kissinger
Realtor Associate

Company Info

Real Estate Tools