What are your priorities for selling your home? Everyone agrees that the objective is to get as much money/profit as possible. Rick, what steps can I take to achieve the maximum profit from my home investment? First we must get ready, willing and able buyers into your home (this includes having people professionally screened and pre-approved). The vast majority of people will first shop on line. Your need to have your home seen by the every possible buyer and also make a great first impression. The pictures are critical! Correct photos are imperative. How do I get good photos? First you must have the home in great condition. Visit some model homes from a major builder. WOW! You will know what I mean. The builders have marketing down to a science. How do they do this? Builders have their homes professionally decorated. This is a process known as "Staging". Click on the "Staging" link and you will discover all about staging. Rick, my home is staged, the outside of my home is manicured and ready, now what? I will then perform a market analysis on your home and we are ready to place your home on the market. Why can't I sell For Sale By Owner? For Sale By Owner is buying into a marketing program where you pay a fee up front prior to getting any results. Buyers must find your home, you must be available at all times, and show your home to anyone that calls. There is no pre-screening and no pre-approval process. Does this concept seem like a wise way to market your largest investment? Testimonial: I have personally tried this method in the past. In 6 months time, I had two calls. The first call had no interest in buying and wanted to know if I would permit a short term lease. The only other call was from a recently divorced single sweet lady that really needed a place. I gave her directions and "They" showed up. The lady did the talking while her partner (who did not say a word) continued looking about my personal belongings. Then, this sweet damsel in distress, began speaking about owner financing with no money down! She half-heartedly said she intended to reside in the home. Fortunately, I was already involved in Real Estate investment strategies and seen through their plan. It was a text book investor plan. I told her that I would have my lawyer write the contract and there would be a clause restricting any subletting or assignments (they could not rent the home to anyone else nor could they sell it to another buyer until they officially purchased the property). She left and was going to call me in a few days. She never called me back. I hired a Realtor and sold my home. I learned the value of proper marketing and the value of a Realtor. I then became a Realtor! |