Real Estate Agents Bring A Lot To The Table

The internet has changed the way business we business, and in fact has made many jobs obsolete.  With the abundance of real estate information available online, one would expect the need for real estate agents to dwindle but actually the opposite has occurred.  The number of agents was definitely diminished by the crash in the market, but according to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of buyers retained an agent in 2012, up from 69% in 2001; On the seller side, just 9% sold a home without using an agent, down from 20% in 1987.  There are some good reasons why real estate brokers still exist.  

 

Generally speaking, REALTORS* bring a lot to the table. They bring their knowledge, but maybe more importantly, they bring their insight and experience.  Since the crash in the real estate market, not only have lenders tightened their standards, but real estate transactions have gotten much more complicated and continue to do so.  Agents can match you up with local lenders who have successfully worked through circumstances similar to yours.  They can negotiate tricky contracts and will guide you through the real estate transaction, all the while looking out for your interests and making it as stress-free as possible.

They also have special insight into neighborhoods and specific communities that you cannot get from a website and can introduce some options that you would not have known existed had you not been working with an agent.  For example, a buyer I worked with was looking for a vacation home and asked to see available homes in a particular neighborhood.  After listening to what his wants were and getting to know him better, I finally got him to look at a home in a different community that I thought might be a better fit.  I was pretty sure he would love the community and I knew that one home in particular, had a great floor plan.  I finally got him to agree to see it, and he and his wife purchased that home and are extremely happy with their choice.

Another buyer was sure he could find a home and navigate the real estate process on his own and really just wanted me to get him into the houses he had chosen.  Again, after listening to him and getting to know what he was looking for, I showed him some options that he did not know existed, but really fell in love with.

In closing, do not under estimate the importance of a real estate agent and what they bring to the table.  Do your homework on the internet and be as familiar with your target market as possible. Then find an agent that you can work with and commit to them.  They will surely be committed to you and will positively impact your real estate experience.

Seasonal Tips for Great Looking Property This Fall

When the leaves begin to fall and our summer blooms are dead and gone, we tend to lose interest in keeping the exterior of our homes looking neat and pretty.  Curb appeal is always important, and even more so if you are planning on putting your home on the real estate market.  There's a checklist of things you can do that will keep your property looking good this fall.  Read more

Tips for a Great Looking Property this Fall

Make an Offer That Sellers Can't Refuse

Make an Offer That Sellers Can't Refuse

I Can Help You Price Your Home Correctly

 

 

 

Seaside Station in Sunset Beach, NC is a perfect location for your weekend retreat or retirement home.  Just steps to every day conveniences, a quick drive across the Sunset Beach Bridge lands you on the island ready to spend a relaxing day by the sea.   If you're looking for the simple life, an affordable vacation home  where you can enjoy quality time with friends and family in a beautiful coastal setting, you can stop looking.  Welcome to 307 Dogwood Drive in Seaside Station .  Pretty as a picture, this home is now on the real estate market  for sale  and features a split and open floor plan, 3 uniquely large bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 screened porches, and shed.  Just minutes to both Sunset and Ocean Isle beaches, area golf courses, local shops and restaurants, it's also just a short ride to Myrtle Beach.  Property taxes on this home are just $470 per year.  Call or email me or visit my website at www.CarolinaSeasideProperties.com for more details on this and other available properties in Sunset Beach.

Are You Ready to Make An Offer?

   Your real estate agent has shown you homes and you now want to make an offer. These days, everyone is looking for "a deal", but you need to be able to recognize "a deal" when you see it.

The comparable active and sold property information that your agent gives you should help you determine what market value is for this home and how asking price compares. The home may be priced above market value, but if it is priced belowt or at market, even if you made a full price offer you still would be getting a good deal.

Compare this home with the others you have seen in your price range. How does it rank among them? If it out-shines the other available properties, has more upgrades, better location, or a more appealing floor plan, for example, it will have more value than the others.

A seller offering to pay all or some closing costs, is providing a home warranty that transfers to the buyer at closing, or is willing to work with your time table also adds value. All things to consider.

In closing, a "lowball" offer does not guarantee getting a "good deal" on a home and may actually have more negative effects than positive. You have to be able to recognize a good price when you see it, and if you are a serious buyer, make an offer and negotiate it from an educated standpoint. Be realistic and stay focused on what you and your agent are trying to achieve - not the thrill of the game - and you will get the prize!

Antiques Roadshow and a Lesson in Real Estate

Recently, I subscribed to the blog of Joe Manausa, Owner of Manausa and Associates, a Century 21 affilate in Tallahassee, Florida. Joe's blog was about watching an episode of the program, Antiques Roadshow. If you've never seen it, people bring their treasures and get them appraised and valued by experts.

This episode, while not about real estate, happened to include a great analogy and might be helpful to sellers and how to price their home in the market, and clearly describes why the appraisal value may not always be the market value. Please read this short but interesting blog by Joe Manausa.

What The Antiques Roadshow Can Teach You About Selling A Home I was watching an episode of the Antiques Roadshow this past weekend and I saw numerous lessons on valuation that could be applied to selling a home.    Read more

Zillow Real Estate Stats & 2013 Forecasts

• From December 2011 to December 2012, housing values were up 5.9%.  In fact home prices have increased every month since October 2011 ("the bottom"??)  and are expected to continue to increase 2.5% in 2013.
• .How your particular market is recovering is largely driven by the unique characteristics of your area..."location, location"...and will play a big part in whether you should rent, buy or sell, now or later, in order to maximize value and return.
• A new wave of underwater homeowners will surface, and 2013 will likely see cycles of ups and downs in prices and inventories.  As home values go up, more underwater homeowners will be able to put their homes on the market thereby increasing supply and subduing prices (supply and demand)  
• Home affordability will likely continue to be high in 2013 due to low interest rates and still recovering home prices. 

Your comments are always appreciated.