Real Estate In Halifax With James Dwyer

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21 tips for first-time home-buyers

      What consumers should know before home shopping    

Key Takeaways          

If a property has three flaws with no feasible solution, don’t buy it.

It never hurts to let the sellers know how much you love their home.

Always ask for more than you expect, and when the seller counters your offer with what you really expect, accept and walk away the winner. It’s not about who has the last say.

First-time home-buyers can easily be caught off guard by unexpected surprises. Here are 21 tips that will quickly get home-buyers up to speed and ready for a successful house hunt.

1. Money

Getting pre-approved for a home loan can take some time for even the most organized person. Meet with a lender early, and gather the documents you will need so that the process is smooth when you are ready to buy.

Getting pre-approved for a home loan can take some time for even the most organized person.

2. Insurance

You will need to line up homeowners insurance. It doesn’t hurt to start shopping early if you know the general type of property you will be purchasing. Carriers specialize in different types of properties, so make sure to compare rates.

3. The hunt

House hunting is the fun part, but it can quickly become overwhelming, especially in a hot market where properties sell quickly. Most buyers start hunting online, and then they reach out to an agent when they are ready to start touring homes.

4. Search sites

Each site has different strengths, and you will likely find a few favorites. Viewpoint maps out property lines, and realtor.com has a nice app that shows you houses for sale nearby.

5. Open houses

Open houses are a great way to learn about the market. If you are going to make an offer, be sure you visit the property at another time when you can have some alone time with it. Open houses can be noisy and active, which can divert your attention from things like road noise or carpet stains.

Home shoppers: Open houses are a great way to learn about the market.

6. Find a great agent

You can find agents online, on Yelp, on search sites and by referral. Agents should stand out based on their knowledge and expertise, not just because they pay for a lot of advertising space. Having a great agent will ensure the success of your transaction and give you peace of mind. Make sure you interview a few, and pick the best fit.

Home-buyers: Make sure you interview a few agents, and pick the best fit.

Don’t just select the first friendly face you meet at an open house. If you feel you made the wrong choice at some point, it’s OK to thank them politely for their time and let them know you have decided to work with someone else.

7. Check out the neighborhood

You’re not just buying a house; you’re also committing to the neighbors, the block and general surroundings. Don’t buy the nicest house on the block. It won’t appreciate as well as the dump down the street.

8. Be open-minded

Home-buying always involves compromise. If you have your heart set on a craftsman, don’t avoid visiting mid-century homes. You never know how all the pieces will fall together, so be open to unexpected good surprises.

9. Don’t be intimidated

It’s easy to feel outsmarted when you embark on the journey toward home ownership. There is no shame in not knowing how it all works. Ask everyone questions! The pros have been down this path numerous times and are more than happy to share their expertise.

10. Three wrongs don’t make a right

Three wrongs don’t make a right — it’s a basic rule. If a property has three flaws with no feasible solution, don’t buy it. For example, a house with freeway noise, a steeply sloped lot and no off-street parking should be avoided.

11. Staging

Plain and simple — staging works. Staged homes sell faster and for more money. Don’t let this prevent you from buying one, but know that the unstaged house might be a hidden bargain.

Staged homes sell faster and for more money.

Look beyond the pretty furniture and pay attention to the floor plan, moldings and the other aspects that will remain when the staging is removed.

12. Buyer burn-out

House hunting can become overwhelming, especially in a hot market. You might find yourself writing offer after offer without success. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by the market, rather than settling for the wrong house or paying too much, give yourself a break and restart the hunt when you feel ready.

13. Writing an offer

When you are ready to write an offer, review comparable sales and determine what you feel is fair regarding price and terms. Your agent will be a great guide in helping to determine a winning strategy.

14. Fixtures

Fixtures are anything attached permanently to the property including lights, faucets and built-in microwaves. Appliances that are simply plugged in, free-standing hot tubs and that pretty potted lemon tree by the door are not fixtures and not necessarily included in the sale.

If you want them, make sure you write it into the contract. It might look like that washing machine isn’t going anywhere, but it’s not a fixture — it can grow legs.

15. Love letter

It never hurts to let the sellers know how much you love their home. Writing a letter of appreciation for the improvements they have made and the care given to the property as well as your vision for how you will live in it can inspire them to pick you if there are multiple offers.

16. Negotiations

It might be hard to stomach, but if you strategically negotiate to let the other side win, you will walk away the true winner. Always ask for more than you expect, and when the seller counters your offer with what you really expect, accept and walk away the winner. It’s not about who has the last say.

17. Inspections

Invest in home inspections so that you know what you are getting into. If undisclosed adverse conditions are discovered, it’s appropriate to ask the seller to lower the price accordingly.

I don’t recommend asking the seller to perform the repairs. They have no incentive to do more than the basics because they won’t be living with the results.

Invest in home inspections so that you know what you are getting into.

18. Closing costs

It’s not just the down payment you need to save up for, but also all the added closing costs. Deed Transfer tax has caught many first-time home-buyers off guard. Ask your agent or lender for a complete list of the costs for your area.  Normally for the HRM area you will be looking at 3% of your purchase price.

19. Closing

Many buyers expect they will sign the closing paperwork on the same day they will get the keys for their new home. In fact you may very well sign the paperwork a few days before.  Also keep in mind having your closing day at the beginning of the week.  If there are any problems with the closing you will have those few days to get things done.

20. Moving

Make a list of everything you need to do in advance. Here are a few good ones: Start packing — it takes eons. Book your mover ASAP.

Shut down your utilities in your old home and start them up in your new one. Change your address for all your bills.

Put in a change of address with USPS. One final word of wisdom — move your clothes on their hangers. You’ll thank me later.

Make a list of everything you need to do for a move in advance.

21. Donate

Bonus tip: If you have extra food you don’t want to move, you can donate it to the food bank. Feed Nova Scotia is a non-profit that will pick up your food and deliver it to local food banks.

[jamescdwyer]

Money-Saving Energy Upgrades That Appeal To Buyers

Some  sellers may balk at the idea of renovating their homes before selling  it, thinking that it may cost them a great deal of money without  providing enough return during the resale. However, making some upgrades  is common when selling a home, and there are several types of  improvements owners can make that won’t dent their wallets.

Many buyers pay close attention to the type of features and   fixtures in a home, and often opt for properties with newer and more   energy-efficient products. These types of features can keep energy bills  low and help owners manage their new homeowner costs. In addition,   existing owners who purchase these types of materials may save money on their own energy bills during the selling process and earn tax benefits  after the purchase. Put in a new furnace Home heating costs can be imposing, and replacing old or damaged   furnaces can be pricy. However, new, energy-efficient furnaces are   becoming increasingly popular and more affordable, according to Fox   Business. Energy Star furnaces add 16 percent more efficiency than   traditional furnaces and can save owners up to $96 per year in costs,   the news source explains. New furnaces can cost homeowners between $5,000 and $8,000, Fox   Business explains. However, additional savings can be found by shopping around and getting quotes from different providers. Further, many may   offer discounts for military service and other scenarios to help ease   some of the costs. While upgrading to a new efficient furnace is   unlikely to add more value to the home itself, it may appeal to more   buyers who are interested in keeping bills low. Many buyers may request that an older furnace be replaced anyway before agreeing to a home sale,  so purchasing a new one before putting the home on the market can make  the selling process go more quickly. Replace features Energy-efficient window replacements can also make a difference in attracting buyers and lowering utility bills. Windows are the first   place many homeowners and energy auditors examine for leaks and cracks   that can lead to higher energy bills. Replacing windows can run into the  thousands, depending on the type and number of windows in the home. Consumers who are updating their kitchens should also consider   buying a new energy-efficient refrigerator, which can lead to a savings of hundreds of dollars over the life of the product. In addition, newer  refrigerators can make a kitchen look more modern during home showings,  which may help individuals sell their homes more quickly.

[jamescdwyer]

Open house today from 2-4pm!  come and stop by as this is one home you wont want to miss!  (via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk8rY9lWsqQ)

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk8rY9lWsqQ)

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfBhOC5oYP0)

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wLS9lytgv0)

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0raGg4LC-8M)

[jamescdwyer]

How to hire the right Real Estate Agent

Never hire a Realtor without interviewing him or her first. You want an agent that can sell to people, but you don’t want to be the one getting sold. You need to ask hard questions and get the answers you need before you agree to any sort of business relationship with this person. It is not enough to be charming. You need someone who gets results and uses all available channels for selling your home. One thing that is humorous about real estate agents is that almost every one of them will say that they are #1. What you really need to find out is #1 at what? Selling homes or baking sugar cookies for their ineffective open houses. Most home owners don’t know how to interview a real estate agent. After all it is not like most people sell a home that often. Take a look at some of the hard hitting questions I have provided. These questions will make an unqualified Realtor want to sink under their chair!

When you interview a Realtor, ask about the number of successful sales the person has had. You want someone who has had good success recently – not ten years ago. You also want someone that is good at listing a home at a certain price and selling close to that price. Some Realtors will gladly list your price too high to make you happy at the beginning, only to drop the price substantially by the end to actually sell the home.

Get an agent that is strong enough to tell you the facts – what your home is really worth and what it will sell for – and one that closes a deal for around that price. The original list price to sale price is one of the most important statistics you can find out from the Realtors you are interviewing.

Don’t fall for the agent trickery where you are told your home is worth far more than what seems possible. There are plenty of Real Estate agents who intentionally tell sellers what they want to hear to get them to sign a contract.

Find out how many days this agent’s listings stay on the market. Time is not your friend when selling. You want someone who sells in a timely manner.

Lastly, make sure the agent has a respectable website. The advantages to this are many and enough years have passed that any good agent will be using an array of web-based marketing to sell your home. Keep in mind that the Realtor you hire is your partner. Everything they do is a reflection on you and your home. Do you want to be associated with a brand and agent that is well respected locally? The choice is yours. All you have to do is take the time and choose a Realtor who will make a difference in the home sale process. One of the top home seller mistakes is clearly picking the wrong real estate agent.

Summary For Picking a Great Real Estate Agent

Look at examples of the Realtors photography on homes they have currently listed for sale.

Check to see they have enhanced their listing descriptions to make their clients homes stand out.

See if the agent is using video tours as part of their marketing.

Find out how the real estate agent will be communicating with you throughout the home sale process.

Investigate the agents websites. Do they provide great information? Can you find them in local searches?

See if the agent is using a real estate blog to provide additional exposure for your home.

Is the real estate agent using social media to cast an even wider net for people to find your home.

Make sure you do an excellent job carefully interviewing multiple Realtors. If you take the time and do these things the chances of picking a bad Realtor will go down dramatically.

[jamescdwyer]

What Does Your Realtor Do?

A good Realtor understands how to market a home successfully. He or she will do far more than throw up a sign and a listing and wait for the calls to pour in. This is because a good Realtor is every bit as motivated to sell your home as you are. This is how he or she makes a living. A real estate agent who wants to be recognized as being tops in their field will step outside the box and not just be average. They will use techniques and marketing ideas that other Realtors don’t.

Marketing is as much an art as a science – a combination of positioning your home appropriately, exposing the property through an expansive network and utilizing the power of the internet to funnel prospects towards your home. These are things that take time to develop and lots of practice to get good at. Luck is always a part of the process, but it is much easier to get lucky when you have done all the hard work necessary to seize an advantage.

The old way of doing real estate had its day, we do success the right way.

Lack of Good Marketing Materials

You will immediately recognize the Realtor who understands great marketing when you see a nice glossy brochure with gorgeous color photography of all the rooms in the home, along with exterior shots of the property including the lot.

What you are likely to see from a bad Realtor is a black and white copy of an MLS sheet left in your home. Why spend money on marketing is how the post and pray Realtor thinks. Obviously this is the last thing you want as a seller who is looking to get top dollar for a home! Unfortunately this happens all the time because people don’t know any better.

Slide show or video tour? I can hear the post and pray Realtor snickering now. Who needs to spend extra money on more marketing? Why do I need to do those things when my sign and the MLS work just fine.

No Communications Skills

Study after study shows that one of the biggest complaints homeowners have with their real estate agent is a lack of communication. When you have a showing on your home it is great to know what the buyer thought isn’t it? A good Realtor will have a good system in place to get feedback from the buyers agent.

A good agent will get back to you to keep you in the loop of what is going on. This is common courtesy and should be something every real estate agent does. Feedback helps both a seller and an agent gauge any issues and if there are corrections that can be made. Is getting feedback something that happens in every real estate sale? Absolutely not! If you have hired a bad Realtor you will more than likely find this out the hard way.

Leveraging The Internet

Online marketing is about far more than throwing up an ad for your home. It is about exposure, about getting your home in front of people. Search engines are nice for finding a home within specified parameters, but a Realtor can do more. If he or she has a high quality website that ranks well on major search engines like Google and Bing, your home is more likely to be seen. You can have the greatest looking website going but if nobody can find it doing local real estate searches then it is going to be almost useless. Some real estate agents realized early on that ranking well on Google would have advantages for selling homes. These Realtors began putting in the work to build a site that was respected for both its information and its listings. This is not something that can be accomplished in day. It takes time and a lot of effort.

Have a Real Estate Blog

There are also Realtors who have recognized and taken advantage of how powerful a real estate blog can enhance their business. Savvy Realtors who understand marketing realize the punch a blog can bring to the table. Not only can you be recognized as a local market expert but also an agent who possesses quite a bit of helpful real estate knowledge that buyers and sellers can utilize.

When looking for a Realtor, you should find one that understands how to to truly leverage the internet for selling your home. Post and pray Realtors are the opposite of this. They take the path of least resistance and expect the internet to do the work for them. Find an agent that cares enough to have a website and to make it a good one.

Utilize Social Media Channels

With social media having become a large part of normal day to day activities it makes sense to have an agent who is tied in and utilizing social channels as another means of broadcasting that your home is for sale. Sites like Facebook, Linkedln, Google Plus, and Twitter are visited by thousands of people daily. A web savvy marketer will use the channels to make your home more visible to the world. Post and pray Realtors would never dream of doing this. It takes too much effort.

The lack of marketing among others, is one of the many reasons so many for sale by owner homes don’t end up selling. The line of thinking in fact lines up well with many of the post and pray Realtors. Many for sale by owners think selling a home is easy and all it takes is a sign. The fact that over 80 percent of all FSBO’s end up listing with an agent shouldn’t be all that surprising. They are actually missing one of the P’s!

[jamescdwyer]

Not all Realtors are Equal

A good real estate agent can do a lot to help you sell your home. However, it is important to understand that not every Realtor does the same things to move a house. Like any job, some are better at selling houses than others and some prefer to do the bare minimum as long as they can get away with it. These post and pray Realtors are not the best choice when you want to sell your home in a timely manner for top dollar. Let this be your guide on how to tell if you have picked a bad real estate agent! To get the most money possible for your home you want a real estate agent who is willing to put in the time and effort it takes to get maximum dollars. There are lots of ways Realtors can be stand out agents. Just putting a home into the multiple listing service (MLS) is not one of them. The Post and Pray Method One useful tool in a Realtor’s toolbox is the multiple listing service, or MLS. Any Realtor you use will make certain to put your property up on the multiple listing service – allowing all other Realtors using the service to see the features of your home and the price you are asking. This also makes your home viewable by various online searches. In other words, putting your home in MLS makes it possible for real estate agents – working for home buyers – and often home buyers themselves to see your home. Unfortunately, there are some agents out there who rely solely on the 3 P’s of marketing – put a sign in the yard, put it in MLS and pray. These post and pray Realtors see some success with this formula and use it over and over again. They may do this out of ignorance or laziness or some other unknown reason. In the end though, a Realtor can do far more to sell a house than relying on the 3 P’s. There are some that will tell you that all your need to do is price your home properly and the MLS will take care of the rest. While this may be true if you really want to ensure getting the absolute most money for your home JUST putting your home in the multiple listing service is not your best bet. If you are fortunate enough to be in a blistering hot sellers market where homes are selling a fast as an ice cream cone on a hot Summer day then sure, the MLS might be all that you need. The majority of the time this is not the case. When real estate markets are in balance or there is a decent supply of homes you need every edge you can get when selling real estate. The best real estate agents understand this. They don’t get lazy or complacent. They have systems in place that are time tested and continue to work year after year.

[jamescdwyer]

Vessel Meats

Our Local: Vessel Meats

Vessel Meats is a locally owned and operated modern butcher shop combining high quality meats and even better education.  Owned and operated by Brianna Hagell and operating out of the Dartmouth Farmers Market, her passion are her clients and providing them the best meats she can find.

Brianna’s story started a few years ago while she was working in an office. She liked her job but didn’t love it.  She was ready for a career change and that is exactly what this young entrepreneur did. Her passions for cooking and quality food lead her to her local butcher, which is where she eventually found her dream job. Not long after meeting her local butcher whom became her mentor, Brianna put her laptop and briefcase away to make her name in what is mostly known as a male dominated industry. Brianna is one of the few female apprentice butchers in Nova Scotia. Lucky for her, her mentor taught her the worst jobs you can encounter in butchering, thus making her stronger and more knowledgeable then most.  When one loves their jobs, it becomes a passion and Brianna has defiantly found what she loves and enjoys to do. Educate and provide healthy food to Haligonians.

During her first weeks of operating she discovered something that made her incredibly passionate!  A young mother came and asked her a question “I want my baby to eat healthy but I don’t know what to buy” with these simple words she was hit with a mission to teach and educated. She takes pride in teaching her clients how to shop, prepare, and know the difference between quality meats.  Haligonians are more and more interested in learning about what they are eating and also more conscience of what they are putting on the table. Her goal is to eliminate fear and teach her clients healthy ways of eating.  She is very proud to say that all her product are local and made hormone and preservative free.  Her passion and love doesn’t stop there. She will go an extra mile and inform her clients on how to cook certain cuts to get the most of what you are purchasing. 

What she is focusing on teaching Haligonians at the moment is getting them to think in terms of eating the whole animal. For example: you get about 20 lbs of bacon from a 200 lbs pig. For all of the bacon we consume where does the other 180 lbs of meat and tissue go? People need to start eating and cooking “outside the box” in order to help support the industry; which will give everyone a easier access to locally sourced meat. 

Follow her and support local

Instagram: https://instagram.com/constantvessel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesselmeats

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vesselmeats

[jamescdwyer]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jRoOa_b0o8)

[jamescdwyer]

What you know or think you know about open houses is all wrong!

Where the media get it wrong There is a rumor among the public that the real purpose of open houses is about generating leads for agents — not selling the house. The mainstream press has also jumped on the myth. They say real estate agents are pulling the wool over the eyes of their clients through the pretense that open houses benefit the sellers. It’s all a lie. Fabricated by rumor-mongers and those who claim a little time “in the industry” makes them trusted experts. Don’t buy it for a minute, and here’s why. Give ‘em the old razzle-dazzle An open house is, for the master real estate agent, the centerpiece of a carefully orchestrated example of brilliant showmanship. When done right, it’s epic, and the buyers come in droves. When done poorly, as is often the case, the result is an underwhelming attempt at marketing that does little more than create a few low-grade leads. Let’s focus on the showmanship. Marketing a home is like marketing a new Broadway play. It requires splash and flare, along with a mix of online and print promotions that get everyone to see the actor/actress (agent) on stage (at the house). Starting with a select “neighbors only” open house, you start building interest. Fantastic signage, beautiful invitations, and a little food and drink all combine to bring in neighbors far and wide. Those neighbors will talk — a lot — to any friend or family member who might want to live there. It’s not about the buyers, per se, it’s about the buzz factor that brings in buyers. That’s just the matinee before “opening night.” The main event is the weekend open house (possibly two weekends), the time when the so-called experts claim agents are gathering leads and not trying to sell the home. I call shenanigans on that. The main event open house All the ads, fliers, postcards and online posts designed to bring in the throngs of potential buyers will do just that. In fact, there will be way too many buyers to engage in meaningful conversation. The real dirty open house secrets The real secret to why I do all these open houses is to get every possible buyer into the house and sell it. I know you’re thinking, “That’s outrageous!” Why would the listing agent want actually to sell the home when they could simply hold the house open every weekend to get more leads? Therein lay the second dirty secret to open houses: Holding a house open every weekend just to get leads means I’m not doing my job. But, by all means, listen to the amateur reporters out there who, in a thin veil of impartiality, lull consumers into believing every agent has a hidden agenda. Let’s be honest In all fairness, the ultimate buyer for the house might come from somewhere other than an open house. However, that’s unlikely. I rarely see a home sold where the buyer didn’t show up to at least one open house. The goal of the open house in those first one or two weekends is getting the home sold. Could I get a lead or two in the process? Sure, but the chances are slim because of the volume of people. If the home languishes awhile, then I could hold more open houses, but what’s the point? My job as an agent is to sell the home as fast as possible for a price and terms the seller wants. Having it languish on the market just to hold open houses and get leads implies that I’m not doing my job. I’ll continue to hold it open if it helps sell the home, that’s it.

[jamescdwyer]

Proudly presenting to you!  67 Govenors Lake Dr, Timberlea!!!  Put our unique marketing to work for you! 

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIx-2IqineY)

[jamescdwyer]

Why Didn't My Home Sell?

In today's market, this is a common question many home owner's ask  themselves.  There are many different reasons why a home may not sell.   Ask yourself these questions:

How well did my home "show"?   This could be anything from carpeting showing traffic-pattern wear, to  laundry being hung out to dry. When you walk in the door, does it smell  fresh and clean or does it smell like a dorm room?  Create a quick  cleaning checklist for yourself to make sure nothing is forgotten.

How am I priced compared to the competition?  Think like a buyer...after-all, they  are the ones buying it!  Set up some time with your agent to see what you're up against.  What does that property offer that yours doesn't?   When there is so much inventory (aka: competition) in the marketplace, buyers need to see value.  

How does my home look on the web?  90% of   home-buyers today have already looked at your home before they have even  set up an appointment to walk through it.  Is there only one photo of your home?  Does your home seem dark and dingy or bright and cheery? Is  there clutter showing in your photos? Having professional photos of your home is crucial if you want your home to stand out.  

Are you available for showings?  Many times  a buyer requests to view the home but.....you're busy. It's time for  your child's nap, you work Monday to Friday 9-5, etc. If a buyer cannot   view the property, they most likely won't buy the home. "If they really want to buy it, then we can re-schedule", you say. Remember this: you're not the only property on the market!  There are dozens of properties available to buyers, so if it's too   difficult to view the property, they will just move on to the next one.

[jamescdwyer]

Getting Your Home Ready To Sell Privately (What You Need To Do)

When real estate markets transition from seller's to buyer's markets,  agents tend to put a lot more money and work into selling listings.   However, I believe that employing strong marketing techniques is just   smart business, regardless. In seller's markets,  good marketing can bring higher prices and, in buyer's markets, it  could mean the difference between sold or expired. Good marketing might  not sell your house, but it will make the phone ring. Because if buyers don't call, you won't sell.

1.  Photograph the Front                       

Most home buyers begin a home search online, so good photos are  essential. Listings without a photo or with only an exterior shot are  often passed over and ignored. Buyers are visual. Follow these tips and  your house photo will look ten times better than the competition's:

Crop out sidewalks and streets.

Remove vehicles from driveway / front of home.

Shoot up-close & angled photos.

Avoid shade on the house.

Clear away vegetation blocking front door or path to door.

Emphasize space and shoot long.

Mow the lawn & trim bushes.

Remove evidence of pets.

Put away children's toys.

Avoid shooting into the sun.

  3.  Interior Photographs                        

Take photographs of every room. Even if you suspect the room  won't photograph well, shoot it anyway because the photo quality just  might astonish you and be useable.

Open drapes & blinds

Turn on lights.

Focus on interesting details like the condition of a wood floor or a fireplace mantle.

Remove trash cans & close toilet lids in bathrooms.

Use floral arrangements in kitchens & dining rooms.

Avoid shooting into mirrors because your image will reflect.

 4.  Virtual Tours                        

Virtual tours  aren't just to showcase million-dollar homes anymore. Every home should  have a virtual tour, even if it's only two spins. Buyers love, love,  love virtual tours.

A good virtual tour will grab a buyer by the hand and lead her from room to room, showing a 360-degree view.

Depending on the tour company, you can add sound, music or an   exciting, professionally written description that scrolls with the   movement of the tour.

Virtual tours can also include individual photos available for download or to print.

5.  Signage                        

Signage encourages home shoppers to immediately call you or  your agent. It's free advertising! If your home is a corner lot, put up  two signs.

Some homeowner associations prohibit real estate signs.

Some HOAs allow only window signs.

Try talking to a neighbor whose home is located at the corner of a   busy street, asking for permission to put a sign in that yard with an   arrow pointing toward yours.

Agent signs should include the phone number of the closest office   (if the brokerage operates multiple offices) and the agent's cell or   voice mail number.

  6.  Print Advertising                        

Print advertising reaches buyers who read newspapers. Online ads reach the rest. If your neighbors say, "Everywhere I look, I see your home advertised," you're doing a good job. Puts ads in:

Major newspapers. Find out which days pull the most readers.   Typically it's Sunday but some newspapers also publish "picture   classifieds" on other days.

Local newspapers. You can probably run a larger ad for less money that will more closely target those looking in your area.

Real estate publications. Check on press date; can you wait?

Every Web site you can find. Most online listings are free.

  7.  Direct Mail                       

If you're an unrepresented seller, you can buy mailing lists from  list brokers. If you are represented by an agent, ask about a direct  mail program. I prefer over sized four-color postcards because they are  inexpensive to mail and eye-catching. Here are three places to mail:

Neighbors. Everybody has friends and relatives who might want to move near them.

Agents who represent buyers in your neighborhood.

Buyers who live in other areas and often relocate to your neighborhood.

  8.  Open Houses                        

Not every home is suitable for an open house  due to location or other factors, and sometimes the only way to  determine that is to try it. If nobody comes, that's probably a good  indication. However, if your home is located near a high traffic area  where buyers often swarm, then it's a good candidate.

Place open house signs throughout the area directing buyers.

Advertise in the newspaper.

Advertise open house times online.

Invite the neighbors; they're going to come anyway.

  9.  Host Broker / Agent Tours     

  If you're planning to sell your home without representation, then  skip this step. However, since most buyers are represented by an agent,  it's a good idea to draw as many agents and brokers as possible to view  your home.

Agents who linger in your home will better remember details to later describe to buyers.

The best way to entice an agent to hang around is food. Doesn't need to be expensive, sandwiches will suffice.

As agents munch and network, the hope is they will admire your home and bring back a buyer.

  10.  Send E-Flyers                        

Technology has made it very easy to create and send electronic   flyers. You can also include multiple photographs of your house. Costs   vary but it's generally less than $100 to produce. Here are ideas for   recipients:

Real estate agents who sell in your area.

Friends, family and coworkers.

Out-of-area brokers and agents who represent buyers in your area.

[jamescdwyer]

Pets and Real Estate

If you have pets, you probably adore them. They're part of the family! But when you're preparing your home for sale, you need to think about how you're going to deal with the "pet issue". Some potential buyers who view your property may love pets as much as you do. However, others may be turned off by the tell - tale signs of pet ownership –such as kitty litter, dander, and smells.

So be sure to make a plan for how you’re going to deal with your pets.

It's a good idea to keep pets out of the house during viewings. Even if your dog or cat is friendly, some buyers will be uncomfortable around them. So, you'll need to decide where your pets will go when buyers view your property. Consider a local kennel or "pet day camp". "Can't I just take my dog out for a walk?" you might be asking. You could,; however, you may not always be available to do that during a viewing. So have alternate plans available. You should also consider how you will deal with pet dander and everyday pet odours. You're probably used to them. Unfortunately, some buyers will be turned off or even be allergic. So, in addition to cleaning your home before a viewing --especially in those areas where pets spend time like a favorite cushion or scratching post – consider using specialty air sprays available on the market that will neutralize pet odors.  Finally, it's a good idea to advise buyers that they're viewing a home with pets. That way, they'll be more forgiving if they catch a whiff of cat dander.