Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

Seller Tips

OPEN HOUSE SEASON

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 3, 2010

OPEN HOUSE SEASON

 

Spring is almost here and just as the daffodils sprout to mark the season, so will the colorful signs guiding Princetonians to a myriad of weekend open houses. No matter your motivation, here are some helpful tips:

If you are seriously interested in purchasing a home, please note that most homes that are for sale are not held open and if you are not working with a Realtor, you will most likely miss the ideal home that fits your needs and price range.  Ask your Realtor for their suggestions before you head out.

If you are just starting your search, let the agent at the open house know that you are still shopping for an agent. This is an opportunity to meet many Realtors face to face. Should you purchase the home visited, the hosting agent will represent you as a disclosed dual agent.

Homeowners like to attend open houses to interview real estate agents or to compare property values. Other visitors simply like looking at houses to provide inspiration for decorating or remodeling their current homes.

Whatever your reason, it’s always appropriate to provide contact information so that that the hosting agent can thank you for visiting!

 

SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 24, 2010

SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION

 

Every real estate transaction requires negotiation.  Many factors are written into a home purchase contract, including price, terms, inspection dates, appraisal and settlement, and what personal property will be included or excluded from the sale.  In coming to terms on these issues, the needs of the parties involved are likely to conflict at some point.  The willingness to compromise is the key to a satisfactory resolution.

 

The foundation of a “win-win” negotiation is that no one expects to triumph at the expense of the other participants.  Both buyer and seller must be clear about their priorities – which points of the contract they will remain firm on, and where they can make some concessions at the bargaining table.  In an atmosphere of mutual trust, where each party is willing to listen and take the other’s needs into account, negotiations are most successful.

 

Working with real estate agents who are skilled negotiators will be of great benefit to both buyer and seller.

 

WHAT’S THE MAGIC NUMBER?

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 3, 2010

WHAT’S THE MAGIC NUMBER?

 

When you make an offer on a house your biggest decision is how much to offer.  You want to pay a fair price, and sometimes it is hard to predict how much is enough for the sellers.

Some sellers price their homes at their bottom line and may be unwilling to negotiate, unless the house has been on the market for a long time.  Others build in a little room for negotiation.  Some sellers are more motivated than others to get their homes sold.  Whatever your situation, it is hard to know what sellers will do until they are presented with an offer.  If your bid is very low and the sellers have more attractive offers, they may just not respond.  If your original proposal is unacceptable, the seller will usually make a counter offer.  While sellers like to get their asking prices, good listing agents prepare them for the possibility of receiving offers that involve some compromises.

 

THE 21ST CENTURY REALTOR

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – January 27, 2010

THE 21ST CENTURY REALTOR

 

Realtors today are offering a wider range of personalized services to meet clients’ needs. They are investing in technological innovations that will help them do a better job of marketing listings, such as computer programs that help them price homes, keep track of buyers, develop plans of action, and organize their business.  Top Realtors set the trends that others emulate.

 

Conventional real estate wisdom has always claimed that the three biggest influences on buyers are–location, location and location.  Current trends show a shift toward value as regards both buyers and sellers.  Buyers are concerned about getting the best house for their money, while sellers want to get top dollar for their home–and both want the best service from their real estate professionals.  The Realtor’s emphasis over the last ten years has been on finding ways to increase the quality of their service in negotiating transactions. This means that it will only get better for the real estate consumer.

 

WHEN IT’S A BUSINESS MOVE

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – January 20, 2010

WHEN IT’S A BUSINESS MOVE

 

If you are relocating to another city for a new job, get professional advice from a Realtor and a tax expert.

 

Your Realtor will work to market your current home, refer you to a top real estate professional in your new city and provide the names of good long-distance movers, so you can get competitive quotes from reliable firms.

 

Your tax advisor will tell you exactly what moving expenses you can deduct on your income tax filing.  Publication 521 from the Internal Revenue Service (available on the Internet) can provide you with basic information regarding moving expense allowances.  Your tax advisor will also clarify for you the capital gains implications associated with the sale of your property, which could have an impact on what you can afford to spend on your new home.

 

With the right information, and assisted by the right people, you will find that a business move can be orderly, simple and even enjoyable!

 

DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – December 9, 2009

DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

 

In most real estate sales transactions there are a few responsibilities that the sellers are obliged to handle before the settlement.  These may include making repairs to areas of the home that do not pass inspection.  If termites are discovered, for example, a professional extermination must be scheduled and accomplished.

 

Although here are deadlines for completing these obligations, many sellers barely make those deadlines.  Even though sellers usually know in advance what areas of the home need to be repaired, they sometimes put things off until the buyers have finalized the loan approval process.  Those who wait until the last minute may miss the deadline altogether or be obliged to pay high rates in order to get a plumber, roofer or electrician to do needed repairs on an emergency basis.

 

Since needed repairs will have to be made by the seller sooner or later, it is a good idea to get them done promptly.

 

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