Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

Seller Tips

EVALUATING THE COMPETING OFFERS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 16, 2007

EVALUATING THE COMPETING OFFERS

 

When you are faced with multiple offers on your home, how do you choose the right one?  If you are forthright with your Realtor about your objectives, your Realtor will be equipped to help you compare and contrast the terms of each proposal.

First, there is the price.  Be sure to factor in settlement costs, inspections and repairs, and any other terms that might reduce your net profit. Can you work out a mutually agreeable date for you to move out and for the buyers to move in?  How “clean” is each offer?  Do the buyers have another property to sell before they can purchase yours?  Can you get reasonable assurances that the buyers will be able to qualify for the financing they will need?  Have the buyers reserved themselves too many ways and too much time to back out of the deal?  Is the earnest money deposit appropriate for the purchase price?

Your Realtor can help you weigh the relative merits of each, so that you can accept–or counter–the best one, and line up others as an alternative.

 

NEW ON THE MARKET

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – May 9, 2007

NEW ON THE MARKET

 

One of the best strategies for successfully marketing your home is to make the most of that golden period of time when your property is new on the market.

New listings receive the most exposure during the first thirty days.  What selling strategy will position your home to compete successfully with other comparable properties for sale in your neighborhood?

Prepare your home to sell before you list it, so that it is in absolute top showing condition.  Expert house cleaners and gardeners can assist you by ensuring that your property is spotlessly clean inside and beautifully groomed outside.  Be ready to open the door of an immaculate home to buyers, even in the first hours it appears on the multiple listings. Your flexibility in opening your home to viewers will increase your chances of receiving a viable offer.

Ask your Realtor to promote your property intensively during this crucial new on the market period, and be ready for results!

 

WHEN SHOULD YOU LOWER YOUR ASKING PRICE?

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 25, 2007

WHEN SHOULD YOU LOWER YOUR ASKING PRICE?

 

Your house has been on the market for a few weeks.  Despite many showings there were no offers, so you are considering a price reduction.  You want to get as much as you can for your home, but more important, you want it to sell!

This may be the time to have a frank discussion with your Realtor.  While price may be a major factor, it may not be the only consideration.  Are you making your house easy for agents to show?  Have you completed the necessary maintenance and cleaning so that your property is as appealing as possible?  Review with your agent the current market conditions and the prices of other homes in your neighborhood before determining that a price reduction is in order.

Although your price is competitive, the marketplace may be telling you that buyers just won’t pay what you are asking.  If all indicators point to a price reduction, it is better to do it sooner rather than later.

 

“FIX-UPS” THAT WILL HELP YOUR HOME SELL

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 4, 2007

“FIX-UPS” THAT WILL HELP YOUR HOME SELL

Your home should look great when it goes on the market.  When you are ready to list your home, I recommend that you go through each room with a critical eye.

Start with the ceiling: look for any cracks or water stains, then inspect the condition of the paint and wallpaper.  Make sure that the windows are clean and window treatments are attractive.  All of the closets and storage spaces should be neat and organized (a cluttered closet looks smaller!).  If the rooms seem cluttered with too much furniture, you can create a more spacious look by storing your “overflow”.

A well-maintained house tends to sell much quicker than one where buyers must use a lot of imagination.  The condition of your house will help to determine the selling price; the better the house looks, the better your chances of selling it for top dollar.  I can help you identify the repairs and cleaning that will increase your home’s marketability.

HOW DO REALTORS FIND BUYERS?

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 28, 2007

HOW DO REALTORS FIND BUYERS?

When a homeowner tries to sell “By Owner”, they basically use two techniques to get the word out.  They place a FOR SALE BY OWNER sign from the local hardware store in the front yard, and run classified ads in the local newspaper.  When a seller lists their home with a professional real estate agent, however, a very sophisticated process begins in order to generate a successful sale.

Realtors have a backlog of prospective buyers who are looking to homes in their local market.  Through the Multiple Listing Service, the agent cooperates with other brokers in the area, who will make appointments to show your home to their prospective buyers.  Professional Realtors also combine direct mail, open houses, telephone calls, relocation, a variety of advertising media and specialized promotional techniques to reach the sales market.  We use the Internet for broad exposure of our properties.  In this way we create activity on our listings that help them sell quickly–and for top dollar.

UNDERSTANDING THE SALES CONTRACT

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 14, 2007

UNDERSTANDING THE SALES CONTRACT

The purchase or sale of a home is one of the most complicated business transactions you will be involved in during your lifetime.  The purchase agreement covers not only the price of the property, but has many paragraphs governing the terms under which it will be conveyed to the new owners.

When you list your home for sale or when you begin your search for a new home, ask your Realtor for a copy of the standard sales agreement.  Familiarize yourself with the document ahead of time, and make certain you understand the responsibilities of both parties between the initial meeting of the minds and the closing date.  You should be aware of all of the deadlines in the purchase agreement.  Each contract is different, but there are usually time limits covering the structural contingency, the financing application, the load commitment, and the closing.

You greatly increase the chances of a smooth transaction by being fully informed.

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