Good Photography Helps Sell Homes

One does not need a professional photographer to take nice pictures…All that is needed is a camera, good light meaning taking a picture at the right time of the day...avoid the shadows. Be sure to remove objects that are obstacles, such as shoes, handbags, garbage receptacle, etc. Winter time can be just as beautiful but if the property hasn’t sold by spring, take new pictures, it’s important keep them up to date.

Quality pictures are key to a good marketing presentation whether they are on a website, in a brochure, newspaper, magazines or postcards. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) allows for eight images. Buyers are attracted by quality images and research reveals that properties with a minimum of 6 images are viewed more frequently on websites. Images can help make a home sell faster and helps support the asking price.

Make a good first impression to Buyers with good quality pictures!

It Pays to use a Realtor

Selling or buying a home is time consuming and a real estate transaction is complicated. In either situation, selling or buying, it requires multiple disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, laws of discrimination, and multi-page government mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable Realtor can help guide you through this complexity and can avoid possible delays or multiple costly mistakes – far more costly than the commission.

For most people buying and selling a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make and only happens a few times in a lifetime. A home is not just a structure consisting of walls and a roof; it’s a symbol of family, rest and security. It’s an emotional undertaking for both the buyer and seller.

Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), abide by a code of ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by the NAR. We are expert negotiators with other agents, seasoned financial advisors with customers and possess an intimate knowledge of local market conditions and properties. We provide our customers with utmost care, the highest level of service with integrity.

Price Your Home Competitively
Realtors provide the best estimate of the market value of the seller's home based on accurate information and research in preparation for the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

Provide More Exposure for Your Property
Advertising through other websites, local, regional and international media,prospective customers as well as other Realtors utilizing Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Your home must be listed by a Realtor in order to be included in the Multiple Listing Service, a massive database of homes. Statistics show 86% of buyers use a Realtor during their search and 83% of sellers sold their home with the assistance of a Realtor; Hosting Brokers and Public Open Houses as well as supervising various properties on the market.

Save Valuable Time and Money
Realtors know how to avoid costly mistakes. They know the market inside and out and are an excellent source for information about the community. Realtors are more attuned to the buyers’ needs; therefore will highlight those most appealing features. They offer recommendations and screening for a buyer's price range and individual preferences/lifestyle needs; Efficiently assist with the completion of property disclosure forms; Comply with the laws and regulations; Pre-approve and qualify prospective buyers; Coordinate details of the closing day.

Realtors are Experienced Negotiators
Realtors can be a powerful ally when negotiating a sales contract. Review and negotiate with all the timely terms, conditions and contingencies…ie. mortgage commitment letters, escrow deposits, inspection reports and coordinate all the closing details.

Sell Your Home GREEN!

It’s a challenging market out there for sellers! But the good news is that they can make their home stand out from the pack by doing a little “green” remodeling. Here are some basic easy tips for sellers to attract that crucial buyer, while saving the planet!
Don't Wait to Insulate Upgrading your insulation to a higher R-value can lower energy costs substantially.
Lower the Flow Your old shower head probably delivers a lot more water than you really need. Reduce that to 2.5 gallons a minute or less with today's standard shower head – it can make a difference in your water bill. For even greater savings, replace your old toilets with today's standard low flush models that use 1.6 gallons or less per flush.
Reduce the Runoff Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems can lower your water bills by delivering water directly where you need it. By reducing or eliminating runoff, you also reduce the burden of fertilizers and pesticides on our lakes, streams, and oceans and still have a gorgeous garden or lawn.

Keep Your Cool Ceiling fans can make you feel cooler while reducing air conditioning costs by as much as 40% in summer. In winter, they can save up to 10% in heating costs by circulating warm air from the ceiling to the floor where you can enjoy it.

Try Branching Out For an all-around environmental boost, plant a tree. When properly sited, trees and other landscaping can save up to 30% in home cooling and heating costs. They also help cool your community and make your Smart Choice home even more enjoyable.

Look for the Energy Star Label Replace your old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star qualified appliances and save energy and money.

Something Bugging You? Stay in control by starting with nature's own methods to beat the bugs. Attract birds with birdhouses, feeders, and natural backyard wildlife habitats to help reduce pests. Bug lights, screening, citronella candles, and insecticidal soaps are other less-toxic alternatives.

Clear the Air Upgrading and properly maintaining your home air filters is easy and helps improve indoor air quality. Vented range hoods and room exhaust fans also help remove smoke, moisture, airborne bacteria, and other indoor air pollutants.

Make Your Own Mulch Composting is the smart way to dispose of leaves, yard clippings, selected food scraps, and other organic wastes. Instead of burdening landfills, you'll produce rich nutrients to fertilize your garden the natural way. And it's free. Make it a habit to recycle your glass, cans, cardboard, and newspapers, too.
The benefits are very attractive for a buyer…it will cost less to operate, saves the environment, provide a healthier home that will last longer and it will be quieter and safer. Buyers will have the ability to obtain an energy discount, ie. electric bill and financial tax incentives – state and federal tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency.