First Impressions matter in Real Estate

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER IN REAL ESTATE

Homes sales are on the rise thanks to the low interest rates and the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers. In real estate as in life “first Impressions” matter. We only get one chance to appeal to the buyers who may be looking at our home. How do you make your home stand out from the competition? Simple, hire professional help and create a plan. Start with an experienced Realtor who can assist you in evaluating your home and create a personalized marketing plan. Remember choosing a well trained and experienced Agent is key to a successful transaction. This plan should include a professional “Home Stager” such as Kathy Newcomb of “World of Designs” and an expert in “Home Preparation” such as Bryan Cole from “Above and Beyond Solutions”. Hiring experts may seem like an extravagance when you are preparing to sell, but when you weigh the cost (as little as a few hundred dollars for consultations) against the benefits, it is well worth it.

Kathy Newcomb assists clients to see their homes through “neutral eyes” noting their homes strengths and weaknesses. It is her job to accentuate the strengths. Kathy’s purpose is to insure your home is “worth the value” you are asking. Kathy has been an Interior designer for many years, but in recent years has taken on this new challenge by becoming a Licensed Home Stager. Staging can make the difference in how long a home stays on the market. With a well priced home in a competitive market, staging will set your home apart.
If your home is occupied, she can offer ways to “de-personalize” and de-clutter your home. If home is empty, she can add accent pieces to enhance the personality of the home. According to Kathy, the most important part of your home is the front door and the entry way view. These are what create the “first impression” of your home. They should be clean and inviting.

Here are some of Kathy’s tips for preparing your home for sale:

1. Remove all clutter and personal items such as collections and photos.
2. Clean every corner of your home and garage. Have carpets and drapes professionally cleaned.
3. Order your moving boxes and begin to pack any items that are not being used and take to a storage facility. If you cannot afford a storage locker, stack boxes neatly in your garage.
4. Clean your front door or repaint.
5. Brighten your entry way, add fresh flowers on entry table.
6. Remove any off season clothing from closets to give appearance of roominess.
7. Remember your home is now the product you wish to sell.

Bryan Cole is often called upon to assess the outside of the home, for “curb appeal”. Since we only have one opportunity to capture a buyer’s attention, it is important to have the outside of your home looking well cared for. Bryan strives to work within your budget to present your home as “a cut above” the competition. Bryan’s services cover many aspects of maintaining your home and grounds. Buyer’s look at the way a home is maintained both inside and out. A few small changes can mean the difference in thousands of dollars in the sale of a home.
Above and Beyond services look at your entire home, making sure that home looks clean. They offer pressure washing for home and roof. Repair or replace any damaged wood. Make sure entry and front walk are clean and appealing. They may suggest additional landscape to brighten the appeal. They are also available to assist with any home repairs as well.

In today’s market, buyers are looking for ease. They are looking for move in ready or new homes. Presenting your home in the best possible light will improve the odds of selling your home quickly.
When weighing the costs of Staging and home preparation, it may add up to a few hundred or a few thousand dollars depending on the price of your home. It is more important to consider what it costs you each month that the home is on the market. The longer it stays on the market, the lower the selling price. As with any successful business deal, it must begin with a plan.

First impressions matter and with careful planning done with professionals, you will achieve your goal of selling your home quickly and at the best price. WEICHERT REALTORS, Larose and Company provides experienced real estate professionals to lead you through a successful home-selling or buying experience.

Invite us in we’ll bring results. Truly Uncommon Representation

Christine Menear
Broker/Realtor
WEICHERT REALTORS, Larose and Company, Pinewild
910-603-4660 cell
910-295-5700 office

For additional information go to www.christinemenear.com
Kathy Newcomb (910 315-5456 Bryan Cole (910) 624-5643

Is Now th right time to Invest in Real Estate

Is now the right time to invest in Real Estate?

In the past, this question could be answered without hesitation. We were always told that Real Estate is a “safe” investment. What has happened in the past few years to cause hesitation? Fear is the predominating emotion guiding our decisions about anything that involves our money. How can we move past this Fear.

I have heard fear described as “false evidence appearing real”. This seems to be the case now. The market for real estate here in Moore County has never been better, after a brief “fear” spell in the latter part of 2008, we are up and running for 2009.

What has changed? First, I thank our local lending institutions for providing accurate information on types of loans available and what is necessary to qualify. Our local market does have money to lend through a variety of different loan packages, including VA, and USDA. It is time to visit a lender and find out what the truth is.
Mortgage rates continue to be at a 30 year low, it is time to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. As interest rates rise, and they will, home prices will also rise.

Moore County was not affected the same way areas such as Florida, California and Arizona. Our home prices have risen in proportion to normal inflation rates, the only variable was the rising cost of materials and fuel oil last year. Right now we are still in a “Buyer’s” market. This means there are more choices available in your price range and desired living area.

If you are preparing to sell your home, it is good to note that houses priced “right” sell fastest. It is always good to consider how long you are willing to wait for the price you want versus the “market value” of your home.

To insure the best possible outcome whether buying or selling, choose a qualified real estate professional. Market knowledge and reputation are important in choosing not only an agent, but the firm they are associated with.

Now is definitely the “right” time to invest in Real Estate, it has never been better, whether it is your first home, last home or investment property, do it Now!!!!

Invite us in we’ll bring results!

Christine Menear