Real Estate Blog

Open houses are designed so that as many people as possible get to see your home at one time.  An open house can actually be an introduction of your listing to the housing market. Although less than 1% of houses sell at an open house, It's the best way to introduce your home to the market.

Rule #1 is make marketing your home more effective and profitable by having a professional in the real estate business.  Preparations are exactly what your agent can do for you and he or she will tell you what to do in doing a successful open house. 

While times have changed in how your home will be marketed, it is still bringing people in on open house day that counts.  Even if some of your open house attendance is your neighbors, they tell family and friends about your house.  The internet is very important in marketing your home.  Did you know in many cities  there is an open house app for finding open houses on any given day?  92 percent of homebuyers use the internet in their search for homes on the market.  Truly looking for a home has changed so much and the internet is now a big part of that search.  Having a professional enhances your ability because of how we are in tune to the digital world and what it brings to us in homes on the market. 

Staging can be a very big part of the preparation.  Always make a great first impression.  Landscaping, front entrance, and replace those old house numbers.  Sometimes a garage door needs sprucing up or replacement.  The home must be in pristine condition.  If time is an issue, hire a service to get it clean, clean, clean.   We don't want to get the cart before the horse.  First thing to do is get rid of all the clutter and personal items plus photographs in your home. Prospective homebuyers need to picture themselves in your home.    Any walls that are papered or painted wildly have to become neutral.  Some other areas to think about is new hardware for cabinets, change faucets or even paint or stain kitchen cabinets. Don't forget fresh and clean towels in bathrooms.

If you have pets they must be gone for the day.  Running an aroma diffuser with a light fragrance might be a help.   Making sure lots of people know about your open house is imperative but this is where your Realtor comes in.  Putting up signs and directing people to your home is their job and they know what they are doing.

It is always nice to have a brochure/info sheet about your property and again a professional will handle that for you.  It  is nice for prospective buyers to leave with something about your listing in their hand.

Baking cookies does two things.  It provides a super homey smell to your kitchen and it gives the guests a reason to stop and talk with your Realtor. Buying cookies are a great second choice.   Chatting with people gives a feel for what they are thinking about your home.  

I having a sign-in sheet with names and phone numbers to follow up with prospective buyers.  Hearing what they have to say helps me to follow up with my sellers.

....."You've Got a Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Brentview Realty  615.373.2814

The children are finished with college and seem settled in their lives and now, it is time to think about the rest of your life. Where you want to live?  Clearly it is a great time to think of the house you want to live in as you move toward retirement.

Thinking ahead tells you that a single-story home is what the future holds and what you will need eventually.  No matter how healthy you are now there will come a time that stairs become harder and harder to climb.  It is also a time if you are thinking of new construction,  you can include some other features that you will enjoy as you age.  Of course keeping in mind how much space you need and who will be visiting from out of town.  For example, if your grandchildren be coming to visit and so you need that extra bedroom or two.  One bedroom  can always double as a home office.

Some other features to consider are walk-in showers, big hallways and entryways and you can never have too much storage space.  It might seem premature now but it is wise to look forward and be prepared.  These considerations also give your home extra value.

As strange as it may seem you and your spouse might have different feelings on some of this decision making.  Where you want to live for example.  One of you may want the warmer seasons year round and one may want the changing of seasons.  Conversation upfront will help making these decisions much easier.  If you have the financial independence to do so, a home in a warmer climate to escape to could be the ultimate plan? Either way, it's very important that you consider a home with low maintenance.

Last but not least,  you need to consider your pets.  If Snoopy needs to be taken out often then a high rise condo with elevators  might not be the best home to consider.​ It is a personal choice that should be considered seriously.

Fortunately with the help of an experienced Real Estate agent, you can tackle and discuss this topic and make the right decisions for you and your family. As I tell my own parents.... let's try and make decision now rather than being forced into it later. And always remember I am here for free advise....

...."You've Got a Friend in Real Estate"

Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265

#doyouknowjarod  BrentwoodandBeyond.com

Email - tips4realestate@gmail.com

Brentview Realty 615.373.2814

 

Is retirement in your future...? http://jarodtanksley.com/blog_direct_link.cfm?blog_id=64916&Is-Retirement-in-your-future

A post shared by Tips4RealEstate (@tips4realestate) on Mar 29, 2018 at 11:45am PDT