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Hopefully your summer has been enjoyable. With any luck, you’ll be able to stretch it a bit longer so you can get together with family or get reacquainted with old friends you may not have had the chance to spend time with this summer.
Many people like to squeeze in one last family vacation during the month of August before the kids head back to school. If that's the case for you, I wish you the best of luck as you load up the family truckster and head out for some rest and relaxation.
Typically, people like to talk about change when fall rolls around. So, if you happen to be thinking about moving in the next few months, or maybe looking for reliable real estate advice, I would be very appreciative if you called. You can be assured I will assist you with professional guidance and attentive service.
Have a great month of August!
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What Should You Expect From Your Realtor?
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You probably know that a Realtor does more than just post a FOR SALE sign on your front lawn, or guide potential buyers through your home. But how much more? What exactly will a real estate agent do for you?
Taking the time upfront to understand what to expect from your agent will help to reduce misunderstandings, and make the selling process less mysterious and stressful. You'll be able to anticipate what's going to happen next, be prepared to ask the right questions along the way, and be aware of whether your Realtor is meeting expectations.
Typically, you should expect a good real estate agent to:
- Explain the Listing Agreement to you. (This is your contract with the real estate firm.)
- Describe the home selling process, and answer all your questions and concerns.
- Prepare a realistic appraisal based on the expected market value of your home by comparing it to similar property sales in your area.
- Provide you with advice on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, especially during showings and open houses.
- Create a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your home.
- Screen enquiries, schedule appointments, and show your home to potential buyers.
- Field offers from potential buyers, deal with counter-offers, and negotiate the best terms and selling price possible for your home.
- Help you throughout the entire selling process to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.
These services should be the minimum you expect from a good agent. The best agents will actually do more. They will be there for you in the weeks, months, and even years after the sale to make sure everything continues to go smoothly in your new home.
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Identifying Your Home’s Unique Features
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It is surprising how often homeowners fail to recognize the unique value their individual property holds. The distinct property characteristics that set a home apart from other homes provide important selling perspectives that often become decision-making factors for interested buyers. The key is to understand your home’s most “marketable” features - those which hold the greatest importance to most homeowners. Consider them the “micro market values” by which you must compete, should you ever decide to sell your property. So, before you actually decide to list your home, you should be aware of its features. To get a better perspective on them, and their importance to you, ask yourself the following question about:
Your Community and Your Neighborhood
Does your community hold certain advantages that protect it from minor economic swings, or disadvantages that make it more vulnerable?
Beyond traditional patterns, does your neighborhood experience unique cycles throughout the year which affect the value (or perceived value) of homes?
Can you identify other factors which can affect the community market values, such as population fluctuations, local culture or lifestyles, municipal services, noticeable pollution levels, or recent government decisions?
Your Property and Your Home
Is your property situated in a desirable setting (eg. near recreational facilities, schools or community services, shopping or commercial developments, or major transit routes)?
Does your home have the potential for a major improvement, such as an extra room or an expanded entrance? Is there potential for other property upgrades, such as a new garage, or a unique landscaping arrangement?
Make The Most of Your Home’s Advantage
When you’ve identified your home’s greatest advantages, consider capitalizing on its best features! Even minor home improvements have a positive influence on the way your home is perceived, sometimes in direct comparison to other homes. In the end you will help your home sell faster and at a price that recognizes its true potential.
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Tips for Checking References
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You have no doubt heard this tip before: Always check references before you hire a mover, lawyer, decorator, contractor, or other home professional.
But for some people, picking up the phone and calling strangers to ask for a reference can feel awkward or even intimidating. Here are a few tips that can help:
- Call in the early evenings. This is the most convenient time for most people.
- Explain that you are checking references and that the professional or company you are considering hiring suggested you call.
- Ask if this is a convenient time to speak.
- Ask if they were satisfied with the services.
- Ask if there were any surprises with the final bill.
- Ask if they have recommended that professional or company to their friends?
- Thank them for their time.
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notable, quotable... quotes!
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“One of the marks of excellent people is that they never compare themselves with others. They only compare themselves with themselves and with their past accomplishments and future potential.”
Brian Tracy
“I am aware that success is more than a good idea. It is timing too.”
Anita Roddick
“Never mistake motion for action.”
Ernest Hemingway
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Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.
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