We are fast approaching the busiest time of the year for real estate.   In addition to that on April 30, 2010 the much talked about homebuyer tax credit comes to an end for first time and move-up homebuyers. 

Take a look at the statistics that compare January 2009 and January 2010.  One thing is for sure regardless of year the greatest percent of homes selling range between $100,000 to $199,999.  There was an increase this year in homes sold under $99,999.  That could be the reason for the decrease in average price this year.

To see the annual sales trends for San Antonio over the last 6 years click here.

Make it a great day!

Yvette

 

 

It happens...you are at home watching TV and the phone rings asking if some potential buyers could see your home in 30 minutes. You want to get your home sold, but this isn't the best time especially when you see that pile of dishes in the sink! It's not good to decline a showing because that could be "the one" and they might not come back!

So what do you do? Say yes to the showing and follow these tips.

1. Start where the potential buyers will start: Make sure that the front door presents well.

2. Create a positive mood. Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight. Rooms bathed in sunlight appear bigger and make a positive impact on buyers.

3. Its an evening showing? Turn on all the lights.

4. If it is cold outside, keep a comfortable level of heat. If it’s summertime, keep your property cool.

4. Put any dirty dishes into the dishwasher.

5. Make the beds.

6. Put any dirty laundry inside the washing machine.

7. Keep pets out of the way—preferably out of the house or in a kennel for the showing.

8. Please arrange to be absent during the showing of your property. Buyers are more comfortable and candid if the owners are not present.

9. If you must be present, be courteous and do not engage in conversation with the buyer. Let the trained salesperson answer the buyer's questions.

10. Finally, play soft music during the showing of the property.

When buyers drive up to your home they don't want to see:

1. Dirt instead of green (might be brown because of the drought) grass

2. Weeds that come up to their knees!

3. Junk or clutter including toys scattered around the front yard

4. An ugly front door or one that does not match the overall color of the house

5. Dead plants in beds and around trees

6. Tree limbs that hit them when they walk up to the house

7. Torn and missing screens

8. Chipping of the exterior paint

9. Broken fences

10. A door bell that does not work

11. Damaged gutters

12. Christmas lights (unless it's during the holiday season)

Don’t let the drought be an excuse for a bad first impression. Your grass may be brown, but it can still look maintained! Remember a good first impression brings you one step closer to a SOLD sign in your yard.

What do they say? You have one chance to make a great first impression. Wouldn’t this apply to your home as well? Would you consider purchasing something without finding it appealing? Don’t we naturally gravitate towards things that are visually attractive?

What does the exterior of your home say? Does it say I’m well cared for and maintained or does it say it’s going to cost money to fix this mess?

As a Realtor it sometimes takes me a minute or two to open the house. So while I’m fiddling with the lockbox the buyer is looking around at the yard, looking at the door condition and checking out the exterior paint.

Real Estate is personal, emotional and sometimes can be difficult for a homeowner to objectively look at their home. The first step in staging the exterior should be to have a friend or neighbor view your house from the curb. Ask them “what is your first impression?” This type of “proofing” will help give your house a better curb appeal and a non-emotional perspective on your home.

Some important things to look for is to make sure your lawn is well manicured. Is your grass green or dirt? Dead or alive?

Remove any junk or clutter from the yard, including tree limbs, leaves and especially your children’s toys. Trimming trees and re-seeding any bare areas of the lawn, as well as adding mulch to planting beds and around trees, will improve the look of your lawn.

Another great tip would be to plant colorful flowers. Colorful flowers are easy to purchase and not costly, some great annual and perennials can be found at your local Wal-Mart or Home Depot. I wouldn’t say I have a green thumb so if I can do it anybody can plant a few flowers!

Other than making sure the lawn is aesthetically pleasing, you should look at your fences, windows, and screens. Fixing, repairing, and re-painting may need to take place. If you are missing some screens it will be noted in the inspection report. It’s probably cheaper to fix a few screens then it become a deal breaker between you and the buyer.

Make sure your driveway is clear of oil stains, thus power washing may be helpful. Don’t have a power washer? Call a painter! I contacted a painter I knew and he took care of a client’s driveway and even power washed the house. If you have a deck or porch make sure it is nicely stained or painted.

I don’t normally encourage someone to think in the gutter, but when you are selling your home you need to think gutters! Check your gutters to make sure they are cleaned out and in good working condition. Lastly, make sure the doorbell and all exterior lights are operational.

Remember first impressions matter. The better the impression your house makes on buyers, the closer you will be to having a For Sale sign in your yard. A great first impression opens the door for a great second impression with the interior of the home.

Next week: Part 2 - Interior Impressions.