Posts in category Selling Tips

The Season Has Changed So Update Your Strategy!

Sep23
2018 Written by mary.w

Today is the week of Autumn. If your home has been on the market through the summer, here are some simple steps you can take to bring your marketing campaign into the new season.

  • Pull up the remainder of your dying summer flowers and replace with autumn specific plants or plantings such as mums, sunflowers, autumn crocus, goldenrod and others (do an online search for autumn blooms for your specific area). Mums are an inexpensive option in small, medium and large containers for quick landscaping changes at a minimal cost.
  • If you home is wrapped in fall colors and landscapes, update your photos highlight the season.
  • Use pumpkins or squash varieties to create autumn displays near your entryway. BUT Don’t go over board and create such a massive display that it’s all your buyers can see.Image result for Fall Decorating Ideas
  • On a tight budget? The Dollar Tree or other such stores have a wide variety of items you can use to create season specific decor without breaking your bank.
  • Change the wreath on your front door to more fall specific color tones than what you may have had on there for summer (or spring if you never changed it in June…wink wink).
  • Put pumpkin scented waxes or candles around your home to update your aroma to a scent that reminds everyone of the fall and thanksgiving.
  • Having an open house? Instead of putting out chocolate chip cookies, replace them with pumpkin spice yummies instead.
  • Aromas have a very strong effect on people so put a pot of simmering hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks on the stove. Feels like coming home!

Key: Try to avoid being holiday specific such as halloween or thanksgiving decorations. Promote the season not the holiday.  Keep your advertising Image result for Fall Decorating Ideascurrent but NOT overwhelming to reap maximum results.

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

WHAT YOUR HOME MAY BE SAYING THAT’S COSTING YOU $$!

Aug15
2018 Written by mary.w

CLUTTER SAYS:  There’s not a lot of room in this home and very little storage. Keep in mind that what you see as “collectible” others see as clutter. Purge BEFORE you put your home on the market so you don’t lose valuable time fixing this issue too late. Fill and store Clutter-is-OUTbins with the off season clothing, boots, big blankets…whatever you can remove that will make your closets look roomier and storage appear ample.

FULL MIRROR WALL/WASHED OAK CABINETS/BRIGHT BRASS FIXTURES/PSYCHEDELIC WALLPAPER/POPCORN CEILINGS, etc SAY: This home hasn’t been updated for a very long time and so you should get a great deal on the price. These items can actually be updated at reasonable costs so consider doing so BEFORE you hit the market. Disclaimer: If your decor deliberately displays Retro decor, embrace it fully and sell as such which will bring you a great price with the Retro seeking buyer…and they are out there!

DIRTY BASEBOARDS/TRIM/WINDOWSILLS/MESSY ROOMS SAY: If you think this is dirty, wait until you pull out the refrigerator and stove! Even if you are comfortable living in a less than pristine environment, it’s important to market your home to the masses who most often are seeking to not find hidden schmutz after they move in. You can typically hire a cleaning crew to do a “Spring Cleaning” for $250-300. This will be money highly multiplied in its return when you sell.

Keep in mind that you are marketing your home to your buyers not to yourself. If necessary, have a good friend that you trust to be honest help you evaluate what you should consider doing before selling and then do what you can afford prioritizing the items by what will maximize your profit. Then fix and sell!!

Posted in General Information, Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

Increase Your Kitchen’s Value Without Decreasing your Bank Account!

Jul05
2018 Written by mary.w

The following affordable Kitchen upgrades can increase your value while being mindful of your pocketbook.

1.Update your cabinets by painting them and installing new hardware. Of course this is less costly if you do the work yourself BUT if you’re not great at diy projects, you might KITCHENwant to either hire someone to do the work OR reach out to a friend or family member who has proven themselves to be very handy and a good diy-er. If your cabinets end up looking repainted instead of looking like new, you can actually decrease instead of increasing the value of the ‘upgrade’. Changing out the hardware will be easier if you choose new hardware that uses the same number of holes as the old. Then you can simply unscrew the old and install the new. Maybe your cabinets don’t need painting but look like builder grade. Adding crown molding will immediately upgrade the look of your upper cabinets. Simple and effective upgrade!!

2. Change your sink and faucet. Stainless always a good choice but certainly if your home’s design warrants, farm sinks are very popular and stand the test of time because they are considered as trendy as they are retro.  Faucets should also reflect the style of your home. Big box stores along with home bargain outlets have great options at surprisingly minimal costs.  If you don’t know how to install a sink or faucet, again, don’t be afraid to ask for help or shop around for a local handyman who comes with great references for quality of work and cost to value!

3. Update or add a backsplash that blends with your countertops (if you have granite, try to match the tones with glass tiles so it looks like it was all done at that same time!) There are so many great and affordable backsplash options right now that for the minimal work involved, the value can be strong.

4. If you have old, dingy, linoleum or vinyl floors, replacing them with newer flooring or upgraded options like ceramic tile (which can be very very affordable and one of the less difficult diy projects). There are even fabulous new ceramic tiles that when installed, look like hardwood floors! Refinish hardwood floors instead of replacing but if they are too far gone, you might even consider scraping and painting them. There are sooo many great flooring ideas online. Take time to look at several and choose the one you believe you can do yourself or with a friend that will enhance your room and your pocketbook!

NEW Kitchen Appliances5. Get rid of the countertop microwave and old fashioned over range vent and replace it with a built in microwave. This can be done for under $400 and will immediately update the look of your kitchen. OR if you already have a built in microwave but an old fashioned hood, install a ductless range hood (will keep your costs down by not requiring you to add new venting). This will definitely create the look and feel of a gourmet kitchen. Anytime you’re adding or changing a hood, make sure that the height from your range to vent will fit before you do all the work and then discover you won’t pass inspection. Simply read the box before you buy and adjust accordingly.

6. If you’ve already made lots of updates and are wanting to take it to the next level of upgrade, replace your ceiling light with recessed lighting. This can certainly be more costly if you don’t know someone who can do the work, but if you do, this can certainly improve the wow factor. If you can’t afford to install recessed lighting and you have outdated or a blah overhead fixture, replace that fixture with a more current and upgraded look. Again, big box stores and outlet stores have great options at surprisingly affordable prices.  If you have a high ceiling, consider installing a fanlight!

7. Last but certainly not least, upgrade your countertops. This is a definite shop around for your best options and deals.  Granite tiles are cheaper than a slab of granite so if you want See the source imagegranite, this might be an option you’ll consider. Cement is certainly popular right now and not surprisingly butcher block is back in style. Again, shop online and then in person. Take your time!

 

The key to all of this is to set a budget and work to stay within that because it’s very easy to get wooed by the more expensive options. Doing so can possibly eliminate any value that you might have derived from all your hard work. And again, don’t hesitate to draw on friends and family that you know have the expertise to help you. They most likely will be happy to do so and possibly offended if you didn’t even give them the opportunity to assist you with your projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

FLING INTO SPRING!

Feb16
2018 Written by mary.w

Spring is just around the corner…no really! Spring officially kicks off in around HomeGarden30 days! So what are you doing to get your home ready?

Spring is typically considered the best time to market your home. Flowers start to bloom, trees turn green, curb appeal is greatly improved and the kids will shortly be out of school for summer break. BUT with the melting snow comes the realization that all that snow shoveling had scraped away what was your freshly painted or stained deck and the plow did a number on your driveway and mailbox. So now what?

Get a jump on the end of winter and move confidently into spring by taking advantage of periodic warm-up days and sunshine to take inventory of damage that will need repairs. Make a list, get the supplies you need and be ready as the weather improves to fix the most obvious eye sores first and then continue through the hidden but necessary repairs.

Consider putting your home on the market before the “Spring Rush” so you can capture the attention of active buyers now before your competition increases.  It’s true that there are more buyers in the spring BUT there are also a lot more sellers. Be diligent with getting your repairs and refreshments completed and be one of the first homes to hit the pre-Spring market!

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

FALL INTO THE NEW SEASON

Sep22
2017 Written by mary.w

Today is the first day of Autumn. If your home has been on the market through the summer, here are some simple steps you can take to bring your marketing campaign into the new season.

  • Pull up the remainder of your dying summer flowers and replace with autumn specific plants or plantings such as mums, sunflowers, autumn crocus, goldenrod and others (do an online search for autumn blooms for your specific area). Mums are an inexpensive option in small, medium and large containers for quick How-Much-Is-A-View-Worthlandscaping changes at a minimal cost.
  • If you home is wrapped in fall colors and landscapes, update your photos highlight the season.
  • Use pumpkins or squash varieties to create autumn displays near your entryway.pumpkinFALL
  • On a tight budget? The Dollar Tree or other such stores have a wide variety of items you can use to create season specific decor without breaking your bank.
  • Change the wreath on your front door to more fall specific color tones than what you may have had on there for summer (or spring if you never changed it in June).
  • Put pumpkin scented waxes or candles around your home to update your aroma to a scent that reminds everyone of the fall and thanksgiving.
  • Having an open house? Instead of putting out chocolate chip cookies, replace them with pumpkin spice yummies instead.
  • Aromas have a very strong effect on people so put a pot of simmering hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks on the stove. Feels like coming home!

Key: Try to avoid being holiday specific such as halloween or thanksgiving decorations. Promote the season not the holiday.  Keep your advertising current to reap maximum results.

 

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

PROACTIVELY PROMOTE YOUR HOME ALL DAY LONG!!

Jun08
2017 Written by mary.w

Maximize the impact of your BuyOwner.com advertising by proactively promoting your home throughout your daily activities.  Also, take a few hours a week and be deliberate with your personal marketing. You might not connect with your buyer but rather with someone who will share it with their friend or family member who wants to live in your area. Think beyond your buyer and create a network of marketers sharing your home with others.

Goal #1: Get your phone to ring or your email or social media messages to load up!

DISTRIBUTE FLYERS: Use your BuyOwner.com Online Seller Tool titled “Create Flyers” to personalize and print out eye catching flyers and then distribute them everywhere you can**:

    1. Area supermarkets and stores.
    2. Cafes.
    3. Local schools.
    4. Police and Fire Departments (many require that they reside within the city they protect).
    5. Non-profit organizations.
    6. Libraries.
    7. Laundromats.
    8. Independent booksellers.
    9. Nearby University, Colleges or Hospitals. Put on Community Boards but also give to HR departments who might be hiring new Professors/Doctors/Nurses/Staff, etc.
    10. Any additional place where you can obtain permission to post!
    11. Keep flyers with you at all times, ready to hand out!!  (flyers typically result in a 1% response so the more flyers you distribute the better your chances of reaching a prospective buyer!)

USE YOUR CONNECTIONS

    1. Post on the bulletin board at work or your gym, if possible.
    2. If your subdivision/neighborhood offers a bulletin board or some kind of announcement section, post your flyer there! By posting in the neighborhood, you’re targeting people who are already attracted to your location.
    3. Your town/city may have a similar bulletin board option at the town center or community rec center.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

    1. Talk about your home sale with your friends and family.
    2. Mention it at work, at stores, with new acquaintances.
    3. Be bold! If you’re standing in line at the coffee shop, bank, etc., and you hear someone talking about wanting to move into the area, excuse yourself for ‘eavesdropping’ but let them know you might have the home for them and hand them your flyer! Don’t walk away too quickly as they may have questions and engage immediately, especially if they are relocating or their home is already sold and time is of the essence!
    4. Bring it up at book club, community events, parties, showers, holiday gatherings.

LINK TO YOUR BUYOWNER.COM AD

    1. Create free online ads at places like Craigslist and Google that link to your BuyOwner.com page. You’ll be drawing even more people to look at your home’s photos, tours and text!
    2. Post on your Facebook page and ask that people viewing it share it on their pages as well.
    3. Instagram or twitter including a link to your BuyOwner.com webpage.
    4. E-mail everyone in your e-mail address book a link to your online ad and ask them to pass it on to anyone who’s in the market.
    5. Blog about your home sale. If you, or someone you know, blogs regularly, that can be a great way to spread the word about your property. Try to get a post written that links to your advertisement and mentions some of your home’s key features.

HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE

    1. Schedule an open house on a weekend afternoon when not a lot of community events are happening. Hint: don’t plan the open house on the day of a big football game or the weekend of a holiday.
    2. Promote your open house everywhere (see above for suggestions about flyers).
    3. On the day of the open house, have a niece or nephew run a lemonade stand out front. This will help draw in other passers-by, inviting them inside.
    4. Mark your open house online, through your ByOwner seller dashboard. Contact Customer Care to add it to your MLS & realtor.com listings.
    5. Make the most of other open houses in the area. Check local ads, and when an open house is scheduled in nearby, put out several signs and draw those visitors to your home.

**Be careful to abide by all local ordinances regarding private property and only post the flyer after obtaining permission.**

Don’t hesitate to call your BuyOwner.com Customer Care Rep or your Personal Marketing Consultant and ask for help! We are here to make  your experience positive while helping you achieve your home selling goals!!

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

PHOTOS vs DESCRIPTION in ONLINE MARKETING

Feb09
2017 Written by mary.w

Photos vs Description….Which is Most Important when Creating your Ad Campaign?

Though in the “old” days, sellers would tease potential buyers with flowery words and a couple of photos in order to get them to come walk through their home to “learn more”, those days are gone. We live in a fast food, fast paced, show me what you got society which means you only have moments to capture your audience and cause them to stay on your ad with the potential of then choosing to physically walk through. So, though, words are important, they take second stage to your photos.

PHOTOS: If someone is searching the web looking at multiple sites to find homes that fit their needs and desires, the first few photos they see of your home will determine if they look at the rest and then if they like what they see they will read your description.  Buyers are not interested in being “teased” anymore. If you won’t show them your home online with good, well taken photos, they will move on to another home that will. You could very well lose your buyer because of either a lack of photos or lack of quality photos. If you take only so so photos, you need to consider having your home professionally photographed. The minimal cost of doing so can not only get you your buyer, they can cause you to receive better offers as well.

DESCRIPTION: We’ve all read the buzz words  “cozy” “nestled” “charming”, etc. Though those can be strong adjectives when overused they become costly mush. Again, with the I want it now mentality that exists today, buyers are looking for the description to further detail what they’ve seen in your photos while offering them important information ie: A+ school district….close to highways, shopping and entertainment….walk to the beach…etc. Keep your sentences brief and to the point while still enhancing your photos…..they can see the wood floors but are they hardwood or wood laminate? are the countertops granite or quartz (a hot item these days)….new roof, furnace, a/c…etc.

Clearly both your photos and description add value to your marketing campaign. Take the time to do both well providing your buyers with a great online experience. Before you know it they will be knocking at your door, walking through your home and hopefully choosing to make it their own!

 

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

SHOULD I SELL/BUY DURING THE HOLIDAYS?

Nov18
2016 Written by mary.w

The holiday seasons are upon us and inevitably, whether selling or buying, you may be asking yourself; “Should I continue to market my home/search for my new home from pre-Thanksgiving until post-New Years. Review the pros and cons of both.

SELLING PROS:

  • Many other sellers remove their homes from the marketplace during this time which reduces your competition. Lower inventory means that you can stand out to those that are shopping and possibly be rewarded with a higher price.
  • The fact is that regardless of the season, there are always buyers in the market to purchase due to job transfers, divorces, end of leases, seasonal closing on their own home that they’ve sold and people who want to take advantage of the current low interest rate before it goes up.
  • As long as you don’t go overboard, the sights, sounds and aromas of the seasonholiday-dinner cause buyers to imagine what it will be like to enjoy their own holiday gatherings in front of your roaring fire and beautifully displayed Dining Room table.

 

 

SELLING CONS:

  • The number of buyers shopping during the holidays is smaller than in the more active spring season.
  • If you live in an area that experiences extremes of cold, snow and ice, you have the added task of making sure your exterior areas are clear and safe to travel. You also need to prepare yourself for the frustration of no shows and reschedules in the event of inclement weather.christmaslights
  • If you do a lot of entertaining, you might have to be more diligent with regard to keeping your home “show ready”.
  • In many areas affected by the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more challenging thus you should prepare yourself to be doing more weekend showings.

BUYING PROS:

  • The reason someone may have their home on the market during the holidays is because they have a “need to be sold by” deadline ie: starting a new job, moving to help out with a family situation, downsizing due to a job loss or reduction in income, etc. This may provide a great opportunity to purchase your dream home at a reduced price.
  • Due to less homes being sold during the holiday season, title companies may have a more open schedule to ensure the closing date you prefer.
  • Like the “Greek restaurant dilemma” of a menu that is so large it’s hard to make a decision, by having fewer homes to choose from, your shopping process may be far less stressful and more effective.

BUYING CONS:

  • Since many people take their homes off the market at this time, you will have less inventory from with to choose.
  • Due to holiday entertaining, viewing appointments may be more difficult to schedule BUT keep in mind if someone is choosing to sell during this season, they will most likely work with you to find a convenient time.
  • If you live in an area with inclement weather, getting to and from appointments might be more challenging.
  • In many regions, with the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more difficult (hard to see addresses, hard to see exterior negatives about the home) which means you will most likely want to schedule viewings for the weekend, which can be more difficult. That said, if the seller is motivated, they will understand the local weather impediments and most likely be willing to be accommodating.

Whether you’re selling or buying, you can take advantage of the holiday season to achieve your desired result and toast in your Happiest New Year!!gift

 

 

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

REMAIN “SEASONABLY MARKET FRESH!”

Oct28
2016 Written by mary.w

Put your home up in the spring or summer and for whatever reason, your home has not yet found its perfect new owner? There are things you can do to keep your home up to date and market fresh at first view.

  1. If the trees and foliage have started to change colors or snow has started to fall, etc. take new exterior structure and yard photos to reflect the current season.How-Much-Is-A-View-Worth
  2. By now, your summer flowers may have lost their bloom. Instead of leaving your landscaping bare, pick up some fall mums and add several of them around your home and in your garden beds…..use varied colors to blend with the changing leaves and foliage.
  3. If you like to decorate for the holidays or seasons, shoot all your photos first so your decor does not date your listing.
  4. If you absolutely must decorate, do so with a sharp eye, keeping nik naks to a minimum. Just like when shooting photos, eye distractions may cause them to miss the very feature that would have enticed them to further investigate your home. Remember, they’re buying your home not your visual-intereststuff!
  5. If you do have holiday decor in either interior or exterior photos, make a point of changing them up if your listing rolls into a new season.SE

Staying current and fresh in the marketplace may take a little extra focus but the results in this fast paced, quick view online shopping environment, your effort will be worth it!

 

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

MAKE THEM LOOK! MAKE THEM CALL! MAKE THEM COME!

Sep30
2016 Written by mary.w

Home shoppers move quickly through websites viewing lots of properties in the hopes of finding their dream home. So, how do you make them stop and shop your ad?

PHOTOS:  When it comes to online shopping, your photos are your first impression. If they don’t like your photos, they’re moving on. Inventory is vast in the cyber world so you only have a minute to grab them and keep them on your web page with photos that cause them to think, “This could be my home”! Gone are the days of teasing them with a couple of photos. They want to “walk through” your entire home online. If they like what they see, they will schedule a physical walk through. If they don’t, that’s ok too. Saves both of you from wasting your time.  Tip: If you don’t take great photos, have your home professionally photographed and make sure your first 4 photos are your WOW factor photos causing them to continue through the rest! (For more tips see Blog article: Maximize your Photography)

DESCRIPTION: Keep it concise and to the point. Avoid writing a flowery novel about your wonderful life in your home. Your life might not reflect their life at all and you’ll actually cause them to move on. (ie: We have loved our friendly neighbors and neighborhood gatherings blah blah blah). If they are loners and don’t like to be bothered, they are not coming to see your home. Share your strongest highlights and details and be done!

BE REACHABLE:  Nothing worse than  being interested in a home and never being able to reach the homeowner to ask questions or schedule a viewing.  Remember, your buyers are shopping electronically so they will most likely want to email you, call your cell phone or text you.  If you can provide all three forms of communication, your results will be faster and stronger.

BE AVAILABLE: The more flexible you are with showings, the higher your odds of finding your buyer. If they can never coordinate with you to view your home, well, then they will buy someone else’s.

These might seem like obvious tips but sometimes the most obvious gets lost in the overwhelming task of selling your home. So before you become overwhelmed, do four simple things. Prepare, relax, show and sell!!

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized
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