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Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:36:49 AM   
Aileen68


Posts: 6091
Joined: 8/2/2005
Status: offline 		Well...just got my new tax bill and once again they've gone up another $800.  I've come to the conclusion that it's time to sell and move.  My sister has offered me seven beautiful acres in a fantstic NJ location and it puts me in one of the best NJ school systems.  While my taxes will probably be the same and most likely a bit higher in the new location, I will be hopefully mortgage free and the market value of the house will be much higher than where I am now because of the location and school system.  I've never had to sell a house.  I've got the whole rest of summer, fall and winter to work on projects and plan on putting the house on the market probably end of March.  I've started working on a punch list of projects that need to be done...some rooms need repainting and landscaping needs some tweaking.  Any advice as to what becomes more appealing to a buyer since I've never house hunted either (the home I'm in has been my only home and was custom built as the new home will be).  I'm trying to not become overwhelmed and I'm a little freaked by the idea of strangers in my home, but I'll get over that.  Thanks for any input.  Also...what's the best way to find a good real estate agent?
Profile   Post #: 1
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:47:36 AM   
sub4hire


Posts: 6775
Joined: 1/1/2004
Status: offline 		We've sold a few homes in our lifetime so far.  Used to flip them as well.

Essentially make it look clean.  Forget what the shows on television do.

Paint the walls white, because white makes the room look bigger.
Remove all unneeded furniture.  To make the house look bigger.
Remove all photo's, you want people to walk through your house and picture themselves living there, not someone they don't know.
Get rid of everything personal. 
Get the yard up to par.  Fix any leaky faucets..just general maintenance...do it all.

It took me a year to get a house up to par once...it is a long and lengthy process.  If your house is turnkey it will sell much faster.  People don't want to have to move in and do repairs.

Just a few ideas off the top of my head.

(in reply to Aileen68)
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RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:53:00 AM   
LaTigresse


Posts: 26123
Joined: 1/15/2006
Status: offline 		To find a good agent........ask people you know in your area that have sold or purchased a home.

As for what a house appealing to a buyer. Neutrals as far as paint and decor. If you have wood floors or other high end surfaces, show them off. Declutter, this is a case where less is ALOT more. If you are a person that has collections of stuff displayed or alot of personal momentos and photos, put them in storage. Make the house as generically appealing as possible. Think of model homes you have been in. The less stuff the better.

Anything that is really unique and may just not be everyone's taste, such as wild wall colours or window treatments, best to change it out to something more mainstream. For some people it is easy to walk into a house and look past pink walls with ugly flowers stenciled around the ceiling border and hot pink carpet, in the living room no less (that was my house when I first looked at it). For others they just don't have the ability.

Another thing, the more perceived space you have the better. Even if it means putting some furniture and stuff  in storage. Don't forget the closets. Think open and airy.

Something I had to drill into my brother and his wife when they bought their farm and sold their house in town, smells. She smokes and they have cats. They don't smell it. I do, as soon as I walk in the house I smell cat piss, stale cigarette smoke, and air freshener. That is a big turn off to anyone that doesn't smoke that may otherwise be interested. If anyone in the house smokes consider having the carpets and drapes professionally cleaned, do alot of painting, and cease the smoking indoors. Another thing is that there are some scents that actually stimulate interests.....bread baking and the smell of cinamon and nutmeg. When I would show a house I would put nutmeg and cinamon in a cup of boiling water someplace hidden in the kitchen.

Of course, clean........the house just cannot be too clean. Even stuff that many of us don't consider. People snoop in the weirdest places.

Fresh flowers are also a big plus. As is the first impression of the entrance. Make sure anything that might need painting like the front door, or wood trim gets it.

I could go on and on but I won't drive you too crazy with my babbling. Let me know if I can help at all.


_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to Aileen68)
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RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 8:12:58 AM   
camille65


Posts: 5746
Joined: 7/11/2007
From: Austin Texas
Status: offline 		Repeat on the 'get an agent'. I recommend going through a few of them and asking each what they recommend be done. That way you get a variety of helpful answers and you do not have to use an agent if you choose not to. Don't sign anything lol, do 'agent shopping'.

Removal of all personal memorabilia (photos, artwork etc) is important. It is easier to visualise moving into a home that isn't stamped with personality not your own.
Go neutral everywhere.
Cleanliness is next to salesliness lol. Even the cupboards and closets. Folks going on a walk through will open everything, try every faucet etc. Stash/remove all valuables!!!
Empty/box up as much as you can.

I sold my condo on my own & it was actually really easy. I really would have a bunch of different agents come through and give you detailed advice.

Not sure on the legalities but maybe you could camcord when people do walk thrus so you can see/hear the real feedback?

Gooood luck!

_____________________________


~Love your life! (It is the only one you'll get).




(in reply to Aileen68)
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RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 8:53:23 AM   
velvetears


Posts: 2933
Joined: 6/19/2006
Status: offline 		If you have a lot of cluttter consider renting a storage space for a while to put your things in.  When people open up closets they should see the space there,  not a closet filled up with too many things.  If you have rooms painted dark colors repaint them white, it will give the room a more open feeling to it and the color may be one you love but other may hate it and be turned off by it.  Have a familiar scent like vanilla - something people associate with "home", perhaps bake something when you know they are coming to give the emotional impression of home to persepctive buyers. 

Most people can't look beyond and see the potential of a space.  They want to walk in and feel they could move in tomorrow and not have to change a thing. 

< Message edited by velvetears -- 8/6/2007 8:54:31 AM >

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RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 9:44:25 AM   
popeye1250


Posts: 18104
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: New Hampshire
Status: offline 		Yes, what they said.
Aileen, your taxes, "went up "another" $800?"
I have a 3 b/r 2 bath condo here in Myrtle Beach on a golf course and I pay $467 per year in real estate taxes.
If you live in N.J. or the North East you get clobbered by r.e. taxes!
If this place were in New Hampshire where I moved from I'd be paying $6.000 a year in taxes on it.
One of my friends here has a 2200 sq ft 4 b/r house and she pays about $700 per year.
She moved here from Westchester Co. N.Y. and was paying $9,000 per year up there.
Do you absolutely "have to" live in N.J.?
You can get a brandnew 2,000 sq. ft. 3 b/r 2 bath house with a 2 car garage here for $225-$250k.
The same thing up North would cost you $600k.
Plus we have nicer weather and beaches.
I moved here 3 years ago in Sept and never looked back!
It's nice to open my bills in January and cut a check for $80 for heat and electricity!

_____________________________

"But Your Honor, this is not a Jury of my Peers, these people are all decent, honest, law-abiding citizens!"

(in reply to Aileen68)
Profile   Post #: 6
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 1:25:28 PM   
Aileen68


Posts: 6091
Joined: 8/2/2005
Status: offline 		Declutterizing....ugh.  Good excuse for a yard sale and countless trips to the dump.
Popeye, I do live in a part of the country that costs a lot, but salaries are much higher here so it's all relative.  The type of house that will be built will have tremendous equity because of the location in the state and because we'll be building ourselves.  Not contracting the work out so one can save a tremendous amount of money.  I'll probably spend under $500,000 on the house and land, be mortgage free and wind up with a house that I'll be able to sell for well over a million.  I did all of this eleven years ago, but unfortunately the area I live in now is a little too rural and the house is capping out at about $750,000.  Not worth it for the taxes I'm paying.  In fact, every time my taxes go up, the value of my home goes down since the house falls into the upper level of house prices in my area.

(in reply to popeye1250)
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RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 1:27:14 PM   
Aileen68


Posts: 6091
Joined: 8/2/2005
Status: offline 		And thanks everyone for the great suggestions on how to present the house.
I've started making a to do list with all of them in mind.

(in reply to Aileen68)
Profile   Post #: 8
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 5:24:40 PM   
kc692


Posts: 3701
Joined: 3/24/2005
Status: offline 		Make sure when you get an agent, you ask them to give you a CMA (comparative market analysis) for your area, so you have an idea of prices, and to give you stats on how quickly and what percentage of asking price sellers are getting.  A competent agent should be happy to do that....if not, there is a huge possibility they just want to put a sign on your home and let another agent do the work of selling it, so they can share in the commission.  Rent a storage area if you can, and keep your furniture to a minimum in the home while not making it look stark.  Exterior wise, if you have brick, pressure wash it(it will make your home looks YEARS younger) same for vinyl, etc.  Also, don't forget to pressure wash the roof, you would not believe the difference in your homes curb appeal for those few hundred dollars.  If you want, and you are having a hard time locating an agent in your area you think is kudos, email me on the other side, and I will get ahold of some of my peers that have dealt with relocations to that area to see if they have a specific agent they can recommend. 

_____________________________

Anyone can overpower; not many can INSPIRE.....

This is only MY opinion. If it's not yours, let's agree in advance to agree to disagree, OR, you can just get the fuck over what I had to say:)

(in reply to Aileen68)
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RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 5:30:52 PM   
kc692


Posts: 3701
Joined: 3/24/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: camille65

Repeat on the 'get an agent'. I recommend going through a few of them and asking each what they recommend be done. That way you get a variety of helpful answers and you do not have to use an agent if you choose not to. Don't sign anything lol, do 'agent shopping'.

Removal of all personal memorabilia (photos, artwork etc) is important. It is easier to visualise moving into a home that isn't stamped with personality not your own.
Go neutral everywhere.
Cleanliness is next to salesliness lol. Even the cupboards and closets. Folks going on a walk through will open everything, try every faucet etc. Stash/remove all valuables!!!
Empty/box up as much as you can.

I sold my condo on my own & it was actually really easy. I really would have a bunch of different agents come through and give you detailed advice.

Not sure on the legalities but maybe you could camcord when people do walk thrus so you can see/hear the real feedback?

Gooood luck!


No offense, and you have a lot of good ideas, but if you are planning the whole time to sell your home on your own, why are you having people that work on commission come to your home and give you their hard earned expertise when you plan to take advantage of that, and use their cumlative knowledge, but have no intention of using even what you consider the best one? 

I know, lots look at it not as" I screwed that person out of a paycheck, but used their knowledge" as much as "oooh, goodie, I saved money".  No offense intended, but unless I misunderstood what you meant, I definitely was offended. I have worked hard to gather my years of knowledge, and am not only an agent but a broker, and can't begin to describe the feeling when you share all your knowledge to try to help someone achieve their goal, and they feel you just owed them that service, that you are fine for free advice, but they damn sure arent paying you, when it is you expertise that you shared with them that helped them sell/buy that very house, possibly saving/making them thousands in the process because of your acumen.

edited for at least one typo

< Message edited by kc692 -- 8/6/2007 5:32:41 PM >

_____________________________

Anyone can overpower; not many can INSPIRE.....

This is only MY opinion. If it's not yours, let's agree in advance to agree to disagree, OR, you can just get the fuck over what I had to say:)

(in reply to camille65)
Profile   Post #: 10
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 5:45:23 PM   
camille65


Posts: 5746
Joined: 7/11/2007
From: Austin Texas
Status: offline 		I love things that start with 'No offense but...'

quote:

ORIGINAL: kc692

quote:

ORIGINAL: camille65

Repeat on the 'get an agent'. I recommend going through a few of them and asking each what they recommend be done. That way you get a variety of helpful answers and you do not have to use an agent if you choose not to. Don't sign anything lol, do 'agent shopping'.

Removal of all personal memorabilia (photos, artwork etc) is important. It is easier to visualise moving into a home that isn't stamped with personality not your own.
Go neutral everywhere.
Cleanliness is next to salesliness lol. Even the cupboards and closets. Folks going on a walk through will open everything, try every faucet etc. Stash/remove all valuables!!!
Empty/box up as much as you can.

I sold my condo on my own & it was actually really easy. I really would have a bunch of different agents come through and give you detailed advice.

Not sure on the legalities but maybe you could camcord when people do walk thrus so you can see/hear the real feedback?

Gooood luck!


No offense, and you have a lot of good ideas, but if you are planning the whole time to sell your home on your own, why are you having people that work on commission come to your home and give you their hard earned expertise when you plan to take advantage of that, and use their cumlative knowledge, but have no intention of using even what you consider the best one? 

I know, lots look at it not as" I screwed that person out of a paycheck, but used their knowledge" as much as "oooh, goodie, I saved money".  No offense intended, but unless I misunderstood what you meant, I definitely was offended. I have worked hard to gather my years of knowledge, and am not only an agent but a broker, and can't begin to describe the feeling when you share all your knowledge to try to help someone achieve their goal, and they feel you just owed them that service, that you are fine for free advice, but they damn sure arent paying you, when it is you expertise that you shared with them that helped them sell/buy that very house, possibly saving/making them thousands in the process because of your acumen.

edited for at least one typo




Wow did you ever misunderstand. Where to start um.. 'I' sold my condo on my own. I didn't suggest she do so just that she does not have to use an agent that she talks to. Meaning, that there is no obligation to use a particular agent and she can speak to many and get input from many.

Everyone in my family is heavily involved with real estate both residential and commercial. I can't imagine just opening the yellow pages and using Agent A without talking to at least Agents B-D, that is just common sense.
The agent that seems will do the best job for me is the agent I use. Not just the first agent I talk to.

That was a mighty leap of assumption there.

edit, added second to last line.



< Message edited by camille65 -- 8/6/2007 5:48:03 PM >

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Profile   Post #: 11
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 6:06:25 PM   
kc692


Posts: 3701
Joined: 3/24/2005
Status: offline 		I recommend going through a few of them and asking each what they recommend be done. That way you get a variety of helpful answers and you do not have to use an agent if you choose not to. Don't sign anything lol, do 'agent shopping'.

I sold my condo on my own & it was actually really easy. I really would have a bunch of different agents come through and give you detailed advice.
 
 
I'm sorry if those two statements led me to believe otherwise. If your relatives are involved in the industry, surely you can understand why those two statements would give one pause.  However, if you meant them differently then they came across, I apologize for my misunderstanding, but do not think that was a huge leap for me to take.  If you mean them the way they appear, I do not.

Edited to add;. noone should take on the first agent they talk to; a license does not guarantee acumen, and I am not saying one should use an agent and not try it on their own.  Yes, for sure, interview a lot of agents, IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON USING ONE. They need to be able to provide you the best service and knowledge for your dollars.  Just don't "agent shop" if you don't intend to sign something at the end.   It's unethical, but that's just my $.02....


< Message edited by kc692 -- 8/6/2007 6:09:11 PM >

_____________________________

Anyone can overpower; not many can INSPIRE.....

This is only MY opinion. If it's not yours, let's agree in advance to agree to disagree, OR, you can just get the fuck over what I had to say:)

(in reply to camille65)
Profile   Post #: 12
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 6:22:03 PM   
LATEXBABY64


Posts: 2107
Joined: 4/8/2004
Status: offline 		you could always do a fsbo  and find a mortgage company to help you list

(in reply to kc692)
Profile   Post #: 13
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:10:39 PM   
ChainedExistence


Posts: 507
Joined: 2/5/2005
Status: offline 		Perhaps a home inspector would be a better choice than using a real estate agent, and might catch things you would miss. Look through new construction and see what is happening with those houses- more spa-like bathrooms, master suites, hardwood floors, travertine and other tiles instead of carpet, etc. Most of your return in a house comes from updating your kitchen and bathrooms. You might save money simply refinishing or painting cabinet doors and changing out the hardware than going to the expense of putting in all new cabinets. You are less likely to get your money back with swimming pools, fancy decks, specialized rooms (like saunas, game rooms) or elaborate landscaping that every buyer wouldn't want or think they could maintain.  Get a very blunt friend to tell you the things they notice out of whack in your rooms- too many artificial plants, way too many knick knacks, etc. If the house is older, consider the light fixtures, they often date a house and are fairly inexpensive to switch out. Little things like just changing the face plates on electrical switches help make a house look cared for. Clean, clean, clean! De-clutter and lighten up dark spaces. Most buyers love light airy rooms. And those things you've "put up with"...the toilet handle that needs to be pumped a few times to stop running, a slow draining sink, a door that sticks....a buyer doesn't want to be bothered with those little repairs that seem so minor. Good luck with selling your house!

(in reply to LATEXBABY64)
Profile   Post #: 14
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:13:20 PM   
kc692


Posts: 3701
Joined: 3/24/2005
Status: offline 		Don't know about your area, and yes fsbo's can be a wonderful thing and I would never suggest not to sell it yourself, and even put a mortgage sign out in your yard, but the only way here to get on the multiple listing service so all real estate agents can pull it up in searches is to be a member of the local listing service, and here only licensed individuals that have brokers above them or have their own offices and brokers license(as I do) are allowed to list property.  There are so many forms required, (disclosures, etc) to be on the service that they require one to be licensed to participate in the listing process.

_____________________________

Anyone can overpower; not many can INSPIRE.....

This is only MY opinion. If it's not yours, let's agree in advance to agree to disagree, OR, you can just get the fuck over what I had to say:)

(in reply to LATEXBABY64)
Profile   Post #: 15
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:23:09 PM   
domiguy


Posts: 12952
Joined: 5/2/2006
Status: offline 		Pick up your used tampons off of the kitchen floor....No matter how many times family members have supported this decision...They are not an appropriate chew toy for your dog.

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Profile   Post #: 16
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:33:36 PM   
kc692


Posts: 3701
Joined: 3/24/2005
Status: offline 		Thanks for making me laugh out loud, even if it did scare the cats, lol!!!!!

_____________________________

Anyone can overpower; not many can INSPIRE.....

This is only MY opinion. If it's not yours, let's agree in advance to agree to disagree, OR, you can just get the fuck over what I had to say:)

(in reply to domiguy)
Profile   Post #: 17
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:34:40 PM   
Owner59


Posts: 17033
Joined: 3/14/2006
From: Dirty Jersey
Status: offline 		A decent home inspector 1st,then the agent.

Ever consider an on-line sales group,like Foxton`s?

They charge 2% to the 6% that the big guys charge.
They sell houses too,and with your no pressure situation,you`ll be in the best position possible.

Remember,as the seller,you pay the fees.Also,most sales contracts run for 6 months.Make sure you have a good agent,b/c 6 months w/ a crappy agent really sucks.

As a contractor,I`ll tell you to be very careful w/ who you choose to do the things you can`t.Get someone who`s worked for a friend.Don`t always take the cheapest estimate.Sometimes contractors will low ball,just to get a foot in the door.

You`ll do well.Good luck. 

< Message edited by Owner59 -- 8/6/2007 7:37:22 PM >

_____________________________

"As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals"

President Obama

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Profile   Post #: 18
RE: Selling a Home - 8/6/2007 7:47:31 PM   
kiyari


Posts: 631
Status: offline 		There is a crisis in the mortgage lending industry ATM, which may impact the ability of ppl to qualify for mortgages... so taking the necessary time to spruce things up may run afoul of that other consideration.

Also, I would suggest that if you DO decide to list with an agent, to be careful about the "exclusive listing" they normally prefer... plus negotiate exclusions such as not owing commission for any buyer you may find on your own (read ALL the fine print).

_____________________________

Black Water Dragon

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Profile   Post #: 19
RE: Selling a Home - 8/7/2007 10:55:22 AM   
FelinePersuasion


Posts: 4792
Joined: 11/20/2004
Status: offline 		Please don't throw good things away,  Ie like vaccumes, or dish sets or or I don't know things that are good, to great, but you just don't want.

give to goodwill or put out on the curb for the community to come pick through, or there's freecycle.org groups all over the place, you list what you have they come get it, it's free, and it's out of your hair.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aileen68

Declutterizing....ugh.  Good excuse for a yard sale and countless trips to the dump.


_____________________________

Most of the time if it looks like BS, smells like BS, you probably should not t taste it to see if, in fact, it is BS.


(in reply to Aileen68)
Profile   Post #: 20
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