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        <title>Beth Sterner Real Estate, at Community Real Estate of the Carolinas</title>
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	<title>12 Strategies Realtors Use to Sell a Home for More Money &#8211; Beth Sterner Real Estate, at Community Real Estate of the Carolinas</title>
	<link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com</link>
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                    <item>
                <title>What Buyers Notice Immediately When They Walk Into Your Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-buyers-notice-immediately-when-they-walk-into-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
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                    <![CDATA[happy young couple buying new home with real estate agent. Sellers usually think buyers are paying attention to the big...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Perfect Home Is a Myth, and What to Look for Instead</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-perfect-home-is-a-myth-and-what-to-look-for-instead/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-perfect-home-is-a-myth-and-what-to-look-for-instead/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A lot of buyers think they are looking for the one. The perfect house. The perfect layout. The perfect street....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The First Two Weeks on the Market Matter More Than Anything Else</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-first-two-weeks-on-the-market-matter-more-than-anything-else/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-first-two-weeks-on-the-market-matter-more-than-anything-else/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A lot of sellers think time is on their side. They assume they can list high, see what happens, make...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What Buyers Regret Most After Closing, and How to Avoid It</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-buyers-regret-most-after-closing-and-how-to-avoid-it/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-buyers-regret-most-after-closing-and-how-to-avoid-it/</guid>
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                    <![CDATA[Crop close up of female tenant renter show praise house keys moving to first own new apartment or house, happy...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Think Like an Investor, Even If This Is Your Forever Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/think-like-an-investor-even-if-this-is-your-forever-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/think-like-an-investor-even-if-this-is-your-forever-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A lot of buyers say the same thing when they find the house they want. “This is our forever home.”...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What Would You Do If You Had to Move in 90 Days?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-would-you-do-if-you-had-to-move-in-90-days/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-would-you-do-if-you-had-to-move-in-90-days/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Family explores new house and gets ready to move carrying packages. Preschooler boy and junior schoolboy enjoy moving into new...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Why Some Homes Sell in Days and Others Sit for Months</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-some-homes-sell-in-days-and-others-sit-for-months/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-some-homes-sell-in-days-and-others-sit-for-months/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[This is one of the biggest questions sellers ask. Why did that house down the street sell right away while...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Buying a Home Starts Before House Hunting</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-home-starts-before-house-hunting/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-home-starts-before-house-hunting/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Home For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front of New House. This is where a lot of buyers get themselves...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Why Waiting for the Market to Settle Usually Costs More</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-waiting-for-the-market-to-settle-usually-costs-more/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-waiting-for-the-market-to-settle-usually-costs-more/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Happy family on the floor with cardboard boxes moving in their new home &#8211; isolated It sounds like a smart...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Presentation Beats Renovation: Why Clean, Staged, and Well-Positioned Homes Win</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/presentation-beats-renovation-why-clean-staged-and-well-positioned-homes-win/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/presentation-beats-renovation-why-clean-staged-and-well-positioned-homes-win/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Detroit, Michigan -USA- November 10, 2022: new home has been staged and is ready for sale Many homeowners preparing to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The New Commute in Real Estate: How Remote Work Changed What “Location” Means</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-new-commute-in-real-estate-how-remote-work-changed-what-location-means/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-new-commute-in-real-estate-how-remote-work-changed-what-location-means/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For decades, one phrase defined real estate decisions. Location, location, location. Traditionally that meant one thing. How close a home...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Navigate a Changing Real Estate Market: The Market Isn’t Good or Bad — It’s Different</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/navigate-a-changing-real-estate-market-the-market-isnt-good-or-bad-its-different/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/navigate-a-changing-real-estate-market-the-market-isnt-good-or-bad-its-different/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Every year someone asks the same question. “Is this a good market or a bad market?” The truth is, the...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Right Order to Make Home Decisions</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-right-order-to-make-home-decisions/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-right-order-to-make-home-decisions/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Homeownership comes with choices. Renovate the kitchen. Turn the property into a rental. Refinance the mortgage. Sell and move on....]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The 8 Seconds You’ll Love a Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-8-seconds-youll-love-a-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-8-seconds-youll-love-a-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Find the home you love in 8 seconds you know When buyers walk into a property for the first time,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Prepare Emotionally to Sell Your Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-prepare-emotionally-to-sell-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-prepare-emotionally-to-sell-your-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Most people focus on pricing, repairs, and timing when they decide to sell. But one of the most overlooked parts...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How Life Stages and Real Estate Decisions Matter More Than the Economy</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-life-stages-and-real-estate-decisions-matter-more-than-the-economy/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-life-stages-and-real-estate-decisions-matter-more-than-the-economy/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Happy multi-generation family portrait in the countryside When people talk about buying or selling a home, they often focus on...]]>
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                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Renovate or Leave It Alone? How to Decide What Actually Pays Off</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/renovate-or-leave-it-alone-how-to-decide-what-actually-pays-off/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/renovate-or-leave-it-alone-how-to-decide-what-actually-pays-off/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you are preparing to sell, one of the first questions you will face is simple but expensive: renovate or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Buyer-broker agreements: what buyers need to know now before touring</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/buyer-broker-agreements-what-buyers-need-to-know-now-before-touring/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/buyer-broker-agreements-what-buyers-need-to-know-now-before-touring/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you are planning to buy a home, you may notice something different the first time you ask an agent...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Negotiation power is back for buyers: how to ask for credits, repairs, rate buydowns, and timelines without killing the deal</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/negotiation-power-is-back-for-buyers-how-to-ask-for-credits-repairs-rate-buydowns-and-timelines-without-killing-the-deal/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/negotiation-power-is-back-for-buyers-how-to-ask-for-credits-repairs-rate-buydowns-and-timelines-without-killing-the-deal/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For the past few years, many buyers felt like they had one job: compete. Offers were rushed, contingencies were trimmed,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Buy (That No One Talks About)</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-to-buy-that-no-one-talks-about/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-to-buy-that-no-one-talks-about/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Sad man sitting on sofa home, holding tablet PC, making facepalm gesture. Frustration and disappointment on face palpable, as if...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Make Smart Home Decisions. Before you renovate, rent, refinance or sell. Read this!</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/make-smart-home-decisions-before-you-renovate-rent-refinance-or-sell-read-this/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/make-smart-home-decisions-before-you-renovate-rent-refinance-or-sell-read-this/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Owning a home comes with choices. Renovate. Rent it out. Refinance. Sell and move on. Each option sounds reasonable on...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>2026 Housing Market Trends for Buyers and Sellers: What You Need to Know</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/2026-housing-market-trends-for-buyers-and-sellers-what-you-need-to-know/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/2026-housing-market-trends-for-buyers-and-sellers-what-you-need-to-know/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As we settle into 2026, the housing market continues to evolve in ways that directly impact home buyers and sellers....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Homesteading Homes: The Next Big Trend for Home Buyers and Sellers</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/homesteading-homes-the-next-big-trend-for-home-buyers-and-sellers/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/homesteading-homes-the-next-big-trend-for-home-buyers-and-sellers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s shifting real estate market, many home buyers and sellers are asking: Are homesteading homes the next big trend?...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Why Real Estate Timing Matters More Than Waiting for Things to Settle</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-real-estate-timing-matters-more-than-waiting-for-things-to-settle/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-real-estate-timing-matters-more-than-waiting-for-things-to-settle/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[&nbsp; Every year there is a reason people hesitate to buy or sell a home. Interest rates feel uncertain. Inventory...]]>
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                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Selling a Home in 2026: Why Presentation and Positioning Matter More Than Ever</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/selling-a-home-in-2026-why-presentation-and-positioning-matter-more-than-ever/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/selling-a-home-in-2026-why-presentation-and-positioning-matter-more-than-ever/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[&nbsp; The process of selling a home in 2026 looks very different than it did even a few years ago....]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>High Interest Rate Home Buying: How Buyers and Sellers Can Win in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/high-interest-rate-home-buying-how-buyers-and-sellers-can-win-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/high-interest-rate-home-buying-how-buyers-and-sellers-can-win-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The rules of buying and selling homes have changed. Interest rates remain elevated, mortgage costs are rising, and deals that...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Real Estate Revitalization Opportunities: How Abandoned Cities Are Becoming Prime Markets for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-revitalization-opportunities-how-abandoned-cities-are-becoming-prime-markets-for-home-buyers-sellers-and-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-revitalization-opportunities-how-abandoned-cities-are-becoming-prime-markets-for-home-buyers-sellers-and-investors/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Entire towns across the United States and Europe once sat empty. Factories closed, industries relocated, and populations steadily declined. For...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Niche Real Estate Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers: How Life Transitions Are Shaping the Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/niche-real-estate-opportunities-for-buyers-and-sellers-how-life-transitions-are-shaping-the-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/niche-real-estate-opportunities-for-buyers-and-sellers-how-life-transitions-are-shaping-the-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The housing market is evolving, and opportunities now exist beyond the typical listings. While traditional properties dominate online searches, niche...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Downsizing Homes for Buyers and Sellers: Smart Tips for a Smooth Transition</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/downsizing-homes-for-buyers-and-sellers-smart-tips-for-a-smooth-transition/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/downsizing-homes-for-buyers-and-sellers-smart-tips-for-a-smooth-transition/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Downsizing has become one of the most significant trends in today’s housing market. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to simplify,...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Why Every Buyer and Seller Needs a Home Walkthrough Checklist in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-every-buyer-and-seller-needs-a-home-walkthrough-checklist-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-every-buyer-and-seller-needs-a-home-walkthrough-checklist-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Buying or selling a home today means being more cautious and informed than ever. Repair costs are rising, labor is...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Big Brokerage Shuffle: How Brokerage Consolidation Impacts Agents and Clients</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-big-brokerage-shuffle-how-brokerage-consolidation-impacts-agents-and-clients/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-big-brokerage-shuffle-how-brokerage-consolidation-impacts-agents-and-clients/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The real estate industry is in the middle of a major reshuffle, and it is not happening quietly. Brokerage consolidation...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Lifetime Client Strategy for Real Estate Agents: Staying Top-of-Mind After the Sale</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-lifetime-client-strategy-for-real-estate-agents-staying-top-of-mind-after-the-sale/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-lifetime-client-strategy-for-real-estate-agents-staying-top-of-mind-after-the-sale/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In real estate, closing a transaction isn’t the end of the relationship; it’s the beginning of a long-term opportunity. That’s...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Real Marketing Problem: Siloed Thinking in Real Estate Agents</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-real-marketing-problem-siloed-thinking-in-real-estate-agents/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-real-marketing-problem-siloed-thinking-in-real-estate-agents/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s fast-moving real estate market, one of the biggest obstacles to effective marketing is Siloed Thinking. Many agencies treat...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Buying a New Build? New Construction Home Trends Shaping Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-build-new-construction-home-trends-shaping-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-new-build-new-construction-home-trends-shaping-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Buying a newly built home looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Shifts in interest rates,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Why Digital Marketing for Real Estate Agents Is Here to Stay and Why 3D Thinking Matters</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-digital-marketing-for-real-estate-agents-is-here-to-stay-and-why-3d-thinking-matters/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-digital-marketing-for-real-estate-agents-is-here-to-stay-and-why-3d-thinking-matters/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s real estate market, understanding digital marketing for real estate agents is no longer optional; it’s essential for staying...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Strategies for Real Estate Investing in a High Rate, High Insurance Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/strategies-for-real-estate-investing-in-a-high-rate-high-insurance-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/strategies-for-real-estate-investing-in-a-high-rate-high-insurance-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Focus on Properties with Strong Cash Flow Potential In a high cost environment, cash flow becomes more important than ever....]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Holiday Curb Appeal Tips to Wow Buyers This Winter</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/holiday-curb-appeal-tips-to-wow-buyers-this-winter/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/holiday-curb-appeal-tips-to-wow-buyers-this-winter/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Winter may be a slower season for listings, but it can be a powerful opportunity for real estate agents who...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Cash Is King: Navigating a Housing Market Dominated by Cash Buyers</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/cash-is-king-navigating-a-housing-market-dominated-by-cash-buyers/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/cash-is-king-navigating-a-housing-market-dominated-by-cash-buyers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When cash buyers are a major force in housing markets, sellers and agents feel it, and so should anyone tracking...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Why High Mortgage Rates Aren’t Keeping Buyers Away (Yet)</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-high-mortgage-rates-arent-keeping-buyers-away-yet/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/why-high-mortgage-rates-arent-keeping-buyers-away-yet/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Whether you are a real estate agent, investor, or prospective homebuyer, you have probably noticed what feels like a standstill...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Holiday Home Staging: What to Add and What to Avoid</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/holiday-home-staging-what-to-add-and-what-to-avoid/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/holiday-home-staging-what-to-add-and-what-to-avoid/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you are listing your home this season, well-thought-out holiday home staging can make all the difference. Using holiday home...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Selling Your Home: How Higher Capital Gains Can Save You Thousands</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/selling-your-home-how-higher-capital-gains-can-save-you-thousands/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/selling-your-home-how-higher-capital-gains-can-save-you-thousands/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you&#8217;re thinking about selling your home, understanding how higher capital gains work could actually save you thousands, not just...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger During the Holidays</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-make-a-small-space-feel-bigger-during-the-holidays/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-make-a-small-space-feel-bigger-during-the-holidays/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Getting cozy for the holidays can feel like a challenge when you’re working with limited square footage. But with smart...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The True Cost of Buying a Home: What Buyers Forget to Budget For</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-true-cost-of-buying-a-home-what-buyers-forget-to-budget-for/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-true-cost-of-buying-a-home-what-buyers-forget-to-budget-for/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction When you&#8217;re focused on saving up for a down payment, the true cost of buying a home can feel...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Competitive Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-get-your-offer-accepted-in-a-competitive-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-get-your-offer-accepted-in-a-competitive-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s fast-moving real estate environment, knowing how to get your offer accepted in a competitive market is more important...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Real Estate Tax Tips for Sellers and Investors</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-tax-tips-for-sellers-and-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-tax-tips-for-sellers-and-investors/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction If you are preparing to sell property or grow your portfolio in 2026, mastering the most effective real estate...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What to Expect During the Home Appraisal Process</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-to-expect-during-the-home-appraisal-process/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-to-expect-during-the-home-appraisal-process/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, understanding the home appraisal process becomes essential. Whether you’re a first-time...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/home-buying-mistakes-to-avoid-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/home-buying-mistakes-to-avoid-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In a real estate climate where conditions are shifting rapidly, understanding how to navigate the home-buying process is more...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Getting Your Home Ready for Winter: What Every Homeowner Should Do</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/getting-your-home-ready-for-winter-what-every-homeowner-should-do/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/getting-your-home-ready-for-winter-what-every-homeowner-should-do/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Winter is just around the corner, and preparing your house can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and costs....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Home Inspection Tips Every Buyer and Seller Should Know</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/home-inspection-tips-every-buyer-and-seller-should-know/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/home-inspection-tips-every-buyer-and-seller-should-know/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When you’re navigating today’s real estate market, a thorough home inspection is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Using Home Equity to Move Up: Smart Strategies for Sellers</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/using-home-equity-to-move-up-smart-strategies-for-sellers/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/using-home-equity-to-move-up-smart-strategies-for-sellers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Looking to leverage your equity and step into a new home? The strategy of using home equity to move up...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Best Time to Sell a House: Should You List Before the Holidays or Wait for Spring?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/best-time-to-sell-a-house-should-you-list-before-the-holidays-or-wait-for-spring/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/best-time-to-sell-a-house-should-you-list-before-the-holidays-or-wait-for-spring/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’re trying to decide when is the best time to sell a house, you’re not alone. Timing matters, and...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How Rising Interest Rates Affect Your Monthly Payment and What Buyers Can Still Do to Lower It</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-rising-interest-rates-affect-your-monthly-payment-and-what-buyers-can-still-do-to-lower-it/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-rising-interest-rates-affect-your-monthly-payment-and-what-buyers-can-still-do-to-lower-it/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’ve been keeping an eye on current housing trends, you’ve likely noticed one major theme dominating headlines: rising interest...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Want to Start Investing in Real Estate? Here’s the Smartest Way to Begin</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-heres-the-smartest-way-to-begin/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-heres-the-smartest-way-to-begin/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Thinking about building long-term wealth? You’re not alone. More Americans are turning to investing in real estate as a strategic...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown And Can It Actually Save You Money?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-is-a-mortgage-rate-buydown-and-can-it-actually-save-you-money/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-is-a-mortgage-rate-buydown-and-can-it-actually-save-you-money/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s housing market, where mortgage rates fluctuate more than ever, many homebuyers are searching for creative ways to make...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Smart Homes &amp;amp; Tech: What Buyers Are Looking For</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/smart-homes-tech-what-buyers-are-looking-for/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/smart-homes-tech-what-buyers-are-looking-for/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s competitive real estate market, smart homes &amp; tech are no longer optional &#8211; they’re expected. As homebuyers...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Haunted or Historic? How to Market Homes with a Spooky Past</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/haunted-or-historic-how-to-market-homes-with-a-spooky-past/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/haunted-or-historic-how-to-market-homes-with-a-spooky-past/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Every property has a story, but what happens when that story is a little unsettling? From rumored hauntings to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>First-Time Homebuyer Guide: What Costs Most People Overlook</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/first-time-homebuyer-guide-what-costs-most-people-overlook/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/first-time-homebuyer-guide-what-costs-most-people-overlook/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Navigating the housing market as a newbie can feel like walking through a minefield. That’s why this first-time homebuyer...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Win a Bidding War Without Overpaying</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-win-a-bidding-war-without-overpaying/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-win-a-bidding-war-without-overpaying/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s fast-changing world of real estate, knowing how to win a bidding war without overpaying can make all...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Is It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market? 2025 Real Estate Trends</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/is-it-a-buyers-market-or-a-sellers-market-2025-real-estate-trends/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/is-it-a-buyers-market-or-a-sellers-market-2025-real-estate-trends/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The real estate question on many people’s minds as we are about to wrap up 2025 and head into...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Buy with Less Than 20% Down in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-buy-with-less-than-20-down-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-buy-with-less-than-20-down-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps most people will ever take, and many buyers assume...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Homebuyers Right Now</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-lower-mortgage-rates-mean-for-homebuyers-right-now/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-lower-mortgage-rates-mean-for-homebuyers-right-now/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[After months of fluctuating interest rates and financial uncertainty, there&#8217;s a glimmer of relief for buyers: lower mortgage rates are...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Price Drops, Bidding Wars, and Mortgage Rate Madness: What’s Really Happening This Fall?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/price-drops-bidding-wars-and-mortgage-rate-madness-whats-really-happening-this-fall/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/price-drops-bidding-wars-and-mortgage-rate-madness-whats-really-happening-this-fall/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The real estate market has always had its ups and downs, but this season feels particularly unpredictable. From surprising...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Autumn Aesthetic: Why Fall Colors Help Sell Homes Faster</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-autumn-aesthetic-why-fall-colors-help-sell-homes-faster/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-autumn-aesthetic-why-fall-colors-help-sell-homes-faster/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy curb appeal, autumn is one of the most underrated yet powerful seasons for...]]>
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                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Airbnb vs. Long-Term Rental Debate: What Makes Sense This Fall?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-airbnb-vs-long-term-rental-debate-what-makes-sense-this-fall/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-airbnb-vs-long-term-rental-debate-what-makes-sense-this-fall/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction As the seasons change, many real estate investors are asking the same question: which strategy is smarter right now,...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How Gen Z Is Redefining Homeownership This Fall</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-gen-z-is-redefining-homeownership-this-fall/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-gen-z-is-redefining-homeownership-this-fall/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The landscape of real estate is shifting, and a new generation is leading the way. How Gen Z is...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Is Fall the Best Time to Buy a Home? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Spring</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/is-fall-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home-heres-why-you-shouldnt-wait-for-spring/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/is-fall-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home-heres-why-you-shouldnt-wait-for-spring/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction When it comes to real estate, timing can make a big difference. Many buyers assume that spring is the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Football, Fire Pits &amp;amp; Front Porches: Fall Features Buyers Crave</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/football-fire-pits-front-porches-fall-features-buyers-crave/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/football-fire-pits-front-porches-fall-features-buyers-crave/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Fall brings cooler evenings, changing leaves, and a shift in what homebuyers want most. From cozy fire pits to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Your Fall Maintenance Checklist: Protect Your Investment Before Winter</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/your-fall-maintenance-checklist-protect-your-investment-before-winter/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/your-fall-maintenance-checklist-protect-your-investment-before-winter/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As cooler temperatures settle in, homeowners know that preparation is key to safeguarding their property. A fall maintenance checklist ensures...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What Zillow Can’t Tell You This Fall (But a Local Agent Can)</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-zillow-cant-tell-you-this-fall-but-a-local-agent-can/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-zillow-cant-tell-you-this-fall-but-a-local-agent-can/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the fall real estate season unfolds, many homebuyers and sellers turn to online platforms like Zillow to gauge the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Smart Home, Smart Investment: Which Tech Increases Resale Value?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/smart-home-smart-investment-which-tech-increases-resale-value/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/smart-home-smart-investment-which-tech-increases-resale-value/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s fast-paced real estate market, savvy buyers and sellers alike are looking for features that make a home more...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Wellness Real Estate: The Rise of Health-Conscious Home Design</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/wellness-real-estate-the-rise-of-health-conscious-home-design/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/wellness-real-estate-the-rise-of-health-conscious-home-design/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The way we think about our homes is evolving. More than just a place to live, our homes are...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Make a Small Home Feel Bigger (and Why Buyers Love It)</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-make-a-small-home-feel-bigger-and-why-buyers-love-it/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-make-a-small-home-feel-bigger-and-why-buyers-love-it/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s real estate market, one thing is clear: size isn’t everything. With rising interest in compact living, learning...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Renovations That Actually Add Value to Your Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/renovations-that-actually-add-value-to-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/renovations-that-actually-add-value-to-your-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s competitive real estate market, homeowners are increasingly searching for renovations that actually add value to their homes....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What’s Really Driving Today’s Real Estate Prices?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/whats-really-driving-todays-real-estate-prices/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/whats-really-driving-todays-real-estate-prices/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s ever-evolving housing market, one question continues to pop up for buyers, sellers, and industry pros alike: What’s really...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How Long Does It Really Take to Buy or Sell a House?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-buy-or-sell-a-house/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-buy-or-sell-a-house/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Whether you&#8217;re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or planning to list your property, you&#8217;ve likely wondered: How long...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s and Seller’s Market?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-and-sellers-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-and-sellers-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Understanding the dynamics of the real estate market is essential whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping tabs on current...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/do-you-really-need-20-down-to-buy-a-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/do-you-really-need-20-down-to-buy-a-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For many first-time homebuyers, the idea of saving up 20% down to buy a home can feel like climbing a...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Minimalist Design in Real Estate: Does Less Sell for More?</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/minimalist-design-in-real-estate-does-less-sell-for-more/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/minimalist-design-in-real-estate-does-less-sell-for-more/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today&#8217;s visually saturated world, clean lines, neutral tones, and uncluttered spaces are more than just design preferences—they’re powerful selling...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Using Light and Space to Your Advantage in Summer Listings</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/using-light-and-space-to-your-advantage-in-summer-listings/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/using-light-and-space-to-your-advantage-in-summer-listings/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In the fast-paced world of real estate, first impressions are everything, especially during the summer season. Buyers are more active,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas That Look Great All Season</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-that-look-great-all-season/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-that-look-great-all-season/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When it comes to curb appeal, few things make a more immediate impression than a well-maintained yard. But not everyone...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Sustainable Home Features That Add Real Value</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/sustainable-home-features-that-add-real-value/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/sustainable-home-features-that-add-real-value/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s real estate market, sustainable home features that add real value are more than just trendy upgrades—they’re smart investments....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Should I Buy or Sell This Summer? Questions to Help You Decide</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/should-i-buy-or-sell-this-summer-questions-to-help-you-decide/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/should-i-buy-or-sell-this-summer-questions-to-help-you-decide/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction As summer heats up, so does the real estate market and if you’ve been wondering, “Should I buy or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Summer Staging Secrets to Make Buyers Fall in Love</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/summer-staging-secrets-to-make-buyers-fall-in-love/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/summer-staging-secrets-to-make-buyers-fall-in-love/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When it comes to selling your home during the sunny months, setting the right seasonal tone is essential. That’s where...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>The Backyard is the New Living Room: Outdoor Trends for 2025</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-backyard-is-the-new-living-room-outdoor-trends-for-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/the-backyard-is-the-new-living-room-outdoor-trends-for-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As more homeowners continue to prioritize comfort, connection, and creativity at home, the line between indoor and outdoor living keeps...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space This Summer</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-outdoor-space-this-summer/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-outdoor-space-this-summer/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As summer rolls in with longer days and warmer nights, there&#8217;s no better time to transform your backyard, patio, or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Eco-Friendly Yard Ideas for a Greener Summer</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/eco-friendly-yard-ideas-for-a-greener-summer/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/eco-friendly-yard-ideas-for-a-greener-summer/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but what if your yard could look great and help...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What to Know About the Housing Market This Summer</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-to-know-about-the-housing-market-this-summer/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-to-know-about-the-housing-market-this-summer/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The housing market this summer is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about topics in real...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How Interest Rates Impact Your Buying Power in 2025</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-interest-rates-impact-your-buying-power-in-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-interest-rates-impact-your-buying-power-in-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market, you’ve probably noticed that mortgage rates have been making...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Easy Summer Updates to Refresh Your Space Without Renovating</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/easy-summer-updates-to-refresh-your-space-without-renovating/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/easy-summer-updates-to-refresh-your-space-without-renovating/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When the warm weather rolls in, it’s natural to crave change, including your living space. If your home is feeling...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Summer 2025 Interior Design Trends That Make Your Home Feel Fresh</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/summer-2025-interior-design-trends-that-make-your-home-feel-fresh/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/summer-2025-interior-design-trends-that-make-your-home-feel-fresh/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the weather warms up, it’s not just our wardrobes that get a seasonal refresh; our homes deserve one too....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Real Estate Terms Explained: What You Need to Know Before You Dive In</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-terms-explained-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-dive-in/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/real-estate-terms-explained-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-dive-in/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Starting your real estate journey can feel like learning a new language. With all the industry jargon, escrow, contingency,...]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Smart Home Essentials for Modern Living: Top Tech Upgrades for Today’s Homebuyers</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/smart-home-essentials-for-modern-living-top-tech-upgrades-for-todays-homebuyers/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/smart-home-essentials-for-modern-living-top-tech-upgrades-for-todays-homebuyers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction: Why Smart Homes Are Leading the Way As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s no surprise...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>What to Declutter Before You List Your Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-to-declutter-before-you-list-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/what-to-declutter-before-you-list-your-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Getting ready to sell your home? One of the most important steps in the pre-listing process is tackling clutter. Whether...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Open Floor Plans or Cozy Corners? What Buyers Are Looking for in 2025</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/open-floor-plans-or-cozy-corners-what-buyers-are-looking-for-in-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/open-floor-plans-or-cozy-corners-what-buyers-are-looking-for-in-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The real estate world is always evolving, and as we move through 2025, design preferences are shifting in exciting new...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Spring Home Maintenance Checklist Every Homeowner Should Follow</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/spring-home-maintenance-checklist-every-homeowner-should-follow/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/spring-home-maintenance-checklist-every-homeowner-should-follow/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the days get longer and flowers start to bloom, spring is the ideal time to give your home a...]]>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Turn a Fixer-Upper into a Goldmine: Spring Tips for First-Time Investors</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/turn-a-fixer-upper-into-a-goldmine-spring-tips-for-first-time-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/turn-a-fixer-upper-into-a-goldmine-spring-tips-for-first-time-investors/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Thinking about diving into real estate for the first time? Spring is the perfect season to explore the world of...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>How to Maximize Your Airbnb or Short-Term Rental for Today’s Real Estate Trends</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-maximize-your-airbnb-or-short-term-rental-for-todays-real-estate-trends/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/how-to-maximize-your-airbnb-or-short-term-rental-for-todays-real-estate-trends/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’ve been keeping an eye on current real estate trends, you already know that short-term rentals like Airbnb have...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Spring Cleaning Goes Green: Non-Toxic Products &amp;amp; DIY Hacks for a Healthier Home</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/spring-cleaning-goes-green-non-toxic-products-diy-hacks-for-a-healthier-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/spring-cleaning-goes-green-non-toxic-products-diy-hacks-for-a-healthier-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, spring offers the perfect excuse to refresh and reset your space....]]>
                </description>
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                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Eco-Friendly Spring Upgrades: Solar, Smart Tech, and Energy Efficiency</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/eco-friendly-spring-upgrades-solar-smart-tech-and-energy-efficiency/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/eco-friendly-spring-upgrades-solar-smart-tech-and-energy-efficiency/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As warmer weather approaches, homeowners and buyers alike are turning their attention to eco-conscious living, and spring is the perfect...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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                <title>Interior Refresh: 2025 Paint Color Trends for a Spring Home Makeover</title>
                <link>https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/interior-refresh-2025-paint-color-trends-for-a-spring-home-makeover/</link>
                <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:11:13 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Beth Sterner</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bethsternerrealestate.com/real-estate-blog/interior-refresh-2025-paint-color-trends-for-a-spring-home-makeover/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh, and nothing revitalizes a space quite like a new coat...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<p class="">In todays housing market, most Realtors will tell you whatever you need to hear to sign a listing contract and then provide the bare minimum of marketing strategies to get your house sold. I have seen countless MLS listings with pictures that are uploaded upside down, pictures that inaccurately represent the property, and overall just plain poor quality pictures. <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/upside%20down%20mls%20listing-2.jpg" alt="bad realtor pictures" width="353" height="265" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20mls%20listing.jpg" alt="bad realtor listings" width="338" height="579" /> <img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/terrible%20MLS%20photo.jpg" alt="terrible house picture" /></p>
<p class="">In my opinion, every MLS listing should have the highest quality, professional pictures along with a virtual tour; and in some cases a drone video showcasing the property for sale. In this blog I will cover the 12 strategies I use to sell homes faster and with for the most money. For those of you considering listing your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO), I want to point out that Realtors, on average, are able to get 25% more money for sellers. In fact, the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, could not sell his house for sale by owner. He used a Realtor, who was able to sell his house for $150,000 over the original price. If you don’t believe me read the full article <a href="http://www.raleighrealtyhomes.com/blog/did-the-founder-of-forsalebyownercom-use-a-real-estate-agent.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. If you are wondering how a Realtor got Colby Sambrotto $150,000 more for his home than he could have selling it himself, I will tell you.</p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/sell%20my%20home%20mooresville%20nc.png" alt="sell your home mooresville nc" width="565" height="522" /></p>
<p class="">Top Producing Realtors spend countless hours learning, adapting and selling their clients homes every day. They work hard to be the best at what they do. I know I work hard 40+ hours each week trying to get the most money for my client’s homes and finding the next property for them to call home. If Realtors spend so much time, money and effort on helping their clients sell or buy a home, what exactly are they doing? Since this blog is specifically about selling your home, I will focus the remainder on exactly that.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Net 25% More Than For Sale By Owner on Average.</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20sell%20for%20more.png" alt="realtors sell for more lake norman" width="246" height="177" /></p>
<p class="">The most important point statistic previously stated is the average sale price of a house sold by a Realtor is 25% more than an individual selling for sale by owner. Furthermore, statistically about 89% of FBSO eventually fail and 88% of buyers use a Realtor, who knows other Realtors. The most common reason someone decides to sell their home independently is to save the money from commission. I can definitely relate and understand this mentality. The owner may save on commission, but it is possible to lose money on the total equity gained from the sale of your home. When selling a luxury home, the additional 25% in sale price could mean $150,000. The buyer of a luxury home would be happy to purchase your home at 25% less than what a Realtor could get for you. Wouldn’t you? Well the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was not wiling to sell his home for a discount of $150,000 and he is a very smart man. The National Association of Realtors reports, “FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.” This reiterates the nearly 25% increase sellers home return.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Are Able to Interpret Local Real Estate Trends</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/local%20real%20estate%20nc.png" alt="lake norman real estate market" width="271" height="175" /></p>
<p class="">A big mistake I see a lot when working with sellers is they want to price their home way about the fair market value. This is the quickest way to devaluing your home. A Realtor with help you in determining the best list price for your home to get you the most money while at the same time causing the home to sell. Realtors are able to do this because they know the neighborhood, what has sold and what has not. Every Realtor should spend time each month researching the local market trends, pricing trends and housing inventory. Every Realtor should have knowledge of the local market trends. Your Realtors knowledge of market trends is part of what it takes to put a sold sign in front of your house. They will study the numbers and inform you of their findings. If the numbers are not what you expected, you need to understand agents can only tell you what the price range of your house is according the what has recently sold near your home.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Help You Determine the Appropriate List Price of Your Home</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20vs%20fbso.png" alt="realtor vs fsbo" width="262" height="176" /></p>
<p class="">The worst idea when you are trying to find out what your home is worth is going to websites like Zillow. The “Zestimates” are some of the worst home estimates I have seen. I regularly see incorrect home values on Zillow, as much as 200% incorrect! This could be the difference between a true home value of $85,000 based on comparative market analysis, done by a professional real estate agent specializing in that specific market, and Zillow estimating over $180,000 value. A Real Estate Agent will discuss your needs for selling your home. Each person has a different situation, whether that is the need to sell fast or want the most money possible. The listing price of your house will be impacted by your unique situation, especially if time is a factor. A Realtor will analyze the local real estate market in your price range along with understanding your situation and give you the best listing price of your property. This will prevent underpricing or overpricing your home because the local market data is used to determine the list price.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know the Best Online Marketing Tactics</em></strong> <img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20marketing.png" alt="online marketing real estate" width="247" height="148" /></p>
<p class="">Online marketing tactics are one of the most important things a Realtor will do for you when selling your home. Your house will sell faster if it can easily be found online and by a specific audience. Social Media: It is important for Realtors to social networks to market the homes they have listed for sale. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethSternerRealEstate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> is one of the best places for a Realtor to promote your home once it is listed. It allows them to target a very specific audience of people in a certain area so they know you house is currently for sale. These target ads will likely reach individuals who are, or who know someone looking for a new home in your neighborhood or price range. An ad campaign for your home would look something like this: “This beautiful home, in The Point, just came available. Tag someone you would want as your neighbor!” As people start to share the ad and the target audience is reached, your home has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of people on Facebook. Listing Description: An important part of listing a home and marketing it online is to have a well written listing description. When a person reads it you want it to spark emotion and create a sense of attachment in the buyers searching for homes like yours. A good listing description will provide the reader with the unique features of the home that will appeal to buyers.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>The Best Realtors use Photography and Video in Their Marketing</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20marketing.png" alt="real estate photography" width="270" height="150" /></p>
<p class="">If you do not have a professional looking product to captivate buyers the <a href="http://www.greatcoloradohomes.com/blog/what-should-know-when-selling-your-house-in-colorado-springs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best marketing tactics</a> mean nothing. The top Realtors will use professional, high resolution pictures and videos. New statistics report that 85% of buyers start their search online and 95% of buyers will find their home online before deciding to see it in person. The quality of the listing content will either entice buyers to schedule a showing with their Realtor or cause them to click on the next home in their price range.</p>
<p class="eap-video eap-video-80"><span class="frame-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EYb_6l79m8" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0"></iframe></span></p>
<p class=""><strong><em>You Need One Thing to Sell Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="alignnone aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtors%20know%20buyers.png" alt="real estate buyers" width="242" height="149" /></em></p>
<p class="">At the end of the day you need a buyer in order to sell your home. The buyers, who are serious, are checking the local real estate market on a daily basis. They are also talking to their buyer’s agent constantly about new homes that are on the market. A Top Realtor will make sure your home or property gets to the buyer’s agent who then reports the buyer.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Communicate with other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/realtor%20communication-2.png" alt="realtor communication" /></p>
<p class="">When a Realtor lists a home for sale, they will often share with brokers in their real estate office. One of the first things I do is send out a email to all of the Real Estate Agents in my office and in the area where the home is located. I share the listing and ask them if they have any buyers who might be interested. I am usually aware of which local Realtors in Mooresville, North Carolina and surrounding Lake Norman area who have potential buyers. Despite this I will always use every possible method to inform other Realtors of the new home that just came on the market. Every time I list a property on MLS I use what is called Reverse Prospect to immediately share the listing with buyer’s agents who have their clients on specific searches that include your homes criteria.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Using MLS to Reverse Prospect Other Realtors</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/reverse%20prospecting.png" alt="realtor reverse prospect" /> </em></p>
<p class="">The Reverse Prospect in the MLS system allows selling agents to inform buyers agents with clients looking for a specific property that meets the criteria of your home. It is one of the most effective ways to market any property to a targeted audience. When I send an email to other agents that they have a client that is looking for a property meeting the criteria of my listing, they are always very receptive. They get excited because they find out about the property first, before the clients are able to discover it. The next important thing a Realtor can do for you is to prevent the loss of a potential buyer. This can often occur during the negotiations if you do not have a Realtor on your side.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Know How to Negotiate Professionally</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20negotiations.png" alt="real estate negotiation" /></em></p>
<p class="">When a buyer finds a house they want, they often buy with emotion. If you are selling your home For Sale By Owner and the buyer has a Realtor, you can easily introduce stress into the situation and ultimately lose the buyer. When you have a listing agent they can change the tone of the situation significantly when speaking to the buyer’s agent. Often times when people are selling their home they feel they need to come out on top in the final deal. The negotiation of the purchase needs to be a win-win for both the seller and the buyer while making sure everything is professional and courteous. Top Realtos are about to create a win-win for everyone while getting the most money for you as the seller. The best strategy for a Realtor is to approach the buyer’s agent with the question, “the sellers are only willing to sell to someone who truly wants the house, can you help them appreciate why they should sell to your client?” In this scenario, the buyers are now trying to persuade the sellers into why they are the best people to buy the home. When you list your house at a specific price, buyers expect to pay that price or something very close to it. Realtors confident in their list price will not allow for as much wiggle room as a real estate agent who does not know the particular neighborhood statistics. I keep sellers up-to-date on Mooresville and Lake Norman real estate information and market statistics.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Realtors Know When There is a Potential Problem</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/potential%20real%20estate%20problems.png" alt="potential problem selling home" /></em></p>
<p class="">Imagine this, it is the day or two before the closing of your home and the buyers give you a list of problems they want to have fixed or they price needs to be reduced or they will back out. Because of the possibility of this future problem, I set the expectation that the seller does not plan on making any repairs before the contract is signed to purchase the home. The inspection will never come back without issues and if it does you have the wrong inspector. Every house is going to have problems. Before having the sellers sign the contract to purchase it might be a good idea to inform the buyers whether or not you will further negotiate the repairs with them.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Top Realtors Will Give You Strategies to get the Highest ROI.</em></strong> <em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/real%20estate%20ROI.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">Realtors can give you tips on how to increase the return on investment (ROI) for your home. An example would be adding a half bath to your home, which would cost a few thousand dollars but could increase your home value by $10,000 or more. Many of the ideas Realtors provide their clients with are fairly inexpensive. Some may include replacing old brass fixtures to updated nickel fixtures because in todays market it will increase your home value. The buyers of today are far more interested in areas of the home including the living space, kitchen and bathroom. The master bedroom can be a highlight of the home if staged appropriately and help sell your home. A Real Estate Agent can help you with the steps you need to take prior to listing your home to sell faster and for more money than it would have.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Target a Specific Audience for Your Home</em></strong></p>
<p class=""><em><img class="aligncenter" src="https://inception-app-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/OTAzZDhlZmEtZDA0OC00OGFlLWJlOTYtZjFiYzBjNWFiMDZi/content/2016/07/target%20home%20market.png" /></em></p>
<p class="">The Best Realtor will know who the buyers will be for your home before starting to market it. If your home is in poor condition and an ideal fit for someone looking for an investment property, you wouldn’t want to target someone looking for luxury homes. Different types of people are looking for specific homes in a price range with a certain style. The founder of ForSaleByOwner.com used a Realtor who targeted the right audience, at the right time. His home sold for $150,000 more than it was first listed for.</p>
<p class=""><strong><em>Conclusion on Selling Your Home with a Realtor</em></strong></p>
<p class="">Do you think the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com will call a Realtor the next time he wants to sell his home? Realtors can offer countless benefits to get your home sold in less time and for more money. I could write forever on this topic but chose to offer you 12 of the top strategies I use to sell homes. The first and most important strategy is determining the list from for your home. There is no FSBO that could compete with the benefits of using a Realtor. Whether it is marketing the home to the right audience or reverse prospecting buyer’s agents, a Realtor can net you 25% more for your home. In todays market, almost all buyers are looking for their next home online and about 90% of them are using a Realtor to help.</p>
<p class=""><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beth Sterner</a> is a Real Estate Agent and Realtor in Mooresville, North Carolina. Beth practices real estate in <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/mooresville-homes-for-sale/">Mooresville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/troutman-homes-for-sale/">Troutman</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/davidson-homes-for-sale/">Davidson</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/cornelius-homes-for-sale/">Cornelius</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/huntersville-homes-for-sale/">Huntersville</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/denver-homes-for-sale/">Denver</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/sherrills-ford-homes-for-sale/">Sherrills Ford</a>, <a href="https://bethsternerrealestate.com/charlotte-homes-for-sale/">Charlotte</a> and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p class=""><strong>Beth Sterner</strong> can help you with all of your Real Estate Needs!</p>
<p class="">Give me a call! 980-228-1051</p>
<p class="">Beth@BethSternerRealEstate.com</p>
<p class=""><strong><a href="http://www.bethsternerrealestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BethSternerRealEstate.com</a></strong></p>]]>
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