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Advantages to selling yourself

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:25:34 +0000

: Image by nancyarora2020 via Flickr

It is human nature to shy away from things that are risky, dangerous, and sometimes outright confusing. Selling a property or home most likely falls in this category. However, while many people will go running to the nearest realtor for help, there is an increasing number of homes for sale that are being sold by their respective owner. While this may seem like a bad decision and unfriendly proposition, many homeowners are looking to maximize the return on their real estate’s sale and look to remove realtors from the equation. This brings about the most obvious advantage of selling a house without a realtor: no commission. All money paid for the house will be pure profit.

Another advantage to selling a house is being able to set your own conditions. Many people are troubled by some of the requirements realtors place on a house for sale. Certain things must be fixed, certain things must be installed, and certain things must be removed. In many cases, sellers are obligated by their representing realty company to commit to certain terms. For homeowners who are looking to sell their house as-is, or without the hurdles of many realtors, selling their own house may be the way to go.

Prepare Your House for Sale

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:00:08 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Prepare Your House for Sale

When selling your house it is important to prepare your house so it is presentable for the time open house rolls around. Fixing up your house for that day will allow you to attract a lot more buyers, and if you take the pains you might even be able to sell it for a little more. Before you even get ready to sell your house, it helps if you disassociate yourself with your home. Allowing yourself to “let go” from your home will make the transition a whole lot easier.

When the time comes to clean up your house for the open house, it is important that you de-personalize your house. Take down any personal photos and family possessions, because you want buyers to imagine their own photos and possessions in the home, not yours. Although it is an obvious one, de-cluttering your house and tidying up belongings will not only make your house look much more presentable, but it will also make rooms seem much larger. It is also important to make sure your bedroom closets and kitchen cabinets are in order, as many buyers like to look inside them. It is also important that you begin to remove your own belongings from the house, especially objects such as furniture you wish to take along with you. If the buyer sees something they like and you say they can’t have it, that could blow the deal. You might need to rent a storage unit temporarily as you clean out your house, but do leave some objects and pieces of furniture in each room so the buyer will know what room it is. Also make sure that the curb appeal of your house is good, because a poorly maintained yard or cluttered sidewalk may keep the buyers from even going inside. And of course, before you sell it is important to make all repairs to your house and make your house sparkle for that special day.

Now What? Things to Do After a Garage Sale

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:43:53 +0000

Once you’ve finished your garage sale, you can’t just stop there. While the clutter is out of the way, and the money is in your hand, there are a few things you should do to be sure you’re completely done with your garage sale tasks.

Clean it up

Cleaning up is a necessary task after your garage sale. Delaying clean up could result in problems and procrastination, and the clutter of the trash may take up the space filled up with your old stuff. Cleaning up includes taking stock of what was and wasn’t sold. Since you can do this on your own time, be sure to slow down and relax. After all, your garage sale day was pretty hectic.

Be sure to keep your proceeds safe as you don’t want to worry about where they are as you’re cleaning up. You’ll be able to focus on all the tasks you need to finish, such as taking down signs immediately after the conclusion of your sale.

Now you are free

Once you’ve gotten all that clutter out of the way, your house is going to feel more spacious and free. The money that you earned is yours for the keeping and use it as you wish.

Keep promises and commitments

Don’t forget to honor any promises you made prior to your garage sale. Return and borrowed items such as ladders and tables to their respective owners. Now you can use all the emptied space for whatever you place.

It is never too early to think of your next garage sale

Be sure to take note of things that went well and things that didn’t during your garage sale experience. It will be useful for when you plan your next sale.

Garage sales are the perfect opportunity to make money on your unwanted times, as many people may find treasure in all of your clutter.

A Little Beforehand Preparation Makes for a Better Homes for Sale Selling Experience

admin — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:23:03 +0000

The current housing market has caused homes to get a lot harder to sell. Home sellers must adjust expectations, as homes do not sell as quickly as they used to. Since the housing bubble has deflated, prices have gone down. Because of it, sellers need to do more preparation before listing your home. Doing this may help your house stand out amongst the competition.

Professional Staging

Having your home professionally staged can make your house feel more inviting. On a show, I saw a profession decorator rearrange the interior of the home and the second floor deck. A once cold and uninviting deck, it was transformed and became a warm and comfortable place to be. The ambience was set with a copper fire pit and wooden benches lined with soft cushions. When an open house was hosted, everyone enjoyed the interior, but the deck was favored. It was re-listed, and was sold in a month. That was much faster than when it was originally listed and sat for months without any offers.

Hiring a designer can cost as little as $150 for a consultation. If you like what you hear, you can pay a few hundred more. The designer will then bring plants, art and furniture and place your unneeded items in storage. By showing your home in the best light, it lets visitors see the possibilities that the space holds, which increases buyer interest.

Environmentally Friendly

Because of rising energy costs and everyone moving towards being “green,” houses with environmentally friendly features are in demand. While you’re consulting your professional decorator, be sure to ask for ideas on such tips. Some of these things include changing to energy-saving compact fluorescent, placing a compost bin in the backyard and placing filters on faucets. Make sure that your realtor points out the energy efficient water heater and furnace, indicated by the yellow sticker.

Fix It Up

Trends show that buyers do not want to fix their potential houses, so sellers should be prepared to fix any problems. If not, a few dollars could cost them a big loss on the selling price. When fixing things, be sure to give your home the contemporary feel when replacing old fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen as well as the ceiling, cabinet knobs, and others. Remove any mirrored walls, wall paper and paneling that are too old, and paint over them. Painting them white offers a pallet for potential home buyers’ imagination.

Use the Internet

The president of realtor.com, Errol Samuelson, 80% of buyers check online listings. Using online listings exposes your home to more people, especially if it is posted on a popular real estate website. Samuelson notes that listings with 6 flattering photos of the house and a video tour get up to 300% more online viewers. The more interest garnered, the faster your home will sell. Be sure to use technology as best you can to ensure your home sells.

Price Appropriately

There are a number of ways people try to sell homes. Some offer incentives like paid vacations and free gym memberships. Owner of the Lakshore Condominiums in Phoenix, developer Robert Sheridan, found that incentives were an unsuccessful strategy. He offered kitchen upgrades and financing incentives, which proved to be futile. Eventually, he cut prices by 10% and sold his condos.

Many homes sellers are pricing their homes like last year’s pricing, but many buyers are looking for better deals. The current market supports the buyers, so sellers must be realistic when pricing their homes. Listen to any advice your realtor gives you, as they have a stronger sense of the market pulse. Be sure to check out current listings in your area to compare. Just keep in mind that higher priced homes are not likely to sell.

Best Marketing Strategies to Advertise your Garage Sale

admin — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:46:55 +0000

Hosting garage sales includes using creative marketing strategies. After all you can’t expect success unless other people know about it. Since there are hundreds of garage sales held each day, it is vital that you make yours stand out. The best way to do this is through your advertising methods.

Advertising thru the Internet download Uptown Girls

This is perhaps one of the best methods of advertising because it reaches many people in a short span of time and is also free.

Blog About It

Blogs are perhaps one of the best parts of the internet. You can make your own or ask friends who frequently blog to advertise about your garage sale. This can definitely garner some attention, especially if you or your friends are popular bloggers.

Joining Forums

Forums are spread across the internet for a number of reasons and the topics range from homes to dogs and anything you can think of. To advertise for your garage sale, join forums that focus on lifestyle, shopping, or just life in general. Most forums have sections where you can post important events, and this is where you definitely want your advertisement to show up.

Other Types of Advertisements

Post it in the Classifieds

While a less technologically advanced technique, this method will reach people who don’t check blogs or join forums. Posting an ad is sure to get those who like to spend their mornings reading the paper as they drink coffee.

Nail It

Making signboards is almost a staple of garage sales. Use your resources wisely, and ask artistic friends to create unique signs for you. If you have a theme for your sale, be sure that the signs match it. Keep in mind the signs should be tasteful and enticing.

Pass It On

Since you’re asking your friends to make signboards, be sure to ask them about designing flyers for you as well. After, take the time to distribute these flyers in high traffic places, such as grocery stores, malls, parks, and schools.

Word of Mouth

Before the garage sale, start talking to your friends, family, and coworkers and ask them to spread the word about your garage sale. This will create attention for your garage sale, giving it a larger chance of being a success.

Use these advertising tips as you set up for your garage sale. Make sure you’ve finished your advertising at least two weeks before your event. Good luck.

Vital Tips on How to Get a Garage Sale Permit

admin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:58:27 +0000

Garage sales always involve much planning and strategy to be a success; however, few realize that they need to obtain permits from certain authorities before hosting the sale.

Location of Your Garage Sale

Where you hold your garage sale will dictate where you will obtain your permit. Village residents, for example, should obtain permits from the homeowners’ association or its equivalent. City dwellers may need to obtain permits from the local or state government to host a garage sale. Other requirements may exist, but depends on the town, city, and state you’re living in/

Following Rules and Regulations

You will only receive the permit once you agree to any rules and regulations they have. These include but are not limited to the following:

Advertisement

Many regulating bodies are particular about the size of your advertisements as well as where they are displayed. Be sure to ask about the appropriate limits on this while applying for your permit.

Duration

Garage sales can only last three days, so be sure you know what days you want to host your garage sale. There are rules that specify the times you can operate, after all, these rules have been formulated to protect the privacy and rights of your neighbors. Garage sales can be noisy and chaotic, and may disrupt your neighbor.

Products

Garage sale owners are rarely allowed to sell new items, so be sure to make a list of all the products you’re selling and their conditions just in case you need to submit it to the necessary authorities.

Other General Tips

Be sure to apply for your permit one month in advance, and for convenience, some cities and states allow you to download your application for permits online. If your location doesn’t allow this, be sure to bring proof of your identification when applying for your permit.

Be sure to inform your neighbors about your plans, as they may have several conditions to put forth. Taking care of these concerns in advance will ensure that your neighbors will not have reason to complain later on. If they do complain, it may give authorities reason to revoke your license.

If you have any other questions, just call your local authorities for more information.