Sorry Matt, but You're Wrong This Time!

I love watching The Today show on Mondays -- not only to get my Matt Lauer fix for the week but also because of the real estate segment they regularly run. I am usually pleasantly surprised by the advice given and agree that it is spot on... but not today! Today's segment on "5 Sure Ways to Sell Your Home in a Down Market" featured some great tips, but I adamantly disagree with the very first one. The real estate expert (her name escapes me at the moment, but like I said, I usually agree with her) said above all else to wait until after Super Bowl Sunday to list. Her reasoning was that no one is looking right now.
I disagree for SEVERAL reasons.
FIRST, interest rates are rising overall. A buyer can afford more home for the same payment now that he can afford if the interest rate goes up.
SECOND, people looking now are serious. You may not have as many showings as you would in the Spring, but the folks looking will mean business.
THIRD, most people will wait to list -- if you go ahead now, you have a leg up in that you aren't lost in the shuffle.
FOURTH, listing now gives you the opportunity to work out the kinks before the busy season starts. Perhaps you have an alarm... listing now and having a showing or 2 will give you the chance to have the showing instructions honed before the busy season.
FIFTH, the longer you wait, the more your price will be affected by shadow inventory. There are fewer foreclosures on the market now affecting your price than there will be in a month or two.

To speak to me about the pros and cons of listing now, just call 336-714-9444 or click. Have a great Monday!

Professional or Pretender?

A pretender worries about your feelings and places great emphasis on whether or not you will like them. A professional worries about your family and how they can help. A pretender will tell you what you want to hear. A professional will tell you everything you need to know.
WOW -- this is from the latest Steve Harney post. Sellers, always remeber there are some agents out there who will buy your listing at any cost to get their sign in the yard. The professional agent will give you a true value, no matter how much skepticism it may create. Soo the KCMBlog for more!

Should I List During the Holidays?

It's a pretty predictable debate this time of year -- should I list my home now or wait for Spring? Great arguments can be made for both sides. The following are some reasons why you may decide now is the time to go for it!

-- Buyers that are looking now are serious. They have jobs, have their financing lined up, and need to buy now. Otherwise, they would wait til January to look when they had more time.
-- A lot of your competition will be bank owned. This means they will be cold, drab, vacant, and in less than broomswept condition. So, yours will automatically show better.
-- If you DO wait, you have done what the majority of folks have done, which means you will have even more competition than normal.

Call me to discuss the pros and cons -- different situations call for different strategies, and I can guide you through the decision making process.

Tate does it AGAIN

Allen Tate has offered us yet another powerful marketing tool... when you list with Tate and your agent uploads an online photo tour, your home is featured on YouTube! Nobody does more for you than Tate! To take advantage of this wonderful marketing tool, contact me TODAY

Time is Flying!

If even half the people who say they are ready to do business in January actually are, I am going to be one busy girl! Buyers are wanting to take advantage of the tax credits in plenty of time to meet the deadlines, and sellers are ready to list properties in anticipation of a hot market. I personally believe January-April 2010 are going to be hopping, so... if you have your eye on a particular home, don't let it get away! Even if it has been sitting for a few months, chances are good that someone else has it on their radar as well. And sellers... historically, February is THE month to list, but from the looks of it, if you wait until February, you are going to be behind MANY MANY other great listings. Don't wait! As you pack up your Christmas decorations, think about little ways you can spruce up and get your home show ready. I already have 4 homes going on the market the first week of January, so get in there while the getting's good!