Seller Tip #4: Decluttering, Purging and Staging Your Home In the process of getting your home ready to go on the market, you will want to start packing away things that you are not using but intend to keep, purge the things that you don't want to move with you, and staging your home to appeal to the most buyers. Step one is decluttering.  This is just as much for the safety of your things as it is for the buyers looking through your home.  The less things that could get stolen or knocked over, the better.  Buyers are snoops.  They will open your cabinets, your refrigerator, and your closets.  Now is the perfect time to go through all of your closets and get your wardrobe down to just what you are wearing now.  If your closets are busting at the seams, a buyer will assume that there is ... 01/14/2014

Seller Tip #3: Why You Need to Leave for All Showings of Your Home There are many reasons that you decided to list your home with a real estate professional.  Handling the showings of your home is a biggie.  After all those months of trying to sell on your own, you told me that not a single person had a bad thing to say about the house.  Of course they didn't....no one will say anything negative to the owner of the house. I know that you know your home better than anyone.  That is why I requested that you write a homeowner letter to the future home buyer to tell them all of the reasons that you chose this home for your family.  The things that people wouldn't know or think about.  This is why you diligently prepared your feature and update sheet to show the buyer all of the time and mon... 01/14/2014

Seller Tip #2: Natural Light, Deep Clean, and Sparkle   You can never underestimate the power of natural light in a home.  On the positive side, it makes rooms brighter and larger.  On the negative side, it shows dust, wear and tear and flaws easily. Deep cleaning is like spring cleaning on steroids. When you are getting ready to list your home, you are going to clean things that you probably never cleaned before.  And if you cannot do it, you need to hire someone to do it for you.  In addition to taking apart and washing the windows, we are talking about orange oil on the cabinets and baseboards, dusting the blades of the ceiling fans, wiping down or replacing all of the switchplates and light switch plates, taking light fixtures apart, cleaning vents and air registers, and cleaning al... 01/14/2014

Seller Tip #1: Safety First for Showings and Open Houses! Sellers need to be aware of a few things when they are preparing for their home to be shown, whether it be a private showing with a buyer's agent or a public open house, here are a few tips to keep your belongings and your home safe. 1. Pets should be removed....completely if at all possible for showings.  Before you object to this one, hear me out.  I know that your dog and cat have never hurt anyone and they are super friendly.  But that is because YOU are there with the stranger.   Stranger danger can be very real for your pet.  Especially when you are not home, they can become very protective of their home.  For your pet's safety, it is best to remove them, truly, trust me on this one. 2.  Don't leave money, jewelry, or other... 01/13/2014

Are There Rules in Negotiating? I would say that there are rules.  However, these "rules" are up for interpretation.  Let me give you an example. A buyer's agent presents an offer to the listing agent.  They state, verbally, that the buyer is not sold on the property and has another house in mind if the seller is not cooperative with the buyer's terms.  Is this a form of negotiation?  Absolutely!  Does it benefit your buyer?  Is it necessary as the listing agent to relay this message to the seller?  It depends. In the above example, there are many ways to look at what the buyer's agent is telling you, the listing agent. 1.  They are telling you that the buyer is not really committed to the seller's home.   2.  The buyer is out to get the best deal and if the seller does not cooperate, t... 01/13/2014

And the Ants Came Marching In.... First the buyers that had mice right after they moved in, now a client that called me today in a panic that she suddenly has a steady stream of ants in her kitchen.  Gross. How does this happen? 1.  It is an upstairs unit in a four plex condo building. 2.  It is the dead of winter with temperatures the past couple of weeks       well below zero. 3.  She lived there all summer and never saw one ant. 4.  The pest inspection did not show any signs of an infestation.   There must be a nest, or so we are told by the pest companies that she has called today.  And unfortunately, it is not something that the association would be responsible to remedy. Be advised that I would never suggest that as a homeowner that you try to deal with this problem on your own.  ... 01/10/2014

You Put the Litter Box Where?!? I went to my new listing today to take some preliminary photos of the rooms that were ready and to get an update on the progress of the many projects.  This is an expensive custom home and there are contractors working on paint and trim and railings in the main level of the house to the upstairs. The seller told me that I could take photos of the lower level, the yard, the kitchen and dining room, and the master bedroom, which is on the main level. When I stepped into the master bedroom, the bed was neatly made and the lights were on.  And there was a kitty on the chair in the corner.  I noticed that the master walk in closet was slightly ajar and as I went to close it to take a picture of the room, another cat came streaking... out of the closet.  Uh oh.... 01/10/2014

My Sister-in-law Betrayed Me!   A few years ago, it was a gut wrenching call.  My own sister in law had betrayed me!  Not really, but it did sting a little.  Their neighbor listed their home with another agent, in my company.  My sister in law matter of factly stated that they had asked her if I could list it.  Her reply, "Karen is busy with relocation clients."  Ugh.  That one really hurt.  My own family, her perception that I was too busy to take care of her referrals.  I wanted to pull all of my hair out, literally! Take nothing for granted, if your own family doesn't know, your other past clients don't know either. Yes, it is true.  At the time I WAS busy with relocation clients.  But those are buyers coming into the area.  A listing is a lot of work upfront and maintenance througho... 12/16/2013

Seller Question:  The Showing Desk Said the Showing was a Preview? One of my sellers called me today with a question about a call they received from the showing desk.  The seller was told that the showing was a preview and that they did not need to remove the dog, turn on the lights, or leave if they didn't want to.   So my seller wanted to know. What is a preview?  Previews can be requested for a couple of reasons. There are agents, such as myself, that have many clients that are relocating to the area.  This means that they have a very finite period of time that they will be in the area to search for homes and make a decision.  This means that an agent may want to preview your home to see if it is a good fit and meets all of the buyers' requirements.  The agent takes a closer look for... 12/14/2013

Buyer Cries Foul! That Wasn't In the Disclosure! Well, in all fairness to the seller property disclosure, there is no place for the seller to disclose the stains in the carpet, the scratches in the wood floor under the area rug in the dining room, or the chewed baseboard from when the dog was a puppy.  But should they go out of their way to make sure the buyer knows it is there? I think so!  And here is why.  The buyers are buying the house based on what they can see.  And if the house isn't vacant, they cannot see the walls or floors behind and under your furniture.  The buyers perform a home inspection, but the home inspector is not going to move area rugs or furniture to see everything.  It isn't their job. Here is what can happen if you don't let the buyers know about this little "f... 12/11/2013

Always, Always Make an Extra Key for All Listings! I am somewhat embarrassed to say that this year has been a year of embarrassing firsts.  I have been a relocation specialist for 10 years.  I have assisted with hundreds of sellers that have had moving companies remove all of their belongings either before the house was listed or during the escrow period.   And at the beginning of most relocation listings, I have consciously made an extra key.  Just in case the seller forgot to leave it, the movers locked it inside...though none of these had ever happened in 10 years. Until this year.....it happened to me....and it was my fault. I was at one of my listings, not even on the market yet.  Newly vacated, cleaners had been there and I was starting the process of a full house stage project.  ... 12/11/2013

Are Home Buyers Conducting Interviews? They Should Be!   A few years ago, it would have been unheard of for buyers to conduct interviews for an agent to represent them in purchasing a home.  It was a hot market and homes were selling faster than buyers could get in the door!  But the tables have turned, resulting in more and more of today's buyers taking the time to ask the important questions before agreeing to commit to a buyers agent.  Whether they are researching through buyer websites like NAEBA or they are talking to family, friends and co-workers to get their recommendations, buyers are being more diligent in finding representation.   And who can blame them?  Purchasing a home for the first time, or anytime for that matter, is an important financial decision.  Especially in today... 12/10/2013

I Sold That House Three Times!  It WAS a BIG Deal! Let me clarify or explain that statement a little bit....I was the listing agent for this house three times in the last 8 years and I never directly represented the buyer. The first time that I listed the house, the sellers were relocating and the relocation company asked me to complete a market analysis.  I competed for the listing with another agent and won. It was a great listing and the sellers at the time were the original owners of the house.  They removed wallpaper, painted everythings, replaced carpet, etc.  They did everything that I suggested and the house sold quickly.  The agent that represented the buyers did an okay job.  The transaction was easy and no issues with inspections or appraisal.  After the transaction was compl... 12/08/2013

Because I Said So This didn't work when my mom said it to me as a child and I am fairly sure it doesn't work when representing a buyer or seller in real estate.   Today's buyers have SO much information at their fingertips and they are looking for a real estate professional to make sense of it all and guide them to the best decision.   If you cannot provide reasons why the price you are suggesting is reasonable, a seller is likely to list with another agent, because I said so is not going to cut it. Sellers want someone that will tell the truth about the market and list their house to sell, not to just sit on the market.   When suggesting a starting offer price for a buyer, you are going to need to show the sold comparables and give expert advice to get the buyers the best price based o... 12/04/2013

The Wolter Team at Iowa Realty's Marion, Iowa office set new sales records in 2013, with over 100 transactions. (Listings taken+Listings Sold+Buyer Sales) In November, the husband and wife team of Gary & Melynda Wolter added Duane Johnson, a former Marion police officer and a long time friend of Gary's. "When our business grew over 30%, we decided it was time to add another team member. Duane is a great addition with relentless customer service skills and the desire to help continue to give our clients the best service in our area," Gary said. With three Realtors and Gary earning his (CRS) designation, (Certified Residential Specialist) its difficult to find a better team that has this much experience, skill and tools to market homes and help buyers. In 2013, they finished as the Numbe... 12/04/2013

Welcome to the Mouse House....not really.  What is more gross than moving into what you thought was a very well kept home.  Passed inspections with flying colors and then the inevitable happens, the weather turns cold and you have a full blown mouse infestation.   Then you hear from the neighbors that they have lived next door for two months and the mouse problem is SOOOO bad, that they are considering moving.  What?!  Hold the phone....they moved in two months ago and there is a mouse problem but they would rather try to sell and move than call someone in to fix it?  Which came first, the mouse or the nest?  Sounds like there is a dirty neighbor that isn't taking care of the underlying problem and it perhaps migrated to this house. Please note: Home inspectors and pest inspectors are n... 12/04/2013

What Do You Mean? You Think That I Should Buy the Less Expensive One? This is a question that comes a lot from buyers that I assist.  Especially with first time Cedar Rapids home buyers.  Just because the bank says that you can afford it, doesn't mean that you feel comfortable with the payment.  No one likes the feeling of being one paycheck from disaster.  You know what you can truly afford each month. You work hard for your money, I think that you should keep as much of it available for everyday emergencies expenses as possible.  There is no point in breaking the piggy bank! So, yes.  If there is a home that you like almost as well and it is less expensive, I always suggest the cheaper house.   Does that mean that ultimately I make less money?  Yes.  But does that really matter to me?... 12/03/2013

I'm Sorry, My Crystal Ball is on the Fritz   I was waiting in line at the grocery store yesterday when I ran into a past client of mine.  As we talked about the recent Thanksgiving holiday and the upcoming Christmas season, it was inevitable that real estate would come up.  The dear lady asked me what I thought about the market and whether the should refinance and remodel their current home that they bought from me 5 years ago, or move up to a larger home. I really wish my crystal ball was working.  That was my response.  I went on to tell her that I think that everyone should do what they think is best for their family.  Interest rates are still low, inventory is still high enough to have many great options for moving up.  But ultimately, it is your largest financial asset that we are ... 12/03/2013

The Holidays are Around the Corner...But Not at My Listing!   There are too many posts of agents persuading people that listing during the holidays is the best idea ever.  Depends on how you decorate.  We don't want Clark Griswold type houses on the market.     Maybe I am a Scrooge, but all of that Christmas "clutter" is distracting in photos online and even more distracting to a buyer looking at your house.  I am not saying that you cannot put up your Christmas tree, but be aware that the buyers may remember that tree more than your kitchen!   Add to that, homes that are listed during the holidays now have "holiday" photos online.  That means that the seller needs to let the listing agent back in after they have removed all the decorations to take new photos to refresh the listing.  Wh... 11/20/2013

I Don't Want to Date You There are scary similarities between online dating profiles and homes for sale.  Hear me out on this one.  When I meet a perspective seller, I am interested in creating a partnership, a relationship.  And hopefully, that is the seller's intent as well.  It is not my intent to be there for a one day listing or a one night stand.  It takes more than a sign in the yard to sell a house. I Want to Marry You! Well, in the sense that I want to find a new lover of your house so that you can move on.  But that takes a courtship.  It takes trust, perseverance, honesty...all the things that make a great marriage is what it takes to sell your home.     Learning about you Just like when you create a dating profile online, a seller must create a similar profile looking for th... 11/20/2013