Flowers That Bring Cheer, and Buyers, to Your Listings
In every part of the country, people are looking forward to spring. Long sunny days, bright colorful flowers and foliage, and warmer weather! Appeal to that natural longing for spring and summer with landscaping that signals it’s on the way!
Some believe that yellow, the color of daffodils, is particularly symbolic of springtime, but there are many ways to bring a cheerful ambiance to the outdoor areas of a home and make it more appealing to buyers.
Here are flowers that have lasting color, are readily available, and are easy to maintain, making them a great choice for any home, but particularly one that is for sale and must look its best all the time.
1. Knock out roses: These vibrant plants bloom for a long time, have rich intense colors, and are resistant to a lot of the pests that other, more picky varieties are not.
2. Geraniums: These favorites come in tons of colors and are hardy bloomers. All they need is a sunny spot, water, and some deadheading to keep them at their best.
3. Petunias: With just a little attention, petunias will reward you with color from spring through the fall. They offer some of the most extensive color choices so you can create bold, dramatic beds or soothing, sherbet-hued areas along walkways or in hanging baskets.
4. Impatiens: These shade-happy flowers are one of the few options for brightening up a shady entrance or yard. Easy to grow in shades from white to hot pink, these cheerful flowers spread and by summer’s end, they fill the bed with a blanket of color.
5. Grasses: Tall and flowing or short and spiky, ornamental grasses come in many varieties and personalities. Many do well in very hot climates, and their rich green hues – from dark green to chartreuse – are a wonderful backdrop against other flowers.
6. Hostas: There’s a reason you see these in many landscapes… they lend nice texture to many different types of flowerbeds, and they thrive in shady spots.
7. Black-eyed Susans: These plants explode into bursts of orange later in the summer, just when other flowers are beginning a slow fade. They attract butterflies and are very long lasting, so you get a big bang for your buck. Like most ornamental grasses and hostas, Black-eyed Susans are perennials, meaning they come back on their own year after year!
To maximize your investment, purchase annuals early in the spring so they are in place and growing by the time the busiest part of the home buying season is underway. Perennials go on sale after July 4th, so you can find some nice discounts if the property can wait for them a bit longer.
Sources: RealtyTimes.com, Realty 101
Keeping Your Buyers Informed
It’s important to understand your buyers and where they are coming from. Below you will find some common perceptions that home buyers may have and how you can inform them so they make the right decisions.
1. I should wait until the housing market drops further before I buy a house. False. The truth is, no one can predict what will happen in housing, and with rates and home prices as low as they’ve ever been, it’s an incredible time for buyers to get into a home. That being said, buyers should first have their financial situations in order and find out how much home they can reasonably afford by becoming preapproved.
2. It’s better to build. It’s better to buy. So which is it? Depends. Both building and buying a home have advantages. When you build, you can custom order your home to be exactly as you want it, with the finishes, square footage, and layout you like. You don’t have that luxury when you buy an existing home. But then again, when you buy, you don’t have the responsibility of finding a lot, managing construction details, making hundreds of decisions on everything from faucets to grout color, and paying for extras that come from changes or upgrades you add. There’s no one “best” answer.
3. My monthly payment will never go up because I have a fixed rate loan. False. A fixed rate mortgage does lock in your principal and interest payment so that it will never increase, but your property taxes and homeowner’s insurance premium can increase, and often do. Because they are included in the monthly mortgage payment for most homeowners, it can increase the monthly payment.
4. I don’t need to read the mortgage closing documents. It’s standard stuff. False. A mortgage loan is one of the biggest obligations you will take on in your life. You agree to certain terms and conditions to pay the money back, so you should take the extra step of ensuring that the paperwork correctly details that agreement. Here are key documents that contain the main provisions of your loan and purchase:
- HUD-1 Settlement Form: Outlines all of the closing costs and charges to the buyer and seller. You can request this a day ahead of time so you can review and ask questions before closing. Compare the figures on this document to your Good Faith Estimate and ask questions if something is unclear.
- Truth in Lending Form: Check the interest rate, annual percentage rate, amount financed, monthly payment, and the total lifetime cost of the loan.
- Note: This is where you promise to pay back the mortgage loan according to the agreed-upon terms.
- Mortgage: This is the document that pledges the property as collateral for the mortgage loan and it is filed with the courthouse.
5. Location, location, location. True. But not just in the way you think. Choosing a home in a safe and desirable location is obviously important. But finding an area that also matches your lifestyle is just as important. Do you have kids and want them to have playmates in the neighborhood? Do you prefer more privacy and a quieter neighborhood? Do you enjoy walking to nearby stores and restaurants? If your lifestyle doesn’t “fit” your neighborhood, you might be surprised how quickly your dream home loses its luster.
Home Inspections: Most Common Problems
Many analysts believe there will be a resurgence in foreclosure and short sale inventory in 2012, which should open the door to outstanding opportunities for buyers, but also caution.
Because many bank-owned properties are sold as-is, foreclosure properties have to be carefully vetted to be sure their low price doesn’t grow because of unforeseen defects that are expensive to fix.
A home inspector can be a buyer’s best friend. Every home, including new construction, can have problems, but that’s even more true in foreclosure properties that were abandoned or are in disrepair.
Top problems inspectors find:
1. Water problems: Inspectors will tell you this is the number one issue they encounter in a home inspection. Leaky pipes, unseen leaks behind siding or in roofs, and water intrusion into basements and attics are common and expensive problems to deal with. In 36% of homes inspected, poor grading and drainage were observed, and they are a major culprit for water problems.
2. Roofing: The roof is a difficult part of the house to inspect. Many states do not require inspectors to climb atop the roof for their reports, and much can be missed from the ground. Roofs don’t last forever… and they will begin to show diminishing performance over time. Some roofs, even if they are newer, are improperly installed, leaving gaps for water, rodents, and insects to enter the home. It’s important to talk with an inspector about the best way to ensure the roof is safe and will last for many years yet.
3. Electrical wiring: Incorrect or undersized wiring can be disastrous and dangerous for homeowners. Older homes were never wired to handle the amount of appliances, electronics, and modern conveniences that they must today, and when overloaded, have the potential for fire. Another major problem seen by inspectors is do-it-yourself projects that result in overloaded circuits and exposed wiring!
4. Plumbing: No one likes to discover a leak in their house because the location and fixing it can be tricky. Water runs down walls and often collects in places nowhere near the true source of the leak! The most common places for plumbing leaks are in bends, fittings and connections between pipes, and sometimes those are behind walls and under floors, making it expensive and troublesome to deal with. It can also lead to consequences like mold damage or even pests like carpenter ants.
5. Heating and Cooling: An inspector will run a furnace and air conditioner through a cycle to ensure it’s working, but how much longer is it going to last? Buyers should also ask that question because if it needs replacement soon, they should build that into the cost of the home.
6. Decks: A beautiful outdoor space can be hiding structural problems or poor workmanship and materials, especially if it was done on the weekend by the previous homeowner. Inspectors can check the safety and strength of the deck, alert you to problems with railings or steps, and let you know if the materials will hold up to the elements over the long-term.
There are fantastic deals on homes in today’s market, but it’s essential that buyers don’t purchase a home and find out the savings they enjoyed will disappear in costly repairs. By contracting with a home inspector, buyers have some built-in protection that major defects will be found before they reach the closing table.
Source: hgtv.com
Back to the Basics – Lead Generation Tips that Never Go Out of Style
Here is our final sales tip article of the month! Get back to basics to generate leads!
You can never fully exhaust ideas on how to generate fresh leads in the real estate industry. With new online tools, sometimes simple relational strategies don’t get the attention they still deserve. These old-school tactics may not have the same sizzle as the latest ideas, but they’ve stood the test of time and shouldn’t be abandoned. Add new techniques, but don’t stop the tried and true things that work.
Work expired listings: Where else can you find a market that wants to sell, understands the value of using a realtor, and is in need of one? Expired listings are low hanging fruit! The majority of listings expire in the last few days of the month, so plan your schedule to commit time to follow up with these prospects. You may have to locate a phone number through your own legwork or even go to their doors. But, because these are warm leads, the extra work can definitely pay off.
Keep up your current listings – When you make sure the little things are done well, people trust you to handle the big things, too. It’s how you build a reputation as a superior real estate professional. Apply this to your current listings by making sure simple things are in order. Is your signage in good condition, hanging by a corner, or worse, blown over? Are the sales flyers replenished? True, they are little things, but when your name is attached, they matter.
Handwritten notes: Writing words on paper is becoming a lost art, but in a relational business like yours, it stands out in sharp relief from emails and text messages. Take the time to jot a few sentences to a prospect you’ve met and drop it in the mail. It doesn’t replace the other channels of communication, but it’s a nice touch that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Leave your pen behind: Do promotional items work? The Promotional Products Association International (PPI) conducted a study that showed 76% of people who received a promo item could recall the name imprinted on it. The most commonly owned promo products in the US, according to PPI are “writing instruments”. Inexpensive pens are easy items to hand out, store, and are willingly used by a majority of people, making it a good item to try.
Source: Realtytimes.com, activerain.com, ppiblog.com
Mortgage Minute February
Real Estate Business Tips
In just a few weeks, the busy season will begin. Are you prepared? In this month’s Mortgage Minute with Shelter Mortgage President Jill Belconis, we’re going to talk about sales ideas to jumpstart your business. You might already be doing some of them – but hopefully you will find some new ways of doing things in 2012.
Then, watch as some of our partners share business tips that have worked for them.
Did this month’s Mortgage Minute episode, spark an idea? Share it! Post a comment on our blog or go to our Facebook page and start a conversation. We want to hear from you!
Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words – And A Sale!
With so many homes on the market all competing for a relatively small pool of buyers, how do you make your listing stand out? When buyers are making snap decisions about which homes to pursue based solely on internet listings, how can you be sure your properties are appealing enough to generate interest?
It may come down to the photos! Most home sellers don’t hire a professional photographer – they rely on their real estate agent, so here are key things you should know about how to take great photos:
- Quality vs. quantity: Some properties feature 20 photos, but not one of them is attractive. Often, they’re dark, out of focus, or neglect to show key areas of interest to buyers. Error on the side of fewer photos done well vs. lots of photos that are shot poorly.
- Prioritize exterior shot: This photo is all about curb appeal. This is the main photo that appears in MLS and it’s what determines if a buyer looks deeper into the listing. To take the best possible exterior shot, take it from 10-20 feet above the street level and with the sun behind you, illuminating the front of the home. If it contains a porch or entryway that’s always in the shadows, consider shooting the photo on a hazy or cloudy day so the contrast is minimal.
- Seasons matter: It’s August, but your listing still shows snow piled up on the roof? That’s a big no-no. It immediately lets the buyer know that the home has been listed for a long time, and plants the seed that something is wrong with it. Consider taking new photos in the spring and fall, to keep it fresh and current and to show the landscaping at its best.
- Stage the rooms: You’ve been told to remove all clutter and personal items when showing a home. That’s true, but when photographing a room, a few personal items make the photo livelier and more interesting. Just remove them again when you hold your open houses or bring clients through the home.
- Angles and lighting: You don’t have to be an architectural photographer to take decent photos if you do two main things… work with your lighting and use angles appropriately. Inside, turn on as many lights as possible when taking a photo, and fill in darker rooms with additional lights. Draw curtains or blinds, making sure they are level if sunlight causes problems with the photos. Shoot rooms from an angle to make them appear more spacious.
- Pets don’t sell homes: Your sellers may think their pets are cute, but buyers usually do not. Be sure dogs and cats, and their food dishes or litter boxes are hidden.
Source: Wall Street Journal, http://www.realestate.msn.com
Best Time to Buy Just About Anything…
Any business needs to minimize expenses to maximize its income. One way to reduce costs is by buying items at specific times when they are priced lower. Plus, it’s just exhilarating to get a deal! Here’s a sampling…
January
- Office furniture: New furniture comes out in February. Old models go on sale ahead of time.
- Calendars: They can be 50% off or greater after the New Year has begun.
- Digital cameras – Mid January trade shows herald new models, so pick up an existing model for less.
February
- HDTVs: The Super Bowl leads to great prices on televisions.
March
- Luggage: Buying luggage mid-season when travel is slow is always a good idea.
- Golf clubs: Buy last year’s model for less because new clubs are being showcased.
- Televisions: The fiscal year for Japanese manufacturers ends in March, so they want to move product.
April
- Office furniture: Right after tax day, you’ll find sales here.
- Laptops: Prices are lower this month for no clear reason.
May
- Refrigerators: Spring cleaning time.
- Party and picnic supplies: There’s nothing stopping you from using paper products meant for summer events as your everyday supplies.
June
- Paint: Hot days are not a painter’s best friend, but it sure makes prices on paint appealing.
- Tools: If you’re wondering what to buy dad, retailers have some ideas for you.
- Suits: In a month that celebrates Fathers, it seems only fitting.
July
- Desktop computers: its still summer, but computer makers are counting on back- to-school plans.
- Grills: If you can wait until after July Fourth, prices go down dramatically
August
- Desktop Computers: The back-to-school sales continue.
- Office supplies: Stocking up on school supplies make this a smart time to shop, even if you’re not a student.
September
- Bicycles: Autumn brings a chill to bike sales, so you can find one on sale in September.
October
- Tires: Fall Car Care Month is another chance to save.
November
- Electronics: Can you say Black Friday sales?
December
- Used cars: Dealers are trying to get their year-end numbers up in this profitable area of their business.
There are also some ways you can cut expenses in your day-to-day operations, even if you don’t have a major purchase to make.
Gas: Fill up before the weekend. Prices start to creep up on Thursdays.
Men’s apparel: Online sales seem to be best on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Shoes: Wednesday sales are common.
Sources: Lifehacker, Wisebread
Keep Appraisals On Track
Over the past several years, almost everything related to mortgage appraisals changed. Rules were enacted to restrict communication between loan officers, customers and appraisers. New reporting requirements, with updated codes and explanations, went into effect, as well, changing the way appraisers did their work. The goal? Create appraisals that are more accurate and less influenced by loan officers and realtors who rely on their conclusions to get a deal done.
However, the new regulations have also caused problems for consumers that weren’t anticipated. Because loan officers and realtors are not allowed to talk with appraisers directly about a property or its value, miscommunication can result – and often does.
So what can real estate professionals do to alleviate appraisal problems? One key way is to work with a lender that’s experienced and has a system to work with appraisers so mortgages remain on track in spite of the communication challenge.
We have a fully staffed in-house appraisal desk that is 100% focused on working with appraisers. Why is that so important?
1. Follow-up: Our appraisal desk is staffed with experts who have years of experience in the mortgage industry. Their only concern is coordinating appraisals and addressing issues before they delay the mortgage closing. They understand the intricacies of a mortgage, what needs to happen when, and how to find workable solutions.
2. Work with locals: We have the ability to work with local appraisers instead of national companies that don’t know the area. Local appraisers know the neighborhoods, schools, surrounding communities, etc., which are important characteristics that can impact a valuation. Their valuations are more likely to be accurate than an appraiser from across the country that knows nothing about the surroundings. 2) Turnaround may be faster because they are in such close proximity.
If our partners already use certain preferred lenders in their area, we’ll work to have them added to the approved list so they can continue that relationship with an appraiser they know and trust.
If you would like to know more about how our in-house appraisals benefit your customer and can be used as a tool to close more mortgage loans, contact us today!
Writing Strong Real Estate Listings
In the month of February we will be posting weekly sales tips for Realtors to better their business. Check back each week and comment on our tips or add your own! To start us off we will start with writing the actual listing.
Writing Strong Real Estate Listings
Even as marketing moves from traditional forms like radio and newspaper into more online channels, one thing doesn’t change – the sales listing. No matter where it is… on the internet or in the classifieds, the listing you write has to accomplish a lot in a small space.
Home Listing Goals:
- Concisely capture key features of the home.
- Create excitement so the reader contacts you to learn more and tour the home.
- Stand out from other listings on that page that are competing for the same buyer.
In this market, where inventory is high and buyers are sought after, it’s even more important to do a good job with your sales listings. Even if you’ve been selling homes for decades, it’s still smart to take a fresh look at best practices in writing about a home for sale.
Tip #1: Back up a flashy headline with truth. We’ve all seen headlines like: “A backyard paradise” or “Convenient to everything.” You might think bold and flashy catches attention – and it does. But, then the prospective buyer arrives and sees a muddy yard with overgrown bushes or a home that’s right next to a gas station. Paradise? If you like jungles! Convenient. Well, if you need a fill-up! This kind of marketing may get prospects to a property, but they won’t stay when you’ve promised something that stretches the truth.
Tip #2: Think of formatting that’s outside the box. Typical listings are several sentences or paragraphs long, and readers have to work through it to find out about the house. Sadly, in a world of short attention spans, homebuyers may not have the patience to read the entire listing, and may miss important selling points. Bulleted lists are potentially a more effective way to market a home. Think like David Letterman – define the 5 best aspects of the house and make sure the reader comes away with that information, if nothing else.
Tip #3: Highlight best rooms with photos. If you write about a gourmet kitchen or the fantastic spa shower in the master bathroom, make sure you include pictures of those rooms! You would be surprised at how many listings don’t include photos of the rooms that will sell the home. Be intentional about the photos you choose – if they are out of focus or dark, retake them. Read your listing and then review the photos to be sure they complement the story you are telling. Pretend you are a buyer… what would motivate you to tour the home?
Tip #4: Proof and fact check before you publish. If you don’t want to be one of the ads mocked when Jay Leno does Headlines on The Tonight Show, be sure to proofread your listings, or have someone else with fresh eyes proof them for you. Not only are you looking for misspellings or grammar problems. It’s also time to fact check against your photos. Does the picture show a 2-½-car garage and you list it as 3? Does the listing boast of wood floors in every room, but there’s linoleum in the laundry room? Catch inconsistencies before they make it into the paper or online!
For more marketing ideas on reaching buyers, contact us anytime.
Source: SoldMagazine.com
