Wednesday, January 19, 2011
What's going to happen in 2011?
A question that is on all of our minds. 2010 was the worst year in MN real estate since they started keeping track of it. We can only go up from here, right? Good news: the "winter" market seems to pick up around Super Bowl time, and that is quickly approaching. Sellers are optimistic for the market to turn, and are using this time to get their homes ready to sell. This means early spring cleaning, updating the home, remodeling, things of that nature. So buyers, get ready! Changes are coming, hopefully.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Why Now Is The Time To Buy!!!
If you've been keeping up with this blog, you'll remember that we recently discussed the perks of selling your home in the winter. You may have been thinking, what about the buyers?! Where's the love for us?! Well, your wait is over. We have compiled a list of all the great reason for you to buy a home in the winter. Read on...
1. Less Competition: There are a lot less buyers in the winter months. How does this benefit you? Sellers will be more willing to negotiate with you. Just as badly as you'd like to buy, they'd like to sell. You're both motivated.
2. Lenders Have More Time: Just as agents don't have as much going on, neither do lenders. They can focus more of their time on YOU. This will lead to a smoother mortgage approval process. Also, interest rates seem to be lower in the winter months. That's a bonus for you.
3. Knowledge of the Home in Winter: You will see things in the winter that you won't in spring and summer. Things like drafty windows and doors, how much area has to be shoveled, how well the neighbors care for their properties, etc. You don't think about those things when it's 90 degrees outside and there is ice cold lemonade waiting in the porch.
4. Relax this Spring!: While everyone else is busy moving all spring and summer, you're done! You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy that ice cold lemonade.
Now is the time people. Don't spend your summer schlepping furniture in the Minnesota humidity.
1. Less Competition: There are a lot less buyers in the winter months. How does this benefit you? Sellers will be more willing to negotiate with you. Just as badly as you'd like to buy, they'd like to sell. You're both motivated.
2. Lenders Have More Time: Just as agents don't have as much going on, neither do lenders. They can focus more of their time on YOU. This will lead to a smoother mortgage approval process. Also, interest rates seem to be lower in the winter months. That's a bonus for you.
3. Knowledge of the Home in Winter: You will see things in the winter that you won't in spring and summer. Things like drafty windows and doors, how much area has to be shoveled, how well the neighbors care for their properties, etc. You don't think about those things when it's 90 degrees outside and there is ice cold lemonade waiting in the porch.
4. Relax this Spring!: While everyone else is busy moving all spring and summer, you're done! You get to sit back, relax, and enjoy that ice cold lemonade.
Now is the time people. Don't spend your summer schlepping furniture in the Minnesota humidity.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tips For Selling Your Home In The Winter
As most Minnesotans know, nobody wants to move in the winter. Nobody wants to go outside in the winter, period. Trying to sell your home this time of year can be challenging. We've got some great pointers to go from "For Sale" to "SOLD!" in no time!
Some of the advantages to listing your home in the winter are less buyer competition, more motivated buyers, and more dedicated agents. First of all, there are less homes on the market throughout the winter in this frozen tundra. The less options the buyers have, the more likely they are to purchase your home! Also, if someone is looking for a home in the winter, it's most likely because they were transferred here for work, or a similar reason, and they don't have time to waste. They want to buy now! Also, agents this time of year don't have a whole lot going on, so they can focus all of their time on you, and you alone.
Some tips for getting your property sold this time of year:
Pay particular attention to curb appeal - be sure sidewalks are FULLY shoveled, remove snow from the deck, clean mud and gunk off of doors and entryways. Make your home as clean as possible from the outside! Also, safety is an issue. You don't want someone falling on the ice on your property. That won't attract them at all!
Don't overdecorate - This can make the rooms feel cluttered. People seem to put out too many decorations this time of year, and that will make the rooms feel smaller. Also, keep the house warm! A good temperature to set the heat at is 71 degrees. Nobody wants to walk into a cold home.
"Holiday" smells - Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory. Having home baked cookies, pumpkin pie, pine scent, will remind the people of home. This will work their emotions, and 80% of the buying decision is based on emotions. However, be sure that the scent has a purpose. Don't spray "baked cookie" smell, actually have baked cookies in the oven or on the counter. If there is a smell, and no proof of the product, it looks like you are covering up an odor, and nobody likes that.
Lastly, be sure the home is priced right! This is the most critical point. You will want to have an updated market analysis at your fingertips. Overpricing and underpricing is a crucial mistake. If you would like an assistance in the proper pricing of your home, please don't hesitate to call or email us for a free consultation. 800-688-8179 or info@m19r.com
Some of the advantages to listing your home in the winter are less buyer competition, more motivated buyers, and more dedicated agents. First of all, there are less homes on the market throughout the winter in this frozen tundra. The less options the buyers have, the more likely they are to purchase your home! Also, if someone is looking for a home in the winter, it's most likely because they were transferred here for work, or a similar reason, and they don't have time to waste. They want to buy now! Also, agents this time of year don't have a whole lot going on, so they can focus all of their time on you, and you alone.
Some tips for getting your property sold this time of year:
Pay particular attention to curb appeal - be sure sidewalks are FULLY shoveled, remove snow from the deck, clean mud and gunk off of doors and entryways. Make your home as clean as possible from the outside! Also, safety is an issue. You don't want someone falling on the ice on your property. That won't attract them at all!
Don't overdecorate - This can make the rooms feel cluttered. People seem to put out too many decorations this time of year, and that will make the rooms feel smaller. Also, keep the house warm! A good temperature to set the heat at is 71 degrees. Nobody wants to walk into a cold home.
"Holiday" smells - Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory. Having home baked cookies, pumpkin pie, pine scent, will remind the people of home. This will work their emotions, and 80% of the buying decision is based on emotions. However, be sure that the scent has a purpose. Don't spray "baked cookie" smell, actually have baked cookies in the oven or on the counter. If there is a smell, and no proof of the product, it looks like you are covering up an odor, and nobody likes that.
Lastly, be sure the home is priced right! This is the most critical point. You will want to have an updated market analysis at your fingertips. Overpricing and underpricing is a crucial mistake. If you would like an assistance in the proper pricing of your home, please don't hesitate to call or email us for a free consultation. 800-688-8179 or info@m19r.com
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