My Home Isn't Selling!

“Hey, Miss Realtor . . .
My House Ain’t Sellin!” Here’s Why . . . And What You Can Do About It If You Need To Sell Your Home
No, it’s not your real estate agent’s fault that your home hasn’t sold yet, at least not because of most agents. There are forces greater than the marketing and sales blunders of inept agents that are causing homes to linger on the market much longer than we have seen in a long, long time. If it makes you feel any better, it’s not just your home that hasn’t sold. You have a lot of company out there. And that, by the way, is just one reason for this mess you are in if you are a home seller. As homes stay on the market longer, new homes coming up for sale increase the total number of homes already available because not as many homes are selling as buyers are buying.
Can you see where this is going? So, you may ask, why is all this happening? What happened to the rosy predictions of just a few months ago by our revered soothsayers about a come-back of the housing market after last year’s precipitous decline in housing values and sales? Great questions. There’s one simple answer – fewer buyers. That’s all. There aren’t as many buyers as there were in previous years, but the rate of homes coming on the market continues to edge up (although we are seeing a slight scaling back now). Normally a market like this, however, does correct itself over time as it goes through cycles and the real estate gurus figured on increasing numbers of buyers entering the market as summer approached. It hasn’t happened yet. There is one other thing that the market prognosticators didn’t figure on, something that looms menacingly on the horizon, something that is imminent and approaching, something that has yet to hit us with full force – the subprime lending fiasco that you have undoubtedly heard about.
This is the fly in the ointment that will spoil a correction in the real estate market in the short term, at least, and exacerbate the home seller’s problems. Because of “creative” lending practices by our nation’s mortgage brokers and other lending institutions and, in some cases, down right fraud, millions of Americans are facing the threat of foreclosure on their homes and filings have already surpassed previous levels. This trend can be tracked by the record number of home owners who are behind in their mortgage payments. As they get further behind each month, foreclosure often ensues. The root of the problem is that lenders and borrowers planned on refinancing these fancy loans, which have low monthly payments, before the time came for the mortgage to adjust to higher monthly payments as in the case of adjustable rate mortgages. A large number of these mortgages are due to adjust this year through next and a scramble to refinance is gaining momentum. Normally, this is all well and good. Refinancing allowed people to keep their monthly mortgage payment at a manageable amount and life went happily on. Now is where it gets interesting and a bit scary.
Subprime mortgage lenders, those who lend to people with shaky credit and questionable income, were a bit overly aggressive in the numbers and amount of the mortgage they issued to people whose credit was not always verified and, as it turns out, not qualified to receive the amount offered. As a result, these people purchased homes above their means and began to crumble, after just a few years, from the burden of mortgage payments that they could no longer support and should not have received in the first place. The next thing you know, these people get behind in their mortgage payments, then the bank forecloses on the property and puts it up for sale, and you have another home on the market that would not have been for sale under normal circumstances.
This is happening more and more now as the whole subprime dilemma begins to unfold. This is what you are hearing and reading about. You’d think that was bad enough and we should all be biting our fingernails, but nooo. To make matters worse, several major subprime lenders have sought bankruptcy protection or were taken over, the federal government has gotten involved (boy, is that a monkey wrench in the works), the major housing lenders have tightened lending parameters, and banks are requiring more documentation and financial substantiation. This means that many of the people who had counted on refinancing this year or next cannot now get mortgages because their current credit situation no longer qualifies them with the more stringent guidelines set by the lenders.
These are all potential foreclosures for home owners and it locks out a certain group of home buyers who don’t qualify. How all this will pan out is anyone’s guess and some parts of the country will be affected less than others and the overall impact may not be catastrophic down here in the neighborhoods. We do see, however, longer days on market, a small buyer pool, and a slight increase in the number of foreclosures and there is reason for concern and we are watching the signs. The tip of the iceberg is in view. We don’t know what lies underneath. We’ll find out soon. What can you do to sell your house in this capricious market? You won’t like it, but take it from me here in the trenches, if you want to sell your house you have to lower your price until you get an offer. It’s called “the market”. It’s not called “It’s my house and I can sell it for whatever I want”. Buyers will only pay for what they want and not what you happen to have that you think adds value to your property. You can’t charge more for your home because you did something that you thought added value. If it is of no value to the buyer, neither is the price of your home when he or she can buy a similar house for less and they have an almost unlimited supply to choose from. It all depends upon how long you can hang on.
One thing is clear, people are buying on price now. Your tray ceilings and stainless steel appliances can’t compete with a house that has a better price, but without these and similar features. The real estate market waters are choppy for home sellers and the brewing dark clouds of the impending subprime storm are beginning to whip up the whitecaps. We will have to wait and see how big this storm will get. I think that I will need to get new rain gear. There is good news – for home buyers, at least the ones with a good credit score. Not so good for buyers with a mediocre score. They are part of the shrinking buyer pool affected by the more stringent lending rules. Since nothing is certain, however, all this speculation on the effects of the subprime woes may result in just a minor hiccup in the whole scheme of things. Let’s hope so. But I’m keeping my rain coat handy.
Ciao for now, Bernie Rosellen, Your Agent In The Field
Please keep in mind that my statements above are based on my personal experiences and observations around the neighborhoods of central Virginia. Some statements may not reflect fully the situations, regulations and laws of other states nor apply in all areas, so please see what applies in your state (my disclaimer to keep me out of Realtor Jail).
About the author: Bernie Rosellen is a Virginia licensed Realtor®. He works with both home buyers and home sellers and specializes in the Richmond, VA and surrounding areas. Besides actively practicing real estate, Bernie writes real estate articles as “Your Agent In The Field”™ from the perspective of being out in the neighborhoods and in the trenches of real estate. You can find out more about him and the real estate market in central Virginia at his websites http://www.TheRosellenTeam.com and http://www.RichmondHomesForSale.net

The Secrets To Selling Your Home

With property prices rising in so many areas of the world, it often seems that selling your property should be a simple process. The key is to get the maximum price for your home.
Selling your home is not simply a matter of contacting an agent to get your property put up for sale. Although some people do take this approach, they are undoubtedly not going to achieve the best possible selling price for their home.
A good estate agent can help you to maximise the value of your home but the reality is that if you want to make the most from the sale of your flat, apartment or house then you will have to do the research and put the effort in.
It needn't be such a strain as it sounds though!
The important thing to remember is that you need to think about who you will likely be selling your house to. Everything that you then do should be to appeal to your potential buyers.
Let's consider this for a moment - it's not a concept that comes naturally to many of us.
If you have a large home that is lived in by yourself and your family then it is likely that anyone buying your home will be in a similar situation. It's unlikely that a retired couple will look to buy a 5-bedroom home, for example. Possible but unlikely.
This means that when you come to sell your property you should think about what other families might look for in a family home. Once you've identified your target group of potential buyers you can start tweaking the look and feel of your property to try and maximise its value.
We've written a number of articles on the details of such changes that you can make.
For now, ensure that you identify your target market. Finding potential buyers is the key to selling your home for its true value.
Keith Barrett has written about Winchester property advice, as well as on investments in general. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Discover the Easy and Inexpensive Remodeling Tips to Sell your Home Fast

When the time comes to sell your home it is a good idea to take a perusal of your property and start making note of some items that could be spruced up in order to not only reduce the amount of time your home is on the market but also to possibly increase your sales price as well. While the idea of remodeling your home to sell it might seem as though it would hit hard in the pocketbook there are actually some inexpensive repairs and remodels you can do to your home that can really make a big difference for just a few dollars.
Unfortunately, many people first start to consider what they can do their kitchens and bathrooms in order to increase the home's value and the price tag. Ideally; however, you should first turn your attention to those repairs and remodels you can do that will result in an increased curb appeal. Remember it is the exterior of your home that actually makes the first impression and ultimately decides whether a buyer is interested or not.
The first area you should take a look at is the trim around your doors and windows as well as the corners of the home and along the roofline. Over time, this trim can become warped, cracked or split for a variety of weather factors in addition to simple exposure to the sun. While you may have become accustomed to them over time, chances are prospective buyers won't be so forgiving.
Therefore, it's a good idea to consider what you can do to repair or replace the trim. Many home builders are now recommending a product known as MiraTec. This is actually an engineered wood trim that is quite durable in addition to providing resistance to extremes in temperatures as well as moisture. Prospective buyers may also be impressed with the fact that MiraTec is treated with a wood preservative that works to control the growth of rot as well as damage created by termites and other wood-boring insects. Taking the time to replace your unsightly trim will not only make your house look better but will also provide limited maintenance for future owners; a fact that is surely to pay off well when it comes time to sell.
It's also a good idea to make sure the gutters are cleaned out in addition to giving the shutters and siding a coat of new paint. Don't overlook the windows. Taking the time to be sure they are clean and sparkling both inside and out can really pay off in big dividends. Finally, take the time to be sure the lawn is well trimmed and clutter free. Set out some seasonal flowers and your home will be sure to attract attention.
Inside the home, be sure to give the house a good spring cleaning; even if it's the middle of winter. Nothing sells a home better than a thoroughly clean interior. Start at the baseboards and clean all the way up to the ceiling. If you feel you do not have the time, invest in professional cleaners to do the job for you. The cost will be money well spent.
Also, carefully view your interior doors to be sure they meet the grade. Don't forget to look over the closet doors as well to see if they could benefit from some sprucing up. Check the bathrooms as well to see if caulking needs to be repaired and take care of it immediately. If the bathroom accessories are dated, invest in installing new towel bars, towel rings and paper holders. This can be done for under $100 and will give your home a stylish, updated look.
Consider the amount of lighting in your home. While you may have become accustomed to, or even enjoy limited lighting, chances are prospective buyers won't fill the same way. Most buyers want a home that is filled with plenty of light and sunshine. Dust the blinds and wash the curtains so that they let in plenty of fresh bright sunlight. If the curtains and blinds are outdated, replace them. Take a look around each room and consider where you can add additional lighting to brighten things up.
Finally, get a head start on your packing by de-cluttering your home and getting rid of any excess furniture. If you're not quite ready to move yet, pack everything up and rent a storage facility to store everything until your home is sold.
Remember that ultimately buyers are looking for a home that has been obviously cared for and well maintained. A little bit of tender loving care and a small investment can go a long way toward projecting that image.
Andrew owns a Home Selling Tips website that provides many home selling advices. You can visit his website at: http://www.buy-and-sell-house-fast.com/home-selling-guide.shtml

Marketing to other Real Estate Professionals

great way to increase your sales and income, is to ask for help from other Real Estate Professionals. If you are a Sales Consultant for a Home Builder, it is imperative that you become business partners with a few different Real Estate Agents. What I mean by business partners, is essentially to work in cohesion with one another so that all three parties benefit. That means you, the Real Estate Agent, and the buyer. The goal is to create a win-win-win situation.
I cannot stress enough, how important it is for sales consultants to forge a relationship bond with Real Estate Agents. Find out who the top producers are in a particular office. Single them out and make an effort to meet with them. If possible, take them to lunch, pick their brain for new ideas. Find out the type of clients that they typically work with, what price range of homes do they normally sell. Ask them how they want to be communicated with and find out how you can help them. Make the relationship reciprocal, if they are going to bring you new business, figure out a way to be of assistance to them.
Most times this is what happens. The sales consultant will print out a bunch of copies of their available homes, then they take them to the real estate office and stuff their mailboxes with them. Then they go back to their sales office and wonder why they are not seeing any new sales.
Think about it, why would somebody that you don’t know, go out of their way to find your office with their clients? It makes no sense. If they don’t have a trusting relationship with you in advance, you will never see them in your office. The Real Estate Agent has spent a large amount of time with their client and invested a great deal of energy as well. To risk all that time, their integrity, and their clients future happiness with an unknown variable such as yourself is about as likely as finding a needle in a haystack.
It’s like that scene from the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” If you build the relationship first, they will bring their clients to you.
Curt Fletcher, is the author of several books about increasing your likeability, selling homes, creating success, and improving your life. His goal is to help people gain confidence in their own abilities and maximize their full potential in creating success, wealth and happiness. To book Curt for a meeting, conference, or event, contact Curt Fletcher Success Strategies via email curtfletcher@curtfletchersuccessstrategies.com

WOW Buyers With Your Home - Top 10 Tips

When showing your home as the seller, it is important to realize that the only reason buyers are looking at your house is to cross it off their list. It is their intention to eliminate as many homes as possible before they make their final decision. It is your goal not to be eliminated from the buyer’s list! In the current buyer’s market buyers can afford to be more picky and demanding than in recent years. The onus is now on the sellers to make their home as perfect as possible for every showing. The following 10 tips will help you maximize every showing that you have and will help you sell your house more quickly and for more money!
1) Leave - This is THE most important thing you can do as a seller. Nothing will make a potential buyer feel more uncomfortable than you being in the house. If the buyers like the house then they are picturing themselves living in the house, picturing if their furniture will fit in the house, and picturing what rooms their children will choose. If the seller is in the house they can’t do any of this because they feel like a guest. This is the last thing you want your buyers to feel - GET OUT!
2) Be Flexible - It can be very annoying to have some call and want to show your home in 20 minutes, however, you need to be flexible and allow them to see it. If they are calling on short notice that probably means they are looking in your neighborhood and for some reason your house did not pop up on their internet search – but they like it! If a buyer likes the looks of your house enough to call when they are in the neighborhood, they are motivated. Let them see it even if it is not in perfect shape.
3) Lights/Blinds – Turn every single light on in your house. This is very important and makes the house seem so much brighter and bigger. In addition the turning all the lights on, opening all the blinds and letting in as much natural light as possible is another way to make the home appear large and open.
4) Clean - Clean up and pick up every time a potential buyer is coming to look at your house. It is extremely difficult, but your home should always be ready to show within a 20 minute notice.
5) Pets – Get them out. Not all people like animals and in fact some people are scared of them. Even more than being scared some people simply won’t like the idea of living in a house that had dogs or cats and may choose a similar house based on this alone. If you are home, take the pet on walk or to the store. If you are at work, put the pet in a cage or at the very least a small room like the laundry room and post a sign on the door.
6) Temperature – Heating and cooling your home can be expensive, but you need to make sure that your home is at a comfortable temperature when you are showing it. If it is cold outside, the heat needs to be set to 70 – 72 degrees. If it is hot outside, turn the air conditioner to 68 – 70 degrees. Make your buyers feel comfortable.
7) Windows/ Fireplace – If it is a beautiful day outside and you do not need to have the air or heat on, open up your windows to create an airy feeling in the house. People love fresh air, and a house with a nice breeze blowing through it can create a very relaxing feeling. If it is cold outside and you have an electric fireplace, turn it on. This creates a warm inviting feeling and the buyers can imagine themselves enjoying the fireplace on a cold night.
8) Music/ TV – If you have a stereo system in your house, turn it on to an easy listening station. If you do not have a stereo system, leave the television on to create some ambient background noise. People in general are uncomfortable with silence, so make your potential buyers more comfortable with a little relaxing background noise.
9) Scents/ Candles - Use a plug in air freshener and/or candles to add to the ambience of your home. Make sure the scent you select smells fresh and clean. Vanilla and other fruity aromas are good as well but never choose something that is overly “flowery” or anything that is too strong. You want a nice subtle scent.
10) Brochures/Flyers – Always have a brochure or flyer with at least one picture on it for the buyers to take with them. Odds are they are looking at many other houses on the same day and they might forget what yours looks like. When they go home at night and talk about it, your picture will help them recall your house and how nice it looked, felt, and smelled.
If you are ever in doubt as to if your house is “show ready”, stop by a local Builder’s Model Center and take a quick stroll through. Notice how every light is on, there is nice music playing in the background, it is clean and orderly, it smells nice and feels comfortable. This is not by accident!
Michael Taylor is the broker/owner of Rebate Real Estate. Rebate Real Estate offers full service representation and a 50% commission rebate and specializes in Indianapolis Real Estate, Carmel Real Esate, and Fishers Real Estate.

Home Sale Problems

There is nothing quite as difficult for a home seller than to see their home sitting on the market getting no offers or interest from buyers. It is even worse if they have reduced the price a few times to no avail. The best homes in the best locations are selling quickly, however lesser homes are having a difficult time in this down market. In this event it has become necessary to ensure that your home shows well. The revolution in home showing that has evolved to fill this need is known as staging. This is the planned and careful re-arranging and decoration of a home in order to show off its strong points and minimize the weaker ones.
If you really want to set your home apart from the rest apply the principles of staging to both the interior and the exterior. Many people make judgments on a home based on its exterior. With first impressions playing a major role in a buyer's decision, the yard and appearance of the home's exterior has never been so important. Your home should have the ability to capture a buyer's interest as they drive by the home. This can be easily achieved by spending some time on the home's landscaping and gardens. Painting the home is another good way to attract attention and add value. Homes with an attractive facade will sell much quicker than homes that need extensive yard work.
Home interiors are where the sale of the home is made or broken. After viewing the nicely reworked yard and gardens, it is up to the interior to make that final lasting impression that will be the sale maker. In order to stage a home interior you must first make sure that the interior is spotless. From top to bottom the home should sparkle. Then, start to remove and excess furniture, clothing, or things that you have just seemed to collect over the years until all that is left are the daily essentials. Also consider changing some of the art and decorations to reflect a more neutral theme. Your decorations may be your favorites but they may not appeal to as wide an audience as necessary for the home to show properly.
Nelson Stewart is a representative of the best Gated Community in Arizona. The Palm Gardens Arizona 55 Community Come visit our site and see what the best in senior living can be Contact us anytime or visit us online at http://www.palmgardensonline.com

Home Selling Tips - Staging Finishes

Most smart buyers know what it takes to generate interest in a home. There are, of course, a few things that are just common sense. The most natural of these is easily the cleanliness factor of the home. Remember that image of the white glove test? That's how clean the home should be. The entire house should squeak! But there are also a few tricks of the trade that can be utilized to feature certain aspects of your home or, to make it more inviting to buyers.
One aspect of the home that is often overlooked is the lighting. One way that the light in a room can be improved is by cleaning the windows if natural light is needed or by the addition of lamps if the room is simply too dark. Try not to overdo it as harsh lighting is not overly attractive. Also, make sure that the home is a comfortable temperature. If a home is freezing cold then buyers will not stay long enough to notice everything, likewise if they are sweating after 3 minutes in the home.
There is another aspect that many people seem to forget when selling their homes. Odor. This is not to say that your home stinks, merely that every home has its own smell. This is created by things like smoking, pets, or cooking to name a few. It's always good practice to air the home out for a while before a showing. Try not to use overpowering air fresheners or sprays as this can lead viewers to believe there may be an odor problem. Another nice touch is adding flowers throughout the house. This can bestow pleasant smells on the rooms as well as creating a nice accent to the furniture and art. Remember, you are not trying to sell the home to yourself, your home has to appeal to as many people as possible so do whatever it takes to ensure that your home is an inviting and appealing place.
Sanjog Gopal is a CPA & REALTOR specializing in the Arizona real estate market. My background as a CPA ensures that I am ideally suited to provide elite service in all aspects of home purchases and sales. For more information contact me anytime or visit me on the web at http://www.azresidence.com

Top-Notch Curb Appeal

As I drove to work this morning I found myself considering the curb appeal of the homes I drove past. There were some nice homes, some not so nice, and one or two that grabbed my attention from the street while motoring past. This is the kind of curb appeal that a home needs to sell quickly and for a good profit. How many homes do you see that grab you by the face and say "here I am?" Especially while you are driving past at (hopefully) the speed limit, but let's be serious, usually a bit faster.
It was funny, but one thing stood out about the homes that really caught my attention. It may seem like a broken record in this industry but it was the overall cleanliness and presentation of the property. It would make a realtor's job so much easier if when a sign was placed in the front yard, the home was transformed into a pristine Eden with a unified theme that would appeal to any buyer no matter what their tastes are. Unfortunately this is not the case. Making that transition takes a bit of work. However the ideal remains the same. A home that is able to attract positive attention from someone driving past at 50 miles per hour is a home that will sell quickly.
A good way to begin this transformation is by doing a bit of landscaping. Ensure that your yard is as tidy as possible with the lawn neatly trimmed and edged. Also trim the trees and bushes, if possible use a uniform shape for these plants. Also refinishing the driveway can be a quick way to add to any home. These things really help the exterior of a home to show at its absolute best, In today's market its necessary to go the extra mile to ensure your home gets the attention it deserves and is memorable to viewers. It takes time and effort to create a perfect home for selling but the expenditure is well worth the effort.
Sanjog Gopal is a CPA & REALTOR specializing in the Arizona real estate market. My background as a CPA ensures that I am ideally suited to provide elite service in all aspects of home purchases and sales. For more information contact me anytime or visit me on the web at http://www.azresidence.com

Selling Your Home: The Power of a Flyer Box and Flyers

So you want to sell your home, but you don’t really know how to go about it. Perhaps you want to avoid using a realtor and want to sell your home on your own to save money. This is definitely a possibility, but you will need a way of “showing” your house to potential buyers even when you can’t do so physically. What is the perfect answer you need? The answer is a flyer box with flyers printed with all the information a potential buyer might want to know about your home. Consider the flyer design and layout the information in a way that is easy to read and understand. You don’t want paragraphs of written material on your flyer but rather lots of bullet points and maybe even a picture or two of the best parts of your home. Highlight everything that is great about your home or that someone else might consider great.
Recently renovated bathrooms and kitchens are always of interest as well as how many bedrooms, bathrooms, storage, square feet, and asking price. Include your contact information like phone numbers and email address so individuals can get in contact with you. It really is important to get people’s interest up front so that you can sell your home quickly and easily.
Flyer printing is really not all that expensive if you have it done at a print shop and they can help you choose bright colors, fonts, and the like to make your flyers look excellent. If you are creative and want to save a little money then you can engage in flyers printing on your own. As long as you have a computer and a good printer then give it a shot. When you have flyers readily available you will pique the interest of those house hunting and they just may contact you about your home.
Be sure you provide contact information and even hours that you have an “open house” for people to tour the home and yard. Doing this will bring people back to your home with very little effort from you upfront. All you have to do is be ready for them when they call or show up so you can sell them the home. Flyers are a great way to spread the word about your home for sale as well as outline the many attributes the home has. Give it a try and you will be surprised at how well it works!
Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. It really is important to get people’s interest up front so that you can sell your home quickly and easily. Flyer printing is really not all that expensive if you have it done at a print shop and they can help you choose bright colors, fonts, and the like to make your flyers look excellent. If you are creative and want to save a little money then you can engage in flyers printing on your own. As long as you have a computer and a good printer then give it a shot.

FSBO Sales & MLS Listings

Traditionally one of the major drawbacks to FSBO selling is the fact that the home was listed with the MLS listing service, thereby mission out on a huge market and a top-notch advertising opportunity. well, this is no longer the case! Now people who have chosen to sell their homes themselves have the chance to list their home on the MLS and open their sale up to a huge market that was before, unreachable. This is done through what is known as a "Flat Fee MLS listing."
MLS Listing has always been something that was exclusive to licensed real estate agents, and to an extent it still is. A flat fee listing is still done through a real estate broker, the difference being that when your property is listed you become the listing agent. You will still have to pay a commission to an agent if they bring you a client that purchases the home but that is small in comparison to the savings you will get by selling the home yourself.
Listing via the flat fee MLS is only one of the things that you should do in order to give your FSBO home the coverage it needs to sell quickly. Other avenues that should be explored are advertising on a national FSBO website, ads in the newspaper, signs around the local area, open houses and home info packs for viewers. Selling your home yourself is a huge undertaking and it will eat up a lot of your time. You have to play realtor as well as doing your normal daily job and this can be kind of daunting. You will have to make sure that you keep yourself as available as possible at all times, you can't afford to miss that show that could be the sale you have been waiting for.
HomesByLender.com is the elite source for FSBO financing and homes for sale by owners. Utilize our nationwide search to locate FSBO homes in any state or town. HomesByLender.com is your one-stop FSBO information source.

FSBO Selling & Low-Ball Offers

There are some particular things that happen when selling a home by yourself. You will have to be able to deal with them in a professional manner in order to receive the best price for your home and not be taken advantage of. One of the first things that you will have to deal with is the abundance of calls that you will likely receive from local realtors wanting your business. They will tell you that they can sell your home quickly and for more money, but of course, there is a commission attached to this so it's in their best interest to get your business. However, if you have planned properly for your sale and have done the necessary market research and are confidant that you can sell your home yourself and save the commission fees then stick to your guns!
Another thing that you may have to deal with is low-ball offers from buyers who think they can get a reduced price simply because you aren't being represented by an agent. As agents are usually experienced at negotiating, people expect to pay more and have more trouble with getting a lower price. If you have priced your home properly then there should be no need to cut your price down, buyers should realize the value of your home and be willing to meet your price. Be ready for people making low offers in an attempt to find out what your bottom line is. If you receive an offer that is too low for your liking, make a counter-offer that is acceptable to you. Whatever you do, don't be desperate to move the property. In all likelihood the buyer's agent will identify this quickly and you will end up losing money in the end.
Don't sell yourself short in this process, and never settle for an offer that is less than you know the home to be worth. FSBO selling is tricky and there are people out there who will prey on uneducated FSBO sellers. Make sure that you are not one of them.
HomesByLender.com is the elite source for FSBO financing and homes for sale by owners. Utilize our nationwide search to locate FSBO homes in any state or town. HomesByLender.com is your one-stop FSBO information source.

Can You Sell Your Own Home?

Are you thinking about selling your home? Have you been thinking of selling it by yourself instead of hiring a real estate agent? There are several advantages of selling your home yourself, but there are disadvantages as well. To make it easier for you to make a decision find the most important pros and cons below.
The most important PRO for selling your home yourself is MONEY. Selling your home without the help of an agent means more Money in your pocket! By selling it yourself you save the commissions and fees. - We are not talking about pennys, we are talking about THOUSANDS of dollars which you would have to pay an agent. Another advantage is that you are able to decide the times for open houses and showings. It is also completely up to you where and when you want to advertise. Unlike a real estate agent who is selling many houses, you can focus on YOUR house, because you are only selling your own house. It is obvious that you will have more interest in the sale than an agent..
But as mentioned above there are also disadvantages selling your house yourself. Real estate agents are paid a lot of money for a reason. Selling a home takes a lot of energy and time. Dealing with potential buyers, open houses, closing sales and of course dealing with legal issues. Real estate agents are familiar with all the above and their experience can impact the sale. Be realistic when making a decision! Will you drop everything to make a showing? Do you think you are indeed a good negotatior and ask for an offer? Are you 100% sure you are able to close a deal? Selling a home is a big project! It is not everyone who can take on such a big project and can stay calm and professional when dealing with buyers.
Selling your home is not impossible, but it is a challenge. If this challenge excites you and if you are willing to learn then it is not impossible managing selling your home without the help of an agent. With some know-how and a lot of energy you can sell your house without the help of a real estate agent and save thousands. So how to start? Sit down and start evaluating your house. Finding the right price is the first and most important step when selling your home yourself.
Dave Huffman is a Real Estate Broker and advisor for individuals selling their own home.For more information on selling your own home visit http://www.yourhomesellingguide.com

For Sale by Owner Homes - Advantages and Disadvantages

There are two types of real estate deals that you will come across. First off, and most popular, are the homes that are being sold by a real estate agent. Secondly, for sale by owner homes are also becoming more and more popular. There are pros and cons that go along with both ways of selling a home. And of course, these pros and cons also have an effect on the way that the buyer looks at the deal.

If you are interested in selling your home, you need to decide early on if you are going to get the help of an agent or attempt to do without. When it comes down to it, for sale by owner homes are not as popular as those by agents, but the percentage is beginning to pick up. As a seller, you may want to consider selling your home by owner. The fact of the matter is that selling by owner is more difficult, but at the same time it lends more flexibility as well as profit potential.

Here are three benefits of for sale by owner homes from the seller’s point of view.

1. When you sell by owner you do not have to pay a real estate agent for their assistance. Instead, you get to pocket all of the money that you clear on the deal. This is the number one reason that people consider the for sale by owner route.

2. For sale by owner homes are not regulated or influenced by any insurance company or agent. In other words, the seller can do whatever he or she wants. This includes everything from setting the price to the marketing plan. Many people love this flexibility.

3. Selling by owner means that you do not have to take advice from an agent. Although it is nice to have the help of a professional, sometimes an agent will do nothing more than get in the way.

To go along with the benefits of for sale by owner homes, you must also consider some of the negative impacts that this is sure to have on your life.

1. You are responsible for every last detail when you sell your home by owner. This means that you have to come up with a price, do your own market research, show the home on your own, and much more. The short and long of it is that when you sell by owner you have more work to do.

2. You may find out that buyers shy away from for sale by owner homes. They are under the impression that they will not get a fair shake if there is no agent involved. For this reason, you will have to work extra hard in order to attract traffic, and of course, eventually make a sale.

There is no denying that for sale by owner homes are becoming more common. Many sellers have found that the benefits of selling on their own outweigh any drawbacks that could rear their ugly head. Before you can decide on selling your home without an agent you need to consider the pros and cons from every imaginable angle.

Jessica Sterner recommends you visit comparefsbos.com for more information on for sale by owner homes.

For Sale by Owner VS Foreclosure in Florida

The state of Florida seems, on the surface at least, to be experiencing a real estate meltdown. Rampant real estate speculation, development and the sub-prime mortgage debacle are being blamed for the glut of homes for sale that has left the market upside down and many homeowners under water and facing the prospect of foreclosure. With many Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) due to reset at higher rates the fallout may not be over. Further manifesting the situation is the insurance premium increases coming down the pipe to cover the devastation and property loss/claims associated with the last several hurricane seasons.
Compounding the problem is the expected increases in condo fees to cover property losses not covered by insurers. The fallout has created a unique opportunity to re-visit real estate opportunities right across the state. There are a couple of by-products to this type of market. One is a rise in For Sale by Owner properties. Homeowners are looking for any edge they can get when they are looking to get out from under a high equity mortgage or negative equity mortgages. A For Sale by Owner allows the homeowner more options when it comes to pricing. They can expedite the sale of the property by passing on the real estate commission savings associated with a For Sale by Owner. This can represent a substantial savings to the buyer and certainly make your property more attractive when you consider the real estate commission savings on a $280,000 property is $16,000! The For Sale by Owner also has more latitude when it comes to making their home “appear” to be more attractive.
They can offer creative seller concessions like "no condo fees for a year" or "0% financing for 3 years". Essentially instead of passing the savings directly to the buyer they create a “package” that may seem more appealing. I have personally seen everything from “Free Plasma TV’s” to “Timeshares in Puerto Rico”. Creativity can certainly perk someone’s interest, but I tend to prefer a straight “cash” discount or rebate. This allows the prospective homebuyer the opportunity to decide how they want to best use the monies. Cash has a set face-value; $2000 always carries a “value” of $2000 regardless of the buyer, whereas a “timeshare in Puerto Rico” will have different values to different people.
The 2nd by-product, unfortunately, is “Foreclosures” – which have been rapidly increasing in Florida since 2006. Industry experts blame this increase on “sub-prime mortgages”. Sub-prime mortgages are higher risk because they are made to borrowers that typically do not qualify under traditional more rigorous criteria because of limited or poor credit history. Sub-prime mortgage loans have a significantly higher failure rate then prime mortgages. Sub-prime mortgages typically have a higher debt service-to-income ratio and the homeowner simply can’t make ends meet. The end result is more foreclosures and an increase in houses for sale - the fact that they are “distressed” and vacant further erodes the overall values of all homes. As the inventory of unsold properties continues to grow, residential real estate prices decline.
The bottom-line is there is an abnormally high number of existing homes currently listed for sale in Florida. As supply outpaces demand, property values drop. For Sale by Owner may allow the homeowner to bridge that drop in value and allow them to avoid foreclosure.
Mark Camphaug is currently President of FreeFSBO.com and it's parent Martcam LLC. Website that offers a free online listing and free real estate lawn sign to prospective FSBO home sellers. Camphaug offers a unique combination of experience in both online advertising, garnered from his 6 years as Vice President of one of the worlds largest and most successful Interactive Marketing Agencies and 12 years of sales and marketing in the ultra competitive new home industry.

Florida Real Estate Contracts

Working With A Buyer’s Agent In FSBO

Homeowners selling their residential property by themselves usually encounter different types of people during the process of their home sale. If it’s not the real potential buyer that they have to deal with, it’s normally the buyer’s agent. Home buyers hire an agent when they lack the time and skill to do the negotiation process and the entire transaction or if they want to make sure that they’re getting the best deal.

A buyer’s agent in the U.S. is any licensed real estate agent or broker who represents the buyer. He or she may either be a member of the National Association of Exclusive (NAE) Buyer Agents who represent only the buyers and don’t handle listings or a member of the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC) which is associated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Agents from REBAC have the option to choose to become exclusive buyer agents or an agent of both buyers and sellers.

In selling your home yourself, do learn about the functions of a buyer’s agent too. Real estate buyer agents work on commission and are paid by the seller after the transaction has been completed. Home sellers normally pay between five and eight percent of the sales price. However, when more expensive homes are involved, sellers can negotiate for a lower commission rate. In addition, the buyer in his purchase offer can ask the seller to pay all or part of the agent’s commission or fee although the seller is not obligated to do so. Proper negotiation, therefore, is of utmost importance when working with a buyer’s agent.

Home sellers should also know that an agent who represents exclusively the buyer works for the best interest of his client and is more motivated. Agents should also be good listeners and must be able to solve conflicts that may arise during the transaction.

Taking Photos for Your FSBO Internet Listing

The real estate industry has been revolutionized by the internet where buyers can just sit and click through property listings. As a seller, you need to make sure your listing has photos that show off your home in the best light.

The internet has become the great field leveler for the real estate industry and people selling their home for sale by owner. Over seventy percent of people now use the net to make a list of homes they might be interest in buying. If you want to sell your home and do not have an online listing, you are missing out on a huge market. It is as simple as that.

Listing your home on the web is an important first step, but there is more to it than just slapping up a description. Think about dating sites for a moment. If you go on to one of them, are you going to want to see pictures of the person with the listing? Of course. Well, the same goes for your online real estate listing. You can describe the property till the cows come home, but you will get no interest if there are not pictures. This means you need them and need some advice on how to go about taking them.

First things first. What should you take pictures of? Well, everything. There should be a picture from the street in front of your house, a picture of the backyard and a picture of every room. Don’t forget to take a picture of the garage if you have one. Ah, but what about the specifics?

Lighting is one of the biggest issues you need to take into account when taking pictures of your home. You don’t need to be an expert to get it right. If a room has light colored walls, take the pictures during the day. The best time is early in the morning or late afternoon. If the room is dark because of lots of wood or whatever, take them at night.

The second thing to know is you should focus on what is in the picture. Don’t just start clicking away. Take a look at what you will be shooting. Is there any clutter? Could anything be added that would make it look better? Prepare the room to make the best impression.

Finally, it is highly advisable to take pictures of things that are unique about your home. If you have some interesting architectural detail, include it in a picture and make a note alongside the picture about it. If you have a beautiful spiraling staircase, make sure there is a picture.

As a for sale by owner seller, the internet is a blessing. Post plenty of photos with your listing and you should see very good results.

Get a free one month listing when you sell FSBO on FSBOAmerica.org