Thursday, September 26, 2013

Real Estate Agents Tips to Getting Your Home Sold

Real Estate Agents Tips to Getting Your Home Sold

Are you thinking of Selling a Home in Cary or the Triangle area?  Experienced real estate agents will tell their clients that the key to getting top price for their homes is to move the house quickly. There is a perception that if a house has been on the market for some time, there must be something wrong with it. And when this happens, often the only way to get an offer is to reduce the price.

Ten top tips to sell your house quickly.
  1. Get professional help. Professional real estate agents are trained to sell houses and manage the process. Find someone you like, who has a good reputation, who you trust, and listen to what he or she suggests. Unlike you, real estate agents do not allow emotions to get in the way of a sale. A good agent is looking out for your best interest and your bottom line.
  2. Get the price right the first time. Ironically, by pricing a house a little lower than its appraisal usually attracts more buyers who will bid against one another and so increase the asking price. If you price your home too high, you’ll end up having to lower the price and people will think there are hidden problems. 
  3. Clean up all the clutter. Never forget that potential buyers want to visualize themselves in the house. Too much furniture and personal paraphernalia is likely to be a turn-off. Once the clutter is gone, home staging will add appeal. Remember, they need to picture themselves there - not you.
  4. Make sure everything is working.  And this means everything from doors to appliances, electric and plumbing. Unless buyers are looking for a renovator’s dream, they’re going to want to move in without having to do any serious work first. 
  5. Change perspective. One of the best tips to getting your home sold quickly if it has been stuck on the market for a while is to try a different sales tactic. Change the pictures (especially if the exterior shots are out of season!)  Try different marketing angles, appealing to different types of specific buyers.
  6. Don’t fight the market.  You can’t. Study sales comparables.  Buyers will - and most won't want overpay. Be realistic.  
  7. Put in some elbow grease.  Relatively minor improvements including painting and basic landscaping will help to make your home stand apart from the neighbors, also giving it curb appeal. If it doesn’t have curb appeal you’re not likely to even get potential buyers through the front door.  Unless you are priced below market.
  8. Don’t assume that a costly renovation will bring in more money. While a well thought out renovation can increase the selling price, it’s a very easy way to over-capitalize. Since renovations can take time, fixing, cleaning and staging will generally ensure a quicker sale.  Consult with a professional before you invest any further into your home.
  9. Offer incentives to potential buyers. In a buyers’ market you want them to believe you are offering the best possible deal. Ideas include a credit towards closing costs, a home warranty on the house or a club or pool membership. 
  10. Online Marketing. Use social media to spread the word that your house is on the market. This is one of the best tips to getting your home sold. Do you have an email list of the neighbors?  Or a neighborhood Facebook page?  Ask your local friends to share.  You never know who may be looking.
I would love to assist you with the sale of your home in the Cary, Apex, Raleigh and Triangle Metro area.

Please give me the opportunity to evaluate your unique situation and offer my expert advice to you get you top dollar in today's market.

Call me at 919-559-1788 or click here to Email me today.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Triangle Real Estate Market Update August 2013

Triangle Real Estate Market Update August 2013

Wow, Summer is almost over.  Kids are back to school and things are settling down.  Well, not for the local housing market!  August figures were particularly impressive since generally it's a slower month in real estate.

There has been a definite improvement overall in the local Triangle Real Estate Market since 2012.  In comparison to this time last year, August 2012 saw an average days on the market of 110 days compared to August 2013 where it was only 70 days.  Low inventory and higher demand have led to this trend.

Here are a few stats for August 2013
  • Closed Sales Up 22%
  • Pending Sales Up 24%
  • Showings Up 15%
The overall market is showing about a 3 month supply of inventory.  However, in our local market, there is a big variance between the lower priced homes and the upper priced homes.  There is a definite shortage of inventory under $200,000 and an over supply in higher priced homes.  Job market growth will likely be the game changer in this regard.

There has been an upswing in new listings on the market, both resale and new home construction.  This can be attributed to rising confidence of sellers that there is growing demand.

Watch the Triangle MLS latest Market Update Here.



If you would like more information about the local housing market in the Cary, Raleigh, Apex and Morrisville areas of the Triangle and what it means for your unique situation, give me a call. I'm here to help.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Looking for A Home In Cary, NC?

Looking for a Home in Cary, NC

27511, 27512, 27513, 27518, 27519

Great Prices! Search like an agent. Search using the MLS like an agent for FREE. This is real time information updated daily. Search all available CARY NC Homes for Sale.

CARY NC Foreclosures

Search All CARY NC Homes

Information provided Lisa Quin Realty - CaryHomes4You

Provided by Lisa Quin 919-559-1788 licensed with Keller Williams Realty Cary 919-882-3200

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Fall Family Fun in the Triangle 2013

Fall Family Fun in the Triangle 2013

Find Things to Do this Fall in Cary, Raleigh and Surrounding Areas

Fall is one of my favorite seasons here in NC. One of the nice things about living in Cary, NC is experiencing the change of seasons. Lucky for us the mild transition and the moderate seasonal temperatures make it even more enjoyable.

As Summer comes to an end and the kids get back to school, it seems like there is change in the air.  Both figuratively and literally. In September, every now and then you feel a crispness in the air that tells you Fall is on its way. Once the leaves start their gradual, but colorful show, you know Winter is upon us.  

Here are some great family fun adventures to get out and enjoy the cooler weather and admire the spectacular Fall foliage.    

Yates Mill Historic Park
Enjoy a scenic and easy stroll down the tree-lined, lakeside path to see the old Yates Mill. There is also a boardwalk on the lake and a very interesting museum. A great way yo spend a Fall day with the family.  It's also the perfect place to take Fall family photos!

Duke Gardens
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens on the Duke University campus in Durham, NC are the perfect spot for a Fall family outing. Pack a picnic, a bag of lawn toys and a big blanket and go find your perfect spot on the sprawling grounds. Don't forget to stop at the gift shop to buy a bag of duck food.

New Hope Valley Train Ride
What better way to experience the changing of the season than a train ride through lush NC forests on the New Hope Valley Railway. The whole family will have a blast riding a real steam engine, open air train and then visiting several old train cars at the outdoor museum. There is also a miniature train village.  Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon.

NC State Gardens
The JC Raulstin Arboretum in Raleigh is another great way to spend a lovely Fall afternoon. Pack up your picnic gear again and enjoy this fun and free activity, fun for the whole family. The ever changing foliage and blooms at the gardens makes this a perfect place to come for every season.

Hillridge Farms
A hayride to pick your own pumpkin  - what could be more fall than that? Hillridge Farms in Youngsville, NC just north of Raleigh is a kids dream come true and fun for everyone. This is a must do with the kids in the Triangle this Fall.  Be prepared for a crowd on the weekends though.

More Hayrides and Pumpkin Patches
There are a ton of great Agritourism Farms in our area. Every season offers something new and exciting. Here is a complete list of Places to Go this Fall to pick a pumpkin, zig zag a corn maze, ride behind a tractor and have some good ole' fashioned fun.

Enjoy the fantastic Fall weather here in NC.  Hope to see you out and about.