Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Whether you're a first time homebuyer, or you're reentering the market for a new home, it's nice to know that you can rely on your Coldwell Banker Agent for more than listings and home tours. It's our mission to help you navigate the ever-changing world of real estate.
Here are five important ways in which our agents can help improve your home search:
1 - We can guide you step-by-step through the buying or selling process.
Please feel free to ask “What comes next or any other question you may have. We do this every day and we understand that many real estate aspects are new to you and something you may only have to consider a few times in your life. We'll be happy to explain every detail of the process.
2 - We can help you consider ALL of the options.
During every real estate transaction, there are choices to make and the potential for disappointment, whether it's over an offer that wasn't accepted, or a home inspection that uncovered unexpected problems. When you hit a roadblock, your Coldwell Banker Agent can help you find a safe detour.
3 - We can show you HOW to buy a house.
Everyone's needs and finances are different, so your Coldwell Banker Agent is prepared to tailor a plan to help you understand the local market and what type of property you can purchase within your budget.
4- We can see issues that you can't.
Our vast experience has taught us a few things, and we consider it our job to share that information with you. If you'll allow your Coldwell Banker Agent to act as your guide, he or she can make sure you are informed of any issues with the home or the transaction that you might not have even considered.
5 - We can connect you to other trusted professionals you may need.
As local agents, we've worked in this area and industry for a long time, so we'll be happy to recommend those whom we know will help take good care of you. Don't hesitate to let us know if you'd like a referral to an established mortgage broker, inspector, stager, painter, or other professional.
Buying or selling a home is likely to be one of your largest financial decisions. There's no need to go it alone or leave the details to chance. Just rely on the professionals at Coldwell Banker to guide you through this exciting process, and you should find the experience to be very rewarding.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Whether you're just starting out in the workforce or searching for a change of pace in your career, real estate could be the ideal industry for you. Here at Coldwell Banker SSK, Realtors, we'd love to have you on our team. Our experienced agents will be glad to help you settle into your new job, and help you reach your career goals.
Perhaps you're seeking the services of a qualified real estate agent as you prepare to sell your home. Coldwell Banker SSK, Realtors welcomes the opportunity to work with you. Are you concerned about the economy and whether or not it's wise to head down the home-selling path at this time? There is expected to be some progression in the market this year, though it's not projected to return to its normal state right away. What seems to be helping matters is that fewer new homes are being built while interest in purchasing has increased. No matter where the market stands at any given time, one thing is certain. The professional team at Coldwell Banker SSK, Realtors will work hard to ensure your satisfaction through exceptional service and superior client care.
Whether you're interested in working in real estate, or you want to sell your property, we look forward to telling you more about why Coldwell Bankers SSK, Realtors is the smart choice for you.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Imagine walking into a store. An attractive display catches your eye. You ooh and aah over the clever layout, the attractive design. Then you realize, you've gotta have it. It must be yours.
If you are selling a home, that's exactly how you want potential buyers to feel when they walk in your front door. All you need is your own attractive "display".
Staging is an inexpensive, highly effective way to make your house stand out. Curb appeal may get buyers inside, but a knockout interior could have them signing papers. There are a few basic principles to follow.
- Every space must have a purpose. If you have an empty room, add a desk and chair. Finish it off with a lamp, a framed photo or two and you have a home office.
- Like bold paint colors? Some buyers may be turned off by dramatic hues, so opt for neutral shades and use the dramatic colors for accents.
- Clean everything! Be mindful of stains in the carpet and scuffs on the walls.
- Remove clutter, even from your closets. Arrange furniture so that it doesn't interrupt the flow of your home. Make sure rooms are well-lit. These steps can create a space that appears larger and more open.
- Have a stunning fireplace or custom kitchen? Highlight these areas with creative lighting and a few smart accessories.
- And don't forget to bake! Or at least make your house smell like you have. Invest in break-and-bake cookies or an aromatic candle to make buyers feel welcome and at home.
With just a few simple staging strategies, you can turn your home into a "gotta have it" piece of real estate.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Over the past few years, the pendulum of home sales has swung far in the direction of higher inventory and falling prices. And while this was a favorable scenario for buyers who were able to secure financing, it hasn't done much for the bigger picture. The number of homes in foreclosure in recent years is certainly proof of that. Finally, though, there's a somewhat tentative sigh of relief in the housing market as we’re starting to see small signs of improvement.
Economics 101 teaches us about the law of supply and demand. When there are fewer houses for sale, but demand remains the same, prices go up. The Georgia Association of Realtors’ February report reveals a 30.5% drop in inventory, while pending sales increased by 9.2%. Fortunately for sellers, this has contributed to a median sale price increase of 35%. Other nearby markets show similar improvement.
The falling number of houses on the market is only one factor. Increasing rent prices are encouraging more people to buy rather than rent. In some areas, the population has grown faster than the available number of homes for sale. We can also thank the current mortgage interest rates, which are still near record lows.
We at Coldwell Banker SSK, Realtors work hard to stay current on the latest developments and will help you get top dollar for your home, should you decide that it's time to sell.