Archives for the month of: February2016

image003“What’s the big deal? A Realtor® lists your home for sale, and then earns a big paycheck just for punching a few keys into MLS. I can sell it myself for cheaper!”

Been there? Said that? And if you’ve ever actually tried it, you know (to coin a phrase) “it just ain’t so.” But for those looking to sell a home who don’t know any better (yet), here’s a little peek behind the scenes of what goes on after your real estate agent accepts your listing.

1. This is important, so read it twice: Your agent doesn’t get paid unless your home sells. Let’s try that again. Your agent doesn’t get paid unless your home sells.

It’s easy to forget this part – but Realtors® don’t get paid by the hour. In fact, you might consider them the original gamblers, because if your home doesn’t sell – all their time, work, and energy doesn’t net them a dime. The rule of thumb is pretty much that for every 1 hour your agent spends with you, they’re spending 9 more hours working on behalf of your listing. “Working on what?” you ask? We thought you might say that, so read on.

2. They’re researching.

Arriving at the optimum listing price for your property takes time and research. It’s not enough to simply look at online listings to compare the square footage and price of other homes currently on the market. Your agent will often take the time to visit the current listings in person because it’s the only way to truly compare the characteristics of each home. Just because two homes have the exact same floorplan doesn’t mean they possess the same value. If your home is in a quiet cul-de-sac location and another listing is on a busy avenue – that is going to make your listing more desirable to potential buyers. And that’s only one example among dozens that can make a difference not only in whether you sell your home, but for how much. Plus, listings come and go fast in the real estate world, so agents need to check their multiple listing service database constantly or they can miss opportunities that could provide benefit to your listing.

3. They’re marketing your property.

Remember that part about ‘not getting paid unless a home sells’? That’s one reason your selling agent will also put their money into multiple avenues of marketing your home to potential buyers. Even the best home in the world isn’t going to sell if people don’t know it’s available. So the more exposure your agent can get for your listing, the better the odds that you receive an offer, or even multiple offers (and who doesn’t love that!?). Once again, it takes time to prepare ads and list them– whether online, in magazines and newspapers, fliers, direct mail postcards, premium placements on listing sites, and more. In fact, depending on the property, these efforts can run into thousands of dollars. All paid from their own pocket before ever earning a dime.

4. They deal with buyers and their agents.

Your home is on the market – and people are going to want to know about it. That means phone calls, emails, and correspondence from buyers and other agents – and knowing how to sort through the ‘qualified’ from the ‘not-so-much-qualified’ takes time (and skill, if you want the truth). Without a listing agent, there’s a good chance that you can get within days of the closing ‘finish line’ only to discover your buyers can’t seal the deal (bummer – you just lost 3-6 more months of valuable time). So – not only are they saving you all the time of dealing with buyers – they’re also making sure when you do have a buyer, they’re for real.

5. Paperwork. Lots of paperwork.

It starts with the listing itself, and following up to make sure every obligation required in your state is met with regard to real estate laws. If you try to do it yourself and miss even one single disclosure or timeline, you are leaving yourself open for lawsuits for years to come. Seriously.

And, of course, offers – obviously the most exciting and important part of the transaction. How they’re handled can save or net you thousands of dollars on a sale. Yet getting to the right price requires written offers and counteroffers every step of the way. It’s time-consuming, meticulous, and detailed – and your listing agent addresses every part of the transaction with an eye to your benefit. Not to the buyer’s; and certainly not their own. This is one time in your life you can be assured you’re the “Star” of the show.

6. The Best Part? They make it all look easy.

Not every sale goes smoothly—buyers and sellers (and even other agents) get difficult all the time—but good agents try to shield their clients from the high drama unless there’s a reason to fill them in. It’s a talent – putting out fires (many times, before buyers and sellers are even aware of them). And when the drama does rear its head, they know the steps to resolve it – all the while helping to keep you calm when the pressure is on. People get emotional about their home, so being a problem-solver and keeping a step ahead of potential issues is more important than either buyers or sellers realize.

So the next time you hear someone say “Why get a Realtor®?” I’m just going to sell my house myself!” – you’ll know just how to reply to that. With either: “Hey, take a look at this article!” – or, “I hope you have a lot of free time on your hands, then.”

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

The times, they are a changin’. Boy, Bob Dylan had that right. And it’s a mantra that continues today, especially with the evolution of manufacturing technology and our changing lifestyles. But there’s one thing that is never going to go out of style: We want our homes to be a reflection of “us.”

That brings us to a few up-and-coming trends that will be entering the new home builder’s consciousness. Some of these are available now – some will be joining the party in the future. But all of them are designed to allow us to express ourselves and make our home environment just that-much-more-unique. Enjoy!

Pet Suites

image005Are ya KIDDING us? Why didn’t someone come up with this about a gajillion years ago? How many of us have aching knees and backs from trying to wash Fido in the tub? This is just like heading to your nearest favorite pet boutique’s self-wash areas, and bringing one of their tubs home with you. A hot new feature that many builders are now offering, these suites are often incorporated into the laundry room and include a dog wash, designated bedding space, plenty of storage, filtered water access, a widescreen television (DogTV anyone?). They may even include wireless cameras so you can check on your pet while you’re away. (There’s a reason pets are a $60 billion a year business. But hey, they’re worth it!)

Interior Carriage Doors

image007Think: Barn. Big, impressive, sliding barn doors that can be used in any number of creative pursuits in your home. From space dividers to storage disguisers, this new look is one that home builders are all over (at least, if the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas is any indication). The look can be simple or ornate, colorful or monochromatic. These are definitely open to interpretation for your unique tastes.

Personalized Appliances

image009We don’t know about you, but we’d leapfrog over grandma for a crack at these custom range grates and knobs. (Maybe it’s because they call this color “Cupcake Blue”?) From what we can tell, they’re not available just yet – but GE’s FirstBuild Studio is in the process of developing 3D-printed accessories for its older model kitchen appliances. When it’s in place, you’ll be able to order new knobs, grill plates, and handles in fun colors like this. The best part? Did you catch that “older model” comment? You won’t even have to fork over the dough for new appliances to dress of your home with this one. Score!

Colored Stainless Steel Appliances

image011Speaking of new appliances, if you’re on board for that – colored stainless steel is the newest hot-button for buyers. In a recent Houzz poll, nearly two-thirds say they’d consider the new dark stainless to shiny silver metal. (Well, “Duh.” We all want what’s new!) And just in case black isn’t exciting enough for you (LG’s new Black Stainless collection) – head to the light with Whirlpool’s Sunset Bronze finish.

Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

image013Some things, you just wonder why it’s never happened before. Two-tone kitchen cabinets – with upper cabinets white or neutral to maintain a sense of spaciousness, and lower cabinets in deep colors or various wood tones – well, it’s just brilliant. Or not, depending on your taste. For those who prefer the eclectic look, though, we think this is an excellent option.

Copper is Chic (Again)

image015Yes, copper can add a sparkle and a certain 1940’s Hollywood glamour to your home – but that’s not the full driving force behind the resurgence of copper in sinks, tools, and surfaces. With antibiotic-resistant superbugs on the rise, The Copper Development Association has proven that copper reduces more than 99.9% of bacteria in between routine cleanings. (Seems that your grandparents and Julia Child had it right!)

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

image003Your home didn’t sell. Are those four of the most depressing words EVER? It certainly is to us, and we’re going to make a safe bet that that’s not something you want to hear, either.

The fact is, it happens more than real estate professionals like to admit. Or, rather, than their clients like to admit. An experienced Realtor® can most likely tell a seller exactly why their home didn’t sell – the problem is many buyers don’t want to hear – or believe – the reasons. That’s because it just might have less to do with the property – than it does with seller.

If you do an internet search, you’ll find a lot of lists that attempt to point out the reasons why a home might not have sold. But in reality, they all boil down to five things.

1. PRICE

As we mentioned in a previous blog post, in our 24-hour-news-cycle age, it’s what is fresh and new that counts. It might seem that starting out with a listing price that’s, shall we say, “optimistic” (aka, high) isn’t a big deal. After all, if it doesn’t sell right away – that’s okay. You’ll just drop the price if you don’t get any bites, right?

Bad. Idea. Why? There are many factors that go into listing and marketing any property – but among the most important is perception. People love, Love, LOVE to be “the first,” to get the gem, claim the prize – and the only time your home is going to be able to be that particular brass ring they want to grab quickly – perhaps even attempting to outbid others to get it – is when it first comes on the market. Buyers and their agents know exactly how long a house has been for sale, whether the listing price has changed, if it’s fallen out of escrow, and many other details specific to your property. By dropping your initial listing price, it can signal to potential buyers that your expectations are unrealistic, which could make them think you’re unreasonable, or even difficult to work with. And this can all take place without even meeting them! Unfortunately, that’s the way our world works. Appearances count – and that applies to the seller as much as the property.

So when your agent explains their reasons for a suggested list price, remember that it’s based on their knowledge of the area and expertise. (That is, if you did your homework and listed with the right agent.) If you don’t agree with the price they recommend – ask them for an in-depth market analysis so you can see what homes like yours, and in your area, have sold for recently. Request a comparison showing how your home differs from the ones that have sold. As a seller, it’s crucial to take emotion out of your pricing decision. Your memories of your home may be priceless to you – but to a buyer, it’s just one of many houses they’re considering that they hope to make a home. And speaking of appearances . . .

2. THE CONDITION OF YOUR HOME

It’s not that there’s necessarily anything wrong with your lifestyle – it’s that potential buyers just want to look at homes much like the perfectly-decorated, non-lived-in models that new home builders have on display. It may be unrealistic – but that’s really not the point. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So the goal is to make your home look as appealing as possible. In other words, MORE appealing than any other home currently being offered. Competition is stiff, and whatever you can do to gain an advantage in a buyer’s mind is worth any amount of trouble it takes you to get. (for the most part!)

But when it comes to evaluating the condition of a home, many owners simply don’t see the flaws that others may see. They have a hard time taking an objective look at their home’s condition to determine what needs to be done to prepare it for sale.

Once again, this is where a good agent is invaluable. They can help you identify those things should and must be corrected in order to make your home show well. You might even consider hiring a professional staging company to make recommendations; or at the very least, find some tips online that will be helpful. (And by the way, few things will turn off potential buyers more quickly than smoke or pet odors. Trust us when we tell you that taking the necessary steps to eliminate these problems will be vastly rewarded when all is said and done.)

3. LACK OF ACCESSIBILITY

This is an easy lesson: If the buyer can’t see your home – they are NOT going to buy it! Many times sellers underestimate the effect of not making their home available to show upon request by a buyer’s agent. How to solve this one? Simple: Allow a lock-box to be put on your house to give agents easy access. Through the years, the technology and security of lock-boxes has improved to the point that there are few, if any, reasons for a seller to have a concern about having one their home.

Second Rule: When your home is being viewed – Get Out. Take your family and leave ahead of time. Why? Because it allows the buyer and their agent to freely and comfortably walk through your home, look it over, and discuss it in depth. (By the way, if you have any pets, take them with you, too. Not everyone will think Fido is as wonderful as you do.)

4. POOR MARKETING

If you did your homework in selecting a listing agent, this really shouldn’t have been a problem. But that’s a big “If.” Sellers need to be aware that not all Realtors® work the same. Reaching today’s home buyers may be much different than it was when you purchased your home. The internet has given us new ways to reach prospective buyers, and fully 94% surveyed indicate that they use the web for their new home search. But traditional marketing still counts. Your agent should know the benefits of each, as well as when and how to implement them. No two homes are exactly the same, and no marketing program is one-size-fits-all. Online, print, MLS, advertising, and often just hammering the phone to let other agents know your home is new to the market – these are all important factors in the exposure and the action that your listing receives.

5. POOR NEGOTIATING SKILLS

If you had one or more offers on your house while it was listed but could not come to an agreement with the buyer, then it’s probably worth reviewing the deals to try to discover what kept you from reaching one. Most sellers are, understandably, attached to their homes – and many times this can cause some emotional, and even irrational, reactions to offers from buyers that impede their ability to come to mutual terms.

Don’t take it personally. Try to look at all offers without emotion, and even if it seems you’re too far apart, don’t just give up on the deal. And don’t get hung up on “but it’s the principal of the thing.” Too many times, a potential sale will fall apart not because of anything to do with the price, but because feathers got ruffled on one side or the other. One example: a seller refusing to correct a defect in their home – not because of the cost, but because they didn’t feel it needed correcting.

You may find many more potential reasons to explain why your home didn’t sell the first time around, but when you boil them down, they’ll more than likely fit into one of these five categories. We’re not saying if your home didn’t sell during your listing period, you’re out of luck. What we ARE saying is this: Be realistic, make any necessary changes, and forge ahead! This time, it will happen – because you’re armed with the knowledge you need for success.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

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Yes – you really do need to seek advice on this topic. Why? Because it’s one thing to decide you need to find a new home for your family’s needs. It’s quite another to know how much home you’re actually qualified to buy. So before you start house-hunting online and looking at pretty house pictures, and before you give your favorite New Home Resource Realtor® a call. . . you should do one very important thing first:

Contact a mortgage lender to find out how much home you’re qualified to purchase.

And here are four very good reasons this should be the very FIRST step you take.

1) DON’T FALL IN LOVE – ONLY TO GET DUMPED!

Few things are worse than falling in love with “the perfect home” – only to discover that you can’t afford it. It’s a huge emotional let-down. For one thing, every home you look at after this will be compared to ‘the-one-that-got-away.’ So partly, by not knowing your buying parameters, you’ve set yourself up for disappointment at the very time when excitement and enthusiasm should be happening! Also, by aiming higher than you can afford – even if it happens unintentionally – let’s face it, can be a blow to your ego (whether you blame yourself or it’s just your ego taking a hit). But having the facts available about your financial capabilities before you begin shopping is the best way to avoid all of these (rather unpleasant) circumstances.

2) HOW MUCH MONEY DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOUSE ANYWAY?

The required down payment can vary greatly from loan type to loan type, your personal income, and your credit history. This is something you absolutely need – and want – to know before you dive into this project. Do you have enough money saved? PLUS – in addition to your required down payment, there are closing costs and expenses added to the bottom line that can equate to several thousand dollars more at the closing table. To greatly minimize these closing expenses, visit the “No Fee” lender at http://www.premiermortgagelending.com/

3) YOUR REALTOR® IS A PERSON TOO!

When you’re in the process of buying a home, it might seem like everyone is out to get something from you. But in reality, there is one person who is required both ethically and legally to put your best interests first: Your professional Realtor®. Of course, others you meet throughout the process may also choose to function that way. But for your real estate professional, it’s not an option (and truth be told, we prefer it that way).

That being said, you should also remember one very important thing: Your Realtor® is a person, too. Actually, we know you know that (in theory, at least) – but let us explain why it matters in this context.

Most real estate professionals are more than happy to go above and beyond on your behalf, and if you think about all the service they bring to the table, that can mean a lot. Doing extensive research to find properties in your preferred neighborhood, style, price range; with the right schools or proximity to your work. Getting all the property background and communicating with the seller and their agent to secure appointments – all that happens before even taking you to view it. It’s a lot of work up-front on your Realtor’s part – but this is what they do. You’re their client and they’re happy to do it because helping you make the right choice is the best part of their job.

But if you’re home shopping without knowing what your budget will allow you to buy – your Realtor® is going to expend a lot of unnecessary time and energy doing all those functions for properties that are literally just not an option for you. (And this is where the “person” part comes in.)

Just like anyone else, your Realtor® has limited and valuable time, energy, and resources. So you need to make sure that you don’t burn them out by using up those resources on homes that are outside your reach. Because if you do, there’s that much less of everything to devote to finding the right home that fits all your needs – and your budget – too.

4) SOMEONE ELSE WANTS MY HOUSE!

These days, it’s not as easy as viewing a home, making an offer, and opening escrow. Often, sellers have several buyers interested in their home at the same time, and they are able to pick and choose the buyer they want. Who they choose (assuming the sales price is a constant) will many times depend on which buyer can get to the closing table the fastest – and with the best terms.

Getting pre-approved and knowing exactly how much house you can afford before shopping for a home is key to winning-over a home-seller. Be the buyer who is prepared.

By having a pre-qualification letter from a mortgage lender in-hand, the seller knows you’re not only serious about buying, but you also have a good chance of getting to a successful closing. Even better, start taking the steps NOW to begin the pre-approval loan process. Given a choice, sellers will choose the “pre-approved” buyer over the “pre-qualified” buyer, any day.

What’s the difference between a pre-qualification letter and a pre-approval letter? It’s a HUGE difference!! (Click on this link to find out: “What are the steps to getting a mortgage loan”)

A pre-qualification letter is not a commitment from a lender to make your loan. In fact, it doesn’t include necessary information about their costs or their interest rate, either. Any reputable real estate professional will always recommend you start the formal loan process now, as opposed to just being pre-qualified. For more information about just how important this step is, we refer you to this article from Las Vegas-based Premier Mortgage Lending.

While most people are used to finding the right home and then seeking a mortgage loan – by turning those steps around and beginning the documentation process with your lender first, you can speed up the process considerably. Getting many of the necessary documents to your lender early and becoming a pre-approved buyer can ultimately put your offer at the front of the line! You become the best buyer, in the right place, at the right time – and BINGO! That house is yours.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for a newly-built home from a local builder, or a resale property in just the right location, a New Home Resource Realtor® is here to find the perfect property for you. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!