Posts in category: Selling Tips

Photo collage by: http://prepsolutions.ca/real-estate-photography/

Just in case these real estate photos don’t explain it all without a thousand words, we’d like to add a few comments about what a huge difference the right real estate photos can make in ensuring your listing gets noticed – and your home gets sold faster.

First, rest your eyeballs on the bottom row…then take a look at the top row. Is there any doubt in your mind that a smartphone photo (more than likely what was used for the “Before” photos) – may look ‘okay’ to you – until you see the difference a professional real estate photo can make? It’s an easy mistake, often made because people want to save time, money, and hassle.

But look at these real estate photos again with this thought in your head: If these were two different homes, which one would *I* want to buy? Right then. You see what we mean.

Appearances matter. And as we’ve mentioned before many times, first impressions are among the most important things for buyers – because they are looking at potential homes for their family in an emotional manner (not a rational one). That’s why it is so important to get it right the first time. And since over 90% of buyers now start their new home search online – the listing real estate photos have to give an impression they are going to LOVE – or your home may get passed over before it even gets seen.

The truth is, in this internet age, photos sells homes. Great photos give you a distinct advantage over your competition and can truly be the difference between a buyer – and no buyer. Perspective, time of day, color, brightness, sharpness – plus professional editing – are worth the expense in marketing your home. In fact, it’s believed that the quality of the photos of your home are the second most important part of your listing – right behind pricing.

It’s not quite a thousand words, but we believe these photos speak for themselves. What are your thoughts? We’d be happy to discuss this topic with you, and many others that pertain to a successful home listing – and what sets New Home Resource apart from our competition, too.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Kathy Paterniti and Heidi Colón are all here to help!

Family is the best, isn’t it? People you’ve known all your life that you can trust and rely on, especially when the going gets tough. (Well, in some families, anyway.) If you have a good one, then you know there’s a lot of love and caring between all the generations, and the ties between you are strong, indeed.

But when we hear a statement like that in the headline of this article, we can’t help but cringe.

And it’s not necessarily because such REALTOR®/Client relationships turn out badly (which they can). It’s more a matter of even if they turn out well (which they can, too!), it most likely could have been an even better result by working with an experienced and reputable REALTOR® – that the client wasn’t related to.

Why do we say that? Feelings. (And we’re not talking about the song.)

It’s one thing if a straight business deal runs into a snag. You can simply walk away afterward, and life goes on. But if you’re doing business with a family member who isn’t providing the service you’re expecting, what do you do? Sometimes, deals like these go badly because no one wants to hurt a family member’s feelings, so they end up lowering their standards to avoid a tough conversation. And (heaven forbid) – if you do end up having to fire them, that can turn into a family drama that could sever more than one familial relationship.

However, even if all is going well, problems can still exist just below the surface. One party may be anxious about asking certain questions (will they think you’re doubting their expertise?) – or making an important request (well, they’re family and they’re in the business, so they must know what’s best for my situation, right?). Even if your home sale or purchase gets completed – one can always wonder: If I had asked those questions, could I have gotten an even better deal? (That’s the kind of ‘wondering’ that can stew below the surface for months – and could still affect the family relationship later on.)

It’s a dilemma, that’s for sure. We’re not saying that just because you’re related to a REALTOR®, that you shouldn’t hire them to represent you. What we are saying is before you do, make sure that person has certain professional qualities that you need and deserve – because after all, we’re talking about a substantial financial investment. And if being a family member is in addition to those qualities – then you could have a winner!

What are the qualities that should come first on your list?

1. They’re a Top Performer in their field – with the experience and drive needed to find you the right home.
2. Their expertise is in line with the kind of help you’re seeking.
3. Providing timely and exceptional service is one of their top priorities.
4. You’re comfortable asking questions, expressing your opinions, and stating your expectations to them.
5. No pressure – they understand the final decisions are up to you.
6. Their goal is to give you all the information you need to make those decisions.
7. If you weren’t happy with them, you know you could fire them without life-altering consequences.

If #8 also happens to be “They’re actually part of the family” – then, hey – problem solved!

But if they don’t measure up to the first 7 traits on the list, we recommend taking a graceful “pass” on their offer. Let them know that you prefer to keep family as family, and business as business . Then take steps to find the right REALTOR® to help you get the best results possible on your real estate transaction. (One more tip: If you decide not to work with family, don’t add insult to injury by asking them for ‘free advice’ during the process. That might make them a bit cranky at the next family gathering!)

Searching for assistance in buying or selling your home? The team at New Home Resource can help you with that. We invite you to call and “interview” us to see if we might be the best fit for your needs.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Kathy Paterniti and Heidi Colón are all here to help!

You’ve listed your home for sale, it’s been weeks, and not only do you not have any offers to buy yet – you haven’t even had anyone come to see it. What’s going on, you ask?

Actually, that’s not an uncommon situation. There could be a number of reasons for it – such as:

• Reason #1: You’ve decided to do a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) – without using a REALTOR®

o Problem with that: No exposure to potential buyers. People don’t know about your home.

• Reason #2: You listed it with a “discount agent.” You’re paying a low fee (1% or similar) for an MLS listing.

o Problem with that: That agent isn’t advising you properly on how to show your home to its maximum advantage, nor are they promoting or marketing your home. Your listing is not getting any attention in a crowded seller’s market.

• Reason #3: The REALTOR® you chose may not be as experienced as you thought.

o Problem with that: Perhaps your listing photos are sub-standard (since most people begin their home shopping online, photo quality and home appearance is critical!); they aren’t familiar with your area – so perhaps you’re priced too high or too low, which can make buyers wary (think about how pricing affects your impressions when you shop in a department store…it’s the same thing).

The truth is, there might be several reasons that your home hasn’t sold – and they may have nothing to do with your home itself, and everything to do with the prevailing market, or interest rates, or something else that’s not personal to your home.

BUT . . . there are occasions when it actually may be your home – or the things in your home – that could be affecting your ability to sell. The right REALTOR® will tell you about these things up front, because they know from experience how to help you put your home’s best face forward and gain leverage on all the best traits your property has to offer.

However, not all agents know, or are comfortable telling their clients, uncomfortable facts. (After all, no one likes to give bad news, right?) So just in case, we’d like to share a list of things you should consider regarding your home to see if they might be a turn-off for buyers – and might be keeping them from seeing all the potential your home might hold for them!

1. Live Animals. Now, we’re not saying that a home shouldn’t have animals. But what we are saying is that they should be contained (or out of the home) whenever someone plans to view your home, and that any odors or mess associated with them should be eliminated. We know it’s not always easy to do – but when a home is for sale, it requires extra attentiveness during this time.

2. Dead Animals. Okay – we know this is going into the ‘politically correct’ arena – and we certainly don’t mean to offend anyone. However, the truth is, you’re trying to sell your home, not your taste in décor. If taking down the animal trophies from the wall or other such items will help you do that, then all the better. Don’t risk alienating a buyer – and leaving a negative impression – because they may not agree with your opinion on this topic. The fact is, they have many homes to view and choose from . . . but you have only one to sell. Make it as easy on yourself as possible. Pack these items early (saves you time later, anyway!).

3. Political Paraphernalia. These days, it is so easy to offend – even our own family and friends, as we all know. And since we’re talking about your financial well being in getting the best possible return on the sale of your home, this is one thing that we strongly recommend putting aside when showing your home. Flags, signs, and the like can also leave a bad impression – and as we all know, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.

4. Drugs. We seriously never expected to have to state this one out loud, but now with the legalization of marijuana in our state, coupled with the fact that we have so many people move to Nevada from other states, it’s one of those things that can color a buyer’s impression. The presence – whether seen or smelled – can make an impression on visitors that might not be in your best interest of making a sale.

Certainly the four items mentioned above don’t cover all the possibilities – after all, we are all individuals with our own tastes! But to make sure that your home, which is, of course, perfectly normal and acceptable to you and your lifestyle, will show as well as possible to a potential new owner (so that you can get on with things as quickly as possible) – be sure to work with an experienced REALTOR® who can help answer those questions for you – honestly, accurately, and in your best interests.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource REALTOR® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Summer is a busy time for home sellers in Las Vegas. Well, for that matter, given our amazing lifestyle, climate, and all the other great things about our city – pretty much most times of year are busy for both home buyers and home sellers.

As a seller, though, you need to remember that you are always in competition with other homes that are for sale. To make sure your home is at the head of the line for receiving the best (and most) purchase offers, we’d like to remind you that no matter when home buyers are shopping for a home, there are some things they ALL hate to see. Make sure they don’t see them at your home!

Bad Listing Photos.

Most home buyers begin their search online. If your photos aren’t appealing on the internet, there’s a good chance they won’t even bother to see your home in person. Make sure whoever is listing your home gets the best photos possible of both inside and outside your home. They matter more than you know.

Dirty Homes.

And yes really, we do need to say this. Because it seems not everyone instinctively knows that a clean, neat, and appealing presentation of your home is critical to the interest of the buyer. It’s true what they say: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. And that means both inside and outside. You may not even think twice about your unkempt yard – because you know the landscape maintenance guys will be there tomorrow. Or to you, a messy patio or play area might just look normal and ‘lived in.’ The problem is, you’re not trying to make you comfortable by picturing yourself living in this home…you’re trying to impress home buyers you don’t know anything about. They may actually think just like you, but you have no way of knowing that. So always use the “Best Foot Forward” rule for any part of your property that a potential buyer sees.

Sellers Being Home During the Showing.

Yeah, it’s true. Even if you’re immensely proud of your home and would like to be there to “point out all the little things they might not notice, but are so important and add value to this home!” But all your being there will do is make everyone feel awkward, make visitors shy about asking their Realtor® questions that you may overhear, and encourage potential buyers to want to rush through the home and get out; which is, ironically the very thing you were trying to avoid. The longer a shopper takes to explore your home, and the more comfortable they feel, the more it sticks in their mind, compared to all the other homes they’ve seen. We’d even suggest doing something out-of-the-norm – like leaving cold bottles of water and freshly baked cookies out, with a note that it’s just for them. (A welcome idea in Las Vegas during the summer, for sure!) Anything that makes their visit to your home stand out (in a good way, we mean!) – is going to be to your benefit.

There are other words of wisdom that our experienced team of Realtors® at New Home Resource would be happy to share with you about how you can help show your home in the best possible way – and maximize your chances to sell rapidly and at the best price. Just get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to share those ‘inside tips’!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

It comes as a surprise to many people that selling a home can actually be hard work. Not just for your Realtor®, either. Because if you hired an experienced professional to sell your home, they will have a huge list of tasks to undertake on your behalf, too. (And in case you were thinking it’s just a matter of putting up a sign and collecting a check, take a look at this article, What Happens Behind the Scenes of Your Real Estate Listing.)

No – it actually requires a real commitment on the Seller’s part to follow through on many things that will optimize their opportunity to grab the attention of buyers and sell quickly. When it comes to real estate, the motto that ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ is doubly true. Buyers have a lot of options when they’re shopping for a home, and a Seller needs to put their best foot forward from Day One.

That’s why we want to share a few of the mistakes that Sellers have made in the past that worked out to their detriment. While their homes may still have sold eventually – it probably wasn’t at top dollar, or as quickly as they would have liked. Instead, we recommend that you hedge your bets, because doing these things up-front may be precisely what gets you to your next home destination (whatever that may be) faster, and with more money in your bank account.

Mistake #1: List as a FSBO Seller.

We’d like to ask you to take note of one very important (and proven) statistic: You will not make more money as a For Sale By Owner seller. Real estate agents are proven to sell for more money than sellers who try to go it alone – and that is taking into account the typical 6% agent commission you’re thinking you can pocket. According to the National Association of Realtors, on average FSBO sellers sell a home for $210,000. In comparison, real estate agent assisted sellers can make $249,000 on the same sale. If we subtract the 6% fee, that means a real estate assisted seller made almost $25,000 more than a FSBO seller made on the same house. ‘Nuff said on this one.

Mistake #2: Pricing Your Home Too High.

Over-pricing or under-pricing is a huge money-losing mistake. We get it, you want to make the most off of your home sale and you feel that the home you put work, time, and memories into is worth more than the other houses in your area. It may be tempting to argue with your real estate agent and push the list price higher. But it’s also critical to know your market and get familiar with comps of similar homes currently for sale (and those that have recently sold) to understand exactly what price tag your home needs. If the comparable house down the block is listed for $15,000 less than yours and has the same features, buyers will definitely be more interested in theirs over yours. That means you’ll risk sitting on the market longer (which gives buyers a negative impression to begin with), it will put you in a position of having to let buyers negotiate, and in the end, you can end up selling for less than a lower (and more accurate) listing price would have gotten you from the start. Timing is everything in real estate. Learn the impact that the phrase “Days on market” can have on your home sale.

Mistake #3: Not Making Necessary Repairs & Presenting a Cluttered House to Potential Buyers.

First, keep in mind that it’s always going to cost you less out of pocket to fix things ahead of time. When potential buyers see your home in disrepair, their first inclination is going to be “Let’s negotiate.” You’re starting out in the hole by not putting your best face forward, and that’s just an unnecessary mistake to make. Second, remember this: clutter eats equity and kills deals. One of the least expensive improvements you can make to your home is to declutter and create a sense of spaciousness. From the kitchen countertops to the overstuffed closets to the trophy-lined shelves in the den, it costs you nothing to get rid of all that ‘stuff,’ but it will make a positive impression and reap big rewards. (Besides, less to pack when it’s time to move!)

Mistake #4: Ignoring Curb Appeal.

This one falls a bit in line with #3 above, actually. But it’s important enough to merit a place of its own on this list. Because of your familiarity with your own home, you actually may not be the best judge of its ‘curb appeal.’ But if you think back to the times you’ve pulled up to someone else’s home, or an office building or shopping center – the first thing you see sets the tone, doesn’t it? (And when the tone is set negatively, things usually just go downhill from there.) So look at the exterior of your home and your landscaping with a fresh eye – or enlist someone else’s opinion – and come up with a plan to increase your home’s desirability before people even set foot inside.

Mistake #5: Bad Photos Can Stop Buyers Before They Even See Your Home.

As we’ve said many times before, people begin their home searches online, and that is more than likely where they will get the first views and impression of your home. We can’t stress strongly enough that bad, amateurish-looking photos has killed more deals before they could even get started. This is one place where it’s worth the expense to make sure you get it right. Think about it: the professionally photographed hotel wins the booking every time. The same goes for your home, but the stakes are even higher. Why would a buyer put the biggest investment of their life into a blurry vertical shot? (With 51% of buyers ultimately buying a house they found online, your house has to be in top shape for it to compete with the others they’re seeing at the same time.

Those five points are among the most important that Sellers should be aware of so they can take steps to address them before that “For Sale” sign even goes up in the yard. A knowledgeable and experienced Realtor® can help you navigate the process, and also discuss a myriad of other ways that you can ‘get a leg up on the competition’ – perhaps even helping your home be the one that buyers get into a bidding war over. Win-Win.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Looking to sell your home soon? Or maybe you’d just like to give it some curb appeal for spring. Whatever your reason (oh – we forgot about family coming to visit, too!) — we’ve got just the thing for you: Five ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal that will go a long way toward extending a welcoming impression. An inspiring list to freshen things up that won’t break the bank (or require a planning commission to get under way).

1. Paint or stain your front door. A brightly colored door is a great way to draw attention to your house and make it feel modern and inviting. Not quite sure which color to choose? Hey – there’s an app for that – literally! You can download it here, and it will show you just how your door will look in different colors – before you do the shopping and labor. Just make sure your HOA approves any paint selections!

2. Don’t you just love the look of kickplates? Most people do (not to mention they actually have a purpose!). It might be just the boost your door needs to take it to the next level of awesome.

3. What about that door hardware? Well, you can replace it – or polish it – or even spray paint it to get an exciting new look. (Just don’t forget about coordinating the doorbell and hinges!)

4. Tile your porch. Sometimes, a picture says a thousand words. Two pictures practically scream at you – – at least, we think these before-and-after images do that. Just think of it as one way to take your front porch from” b-o-r-i-n-g” to” filled with caché!”

5. Exterior light fixtures are always changing in style. Dress them up! Just look at how great your door, hardware and porch look now! Coordinate with your new door hardware colors, or go with something fresh, bold and beautiful.

These five ideas are just to get you started – but there’s no reason you need to stop there. New house numbers, planters, symmetrical pots or décor – the list can go on for ages. Seriously, isn’t that one of the reason you buy a home anyway? Because stuff like this is fun – because when all is said and done, your home looks fabulous!

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

Late spring and early summer have traditionally been popular home-selling months in Las Vegas (think: kids are out of school, vacations are taken, etc.). But we’d like to share a little secret with you: If you’re planning to sell your home this year – the months of January, February and March may be the better option. Why? Competition.

It may sound counterintuitive – after all, if more people are out shopping for homes in the summer, you have a better chance of getting a buyer, right? Ah – But there’s also this little fact to remember: more houses are on the market for sale, too.

That could mean that your listing gets caught up in in the ‘avalanche’ of homes available for sale, and it could be entirely missed in the process. In fact, it’s easier than you might think for that to happen. As we revealed in a previous blog post, (“Three Universal Tips Every Home Seller Should Know”) – according to studies, 80% of prospective buyers know if a home is right for them within seconds of stepping inside.

Only seconds. Let that sink in a moment. And then you’ll probably think this: Yikes! (Of course, that also stresses how important it is for your home to be presented in as appealing a manner as possible – with attention paid to the smallest of details.)

But even just having those few seconds to grab a buyer’s attention is making the assumption that your home even made the short-list on their tour. That’s also easier said than done, because all those extra homes for sale mean more marketing, more ads, more Realtors® doing their best to highlight their client’s home over the competition. The truth is, if you’re selling during the height of the ‘buying season,’ your home is first being compared just on paper to the many, many other homes for sale also trying to take advantage of the increased buyer market.

On the other hand, if you’re selling your home in competition with fewer available listings – such as during the first quarter of the year, as we mentioned above – it actually has a better chance of making a memorable impression with shoppers because they have fewer options; there are simply fewer homes for them to choose from.

Plus, people that are looking to buy a home during this time are often more motivated. They might have a pressing matter that is pushing them to want to close on a house quickly – such as job relocation or some kind of major life change that is forcing them to move. This can work in your favor in another important way, too: Lower inventory also means you might be able to sell your house at a more favorable price – again, since buyers have less to choose from.

All things considered, there are many factors that can affect your decision on when to sell your home. One more reason it’s important to have an experience and knowledgeable Realtor® that you can rely upon to help you evaluate all the factors involved, so you can make the most favorable decision for your situation.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with all of their Las Vegas real estate needs. Whether your preference is for property management, 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 provide the service you’re looking for. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or visit www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!

When dealing with buying or selling a home, we’ve always maintained that it’s a good idea to over-prepare. For example, we’ve mentioned in several of our previous articles that one smart move not everyone is smart enough to do is to get your loan pre-approval in hand before even starting to shop for a home. Why? Because if a seller has multiple offers to consider, you’ll tip the scales considerably in your favor by having proof that you’re capable of “sealing the deal” – and that’s a big plus for any seller.

But for those thinking of selling their home, thinking ahead is sage advice for them, too. And one of the smartest steps a seller can take before putting their home on the market is to obtain their own certified home pre-inspection.

Right about now, you’re saying – “Wait a minute – the buyer is going to do that anyway, aren’t they?”

Yes, that’s going to be true in nearly every real estate transaction. But there are often some savvy reasons for a seller to have it done first, and here are a few of them:

It justifies your listing price.

By laying all the cards out on the table, sellers gain bargaining power with potential buyers. When you have certifiable proof on paper of the condition and systems in your home, it makes it harder for buyers to (reasonably) lowball their offers. (And if they unreasonably lowball you, you’ll know they’re not worth spending your time and effort on.) The fact that your home has no underlying issues of concern tangibly translates to the fact that there’s no need for a price cut to be entertained.

It builds trust with potential buyers.

By offering a home with a clean bill of health, it gives buyers more assurance and helps to reduce any apprehensions they may have. Many buyers have legitimate concerns about buying a “Money Pit” – so they often start their home-buying search with that bias in mind. But when you’ve shown you have nothing to hide by sharing the details of the pre-inspection up-front, they’ll look at your home more realistically and be able to realize its true value.

It may help you move faster to closing.

Really, there’s no easier way to build trust than to show them your home has been well-maintained and you have the documents to prove it. That trust can go a long way towards achieving a smooth transaction and a seamless closing.

In some cases, however, it might make sense to skip this step and allow your buyer to pursue the inspection after an offer has been made. If you’re wondering if a home inspection would be a wise choice before putting your home on the market, it’s a good query to add to your list of “Realtor™ Interview” questions. When you’re interviewing potential Realtors™ to work with in selling your home – that answer can help give you a bit of insight to the methods that each agent will use to help sell your home – for the best price and in the shortest time possible. (Go ahead, ask us about it. You know you want to!)

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!

There’s definitely a formula for success in selling a home. And when it’s time for you to think about selling yours, if you’re working with an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor™, they’re going to let you know what it is. The formula will change depending on the home, the community, the city, and the surrounding area – but there are a few ‘universal’ concepts that you should be aware of. That way, when it’s time for you to plant that “For Sale” sign in your yard, you’ll be a few baby steps ahead – and sometimes, that’s just enough of a leg-up to get to a happy finish line sooner.

1. Buyers Know Within Seconds If They Want To Buy Your Home.

Yep – buying a home is a huge investment, so you would imagine people want to weigh all the pros and cons, maybe even make some spreadsheets to compare features, costs, and benefits.

You would be wrong.

Why? Because the mind processes far more information in less time than previously thought; one recent study shows that 80% of prospective buyers know if a home is right for them within seconds of stepping inside. That’s a daunting thought, isn’t it? But all the more reason that we drive home this fact: No detail is too small for the Seller to consider. Sweep the front sidewalk, clean up the leaves; tidy up the entryway, unclutter every horizontal surface. And of course, we’ve never heard of a Buyer complaining that a house is “too clean.” That’s worth remembering, too.

2. Pricing Makes A Difference – But Not For The Reasons You Think

First off, we’ll say this: Your home needs to be priced right to take advantage of every sales opportunity. We addressed that at some length in a previous article – “5 Reasons Why Your Home Didn’t Sell” – check it out here. But there’s a bit more to it than that.

It’s one thing to think you’re getting a great deal at Nordstrom’s Rack when you see that $14.99-price tag. It’s another thing to be shopping for a home with a price like “$299,999.” (You just felt a little “thunk” didn’t you?) There’s a certain sense of ‘bargain-hunting’ that is out of place with all those 9’s in a home’s sales price. Even without setting a foot on the property yet, it’s enough to turn off many buyers because it feels dishonest and “cheap.” Just don’t go there.

On the other hand, while those last two numbers should always end in “00” – you don’t necessarily want tooooo many of them showing up in the rest of the price, either. You know that feeling you get when you’re at the grocery store and your total comes out to EXACTLY $20.00? Yeah. That almost never happens – and when it does, it’s pretty memorable. If your Realtor™ has performed an accurate price evaluation of your property, the odds of it coming in to show five 0’s in a row are just about as common.

The fact is, a sales price of $200,000 seems arbitrary – like you just plucked that figure out of thin air – and that makes your valuation suspect, to say the least. Stick with the facts, and base your final listing price on firm data.

3. There’s A Reason Why There’s A Home-Staging Industry

Buyers. Love. Staged. Homes. How do we know that? Those homes sell faster. Often by 50-70% faster. How’s that for an eye-opening thought? You don’t necessarily need to shell out the money to hire a professional stager – because these days, you can find a myriad of helpful tips online about how to do much of it yourself. But it does boil down to two things:

1. If you’re still living in the home during the listing period – consider renting storage space to streamline what furniture and belongings are on display. After all, you are moving, right? May as well take this opportunity to start packing and simplify the look of the house. It takes a good eye and a commitment to a bit of heavy lifting – but more often than not, it will pay off with a quicker sale.

2. If you’ve already moved out of the home – think about adding some furniture and accessories back into it, even if it’s only to stage the main living areas. For a potential Buyer, viewing an empty home is a little like making whoopie with the lights on (ack!) — i.e., every flaw is visible. (Unless you’re J.Lo.) PLUS, most people aren’t capable of fully visualizing the potential of space in a home when it’s completely empty. Help their imagination see your home for what it really is: The. Awesome. Place. They. Want. To. Live.

As we referenced above, your specific home has unique attributes that a professional Realtor™ will help you recognize and capitalize on to help you get to that fabulous trifecta of “Offer-Escrow-Closing.” But knowing these handy tips can help, too. If you’re planning to sell your home soon – we’ve got a lot more of them we can share with you. All you’ve got to do is ask us!

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!

“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!