Real Estate Observations - Perspectives from Experience!

1. Dirty homes never sell at a good price!
2. Clean homes priced right sell!
3. Never underestimate location: commute, schools, convenience.
4. Curb appeal really does matter!
5. If a home looks really bad on the outside, the inside will be worse!
6. Homes that are not well maintained will cost you.
7. If a home needs work, do it!
8. This is not a market to try a price for a few weeks!
9. You learn a lot when you are listening.
10. It's smart to kennel pets when showing homes.
11. Hope you enjoy your cigarettes more than a "Sold Sign" on the front lawn!
12. Home inspections are a great thing!
13. It is smart to use your senses when buying a home.  Pay attention to what you see, smell and hear!
14. Too many homes for sale on the same street may indicate something is happening.
15. It is always a smart idea to further explore the neighborhood, and surrounding community. 
16. Peace of mind is priceless!
17. A home warranty is a good thing!
18. Check for termites!
19. It's always smart to get a survey!
20. Use a local lender!
21. First offer is usually the best offer!
22. Creative financing usually borders being illegal!
23. If it sounds too good to be true, it is!
24. "If I can't sell your home, I'll buy it!"  It's a confidence scam!
25. Lease purchases agreements very seldom if ever work out!
26. Never pet animals in a home.
27. Make sure everything you want in a home is in writing, and signed off by all parties.
28. Never trust anyone's word – this is a business transaction. Put it in writing.
    
29. If something does not seem right, it isn't! Trust your gut!
30. If you feel uncomfortable, that is a good thing!  It is a warning system!
31. If you hire an agent because they are cheap, it's because they are not worth more!
32. Full-time agents get the best results!
33. Neighborhoods with an Homeowners Association and a pool are more sought after than those without.
34. 4 bedroom homes are much better reselling than a 3-bedroom home.
35. Most buyers really don't like loft areas.
36. Neutral colors are easier to sell.
37. There is a difference between "Upgrades and updated!"
38. Sellers should never be in the home when it is being shown!
39. When selling your home, listen to your Realtor's advice. The Realtor is there to help you stage and price the home to sell, not keep!
40. A professional listing agent requires a long-term commitment because he/she is going to spend money and time to properly market your home and needs a return on his/her investment.
41. A listing agent without extensive exposure on the internet does not have a good strategy today.
42. A listing agent without a recognizable brand behind him/her, has a lower chance of sale.
43. After listing your house for sale, be advised that there is not a steady stream of buyers for all price ranges or for all areas at all times; rather, showing activity will be sporadic. The internet is designed to reduce "foot traffic" through your home by allowing buyers to "weed out" the ones they like and don't like before prancing through them.
44. A listing agent who relies on MLS as his/her primary market avenue shouldn't be a listing agent.
45. Make a decision! Agents can accept "yes" or "no," but never "maybe" or "let me think about it."
46. A buyer agent who tells you, "go look at the house with the listing agent, but come write the contract with me" should be pistol-whipped (or simply out of the real estate industry, if you don't like my expression).
47. A buyer agent who eagerly throws you in the car and shows you anything you want to see without explaining their duties and asking for a commitment first will not be in the business long.

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