Just the Facts Ma'am - Just the facts.

The past few months I received emails from my NAR asking me to participate in their studies.  I did and today I got the email that stated all the "facts"  - So folks, this is just the FACTS.

Before you start to think that you might want to go the route of FSBO - you should realize that aside from knowing what and what NOT to fix up before placing your house on the market the hardest thing for a for sale by owner to grasp is the paperwork.    I will have a seller tell me that they want to renovate the basement or the bathroom.  My answer to them is most likely  - why?  Why spend money that you might or might not get back.  If you feel that your bathroom is in major need of renovations - then let it reflect in the price.  Meanwhile, you can re - paint, remove the wall paper, re grout or change the shower doors  - just by doing these small things will spruce up your bathroom - and wont cost thousands.   

Most Difficult Tasks for FSBO Sellers:
Getting the right price . . . 11%
Understanding paperwork . . . 16%
Preparing/fixing up home for sale . . . 18%
Attracting potential buyers . . . 9%
Having enough time to devote to all aspects of the sale . . . 9%

53% of buyers state that they want and need a real estate professional to find them the right house.  So agents, make sure when you are talking to the buyers you are HEARING them.  Ask questions to narrow down the search - its not being nosy - its what the buyers want.  When interviewing a buyer (and that is what agents should be doing to determine if you are a looker or a real buyer).  If your agent knows - I mean really knows their area, then they should know what is available.  Now granted there are alot of agents that do NOT update the MLS - which is infuriating;  But, I myself run my daily stats - just so I know what has gone into contract, what has been withdrawn and so on.  This is a must! 

What Repeat Buyers Want Most From Real Estate Professionals

Help you find the right house to purchase -53%
Help with price negotiations - 13%
Help with paperwork - 8%
Tell you what comparable homes are selling for - 11%
Help determining how much buyer can afford - 11%
Help find and arrange financing - 2%

The two ways that most buyers search for their home is from the Internet and through a real estate agent, meanwhile the newspaper came in below the use of the yard signs.   Its out there - the Internet will become a major tool for searching for homes - that is a given.  But, buyers will still need the one on one with an agent.  More and more agents are advertising the home for sale with the address - which is a good thing.  That helps the buyers know what area the home is in, how close the desired school is, where the buses and trains are in relation to the house.  So, to me advertising with the address - is good.  Of course, you will get a few Nimrods that will go ring the door bell of the seller and try to strike up a deal without an agent - it happens.  Just let the Nimrods know that he has to speak with YOUR agent.  Make the agent your bad guy -   

Information Sources Used in Home Search

Real estate agent - 85%
Yard sign - 63%
Internet - 80%
Newspaper - 55%

Home book/magazine - 34%
Open house - 47%
Builders - 26%

Television - 11%
Relocation company - 5%

Realizing that exposure is what will make your house sell faster (providing it is priced right), you need an agent that advertises in more than one, four or 10 places.  The more exposure your agent can give you - the higher your chances are that you will sell quickly.  This means your agent needs to do more than the newspaper advertising.  If your agent does not actively advertise on the Internet - YOU are missing  ALOT of buyers.  IF your agent does not know what SEO, rankings or the "sandbox" is - then interview more agents.  Like I said many moons ago - SEARCH on line for an agent within your area.  GOOGLE THEM!