Charlotte  NC Home Sellers:  Do You Know Who Your Agent is Working For?

With a full schedule these past few weeks, I have been taking buyers out to tour our beautiful city.  Relocation clients moving to town are learning about Charlotte and all that she has to offer newcomers.

One of my favorite things to do is to introduce buyers to neighborhoods that are ‘just what they’re looking for.’  When I’m showing buyers homes, they’re poised to BUY a home.  This is not fire drill or practice run…these are REAL buyers who have been transferred to our area and NEED to buy a home.

The unbelievably biggest obstacle that I have had to overcome in recent weeks is being ignored by listing agents.  I have serious questions to answer for my SERIOUS buyers and they need answers NOW!  This is frustrating any time but, when you have BUYERS who are ready to make a decision as to whether or not to purchase YOUR home, and your agent is not returning phone calls to answer our questions, my buyers move on.

One agent finally phoned me 72 hours after my call to let me know that she couldn’t remember my question (even though she had just listened to my voicemails) but, that she was overloaded (HER word, not mine!) at her full-time job–NOT in real estate!

Have you ever tried to purchase a product or enlist someone to perform a service and had them ignore your questions?  I have and I quickly move on to the next one on the list.  My take on this…If you’re trying to sell something and you won’t return my calls, then what happens when I finally do purchase it from you?  Are you going to be impossible to reach for follow-up, warranty work or other questions?

Sellers, this is the same exact concept my buyers are thinking now.  In fact, from the mouth of one of my buyers, “Hey, if they don’t want to sell, we’d rather buy from someone who DOES want to sell!”    I couldn’t agree more.

Sellers, are YOUR agents returning their calls?

Agents, don’t you want to SELL your listings?  If your full time job is interfering with selling your clients most valuable material possession, I’d say it’s time to refer that seller to someone who actually has the time AND the inclination to properly represent their clients.

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/charlotte-home-sellers-who-is-your-agent-working-for/#ixzz1nXNOxcE8

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

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Are you considering downsizing your Charlotte home?

Well, you’re not alone! According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 60% of homebuyers are considering downsizing to smaller, more efficient homes.  The economy is playing a significant role in this decision but, for the most part, our society is full of Baby Boomers who don’t quite need the space that they once did.

Here are 7 benefits of downsizing your Charlotte home:

1. Save money: When you buy a smaller, more energy-efficient home, you’ll save money on your utility bills.  You’ll also reduce your maintenance expenses.  You will most likely have a smaller mortgage.  With less space to fill, you need less stuff!   This allows you to also spend less on furniture and other home décor.
2. Reduce your impact on the environment: Your home will use less energy when you have less space to heat and cool.
3. Increase free time: You’ll spend less time cleaning and maintaining a smaller home.  Use the extra time to travel, take up a hobby or just relax.
4. Enhance peace of mind: When you no longer have to worry about how you’re going to pay enormous utility bills and mortgage payments, you can sleep better at night.
5. Improve your health: Less stress usually equals improved health. Owning a large house full of stuff you have to pay for and take care of can be very stressful. When you downsize and let go of all that stuff, your stress decreases.
6. Put cash in your pocket: Sell your extra stuff on eBay, Craigslist and at a garage sale.
7. Simplify your life: Simplifying your life reduces stress, improves creativity and increases joy.

Making the decision to downsize can be difficult to do, but once you’ve taken the leap, you’ll discover many rewards.  The more stuff you get rid of, the more you can save for things that truly matter, such as saving for your retirement or college education.

Ready to buy a smaller, more efficient Charlotte home?  I can help. Give me a call today at (704)491-3310 or email me at Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com for more information.

Search Charlotte homes for sale

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/7-benefits-of-downsizing-your-charlotte-home/#ixzz1kuSwYUYJ

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

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What You Need to Know About Charlotte Real Estate Disclosures

When buyers step into Charlotte real estate that is listed for sale, the may notice the seller has applied a fresh coat of paint or installed new carpet.  While most sellers make updates like this to make their home more appealing to buyers, some are also trying to hide faults within their home, such as water damage or cracks.

As a Charlotte home seller, you are obligated to disclose all major property issues.  A Charlotte home buyer should double-check the disclosure statement before signing any sort of Contract to purchase the home.

Read this important information about Charlotte real estate disclosures BEFORE listing your Charlotte home for sale or for buyers, before purchasing a Charlotte home:

• If you know it, disclose it.  Don’t try to hide anything negative about a home you’re selling because it could come back to bite you.  There are standard documents that sellers can fill out but, also know that verbal disclosures can be documented as well.
• Things you should disclose.  Disclose all renovations, whether or not you were required to obtain a permit.  Other normal disclosures include property line disputes, termite problems, chronic neighborhood disruptions (noise, etc.), major mechanical and appliance issues, among others.
• Disclosures and inspections are not the same thing.   Some people get these confused.  A disclosure is something the seller fills out and gives to the buyer.  A Charlotte home inspection is conducted by an independent party and might bring to light issues of which the seller is unaware.
• Improper disclosure can result in a lawsuit.  If buyers quickly discover that their new home has serious undisclosed issues or renovations that were hidden and aren’t up to code, they can ask their real estate agent to confront the seller’s agent and seek a settlement.  If the seller does not cooperate, the buyers have the right to file a lawsuit.

If you’re getting ready to sell your Charlotte real estate and would like help deciding what to include in the disclosure, or if you’d like to buy a home and want to be sure you’re getting all the proper disclosures, I can help.  Give me a call today at (704)491-3310 or email me at Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com.

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/charlotte-home-sellers-what-about-the-disclosures/#ixzz1kFFJ2uyP

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

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Let That Holiday Cheer Help You Sell Your Charlotte Home This Month

Ahh, a cozy fire, the smell of freshly cut pine trees and a plate of warm molasses cookies may just be all it takes for buyers to envision themselves celebrating THEIR holidays in your Charlotte home!   So take the time this season to channel that holiday spirit and cheerfully enhance your house for the holidays with these festive tips:

• Don’t Neglect the Winter Curb Appeal – Remember that the first impression for buyers is VERY important in the home buying process.  In the dead of winter, yards can look barren and bleak but, no need to add to the seasonal depression. Be sure to rake fallen leaves and clear dead flowers from their beds or pots.  Utilize fresh seasonal annuals such as Pansies.  With darkness settling in so early, don’t forget to turn on both indoor and outdoor lights to give your Charlotte home a cozy glow.

• Tastefully Deck the Halls – While you want to remind some buyers of their yearly traditions, you don’t want to offend others. So, if you typically go overboard with holiday decorations, tone it down a little this year and go for a winter nature theme — think pinecones, snowflakes and the smell of cinnamon or molasses.

• Host a Holiday Open House – With your house in the season’s spirit, it’s the perfect time to have interested buyers walking through. Offer fresh baked cookies and apple cider to seal the deal!

• Be Flexible with Showings – Put in a little extra effort to keep your home clean so that buyers can drop in anytime.  Property purchasers looking at this busy time of year will be seriously interested — you may just be one of the few homes open to them.

By adding a little holiday cheer to your Charlotte home, you could remind potential buyers of happy memories and put them in the giving — or hopefully, buying — spirit.

If you would like more tips to get your home sold during the holiday season, please phone me at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com.

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/let-that-holiday-cheer-help-you-sell-your-charlotte-home-this-month/#ixzz1gMhGale5

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

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Put Yourself in the Buyers' Shoes

Residing in a home that is for sale can be quite challenging.  You don’t want your home to appear lived in, rather you want it ‘show ready.’  This is very difficult to do for some homeowners but, it’s the absolute best way to sell a home!  Remember, it’s no longer about you, it's about the buyer.  Can you remember how you felt when you toured your home or the model home that is like the one that you built?  What stood out to you when you toured the home?  It certainly wasn’t grandma’s photo or your collection of shot glasses that you have proudly displayed in a shadow box!  It wasn’t the mural that you have painted in your den or the bright Home Depot orange color you have painted in your dining room!

I recently wrote about selling your Charlotte home and thinking like a real estate agent.  Encouraging sellers to think like buyers also helps you to properly prepare your Charlotte home for the real estate market.  Times are tougher now than ever before for sellers but, if you're realistic and can put yourself in the buyers' shoes, you'll be a step ahead of the competition.

Your mission:  To elicit in a buyer, those same feelings that you had when you discovered your wonderful home.  Showing suggestions to bear in mind:

• Neutral colors allow buyers to better picture themselves in your home.
• Appeal to your buyers’ olfactory senses by baking fresh cookies before the potential buyers arrive
• Leave those cookies for your visitors to enjoy
• De-clutter the home, packing away as much furniture and memorabilia as possible. You want to create a larger feeling space and remember, you’re going to have to pack it up or give it away anyway!

My recommendation is that you do ALL of this prior to listing your home.  Don’t think that it’s okay to work through all of these projects while you have your home listed.  In fact, the largest number of buyers who will come through your home in any given week will be the very first week that you are listed.  Those very serious buyers will miss the changes, meaning that you could possibly miss out on your buyer as well.

Read More Charlotte Home Seller Tips:

Pricing Your Home for Sale, Myth vs. Reality

Selling Your Charlotte Home – Leave the Emotions Out of the Equation

Pricing is CRITICAL When Selling Your Charlotte Real Estate

Charlotte Home Seller Tips - Redefine Your Market Value

Charlotte Home Seller Tips - Do Your Research

Charlotte Home Seller Tips - Extend Your Selling Season

*Charlotte Home Seller Tips | Put Yourself in the Buyers Shoes © Debe Maxwell, CRS

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate

Debe Maxwell, CRS, Realtor®/Broker
SAVVY + COMPANY REAL ESTATE
1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
Mobile: (704) 491-3310
Fax: (704) 353-7014

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

3 Common Charlotte Home Seller Mistakes | Thoughts from the Buyers’ Perspective

Showing homes this beautiful Charlotte weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to pick the brains of savvy buyers with regards to home SELLING!  Yes, because both sets of buyers are also sellers, we discussed seller strategies that just didn’t seem to be working for some of the homes that we viewed.

Here are our thoughts on three of the biggest seller mistakes that we saw:

1.  Pricing:  Why do sellers continue to price homes as though they were on sale at WalMart?  Here’s an example of why you don’t want to use ‘999’ –   These particular buyers are searching in the $700 – $800,000 price range.  They’re savvy buyers; they do their own searches and work very little from a pre-set search that I’ve created for them.  I jokingly call them ‘rogue’ buyers but, they still get the job done and some just prefer their own means of searching.  As we were driving past one of the homes that I had sent them, I pointed out that this particular home could be a good fit and that it was priced at $699,000.  At this point, it was too late to schedule a visit and my buyers had already agreed upon another home but, their comment was, “Had they just listed it at $700,000, it would have been at the bottom of our range in which we were searching and we’d have taken a look at it while we were in town!”  BINGO!

Sellers, THOSE are the buyers that you want–those who are searching and find YOUR home at the BOTTOM of their range!  If you’re not SEEN at the bottom of their range, they miss your home!  The internet sites, where the VAST majority of buyers find their new home, do not allow ‘odd number searching’ – the searches are clean, even numbers.  $599,000  $600,000  $699,999 $700,000 $799,990 $800,000

Why would you risk losing your most promising buyer pool?

2.  Condition:  Before you priced your home, did you compare it to others in your community or area?  Just because a home that is the same square foot size, that is also in tip-top condition is priced for $750,000, yours may not compare!  Is your kitchen upgraded?  Are your bathrooms updated?  Have you added hardscaping to your backyard?  Have you finished the basement in your home?  These things ADD value and without them, your home just doesn’t compare.  If you haven’t upgraded, you MUST price your home to reflect the lack of upgrades.

3.  Staging:  Buyers are not searching for homes based solely upon the neighborhood or the design of the home but, they’re also focused on size.  How much space do the main rooms have that they can work with?  Our buyers felt that some of the homes that boasted the square footage and the large room sizes that they needed online, proved to be a disappointment when they viewed them in person.  The homes that were noted as ‘too small for our needs’ were FILLED with large pieces of furniture–some wall-to-wall furniture.  The oversized furniture completely prohibited the visualization of you home, leaving these buyers feeling that your home did not meet their needs.

If you’re planning a move, you’re going to have to pack your belongings away anyway--so, why not go ahead and show off the space that you have by eliminating larger pieces of furniture that make your rooms look smaller than they truly are.

I can tell that the master suite is 20‘ X 23’ but, I am not the one who is buying your home.  With the enormous furniture, doggie crates and baby equipment in the room, my buyers felt that the master was just too small for them!  No amount of explaining and attempts to visually place THEIR furniture convinced them.  These buyers immediately fell in love with a well-staged, sparsely furnished home with a SMALLER master suite based upon the square footage!

Pricing, condition and staging your Charlotte home are top contenders for buyer critique during the home shopping process.  To be the one that the buyers fall in love with, you must pay special attention to all three!

If you’re thinking of selling your Charlotte home, give me a call at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com!  I’m happy to walk you through the process and discuss getting your home SOLD!

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/3-common-charlotte-home-seller-mistakes-thoughts-from-the-buyers%e2%80%99-perspective/#ixzz1fA4QOKtW

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

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Charlotte Home Seller Tips:  Do Your Research 

National real estate sales data does not, by any stretch of the imagination, reveal the housing market in YOUR area.  Even local daily newspapers, business journals and websites don’t have the micro-data that you will need to set your price.  Consult a local Realtor® for the down and dirty stats that you simply MUST have on-hand in order to make an informed decision with regards to pricing your home.  

Ask your Realtor® to share with you:

• Current versus historic median/average sales prices
• Average time on the market of for-sale homes in your specific neighborhood
• Your recent neighborhood list to sales prices
• Are others in your area offering incentives to their buyers?
• How many homes have sold in your area in the last 6 months?
• How many homes are currently under Contract in your neighborhood/area?
• Confirm unemployment rates and the state of major local employers; are businesses coming to the area or are they closing shop?  

Your local expert can provide you with accurate statistical data and guide you in proper placement in YOUR market for optimal results.  Do your research and compare it to what your local expert provides you--your market placement will be far more accurate when working from the real data obtained from your Realtor®.

Originally posted at www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Redefining Market Value When Selling Your Charlotte Home

Has your home been on the market far too long?  If so, there's a strong chance you're not living in Realityville.

Here are a few things that your home ISN’T:

• The value isn't what the tax assessor says it is
• The value isn’t what your two-year-old appraisal says it is.
• The value isn’t what a similar-sized home that sold across town was.

Your home’s value is only what a buyer is willing to pay you today for your home.  Trust your agent when he or she tells you that you've overpriced your house;  believe me when I say, we’re not trying to procure a quick sale for that quick commission check.     We KNOW the dangers that may happen should your home linger on the market for an extended period of time.

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate

Debe Maxwell, CRS, Realtor®/Broker
SAVVY + COMPANY REAL ESTATE
1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
Mobile: (704) 491-3310
Fax: (704) 353-7014

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.