Selling Toledo Real Estate

Getting Your Home on the Market

2007-03-29T12:19:00Z

It's time to get your home on the market and sold. Here are some of the steps you need to take for a successful outcome:

To prepare for the listing appointment, you will need to collect and provide the following information:

The legal description of the property.
The number of rooms and their sizes.
A list of things not attached to the house that you're offering for sale, such as window treatments, carpet, fixtures and swing sets.
Past utility bills, property taxes and insurance.
Information about your mortgage, including the type, terms and assumability.
Any liens against the property.
Special items or improvements about the house. Be sure to point out things that may not be apparent to others as they walk through the house.
The positive points about your neighborhood, such as demographic information and proximity to services, shopping, schools, and other areas.
Any defects that aren't apparent. You have an obligation to the sales associate so that buyers can be informed.

Some of these steps will be taken care of for you by your real estate professional.

We'll be covering other steps like setting the stage, curb appeal, market pricing and more in the next few weeks.

A Day in the Life of a Toledo Area Listing

2007-02-28T20:03:00Z

Well . . . here I am. All cleaned up and ready for someone who wants to buy me. My owners took really good care of me, but now it's time for them to move on. Our agent put a nice colorful sign in my front yard a couple of weeks ago . . .uh, or was that 4 weeks ago? Why doesn't anyone want me? Why aren't they even coming to look me over? I've had kitchen and bath updates, my windows are newer, and I have a really nice back yard for kids to play in.

I noticed the house down the block on the other side of the street. They're also for sale, and looking bored and lonely. It's easy to feel like we're all dressed up with no place to go. Or, like throwing a party, and nobody came.

I heard my owners talking about the interest rates still being low. So that's not the problem. My owners adjusted my price once already.

Wait, is that a buyer pulling to the curb? They're looking at the sign. They're making a call. I hope it's to our agent to schedule a showing.

This waiting around is boring. I remember when my owners bought me. There were so many people looking me over, it was exciting! Made me feel special. I guess we're in a different market now.

Spring is just around the corner. That should bring the buyers out.

River Rd. near Toledo Country Club for $189,900??!!

2007-02-06T14:27:00Z

Yes, it's real. No gimmicks, no tricks, and it's not a fixer-upper. It's the beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home of a motivated seller. Deep lot, 3 car garage, all the classic touches, and in excellent shape; somebody's going to get their dream home at a great price.

What can you as a Toledo area homeseller learn from this? Well, as I just heard from a Toledo area agent with 20 years experience, we are at the bottom, and it's going to take pricing to our current market to get your house sold. If you don't price right for this market, you'll be on the market, but not sold. And isn't getting your house sold the real goal?

Toledo area homebuyers are still active, but they're being very selective. After all there's lots of houses to choose from. The right price in this market will attract the buyer's attention and action.

Don't miss 3226 River Road. Call today to schedule your tour.

Toledo Real Estate: How Do I Price it Right?

2007-01-28T20:58:00Z

You don't want to "give your house away", or "leave money on the table", do you? So how do you price correctly?

First, turn off all the "expert" advice from all the sources that are not actually foot soldiers on the front lines. Any of us that sell houses multiple times per year know the term Market Price. Market Price means the current market you happen to be selling in; not last years market, or some other location across the country. When you look at similar houses compared to yours that have actually sold in the last 6 months, you are looking at what the market of buyers said those houses were worth, and they took action to put their money where their mouth was!

Remember, there's a big difference between "selling" your house and getting to SOLD. Selling can go on and on, causing stress, delaying your plans, and costing you money - money that you'll never get back.

Price it right for the current market you are in and your chances of successfully selling your Toledo Real Estate are greatly increased; price it too high, and you'll be among the unsolds.

It's Never Too Early to List . . .And, How to Predict Buyer Activity

2007-01-23T12:43:00Z

Happy New Year! Oh, that was already two weeks ago . . .uh, make that three weeks ago. One thing we can know for sure: we'll never beat the clock! Every second of every minute the second hand is moving - a second hand for the analog-challenged-digitally empowered is that hand of the clock that just keeps moving. And that's the point, time just keeps advancing us into the future.

Lots of home sellers say, " I'll get my house ready to sell in the spring, and put it on the market in June or July." Lots of home sellers are working frantically in the July and August heat to get their house on the market by maybe September or October. By then, how many buyers do you think have already purchased their dream home? Lots. We have active, serious, pre-approved buyers out looking to buy right now - in January. List your house in January, beat the slow-to-market folks, and win the "Sold" trophy.

Now, about predicting buyer activity. You can't. That's the simple truth. Buyers buy in all seasons. Buyers buy all different types of houses. Buyers buy. And if you intend to sell you need to be ready when they are. Don't waste your time trying to analyze or predict. Act. And win.

Attend an Open House? Why?

2007-01-18T23:31:00Z

In some parts of the country Open Houses are heavily attended. In fact, it's one of the proven tactics that buyers use to get the jump on the competition. Our Toledo market is not one of those markets with heavy attendance, although the Toledo Area Homes Team recently had 23 visitors at an Open House, and the atmosphere was charged with competitive spirit.

Why attend? It's a great time to preview what's available. To compare several properties in one afternoon. To pick the brain of local agents, and to put the agents through a job interview to determine if any of them have the "right stuff" to become your agent. And don't forget this applies whether you're a buyer or a seller. You always want to check out the competition, whether the competition is a property yours is competing with for the "Sold" trophy, or to select an agent from the agents competing for your business.

And while we're on this subject . . .come on out to 636 Tall Pines Drive this Sunday, January 21 between 1 and 3 PM. You'll find a beautiful new villa with all the features you could want and an agent who wants to earn your business. See you there.

Thank you,

Larry Habdas, QSC

Selling in Today's Market

2006-12-14T17:14:00Z

"There's too many houses for sale out there!", "It's a buyer's market!", and on and on. You've heard it all. But why do some houses sell fast, and for higher prices? And, why do some houses just languish on the market . . .no activity, no offers, no phone calls? Don't be a victim of what "they" say. Be proactive. Here are the things you can control: Price, Terms, and Appearance. Let's start with Price. Here's a little secret: almost everyone (real estate agents and appraisers included) overprices their own home when selling. Your marketing price has to be based on real market value not emotional attachment from great memories. Never give your house away, but thinking that buyers will pay more for your home than comparabile homes sold for, is a primary reason for failure to sell. Another secret - shine, shine, shine! Doorknobs, address numbers, windows, cabinet hardware, counters and sinks, all must sparkle. I've even seen furnaces that were clean and shiny! Believe me this makes a favorable impression on buyers. Want to sell fast and for the most money? Price your home so that buyers will feel they're making a mistake by not writing an offer, and shine, shine, shine. People buy homes that are desirable in appearance, and that are priced right.