The Power of an Open House

There is no doubt that selling a Folsom home can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but luckily we have lots of tools to make the process easier and more effective. Although some people doubt the effectiveness of holding an open house, I can assure you that it can be a powerful tool to attract potential buyers and close the deal quickly.

An open house is an event that allows interested buyers to tour a property that is up for sale without the pressure of scheduling an appointment with a real estate agent. The more relaxed atmosphere allows an opportunity for sellers to showcase their homes and for buyers to get a feel for the property’s layout, features, and neighborhood.

Here are some of the reasons why an open house is important when selling a home:

An Open House attracts more buyers

An open house is an excellent way to attract more buyers to your property. By scheduling a specific day and time, you can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that encourages people to attend. We also promote the event through various channels, such as social media, online listing services, and neighborhood flyers to reach a wider audience and assure maximum visibility.

An Open House allows buyers to visualize the property

Seeing a property in person can make a huge difference versus viewing it online. An open house allows buyers to leisurely walk through the property, explore each room, and get a sense of how the home flows and how it might work for them. This tactile experience can help buyers visualize themselves living in the home and can make them more emotionally invested in the property. I regularly see buyers “fall in love” when they experience sitting on the patio overlooking the view of distant hills!

An Open House provides immediate feedback

An open house is an excellent way to get immediate feedback from potential buyers. During the event, buyers may ask questions, express their opinions, and provide valuable insights that can help you understand what people are looking for in a home. This feedback can help you make necessary changes or improvements to the property to make it more appealing to buyers which can expedite a sale.

An Open House saves time and effort

Hosting an open house can save you time and effort in the long run. Instead of scheduling multiple individual showings, you can showcase your home to many potential buyers at once. This approach can help you streamline the sales process and potentially close the deal more quickly.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting potential buyers at an open house. If you’re considering selling your Folsom home, be sure to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you plan and execute a successful open house. Call me today to learn more!

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Seven Swaps that Buyers Will Love!

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Selling a home can be a stressful and daunting process, especially if you want to sell it quickly and at a good price. Fortunately, there are several affordable updates that you can make to your Folsom home that can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best affordable updates to make when you are selling a home.

Paint

One of the most affordable and effective updates you can make to your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint can make your home look cleaner, brighter, and more modern. Stick to neutral colors, such as beige or gray, which will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

Lighting

Good lighting can make your home look larger and more welcoming. Consider updating your light fixtures to more modern, energy-efficient options. You can also add lamps or additional light fixtures to rooms that may be dimly lit.

Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Simple updates such as adding some plants or flowers to your yard, power washing your home’s exterior, and painting your front door can make a big impact.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and can be a major selling point. However, you don’t need to completely remodel your kitchen to make it more appealing. Instead, focus on smaller updates such as painting or replacing cabinet doors, updating hardware, and replacing outdated appliances.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are another area that buyers pay close attention to, but updating your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Try a few simple things such as painting the vanity, updating the faucet, and adding new towels and bathmats can make a big difference in the visual appeal of the room.

Flooring

Updating your flooring can be a more expensive update, but it can also significantly increase the value of your home. If you can’t afford to replace your flooring, consider having it professionally cleaned or adding an area rug to cover any worn areas.

Declutter

Finally, one of the most affordable updates you can make is to declutter your home. Remove any personal items, excess furniture, and clutter from your home. This will make your home look more spacious and allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Making affordable updates to your Folsom home can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. Updates such as painting, improving lighting, updating the kitchen and bathroom, and decluttering can make a big difference. With a little effort and some smart updates, you can help your home sell quickly and at a good price.

And don’t forget the importance of an experienced realtor with neighborhood expertise. Call Margaret, your Folsom Realtor, today! (916) 203-3765

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Pricing Your Home: The Goldilocks Method

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When it’s time to price your home for sale, you’ll need to channel your “Inner-Goldilocks” to find a price that’s “just right” to attract buyers while reflecting the current market and still putting the most money in your pocket.

The fairytale Goldilocks had the luxury of time to find exactly what she needed, but it doesn’t work that way when you are selling your home. When your home hits the market, it needs to appeal to the right buyers at the correct price point. Let’s consider a few basic guidelines:

Don’t price it too high

Your home’s market debut is your first (and often best) chance to get the right buyers through the door. It’s essential to get the pricing right. If your home appears overpriced, you run the risk of buyers moving on from the listing to seek a more appropriately priced property. Remember, buyers have access to a great deal of information and a savvy buyer can sniff out overpriced homes more quickly than ever. Of course, you can always do price reductions, but by then, many homebuyers have moved on.

Don’t price it too low

Listing a home below its market value is a popular strategy used by some sellers to generate excitement regarding the property and possibly spark a bidding war. This strategy was a common and successful practice during the pandemic when inventory was low, interest rates were low and buyer demand was soaring.

But pricing your house too low may result in leaving some serious money on the table if the desired “frenzy” does not materialize. Additionally, bargain-basement prices potentially turn some buyers away, as they may fear underlying problems with the house.

Do price it “just right” by considering the comps

Comparable sales or “comps” are recently sold homes that are like your property in terms of size, location, and features. Your agent will compile a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you determine a realistic listing price.

Data allows sellers to “pull back the curtain” on home sales to validate the pricing of their homes. The old mantra remains: It doesn’t matter how much your neighbor thinks your home is worth, what the plumber thinks your home is worth, or even what Goldilocks thinks your home is worth.

I would be happy to help you determine the right price for your home. I offer experience, neighborhood expertise, and good, old-fashioned hard work to get your home sold for the best price possible. I want to be your Folsom Realtor. Check out my tips for sellers and give me a call today! (916) 203-3765

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What Your Realtor is Doing “When You’re Not Looking!”

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Relax. I’m not suggesting anything covert or shady. I’d like to share a few of the things that you should expect from a great realtor. Because what she is doing when “you’re not looking” makes all the difference in a successful real estate transaction.

Let’s check out a few examples

PREPARATION IS THE KEY

A great realtor doesn’t just “happen.” A great realtor masters her craft by analyzing market trends and enrolling in continuing education classes for additional certifications. While you’re not looking, she is touring properties and visiting homes that might be suitable for her client. She busily cultivates relationships with tradespeople including stagers, contractors, and landscapers to create a little black book of trusted professionals.

That’s what it takes for a realtor to be prepared for your phone call!

AND THEN THE PLANNING BEGINS!

When you aren’t looking, your realtor is creating lists, checking them twice, and potentially creating more lists! If you are listing a property, planning begins before the listing appointment. She will have done her homework by preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home, and will be armed with a personal knowledge of real estate activity in your neighborhood, and will have a targeted marketing plan for your property.

And then, when your back is turned, a great realtor executes the plan!

NOW FOR THE FOLLOW-UP

A great realtor loves phone calls, texts, and email because follow-up is critical in both the buying and selling process. Feedback from agents who have visited a listing is critical for helping Sellers make decisions regarding sales price, changes in staging details or to have the knowledge needed to pivot in the changing needs of the Folsom real estate market.

Experience matters.

LET’S NEGOTIATE

When you’re not looking, your realtor contacts other agents regarding potential offers, then analyzes terms and contingencies to guide you through the negotiation process. She will negotiate the best deal for YOU, not the loan officers, not the buyers, and certainly not for herself. Integrity matters.

AND FINALLY, SHE NEVER SLEEPS ON A TRANSACTION

Transactions don’t close themselves! While you’re back is turned, your realtor works tirelessly with the other agent, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, transaction coordinators, contractors, and more to ensure a smooth close.

Of course, issues can come up during escrow. A great realtor can often foresee the issues and in many cases, the client doesn’t even know that there was a glitch in the transaction. And if the deal does get a little dicey, she is there to counsel you all the way.

FINALLY

The Melville Group would be proud to work behind your back and assist you while you’re not looking. We are excited to roll up our sleeves and put our experience to work for YOU. Call now to learn more about the current market and to determine if it’s a good time for you to make a move.

We want to be your Folsom Realtors! Call Margaret today. (916) 203-3765

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Make Your Property More Attractive for Homebuyers

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Ensure a Good First Impression

Homebuyers make up their minds about a property in the first few minutes. Make sure your home makes that vital first impression. New paint does wonders. Make sure the front yard is flawless with manicured lawns and attractive foliage. Add a hanging basket or some flower pots at the door. The front door is also critical, make sure the hardware is presentable.

Make them Feel Welcome

Don’t forget buying a home is in many ways an emotional decision, so it’s important to give buyers that warm and fuzzy feeling! Keep the temperature in the home at a comfortable level. Light some candles in the bathrooms and make sure it smells nice and clean. Have fresh flowers around the house.

But don’t make it too personal

Make them feel welcome, but don’t go too far. Too much personality, for example in the form of personal possessions and family photos makes it hard for buyers to visualize living in the space.

Clear out the Clutter

Make sure your property is clutter-free for all your viewings. This will make your home look and feel bigger, and the buyers will be able to imagine how they could make the space their own. Make sure that there is a clean, logical flow through the home by getting rid of all excess furniture. Less is more.

Improve Lighting

This is another way to make your home seem more spacious. Open all your curtains and flood the space with natural light. Make sure the darker rooms are also lit. Invest in some light fixtures and fittings, and place them strategically to illuminate even the gloomiest of areas.

Decorate to Sell That House

Slap on a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color to give it that blank canvas look but do not be too sterile. Have some contrast in the trim as well as the ceiling. Neutral colors make properties appear lighter and brighter, so take advantage of this inexpensive and easy option. You may also add color with decorative window coverings, rugs, and towels.

Clean Up Your Act

Your home should be spotless. Make sure the beds are made and the countertops are free of clutter. The dishes should be put away and nothing should be scattered on the floor. Don’t forget to tidy your garden too: Cut the shrubs back, sweep the patio, and wipe down the backyard furniture.

Those Minor Repairs You Put Off

It is easy to forget things such as broken doorknobs, cracked tiles, holes in walls and damaged but buyers will notice them first thing as they are walking around your home.

Maximize Your Space

The golden rule of selling is to make your space look and feel bigger and better than what your competitors have to offer. We’ve already mentioned that lighting your home, both naturally and artificially, can maximize your assets, but getting rid of bulky furniture can also be a great way of making the most of what you have. Large pieces of furniture make a space feel smaller, so put these items into storage and dress your home with more compact pieces.

Don’t Forget Your Floors

Make the investment of improving and investing in those floors. Worn carpets and damaged vinyl floors need to be replaced, and wooden floors especially should undergo some maintenance. This is not chap by any means, but the prospect of selling your home for the best possible price will likely outweigh the cost.

Remove Pets During Showings

You do not need to remind the potential buyer that the previous owner kept pets.

Try to remove your pets from your home when you are showing the home. Having a pet in the house or yard can create complications for your agent while trying to show the house, and puts your pet at risk of accidentally getting out during the showing. There are also liability issues to deal with as well. They may react differently to stranger and it may cause them stress. All pet-related damage should be repaired prior to showing the home. Make sure to also remove all odors and stains. New visitors will notice smells when they come to view the house. This is not something you want to happen. Have your carpet and floors professionally cleaned or replaced. Pick up any messes in the backyard and have any sod replaced and other damage repaired.

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