Friday Fun Video: And This Is Why You Get A Home Inspection
Don’t let any of these issues catch you by surprise! Get a home inspection before closing on a house.
For Realtors: Refresh Your Online Marketing With These Tips
Most home buyers these days begin their home search online. That’s where many of them begin looking at listings, and begin looking for Realtors. As an agent, you want to be found online. The world is changing (it has already changed, in fact) and agents who don’t keep with the technology will soon be left in the dust. It’s crucial to manage your social media accounts- Twitter, Facebook, even Instagram and Pinterest are all (FREE) ways to put yourself out there. Does your online persona need a facelift? If so, check out these tips by the Adwerx blog:
-Location, location, location- establish yourself as a local expert, constantly talk about your experience in your area: Google has updated its algorithm to show searchers more local results.
-Make sure your website, blog, and social media profiles are mobile friendly
-Put your own unique voice and design into everything you put out; it’s an amazing way to instantly connect with potential clients
-Consider hiring a social media assistant or online marketing agency if you feel you are too busy to keep updating them.
Wordless Wednesday: Modern Luxury
So You’re About To Close…
Closing on a home is both exciting and stressful. You’re so close to finally owning your dream home (or something close to it), but there’s still a ton of stuff to do. Before you sign that final piece of paperwork, check out this post by Meaghan Agnew at the Trulia blog for a list of everything you need to get done. It’s super helpful and a great way to make sure you’re not more stressed than you need to be on move-in day:
-Book the movers ahead of time
-Call the locksmith and book them as close to your move-in date as possible
-Switch the utilities over; make the calls at least 2 weeks ahead of time
-Hire a baby/pet sitting for moving day
-Clear your schedule for closing: make sure you ask off from work, and let people know you may not be available.
Do You Have To Be Extroverted To Succeed As A Realtor?
I’m an introvert by nature. I like staying at home, reading books, writing, and maybe hanging out with my close friends once a week or so. I make a living by doing what I love, writing, and I’m honestly happier than I’ve ever been. That being said, there are certain professions that I don’t think I’d be great at- being a real estate agent is one of them. Realtors have to be accessible, able to communicate quickly, and must be able to make connections instantly with clients they meet.
To me, that sounds incredibly difficult. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to be an extrovert to be successful in real estate! There are tons of positive qualities that introverts have that are vital for Realtors. Check out this infographic by the House Hunt blog for the pros and cons of being an introvert (or an extrovert) in real estate:
-Introverts: have effective text communication, online marketing, focus on paperwork and file management, has a more intimate network with stronger bonds. However, they may feel uncomfortable promoting themselves.
-Extroverts: great at 1:1 communication, usually make great first impressions, and thrive in negotiations. But, they need to focus on organization, and truly listening to what their clients want.
Friday Fun Video: How To Brighten Up Your Home!
These are some awesome tips if you’re ready to breathe new life into your space!
Sellers, Your Time Is Now!
Housing inventory has been low for a while now, and the demand only grows more each day. Many homes are being sold within a week, with multiple competing offers on them. Yes, now is a great time to sell your home. You will likely get your full asking price (or very close to it), and will sell your home fast. But now, according to this article by Hilary Osborne at The Guardian, home sellers have even more reason to get their homes on the market: home prices have jumped dramatically. That’s right- you might end up with even MORE than your home is worth. While the article is UK based, it still rings true for us across the pond.
Apparently, England has enacted a new tax, which charges those buyers who already own property a surcharge for each additional home bought. It’s to encourage new, first-time homebuyers to get out there, and to give them an advantage over wealthy landlords and property investors. It was just put into place this year, so we’ll see how it pans out… and whether or not the US should consider a similar strategy.
Photo Credit: Cameron Parkins
Wordless Wednesday: Framed Indoor Windows
Fall Home Selling Tips
I may be jumping the gun, since it isn’t even September yet, but I’m just SO excited for Fall (and ready for cooler temperatures). If you’re selling your home soon, you should be excited too! While Spring and Summer and peak home selling seasons, Fall offers its own unique beauty that you can use to your advantage. Plus, in the current market, there are going to be buyers looking all year round. Check out these awesome Fall selling tips by Bill Gassett at the Max Real Estate Exposure blog:
-Keep the exterior clean- rake up those leaves, keep the gutters cleaned out, and pick up some seasonal flowers.
-Embrace the season- don’t be afraid to give your home some tasteful, seasonal decorations!
-Always price your home accordingly and work with a Realtor