Why is My Home Not Selling?

Other than the fact we are in a difficult market here in the Columbus area as with much of the country there often are other factors that can prevent homes from selling. Believe it or not there are a couple of quick and easy fixes that can be done to enhance your homes sellability.
Often times when folks think of selling they may do a little research online and determine that it is cheaper to go it alone and make the decision to stick a sign in the yard and post their home on a few sites. They fail to fully understand that in this market it is often imperative to partner with a professional who can help you with the right help to help sell your home. A couple of easy fixes include:

Spruce Up

Spruce up and keep it neat and clean are the first tips most agents will share with you. Noting will derail a real estate transaction quicker than a messy unkempt home. It can be difficult and inconvenient to live in a property and sell at the same time, especially when there are children involved. However, dollar for dollar nothing you can do will compare to the return that a little elbow grease and extra effort do for your bottom line. There are tips that you can use that will help you to learn ways to clean your home quickly for those unexpected times that you will get the call to show your home in 30 minutes or less.

Good Images are Key

Newspapers and print materials used to be the primary place folks went when they wanted to began their home search. Cost and space limitation generally limit newspaper and magazines listings to one photo. The photo is usually small and may not highlight some of the best features of the home.
Today most folks began that search online. A full 80% of today’s buyers start their online. Research shows that the average buyers expect to see an abundance of online images. The more the better and virtual tours are a plus. There are lots of tips to help you if you aren't experienced at getting good room images that can highlight your home’s assets but if necessary work with your agent to bring in a professional that can capture your home in a way that will enhance its marketability. Basically, it is imperative that for your home to get maximum exposure, to the greatest number of buyers, your home needs to be online in as many places as possible.

In this market there are lots of potholes in the sales process. You need to partner with a Realtor® who can help you maneuver around the potholes and assist you through a smooth transaction from start to finish. Call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.

LINKS:
Help to help sell your home: http://www.statefarm.com/learning/life_stages/learning_lifestages_sellinghome.asp
Ways to clean your home fast: http://www.ehow.com/how_2312344_clean-house-faster.html
Room Images: http://www.ehow.com/how_4516889_take-photos-house-sale.html

Affordable Housing Super Sunday

Mark Your Calendar-Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House

Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House will occur Sunday April 19th, 2009.
This event is sponsored by the Columbus Board of Realtors and will feature over 200 affordibalby priced ($125,000) homes all over the central Ohio area. If you spot by to visit any participation home on 4/19/2009 you can register to win one of the following exciting prizes:

Whirlpool Stainless Steel Smooth Top Electric Range & 25 cu ft Side-by-Side Refrigerator with water & ice Dispenser courtesy Dominion Homes & Whirlpool

Wii Gaming Systems courtesy Perma View(ANDERSON Replacement Windows) & Tim Moffitt & Nancy Garrabrant, National City Bank now a part of PNC

Wii Fit System courtesy First AmericanTitle Insurance Company

This has become an annual event for the Columbus Board and gives the community an opportunity to see some great affordable homes. Mark your calendars for Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House Sunday April 19th, 2009. A full listing of the homes that will be featured will be available in the Sunday April 19th, Columbus Dispatch and Columbusdispatch.com

If you need additional information or have any Columbus area real estate needs please call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.

Other upcoming events: April is Fair Housing Month

Declutter While Having the Best Garage/Tag Sale Ever

One of the surest signs of spring right up there with the time change and warmer weather is the return of Garage/Tag Sales. Here are a few tips to help insure that you declutter while having the best sale ever just remember: HOM AD.

· Have everything clearly priced and affordable. Garage/Tag sale shoppers are looking for a bargain keep that in mind as you determine prices. Label items individually or decide on an easy pricing system. Some chose to color code with stickers i.e..Blue items .25, Red .50 or Yellow items $1.00.

· Organize early. Its best begin organizing weeks prior to your sell. Start boxing up items for the sale. Use the 1 year rule and ask yourself: Have I used it, worn it or looked for it in the past 12 months. It the answer is no it goes. Provide original packing and instructions if possible. Pricing items early as you identify and pack them away will only help save time later.

· Make plenty of signs leading traffic to your Columbus area sale. If they cannot find you they will not come. Be mindful of rules but where possible post signs and attach balloons, streamers or what every will make your sign eye catching to passing motorist.

· Advertise your sale in local newspapers and online. Advertising is the key element to whether or not you have a successful sale. Ideally you want to have your ad run in local papers in the morning of your sale to catch those who start their day with a look through the paper. There are numerous sites that where you can advertise your sale for free, one such site is Garage Sale Tracker and Craig’s List. Contact me if you would like to advertise your sale on my blog or website.

· Donate leftovers. Make yourself a promise that no unsold items will be returned to your house. After your sale, box up all items and take them to a drop off box for charity. You will be doing a good deed for others and keeping your commitment to declutter.
With these tips, you're well on your way to having your best garage sale ever.

Want more money saving ideas like this one? See:
Drab Kitchen Make-Over…On a Budget
Your House Smells!!!
Quick-N -Easy Fix for Beat Up Woodwork....

Ready to buy or sell your Columbus area home call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com