Greater Kansas City Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - homehttps://www.askcathy.com/blog/Copyright AskCathy.com2022-05-23T12:39:54-07:00tag:askcathy.com,2012-09-20:18990MYTHBUSTERS: Home Selling EditionReal estate is one of those subjects that people always have an opinion on. Unfortunately, with a variety of opinions comes a lot of unreliable information and untruths. The Ask Cathy Marketing Group put together a list of the “biggest myths of real estate” and wanted to set the record straight. Our wise agents are so chock full of important information, today's focus is on common myths that face home sellers.
Check back soon if you are a homebuyer for our Mythbusters: Home Buying Edition. If you have any other home-selling myths you would like to dispel, be sure to reach out to us for help!
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The Myth: FSBO will save you money
The Truth:
“How hard can selling a home be?”
“My home will literally sell itself, why should I use an agent?”
“I can save so much money by not paying a listing fee”.
These are the common things we hear from people who are contemplating selling their homes themselves. The sad thing is that they don't realize that by NOT using an experienced agent, they are actually leaving a lot of money on the table, like A LOT. On average, FSBO homes sold for 5.5–26% less than comparable homes listed on the MLS. Since the Ask Cathy Group outperforms, and typically nets our clients more than 3.5% over other agents in the Kansas City area, it is safe to say that you would be losing significant money by selling your home yourself. The loss of money doesn't just extend to the selling price. Most sellers had to pay a buyer's agent commission too for bringing a buyer to the table, and more money could be lost in buyer concessions once inspections have been completed. Homebuyers who shop FSBO are usually thinking they can purchase your home for less because you aren't using an agent. They are already entering your home thinking of getting a bargain. In comparison to a potential buyer coming into a home, where there are multiple back-to-back showings, a home buyer will be less likely to reduce the asking price when they know there is competition for a coveted property.
Negotiation is always a huge part of buying and selling a home. You want to make sure you have an expert negotiator on your side when it comes to getting the most out of your real estate transaction. If your potential buyer is using an experienced and savvy agent to negotiate on their behalf, you may find you are outmatched quickly, and leave thousands of dollars on the table. Our team is well versed in strategic negotiating tactics and brings years of experience when going to bat for you.
An experienced listing agent has the power to vet your potential buyers and help you select just the right offer on your home. Your agent can size up a potential buyer who might look good from the outside, but whose offer is riddled with potential holes and red flags. Their expertise is crucial when selecting an offer. The Ask Cathy agents are trained to find the best offer and one that has the most likelihood of closing on time with minimum issues. Real estate agents are able to access a larger pool of buyers for your home than you can do yourself as well. They have access to a number of channels in which to advertise homes, and use professional services to do so, ones that an online FSBO cannot match.
In addition, FSBO are more likely to stumble into legal trouble, as real estate transactions are full of potential liabilities for unwary sellers. According to the National Association of Realtors, there are at least 184 distinct steps performed in order to close on a single real estate transaction. Even people with experience selling FSBO don't generally keep up with current procedures or real estate laws. Having an experienced agent ensures that all the appropriate documents and procedures are done correctly and legally. Needless to say, having an experienced agent with many transactions in their career is key.
The Myth: Buyers will appreciate your renovations as much as you do
The Truth:
You know the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” Well, it is especially true when it comes to purchasing a home. What might seem like the most amazing decorating style or wall color to you, may turn a high-paying buyer completely OFF, and out the door before you can say “walk-in closet”. In fact, they may not even make it through the front door if something doesn't appeal to them. Not everyone has the insight of not judging a book by its cover, or in this case – judging a home by its listing pictures. If you have decorated your home in a particular style or just sunk a bunch of money into taste-specific upgrades, it could drastically limit your potential buyers. The last thing you want to hear is that “if only” this wasn't that style. The last thing a buyer wants to do when purchasing a home is to rip out unwanted fixtures or spend a lot of time painting walls. Style is a personal choice and before you leap ahead and spend money you could be investing in your next home, get expert advice. Our experienced team at Ask Cathy has saved our clients literally thousands of dollars by guiding them on market trends and affordable fixes that can make the difference between a happy future homeowner or them taking their buying power elsewhere. Our professional photos entice potential buyers to be one of the first ones in the door to see your home. In some cases, we suggest very simple, absolutely free changes can be made that will entice and appeal to a broader range of buyers. That seems like a great value doesn't it?
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The Myth: It is better to overprice my home and negotiate then to start with what it is actually worth
The Truth:
Overpricing a home, in any market, can be the kiss of death. Most people set a cap on the amount they are going to spend on their future home. This cap is made under the consideration of their personal budget, or the amount they qualify for from their mortgage company, or the home price they can purchase it at also takes into consideration any renovations that they may want to make in their future home. By overpricing your home from the get go, you run the risk of eliminating a whole group of homebuyers that may have set their “target price” for less. Online searches are set to particular increments, and if your home is above its “target range” then buyers will miss out on seeing your home completely. The higher your home price, the lower the number of buyers that are considering looking at your home. If the characteristics of your home do not match other homes in your same elevated price range, a buyer is less likely to consider even looking at your home.
If your home is overpriced, it only takes a few showings to know it. Then if you decide to drop the price, or your home stays on the market too long, potential buyers wonder “What is wrong with that house?” Nothing discourages buyers more than a stale listing. Waiting also leads to frustration and anxiousness on the seller’s part, which can cause them to make rash decisions or select any offer that walks in the door. By pricing your home properly, your home will get the attention it deserves, and could also set the pace for a multiple offer situation should your home be in high demand.
The Myth: “If The First Offer Was Good, That Means My Home is Worth Much More”
The Truth:
We get it. You want the most money possible for your home. If you receive a high offer right off the bat, you may have the sinking sensation that you priced your home too low to begin with. This is not usually the case. A seasoned and experienced listing agent, like those on the Ask Cathy Team, price your home at the right price.
Buyers, especially ones that have been searching for “just the right home”, may fall in love with your home and don't want to run the risk of losing your home to another bidder. They may come in with a very strong offer, right from the get-go to entice you to accept their offer quickly.
The Myth: Spring and Summer Are The Best Times to List
The Truth:
To be honest, anytime is the best time to list. People move year round, job relocation, family emergencies, and so many other reasons cause people to move. In fact, during the most “unpopular” times to move – winter, and the holidays are some of the very best times to list. Buyers purchase all year round and due to the fact that home inventory is lower at that time than in other months, your home may become a highly coveted property. During peak listing times, there are more homes to choose from – meaning buyers can be more selective when it comes to settling on a home to purchase. A number of sellers put off listing their home thinking that spring will bring a plethora of buyers. What they don't realize is that it also brings competition for those buyers with other sellers listing their home at the same time. The bottom line is when the right time for you to move is the right time to list, don't let a season or holiday put off such an important decision.
We CAN Handle the Truth, and So Can You!
We understand. Selling your home is a big deal. Even if you have sold a home before, there are still a number of questions you may have. The idea of selling your home may make you feel uneasy, bring unwanted feelings, or stress to you. The Ask Cathy Marketing Group knows how you feel. We've all been there, not just with our own homes, but with hundreds of clients whom we have walked through it with. You may have special circumstances surrounding your move. Let us help you. With all of our combined experience, there is literally nothing we haven't seen or experienced. We will help you navigate selling your home with all that our knowledge and professionalism have to offer. Even if you are just thinking about potentially selling your home, we want to help. Connect with us today for an absolutely free and no-obligation consultation to get all of your home-selling questions answered.
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2022-02-16T17:28:00-07:002022-05-19T08:41:05-07:00Cathy Countitag:askcathy.com,2012-09-20:192007 Ways to Flood-Proof Your HouseWe have just experienced some crazy weather over the past few weeks in Kansas City. The record-breaking flooding damaged many homes and although we cannot control the weather, there are many things we can do to keep our homes as flood-proof as possible!
Ensure your lot is properly graded. You should have at least one inch of fall for every foot that you go away from the house. Insufficient slope away from the foundation can cause poor drainage, when then results in having a leaky basement.
Regularly clean and maintain your gutters so that they're not blocked. Blocked gutters cause water to run down the side of the house, and then to the foundation.
Close foundation cracks with mortar and masonry caulk or hydraulic cement, which expands and fills gaps completely and costs only a few dollars. If you experience a recurring issue from these cracks, we recommend having a structural engineer evaluate the problem.
Invest in a battery-backup for your Sump Pump.Sump pumps let you pump water out of your home and can be an excellent defense against flooding — unless they're powered by electricity and the power is out. A Battery-backup will ensure your sump pump continues to run even if the power goes out.
Extend downspouts away from your home. Add downspout extenders and splash boxes and make sure they extend three to six feet away from the home. This is inexpensive and will make a big difference in keeping moisture away from your foundation.
Purchase window well covers so that water does not accumulate. When we have 10 inches of rain like we did the other day, this amount of water can fill up the window wells very quickly.
Repair sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways that may have shifted over the years, allowing water to pool close to the home.
If you have any questions about these suggestions, please leave us a comment below and we would be happy to help!2017-08-24T15:31:00-07:002022-05-23T12:03:31-07:00Cathy Countitag:askcathy.com,2012-09-20:19207First Impressions Count: How to Increase your Home’s AppealMuch like a first date or job interview, that first impression you offer to others can make all the difference in the world. The same rule applies to your home. If you want potential buyers to get past the curb and across the threshold, there are a few hard and fast rules to which you must adhere. Staging your home for a fast sale may seem overwhelming, but it really just takes a few simple steps to give it that “WOW” factor.
Consider the exterior of your home. Approach it like it is your outdoor living room. If your yard looks attractive, potential buyers will see that as a reflection of the interior of the home. Your lawn may need a bit of dressing up first, and you can do this by keeping the grass freshly mowed and remove any clutter in the yard. Be sure to weed the yard and install fresh mulch to all flower beds.
Loose door handles anywhere? Tighten them up and be sure to clean all of the windows while you are at it. It is also a good idea to power wash the exterior of your home and make sure all gutters and downspouts are well attached and fully functioning. If you have a wooden fence, be sure to apply a fresh coat of paint or stain to liven it up.
Approach your front door as if you are a potential buyer. Does it look a bit pale, drab and unappealing? Consider a fresh paint job. Be sure to place a ‘Welcome' mat at the door, too, as well as a few pretty potted plants near the door. Consider this the makeup for the entryway.
Take a hard look inside your home now. You may want to rearrange furniture in certain rooms or even temporarily remove some and place it in storage. The idea is to make the rooms appear larger and flow easily.
You may want to roll up your sleeves for this next part. It's tedious, but important. Clean and organize all cabinets, closest and bookshelves. Also clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans and other fixtures you may routinely overlook during regular cleanings. Think: Drastic spring cleaning here!
Other action items to consider include cleaning or painting walls and ceilings; fixing or repairing discolored grout; replacing broken tiles and worn countertops, shampoo carpets, and remove excessive and unnecessary wall hangings and various knick-knacks (a/k/a “clutter!”). If you have been putting off any minor repairs (torn screens, cracked caulking, sticking doors, etc.) around your home, now is the time to attack those projects.
When it's time for that exciting showing, turn on all the lights; open the drapes and shutters in the day time; ensure any pets are secured outside; invest in new towels for the bathrooms and new bedding for the beds; and replace outdated lamps/lampshades. You can add a bit of subtle ambiance by playing quiet music in the background, lighting the fireplace or at least cleaning out the ashes; infuse the home with a light and comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla and set the dining room table as if you were expecting to host a fancy dinner party.
In short, you want to present your home so the potential new owners can envision what it will look like when THEY live there. Don't give it your personality; instead, stage it to speak to the buyer. They want to visualize how they will use the space, not how you use it.
And finally, be sure to leave the property while it is being shown!2017-06-14T15:19:00-07:002022-05-23T12:10:44-07:00Cathy Countitag:askcathy.com,2012-09-20:19211Busting Those Pesky Real Estate Myths – Part 1!Busting those pesky real estate myths – Part 1!
Myth #1: Pricing high translates to getting a higher price.
In reality, that is probably not going to happen. Ever hear of comparison shopping? If a buyer discovers that your condo is priced $40k higher than comparable units, yours probably won't even make the cut for showing.
Remember! Buyers are not interested in negotiating. They will usually just walk away if the price is not on par with their terms. Buyers are in the position to take the “actively searching but not desperately seeking” approach.
A house for sale has more sales potential when it is fresh on the market. The longer it stands, the more potential buyers might become wary of its listing longevity. “There has to be something wrong with it. Why has it not sold? What are the sellers hiding?” Once that listing goes beyond its expiration date, it's going to get stale.
Studies have indicated that the longer a house sits on the market, the lower its price becomes. If it entered the market for $975,000, its final price may barely keep its head above water at $870,000, and that is not the direction in which you want to go.
Myth #2: “Well, that agent told me I can get $XX for my home.”
Did you know it is not the agent who determines what your home is worth? Leave that to the buyer. If an agent tells you he can get you top dollar for your home, don't follow that carrot too enthusiastically. Most likely, your home will sit on the market for far too long and the asking price could plummet drastically.
Instead, choose an agent who is willing to invest the necessary time, talent and energy into selling your home. Someone who puts a premium on photographs, staging and the overall marketing of your home is a much better choice of agent than one who tries to get you to believe that you will get top dollar for your home just because he thinks he can get that for you. Do you want to partner with an agent who guesses or with one who calculates and invests in the process for you?
Myth #3: An agent comes to your door with a bona fide buyer at the ready.
This should make you laugh, as there has to be a punchline here. In reality, this is just an agent's sneaky way of encouraging you to sell. More than likely, he doesn't have an interested buyer but he does have an interest in wanting to list your house for sale. Just tell that agent, “Have your agent call my agent (the one who would be handling your sale if you did decide to sell), and then we'll talk.” Don't let your agent hold his breath too long!
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!2017-05-30T03:23:00-07:002022-05-23T12:37:24-07:00Cathy Countitag:askcathy.com,2012-09-20:19215Are Ready to be a Home Owner?You've made up your mind. You are ready to become a home owner. Awesome! We are so excited for you! However, as with any significant goal in life, there are a few requisite steps to take before you reach that goal. We have prepared an easy punch list for you to follow. As experienced real estate agents with your best interests in mind, consider this your one-stop shop for all the professional advice you need to help you find your way home.
Action Item #1: Find a real estate agent. Sure, you can tackle this on your own, but you might spend countless hours looking at homes that might not even be within your price range. Remember! You don't have to pay a dime as a buyer to partner with an experienced agent when looking at homes. This advice comes enthusiastically, honestly and above all, FREE. So, go ahead…take advantage of us here. We love it!
Action Item #2: Have a conversation with a mortgage lender. This may sound intimidating, but it is important to meet with one in order to get pre-approved for a home loan. To keep things organized, prepare a file to take to your meeting that includes bank statements pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms and tax returns. If the lender offers you pre-approval, you can expect to receive an estimate as to the size of loan for which you would quality and the approximate interest rate you'd receive.
Action Item #3: If your credit needs improvement, it's time to get it into shape. We get it. Sometimes looking at that number can make you sweat, but it's a necessary part of the game plan. An 850 credit score is ideal, but anything at 760 or above is usually smiled upon. Translation? You qualify for the more competitive interest rates! (But don't fret if your credit score falls below 760. There are things you can do to improve it. It just may mean being patient a bit longer when it comes to finding that new home of yours.)
Action Item #4: Decide where you want to live. This is where you bring together the elements of your lifestyle – proximity to work, family and friends; area schools, shopping and other amenities.
Action Item #5: Keep your credit protected and in loan approval-worthy form. Put the brakes on your desire to buy a new car or take on any new debt. Focus on staying current with all other debt payments. Yes, you have that pre-approval in hand, but bear in mind that is not usually final until a few days before closing.2017-05-08T17:33:00-07:002022-05-23T12:39:54-07:00Cathy Counti