MOVING ON UP
REAL ESTATE EXPERTS ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
Open Houses can be a controversial issue and
in my business I discuss the pros and cons
of them, as well as allow my sellers to decide
whether or not this is a practical part of the
marketing plan that works for them.
The pros of an open house is that it is an
excellent way to determine how the buyers in
the market place view the property, the price and
understand their perception of the current competition. This requires
me, as an agent, to be open to asking the questions and interacting
with the people viewing the home.
A lot of sellers are adverse to an open house because they feel it will
only be neighbors showing up. Your neighbors are some of the best
advertisement you will get when you are on the market! They love
where they live and are happy to tell people that; people who may be
in the market or know someone who is! This can be a super effective
way of spreading the word about your home!
In order to make the open house successful though, there are a few
key factors. Effective advertising will ensure that your open house is
promoted on all platforms; online, print and on social media! Ensure
your home is free of pet and food smells. Tire kickers are honest and
will let everyone in the open house know how they feel about any
deficiencies.
If you are opposed to an open house please keep in mind it is only
one part of a marketing plan. Not everyone is comfortable with having
strangers or neighbors through their home and that’s absolutely OK.
A marketing plan for any property is made up of several components
of which only one is an open house. Speak to your agent. Understand
your options and be open to their recommendations. Happy selling! -
Marcia Bergen, www.marciabergen.com
WHY WOULD SOMEONE USE A MORTGAGE BROKER?
Our service is free, we are completely independent and our
advice is tailored to meet your needs. With access to a wide
range of mortgage lenders and products we always try to
ensure we give you the best possible solution.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN
EVALUATING A MORTGAGE?
It always comes down to the terms and conditions. People
have a tendency to focus on rate and don't take into account
important factors that will, ultimately, cost them a lot more in
the long term.
VARIABLE OR FIXED?
This is an age-old dilemma. The general rule-of-thumb has
been to go Variable if the spread between variable and fixed
is 1% or higher. With the spread being so narrow today it is
hard to justify accepting any rate fluctuation with variable.
- Jerome Trail, www.themortgagetrail.com
CLEANLINESS IS THE #1 KEY TO SUCCESS Not just removing the dirt,
dust and odor but also creating the "clean look" of your home by placing the
furniture the right way. As well, using your art and décor to create a look that
gives a good vibe of home and gives the impression of warmth and comfort
while inviting one's curiosity. The biggest challenge for many seems to be
packing. "To pack or not to pack" is a question that everyone seems to have at
some point during the listing process. My recommendations would be:
ONLY KEEP THE CLOTHING you are planning to wear for the next two
months in your closet and pack up the rest. This allows the prospective buyer
to see a tidy organized closet space.
MINIMIZE THE FURNITURE AND DÉCOR IN YOUR HOME Having a
cabinet or shelves with numerous vacation trophies on display or one too
many furniture pieces out may simply be too distracting for anyone viewing
your home. I'd definitely recommend to pack up and store away any extras.
Example: one sofa, one coffee table, one end table and two armchairs at the
most.
ORGANIZE AND STORE ITEMS FROM THE GARAGE Do not crowd
everything into the garage as it may give a wrong feeling or provide a certain
internal set back. Renting a storage unit to store your packed belongings is the
best idea. - Karolina Jandera, www.thestagingshop.ca