I was asked today why people say that For Sale By Owners  (FSBO) don't get the most value from their homes. Here is my response to explain how a Seasoned Knowledgable Realtor adds value to your home sale. LIMITED MARKETING EXPOSURE A FISBO gets less exposure on the market limiting the possible buyers. Listing on Facebook Marketplace, Local Newspaper sites, on FISBO websites, limits the amount of buyers that notice your home, with potentially limited or inaccurate information. A Realtor will list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in your area. MLS listings will have all the necessary information a Buyer will need to make an informed decision prior to even calling or coming to your home for a tour. This service gets blasted to a multitude of legitimate real estate websites and other brokerages. Showing your property's best attributes is important when marketing. Good photos, a video tour, and clear explanations of highly sought-after features are all key elements of good exposure.  The better the exposure the more potential buyers see the property, and in turn the more likely a great offer will be presented.   NEGOTIATION Negotiation skill is something a Seasoned Realtor brings to the table. Everything is negotiable in a real estate transaction. There are certain protections and aspects to a transaction that must be negotiated upfront and cannot be changed after the contract is signed. In some cases, a homeowner has an emotional approach to negotiation that can leave money on the table, or terminate a potentially good deal. Losing a good option can cause the property to linger and that costs time and money. Failing to address, understand, or negotiate properly at the beginning of a transaction can leave the homeowner unawares and can cost time, money, and heartache.  There are also many 'predatory buyers' who give discount cash offers and sell the property for significantly more on the same day or within weeks of your closing. A little advice from a seasoned Realtor, the original homeowner could have helped you realize those profits. UNDERSTANDING OFFER COMPLEXITY Understanding the offers and options is a knowledge set that Seasoned Realtors learned over time. Choosing the highest bidder is not always the best choice. Not all offers are created equal and issues like inspections, appraisals, cash vs. mortgage, types of mortgages, closing costs, “as is” vs. “as is where is”, seller concessions, deposits, types of loans, contingency dates, property disclosures, timing, and title issues are just some of the issues to consider when choosing an offer. It's a terrible feeling to be hours from the closing table, and have your cash offer back out and get their deposit back because you didn't understand an aspect of the contract.   PROTECTION/SAFETY Remember Stranger Danger? Safety is also an issue to consider. FISBO homeowners who put their private numbers online and take strangers into their homes for tours are inviting danger. Giving your personal number on a listing can create spam and spoof concerns. A Realtor will make sure the potential buyer is pre-approved, actively working with an agent, or require them to sign documents holding them accountable. A Seasoned Realtor can help keep you from being a target by making sure your photos don’t expose you to break-ins, and guide you through safety protocols while listing a home. It is important to note that homes that are vacant are targets for squatters and copper thieves. A Seasoned Realtor can maximize exposure, help you in negotiations, explain the offers that come in, and help keep you safe while maximizing your profit.  Call an A to Z Realty Agent today to discuss your home.  203.738.5999    A to Z Realty, LLC - Get results that move you!    Written by Osi Rosenberg (Broker/Realtor) no AI participated in the creation of this Blog. 

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In today's real estate market, finding your dream home can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and the right mindset, you can increase your chances of success. In this buyers guide to home hunting, we'll take a look at some essential tips to help you find your dream home in a competitive market. Preparing Yourself for Viewing Homes Before you start house hunting, it's important to get your finances in order. This means obtaining pre-approval for a mortgage, so you know how much you can afford to spend on a home. It's also a good idea to have a budget in mind and stick to it. This will help you avoid the temptation to overspend on a home that's out of your price range. Once you have your finances in order, it's time to start viewing homes. To make the most of your viewings, it's important to be prepared. Creating a List of Must Have's and Nice to Have's: Take the time to create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, so you know what you're looking for. It's also a good idea to bring a notebook or tablet to take notes on each property you view. Take Your Time: When you're viewing homes, it's important to take your time and look at every aspect of the property. This means inspecting the exterior, interior, and any outdoor spaces. It's also important to consider the location of the property, including its proximity to schools, shopping, and transportation. Remember, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of finding your dream home. Choosing the Right Buyers Team It is important to choose the right team to help you in this journey. This means working with a real estate agent, mortgage broker, and attorney who have the experience in the local market and understands your needs.  When choosing a real estate agent, it's important to look for someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and has experience in the local market. This means looking for an agent who has a proven track record of success in your area. Choosing the right mortgage broker is also crucial. It is imperative to find someone who can help you navigate the complex world of mortgages and find the right product for your needs. It's also important to work with someone who has a good reputation and a proven track record of success. A real estate attorney will help you understand the obligations of your offers. Your attorney will guide you through the closing process.  The Importance of a Mortgage Pre-Approval In any real estate market, a mortgage pre-approval is essential. This means obtaining pre-approval for a mortgage before you start house hunting. A pre-approval will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home, and it will also help you stand out from other buyers. When you have a pre-approval, sellers and real estate agents will take you more seriously. This means you'll be more likely to get the home you want, even in a competitive market.   Finding your dream home can be a challenge. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can increase your chances of success. By preparing yourself for viewing homes, choosing the right team, and obtaining a mortgage pre-approval, you'll be well on your way to finding your dream home.

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Before putting your home on the market, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you get started. Pre-Listing Before you put your home on the market, it's important to do some research to determine the value of your home. This will help you set a fair price that will attract potential buyers. You can also hire a professional real estate agent to help you with this process. They can provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) that will show you the prices of similar homes in your area. Beware of internet valuations. Factors that affect your homes value should be taken into account in the analysis.  Decluttering One of the first things you should do before putting your home on the market is to declutter. This means getting rid of any unnecessary items that might make your home look messy or cramped. You can start by going through your closets and getting rid of clothes that you no longer wear. You can sell or donate these items. You can also remove any excess furniture that takes up too much space. Maintenance and Basic Updates As a seller, it's important to be proactive in preparing your home for sale. This means making updates and doing maintenance as needed. You can start by making simple updates such as painting the walls or replacing outdated light fixtures. You can also do some repairs such as fixing leaky faucets or replacing broken tiles, cleaning your gutters, replacing air filters, and checking your HVAC system. You should also make sure that your home is free from any pests or rodents. If you have the budget for it, you can also make some bigger updates that will increase the value of your home. This can include updating your kitchen or bathroom with new appliances or fixtures. You can also add some curb appeal to your home by landscaping your yard or painting your front door. Preparing your home for sale is an important process that can help you sell your home faster and for a better price. By doing some pre-listing research, decluttering, making updates and doing maintenance, you can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Remember, first impressions are important, so make sure that your home looks its best before putting it on the market. If you're unsure which actions would be the best value for your sale, set up an no obligation, in home assessment with an A to Z Realty Agent. 

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