If I haven't said these words once, I have said them a THOUSAND times. I do believe that I say these words instead of counting sheep trying to go to sleep, as I'm tucking the boys into their beds, mumbling to myself in the shower, car pooling the kids to school..you get the idea.
I first heard them in January at the CRS convention in Honolulu. It's September and they still ring true here in San Antonio. It was raining, it was the beginning of the year, I was in glorious Hawaii...who would of thought that they would be the most IMPORTANT words of 2008.
THEY ARE STILL SO TRUE
.
Let's talk about this.
A BEAUTY CONTEST.
Now the beauties just don't show up on the day of the pageant and look smashing in their gowns, swim suits and belt out a few songs, do they? Nooooo. They prepare, primp, exercise, eat healthy, practice walking, practice talking, practice their solo acts, right? For months I would suspect. Well, our houses need the same approach. 
If your home doesn't sparkle, shine, smell wonderful then it's going to be very hard to get some good showings on it. That means painting the rooms that have little hand prints on the corners, ripping out wallpaper to texture and paint and doing some necessary "clean up" and "clean out" projects. Yes, people will look into your closets. It's important that your house be the best looking and the most "refined" beauties or you won't have a chance.
AND A PRICING WAR.
It's true, this market is changing DAILY. So, last years appraisal won't work. The other houses on the market are no longer your neighbors...they are your competition! Let's start to think about that. If we have 5 houses with relatively the same floor plan, and a few have upgrades, and look & smell great, what are you going to have to do to make your house STAND out from the crowd? It's simple, price it right the first time. Don't overprice and think that you can always "come down" or wait for an offer because that is what you will be doing...still waiting for that offer while everyone else sells. In fact overpricing your house helps your competition sell faster.
With these 2 elements pricing and staging your house can be sold!
My Team and I are here to help you with your real estate needs, please call us for helpful hints, solid advice and result oriented actions to get your property SOLD.
Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access, San Antonio, Texas ~ www.SistersThatSell.com
Serving the needs of Agents, Buyer's and Seller's for over 25 years.
Sheila Moran, Broker/Owner
RE/MAX ACCESS
19115 FM 2252, Ste. 7
Garden Ridge, Texas 78266
210-657-7500 / 210-325-6962
Well allllll-right! Now we're talking. That was good. KM
I couldn't have said it better myself. You are right on the money. Now we need to figure a way to get our clients to listen to us!
K- up still blogging? Get to bed we have work to do!
Mark- your right! That always tends to be the hardest thing...getting through to them!
Sheila, You should post this on localism in your area. Maybe, you will be advising people who will then, be calling you! Very good analogy!
It's a Good Life!
Fran
Sheila, very well said. Loved this post. Keep 'em coming, bay-bay! Enjoy your day. Regards, C. ;-)
Sheila,
I'm a professional home stager in San Antonio, and I couldn't agree more! The last property I staged was a difficult, outdated property, where the homeowner didn't want to make any big changes (like removing floor-to-ceiling mirrors in two rooms!), and it was competing with much newer construction the next neighborhood over. Oh, and did I mention my client wanted TOP dollar for this property? The last two homes for sale in that neighborhood had languished on the market, and were finally put "For Lease" instead. Well, after staging by Sold By Design, the property SOLD in about HALF the usual DOM in that neighborhood, after fielding several offers and finally settling on one.
What you said is true- it is a beauty contest, and when the buyer is overwhelmed with clutter, grime, or simply the idea of how much work it will take to update the property, well, they'll just find one in this extremely competitive market that shows beautifully! Presentation is Priceless!
Tamara K. Cline
Sheila ~ This is an excellent post; and I applaud you, from way over here on Long Island!
Use that saying all the time, it's a powerful way to get your point across to home sellers. I've found most are on board with the "beauty contest" aspect, but the "price war" is generally the chief objection. Love Starpower!
Fran - thanks for the tip!
C-sending love your way, chica!
Tamara-very cool web site. I think you and I need to meet!
Kathy-Long Island? Wonderful. My mom grew up in Staten Island!
Brett-Go STARPOWER. My sister and I are going next week to the Buyer's University and Leadership in Chicago...you going?