Expert: Jessica Bryan - 5/18/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have two questions. The first is that we listed our home last Wednesday (with today now being Monday). We have a pretty desireable area for 1st time homebuyers, our home is appropriately priced with ton's of extra's (granite counter tops, hot tub, double lot, finished basement, etc.) to help buyers make that important destinction between our home and others. There are a lot of homes for sale in our area, with a wide variey of prices and options. We have not had a single phone call on our home yet, I'm getting very discouraged especially since we have already found a home and are anxious to move (but we can't afford to sell to cheaply!). So my first question is how long does it usually take before showings begin? I would have thought they would have begun within a few day's since the listing was fresh and new. My second question is that we have re-done the interior of the home and the back yard in the 4 years we've lived here, haven't done too much to the front since our taxes are based on a "drive-by" of the home and we figured we would finish it last, it doesn't look bad just not what we would have intended for the finished look of the house. Our realtor has the first line of the description reading "Don't judge a book by its cover! Everything's been done...INSIDE!!" to me that would drive buyers away something like "you don't have to do anything outside but BEWARE of the outside!" MLS # is 30283303 if you'd like to see it for your own eyes. Just wanted to get another realtor's opinon on this. My realtor is located in another county so I've already had them make some changes I thought would appeal more to the market in my area, we are moving to the other county and wanted to use the same agent rather than two seperate. Thanks!

Answer -
Dear Jamie;
You didn't mention the state and city you are in.  I can't check MLS without that information. As for the lack of calls...much depends upon weather, time of year and other activities.  For many states this is graduation time and end of semester time.  Families are very busy with other activities.  The Spring market is waning for them since they now are preoccupied.  It will take a little longer to get the attention your home deserves.  Also, since your agent is not local there may not be emphasis on getting colleagues out on tour of the home and getting the word out that there is a "hot" property just listed. Most agents do a Broker's Open House to get the other agents to see the new listings.  If your area has lots of competition it will take some hard work on your agent's part to market the home regardless of how lovely it may be.  I think that the wording used "don't judge a book by its cover " is very negative and may do more harm than good!  Tell your agent to use positive terms and phrases.  Start with...gorgeous, elegant, must see...will go quickly...move right in...pristine..." any of those descriptions will get someone out.  Ask for the agent to contact listing agent for information.  Then the listing agent can tell them how the photos don't do the home justice.  It's better to talk to interested agents than put it in print.  Do lots of interior photos and post them on line.  If MLS allows interior photos or back yard photos rather than the front of the house, use those instead.  The other thing you should do is to go out and buy lots of potted plants and put them out in the garden.  You can take them with you when you move, and they will provide color and curb appeal for now.  Quick and inexpensive fixes can make a huge difference.  Once I see the exterior I may be able to provide more suggestions.

Best wishes,



Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
House to Home Realty Services

Jessica,

Thank you for your input! Our home is located in Eastpointe, Michigan. I am definitely going to ask our agent to change that wording! Thanks again!

Jamie

Answer
Dear Jamie;
The listing 30283303 shows an older home with no indication of double lot, hot tub, granite counter tops or other improvements. The front of home does not look inviting.  The photo should be taken closer with no car in the driveway. Also,your agent should try to put a link on Realtor.com to show a visual tour of the interior of the home.  Again--large splashy color in potted flowers in the front of the home would really help.

Jessica Bryan