So is the sale of my home hopeless? (apartment, to rent)

[ching1698]

Originally Posted by Shanlynn1012

From what my realtor is saying and the amount of response to my house I am beginging to think it is. Everyone is saying it is the market and it is a bad time to sell. But I am someone who needs to sell, so what can I do. Do you guys think the market is hopeless??

Well, as gold metal of million dollar club in 2006, I certainly see lots of buyers out there. If your home is at the price of first time buyer, then, doing some marketing at prospective buyers' apartment complex is very useful.

Last year, I got a condo at Edison Glen did not sell for close to 6 months and I met a genious who told me that he could help me sold the unit in one open house which I did not believe, then I just followed the instruction to hold a open house before the listing is expired since that's my last chance to sell the unit and followed his tip to get 1,000 flyers out to the "prospective buyers" community, and I ended up got it sold that open house.

Thereafter, I got so excited and continue to hold open houses on my other listing, and before open house, in addition to place out the signs to attract neighbors and passby to see, I tried to figured out where the "prospective buyers" are. I found out the "apartment complex" where there may be buyers to the condo or townhouse I am listing and get 1,000 flyers out to the complex, and surprisingly, many of my units sold really quick.

In the flyers, instead of saying a reduced price or the like, I provide all the units sold and prices in the community of my listing unit (which is the public info anyway, but many renters do not have in hand). I did not even mention my listing, but introduce the community, the easy train station access, the good school, ...etc, and invite them to Open House where I provided bagel, muffin, coffee ...etc as if it is a party, and invite them to enjoy the good time at the Open House as long as they wish. It is really like a party, and many neighbors from the community would come to chat with prospective buyers and answer their questions and become friends, and magically, the units sold right away!

Disclaimer: I am focusing on helping my current clients to sell their condo and townhouses to buy bigger home to move up; I got my hands full and can not take new customers for this year. I believe I may obtain another gold medal of million dollar club (i.e. produce over $10 millions sales) in 2007. I am very glad to share the tip I learn from this genious man to all of you.

[AskAngel]

Hi, ever watch HGTV? Stage the house to sell. That's very important these days. It has to be clutter free (if it means paying extra-I know that sucks-for a storage unit to pack up most things that take up space-do it), warm-neutral colors on the walls, and have curb appeal which means the entrance from the street has to pop and say look at me! Try planting a gardenia bush and some misc. colorful flowers at the entrance helps. Have a couple of small potted plants like rosemary, sage, basil or peppermint for aroma recall in the kitchen as well as planted at the front entrance near the door and back door. The inside basically needs to be arranged to look like you're walking into a clean, hotel room with coordinating decor. Stupid as that sounds-it really makes a BIG difference!Also one thing that really puts a buyer's mind at ease is seeing a current home inspection report on the dining room table-you'll have to tell your agent to be sure to post that message on the MLS where other agents read notes about the house etc. to pass on to potential buyers. But if it's a no major issues report that can sway a buyer who's not sure about the house to begin with. Hope this helps and Good Luck!

[emanon]

Onizuka,

"Good luck that strategy in life."


Actually it should be Good luck with that strategy in life.


If your gonna critique my post at least bone up on your grammer.

[WallStreetWarrior]

Originally Posted by JoeandFamily

Well my price is now the same as the market value. Been up for 2 1/2 months...Depressing when the house across the street gets a contract the first week.

Ouch, that does hurt.

[FergusonDechert]

You could post the mls number if you really want some brutally honest feedback.

[Onizuka]

Originally Posted by emanon

Actually it should be Good luck with that strategy in life.


If your gonna critique my post at least bone up on your grammer.

You mean "grammar"?

[LindaK1952]

I guess we were very lucky. We moved to SC in 05, from Pennsauken NJ, we put our house up for sale on a Sat. and by Tue. it was sold, and got our asking price. We were lucky, times are a little different now.

[Shanlynn1012]

Yeah they sure are. Our home just appraised at 300k now we are up at 279. I just hope someone comes along. Glad it worked out for you.
We have it up for right around what we owe, we are nto trying to make money or anything off it.

[Summering]

I agree with the poster who said staging.
To sell you need a clutter free, spacious feeling home.
Neutral colors work on the walls, peoples don't seem to think "its only paint"
Wall paper........people don't like your wall paper. That is so specific to a persons taste.
Open up the windows, don't hide a great view. Don't use busy curtains.......
Nothing in the kitchen, no magnets on the fridge with photos.......nothing on the counters. Pick one small appliance, or one decor item thats it.
No collectiables, here and there and everywhere. Make a grouping if you do have say a collection of tea pots, or clocks, "whatever".....put them in one spot, one area.
No toys around.....no clutter in bedrooms, and fresh bedspreads, Plain no flowers, or bold prints.
A fireplace is a focal point. Work your furniture around it, looking at it.....to highlight.
Remove all excess furniture from the entire house.
If you have a sun room it is a sun room, not a storage room. Make it so....
People who stage their homes, sell them quick. Ask a professional, or a friend who knows how to do this......and get staging.......for that SOLD sign.
It may not be your price at all.......but your paint, your curb appeal, your rooms too full of clutter, that is stopping the sale of your home.

[NJTina]

No one mentioned the tried and true method. Try burying a statue of St. Joseph. I know of several people (my mom included ) that this worked for. If I understood correctly. You are to bury him face down on your property. Please, no one take offense.