RealtorIrene Blogs about Northwestern NJ Real Estate - Hunterdon & Warren: New Jersey: Stewartsville

Seven Home Staging Steps That Will Sell Your New Hampshire Home - Applies equally to Northwestern NJ

Although a long way from Warren or Hunterdon County NJ, Sharon Tara is one of my favorite stagers. I did actually refer Sharon to relatives up her way who were having no luck with their home for sale.  She worked her magic and the home sold!

While I cannot ask Sharon to come to Northwestern NJ to get your Hunterdon or Warren County along the Route 78 corridor ready for sale, I can at least give you some of her fabulous tips. She kindly made this available to reblog.

Following post is the work of

Sharon Tara Transformations, New Hampshire Stager

 

Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):

Seven Home Staging Steps That Will Sell Your New Hampshire Home

Home staging is preparing a house for sale.  It is not decorating, it is marketing...strategic marketing.   If you want to sell your New Hampshire home in the shortest time possible, a home staging consult, prior to listing, will give you all the information you need to guarantee that your product is ready for market.

Here are seven home staging steps that could mean the difference between SOLD and EXPIRED:

1.  Update Light Fixtures  

This is an area where a little money spent can make a huge difference and add tremendous perceived value to your house.  You can add thousands of dollars of value by only spending a few hundred dollars.

new lightSee More Photos

2.  Identify Red Flags

A red flag is something that gives potential buyers the impression that there is an existing problem, was a problem in the past, or could be a problem in the future.  Common examples include water stains, storage or space issues, light switches to nowhere, protruding wiring, evidence of pets, and lack of light.

poor furniture placementSee More Photos

3.  Pre-Pack Your Stuff

If you want buyers to consider making your house their new home, you need to remove all evidence of you and your family.  The mistake most sellers make is either not removing enough or removing too much, leaving the house cold and vacant. 

cluttered roomSee More Photos

4.  Define Space and Function

Only 10% of buyers can actually visualize a room any other way than how you show it to them.   Don't expect potential buyers to try and figure out how to better arrange the furniture.  It is very important, when preparing a house for sale, to clearly define the space and function of each room. 

Define space and functionSee More Photos

5.  Maintenance Means Money

Your house is only worth what buyers are willing to pay for it.  The more a buyer believes the house has been well maintained, the more valuable they perceive it to be.  Buyers should be greeted with a spotless, move-in ready home, which gives the appearance of being well maintained and cared for.

worn carpetSee More Photos

6.  Don't Underestimate The Bathroom 

The most personal room in your house is the bathroom, and it is the last place buyers want to be reminded that you live there.  Buyers know that other people are living in the house and obviously use the bathrooms, but emotionally, they don't want to think about it. 

bathroom transformationSee More Photos

 7.  Transform With Paint

The biggest bang for your buck is using paint to improve your home's appearance.  Paint will make a room cleaner, fresher, brighter, and more stylish.  It gives buyers the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.

Paint can be used to help minimize negative features and to help showcase positive features.  It can be used to create a flow throughout the house and to create a lasting positive impression.

improve with paintSee More Photos

Consult with a professional home stager prior to listing your home for the best results!

 

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Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast

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Are You Up for Selling Your OWN Real Estate? - Reblogged For Sale by Owner FSBO information

The following post concerning For Sale by Owner - FSBO - is just as true in the Northwestern NJ area as it is in Debe Maxwell's.  Putting your home for sale yourself isn't as easy - or safe - as many think. If you are thinking about a FSBO, I have a great tip sheet that I'll gladly provide.

Have disabled comments. Please leave yours at Debe's original post via the link below.

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Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):

Are You Up for Selling Your OWN Real Estate?

Are you ready to sell-by-owner?
As I’m sure you are aware, the real estate industry is experiencing one of its worst down markets in history—at least locally it is.  The last thing you want to do is pay commission to a real estate agent, right?  Not to mention the fact that you’re nearly positive you can sell your own home just fine without having had any experience in doing so—it’s EASY! 

 

Before sticking a “For Sale by Owner” sign up, however, you’ll need to make sure that you’re ready for the work and headaches entailed in doing so.

  • Time.  Yes, you absolutely can sell your real estate on your own without the help of an agent but, it takes a lot of preparation and time.  How much is your time worth to you?  How much time do you have to spend preparing, pricing, marketing, procuring a buyer, showing and quite possibly even selling your home?  Before you set out on your own, make sure you can afford the time and energy investment requirements.
  • Service and value.  Going it alone, you’ll lose out on a wide variety of services offered by Realtors®.  For example, many agents now provide home staging services as well as extensive advertising and marketing services both online and off.
  • Marketing bright ideasExposure.  You also need exposure to buyers—real estate agents work together to help their sellers procure buyers for them.  Realtors® also belong to various organizations which allow sharing of listing information among other Realtors® and the public—your buyer.  As well, real estate marketing is our business—we do this full-time and we realize that 87%+ buyers find their homes online—on our sites.

  • Legalities.  Selling a home involves contracts, closings and a multitude of legal issues that can make or break a real estate sale.  Real estate transactions have occasionally led to outcomes that were unexpected, including lawsuits.  A professional helps ensure that the contracts are legally sound, binding and carried out to the letter of the law.

  • Market knowledge.  Realtors® have instant access to current market information. We are able to establish an accurate selling range within minutes after viewing your property.  Since the real estate market is in constant fluctuation, it’s important to have a complete knowledge of the market before pricing your own home.  Otherwise, your risk underselling or overpricing your home.  Public online sites’ estimates and comparable sales are NOT accurate and can cause you to make a costly mistake right out of the gate with your pricing.  

For Sale By Owner - Are You One of the 2%?You will also need experience with legal contracts and excellent negotiating skills.  Recent NAR reports that only 2% of homeowners who market their home for sale are actually successful—and many times, the buyer is a family member or a friend. 

Unless  you have your finger on the pulse of the market,  chances are a costly mistake can and will be made.  

Can you sell your own real estate?
 Absolutely
but, can you really afford to? 

 

If you’re trying to sell your Charlotte NC home and need the expertise of a professional, I can help. Call me at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com for more information.

Search Charlotte Homes for Sale
Search Charlotte Neighborhoods

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Data on Homes for Sale, July 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Data on Homes for Sale, July 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ real estate market Snapshot, July 2010 - Warren County home sale trends - Irene Kennedy

 My Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Real Estate Market Report is based on data recorded in GSMLS as of July 3, 2010. These numbers do change and each month my graphs reflect any updates.

 

 With 10 Greenwich & Stewartsville homes going Under Contract in June, this area remains popular even after the expiration of the tax credit.  (Closing deadline for that credit was extended!) During June, the least expensive sale was $299,500 in Greenwich Chase. Most expensive was a 17 acre farm, listed at $999,000 for 602 days; it sold for $444,200. Less than 50% of the asking price but was heading to foreclosure.

 

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Average Prices for Homes for Sale, July 2010 - Warren County Market Reports - Irene Kennedy

All my market trend reports: Market Data on Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ.

 

Search for Greenwich - Stewartsville NJ Homes for Sale Priced between $250,000 and $450,000 This link will yield all homes within the 08886 zip but I gladly will tailor specific searches according to your exact criteria.

 

Please feel free to contact me with your questions about Greenwich, Stewartsville or other Northwestern NJ homes for sale!

 

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Northwestern NJ - Warren County or Hunterdon County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. She also services adjacent areas of Hunterdon and Sussex Counties - and understands the pain of moving!

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Data on Homes for Sale, June 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ real estate market Snapshot, June 2010 - Warren County home sale trends - Irene KennedyGreenwich & Stewartsville NJ Data on Homes for Sale, June 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

 My Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Real Estate Market Report is based on data recorded in GSMLS as of June 2, 2010. These numbers do change; for example, a late sale recording changed the April numbers from when I published last month. This chart reflects those updates.

 

 One interesting trend is that just as many Stewartsville and Greenwich NJ homes for sale went Under Contract in May as they did in April, although the deadline for the federal tax credit was April 30.  Nice to see that these 2 areas remain well-priced, popular choices for home buyers.  We should see a big flurry of closings during June to meet that tax credit deadline.

 

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Average Prices for Homes for Sale, June 2010 - Warren County Market Reports - Irene Kennedy The average sale price for homes in Greenwich & Stewartsville remains higher than in neighboring towns. Not surprising as the average asking price of homes is higher than for Phillipsburg, Pohatcong & Lopatcong. Buyers are willing to pay more - as long as they still see the value for a given price!

 

All my market trend reports: Market Data on Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ.

 

Search for Greenwich - Stewartsville NJ Homes for Sale Priced between $250,000 and $450,000 As this particular search system is zip code driven, you'll get all homes within 08886. I will tailor specific searches according to your exact criteria.

 

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

"I love me" list about Irene Kennedy & Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ

Irene Kennedy's I-Love-Me list Homes for sale in Warren County In A Moving Story - Irene Kennedy Now Handling Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ, I gave those with local homes for sale and potential buyers an introduction to me personally.  I did say that I'd do a list of posts that will give you an overview of my real estate credentials. So, I better prove to you that I deliver on my promises...

 

 One really important series I did covered Short Sales, Foreclosures (REO bank-owned, distressed properties). While the specifics related to my old turf, here in Warren County NJ I'm dealing with the same mortgage companies and issues.  This week in fact, I have closings on 2 Short Sales for which I got written approval from the multiple banks before bringing in the attorneys to close the deal. Among my Short Sales series:

 

 Pricing of homes for sale in Warren County NJ is just as critical as in other parts of the US, as comments show. Written almost a year ago, The Buyers Have Voted... helps sellers understand the lack of buyer interest in their homes. It may not be good but it is the honest news that sellers can expect from me - especially as some experts predict prices will continue to decline. The right list price is crucial!

 Pohatcong Creek - a Warren County NJ trout hotspot

 In Agent 007 Works Magic - A Sussex County NJ real estate success story I discussed some potential buyers who visited an Open House at one of my listed homes for sale.  They had dealt with 6 other real estate agents before meeting me. And they closed on my listing in less than 60 days! Right now, I have their previous residence Under Contract with only 38 days on the market and a closing by June 1.  They call me "the best Realtor in the world" and I do not discourage them one bit! I'd be delighted to put those same skills to work for you in Warren County NJ.

 

 For all my clients who a home for sale or have just purchased one, I love to give them something to help cut their costs. Doesn't it seem we just live in home-improvement stores when we own? Discounts for Lowe's (and Home Depot too) in Warren County NJ enabled me to "share the wealth" with others too.

 So, now that you know something about me personally and professionally, let's think about doing some Warren County NJ real estate business together!

Open House at Greenwich NJ Colonial Home for Sale - 462 Route 519 (Stewartsville NJ zip code) - MAY 16 2010

Open House at Greenwich NJ Colonial Home for Sale - 462 Route 519 (Stewartsville NJ zip code) - SUNDAY, MAY 16

462 Route 519 Greenwich Open House for Sale (Stewartville NJ zip)Although this 3 bedroom Colonial home for sale dates back to the 1800s, the kitchen is completely 21st century with granite counters and stainless appliances. On Sunday, May 16, I have the honor of hosting an Open House at 462 Route 519.  (Located in Greenwich NJ, it shares the 08886 zip code so will appear as Stewartsville on some websites and GPS systems.)

Priced very competitively given the average sale price for Greenwich homes over the last 6 months, 462 Route 519 has a greenhouse, a sunroom and 2 ponds that will charm both residents and guests.  I'd love to show you these and other fine features at the Open House on Sunday, May 16 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.


View Larger Map

Please stop by - even just to say hello - on Sunday, May 16. I adore having neighbors stop in for a peek, as well as meeting potential buyers of this Colonial home for sale. Let me know if you need further directions to 462 Route 519 in Greenwich - Stewartsville NJ!

If you cannot make it to my Open House, you might enjoy the video tour of 462 Route 519 in Greenwich NJ.

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Greenwich or other areas of Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

Happy Mother's Day - Very Warm Wishes from Warren County NJ real estate agent, Irene Kennedy!!!

Happy Mother's Day - Very Warm Wishes from Warren County NJ real estate agent, Irene Kennedy.  Moms are important to all - whether you are one, have one or lost one; these gals deserve a special place in our hearts and homes!

I have a lovely video tribute to Moms but a glitch on my blog platform is preventing me from posting it this morning.  Will try later to replace this link with that video.

Greenwich (& Stewartsville) NJ Data on Homes for Sale, May 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

Greenwich (& Stewartsville) NJ Data on Homes for Sale, May 2010 - Warren County Market Reports

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ real estate market snapshot - Warren County home sale trends - Irene KennedyMy Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Real Estate Market Report is based on data recorded in GSMLS as of May 4, 2010. Please note that statistics can change as a deal falls apart or late recordings take place - I give updates in subsequent reports. While I won't be publishing monthly market data on all Warren County NJ homes for sale, I certainly work up trends as appropriate for my clients! I've combined statistics for Greenwich and Stewartsville NJ because the MLS lumps them together.

Looking at the homes for sale trends in Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ during April and May, clearly many sellers waited for the spring market to list their house. With 23 new Greenwich listings in March alone, awaiting Spring isn't always the best strategy in my opinion, which is rarely humble. But I wasn't covering this area yet, so those sellers probably hadn't yet read my blog posts.

Search for Greenwich - Stewartsville NJ Homes for Sale Priced between $250,000 and $450,000 As this particular search system is zip code driven, you'll get all homes within 08886 - Franklin NJ, too. 

Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ Average Prices for Homes for Sale, May 2010 - Warren County Market Reports - Irene KennedyAs the federal tax credits required first-time buyers to be Under Contract on/before April 30, one would expect a huge surge in that or the Sold category.  It isn't clear that the slight uptick in Greenwich & Stewartsville NJ homes for sale market data was from the credit. In most places, sales typically rise in Spring. Now, I might expect the Under Contract numbers to change in the next few days, as agents get caught up on paperwork from last-minute shoppers.

The impact from the tax credit on my Greenwich & Stewartsville real estate market report might best be seen in the Average Sale Price graph.  My first-time buyers were all focused on bargains within an area. Many of these were Short Sales or Foreclosures.  As we reach the credit deadline for closings, we'll see if my crystal ball is working and average sale prices remain on the very low side.

Area is indexed at: Market Data on Homes for Sale in Warren County NJ.

Copyright © 2010, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a house in Greenwich or other areas of Warren County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.

Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Warren County NJ & works from the Phillipsburg office. Having recently moved from Sussex County, she continues to service that adjacent area - and understands the pain of moving!

Discounts for Lowe's (and Home Depot too) in Warren County NJ or via your Local REALTOR®

Discounts for Lowe's (and Home Depot too) in Warren County NJ or via your Local REALTOR®

Real estate is expensive - whether you want to buy a home, to sell a home or just to maintain your investment. Here in Warren County NJ, many of us are sprucing up the garden, fertilizing our lawns or already thinking about a Father's Day gift. Others may have a hankering to repaint the Great Room, replace that washer & dryer, upgrade the kitchen counter.

Lowe's 10% Discount for Sussex NJHow would you like to save 10% on your related purchases?

No need to have a move in the works!

Lowe's offers REALTORS® a wonderful program from which anyone can benefit with a discount. Sure, there are limits and a few restrictions. I've found that the Home Depot stores serving Warren County gladly accept the Home Depot 10% Discount for Sussex NJcompetition's coupon. I cannot state that all Home Depots everywhere do, so please check your local store before you get in the checkout line!

If you are working with a real estate agent, please ask him or her to obtain this coupon for you.

Otherwise, I'd be happy to assist if you live in my Warren County market area: Pohatcong, Phillipsburg, Stewartsville, Greenwich, Alpha, etc.

If you're further away, use the STATES button in the top right-hand corner and find someone in your market area to assist!

Please do NOT provide your contact details as a comment below!

Otherwise you may get unwelcome solicitations! Look to the right and you see a phone number and a way to email me. Use one and we'll start the process to get you a discount!

Fellow REALTORS®

Lots of clever ways for us to use Lowe's program - at no cost!. For example, I send all my Open House visitors a "buyer's discount" card - a supplement to other follow up. One can select snail mail or email versions. If you aren't already enrolled, think about exploring - just click the photo below!

 

Want to Steal a Foreclosure? Get the REO facts from a Northwestern NJ real estate agent

Want to Steal a Foreclosure? Get the REO facts from a Northwestern NJ real estate agent - serving Warren, Hunterdon and Sussex Counties

 

Part 4 of Distressed Properties are NOT Black Holes! a six part series based on my real estate experiences in and around Warren, Hunterdon and Sussex County, NJ.

Dollar HousesREO List Price Considerations

Most BPO forms ask the agent to indicate what a property will sell for within 30 days and within 90 - 120 days.  In setting a price, the bank considers:

  • current, local market conditions including active inventory, average days on market, etc.
  • shape of the property;
  • how much of a loss it has already taken on the original mortgage and the foreclosure process;
  • amounts paid for trash-out and any work required to make the home safe and secure, i.e., winterization;
  • carrying costs (insurance, taxes, bare-bones maintenance, utilities, etc.) during the time the REO is listed;
  • the commission it will pay both agents - a fixed percentage in my experience.

Based on these factors, the bank also looks at its internal situation. How many REOs are they carrying? How quickly does the bank need to "unload" the property? Let's remember that most banks are "for profit" organizations; many report to shareholders. Nevertheless, an REO list price is usually a good deal.

Thief         Stealing an REO in Northwestern NJ

Interested in getting a foreclosure for 70% or less of list price? Ain't gonna happen!

The list price is typically a huge bargain already. The bank really DOES know what a fair offer is, based on hard data for local market conditions. The list price takes the shape of the property into account, so don't expect another discount based on bad condition. The bank will not take lowball offers seriously and may not even counter one.

The bank knows that most homes in an area the average sold price is XX% of the list price - in my Warren, Hunterdon and Sussex County, NJ, market areas, this ratio is 95%. While a bank might accept slightly less than the average ratio, my experience shows that this percentage gives one a great idea of what number the bank will accept.

I've found REO banks to be even less flexible on price than non-corporate sellers. Why? Because they know their list price is a steal, which is why buyers come in droves to look at REOs.

Non-Money Components - Your offering price is just one factor

  1. Closing Date: If you want to purchase an REO, offer to close in 30 days. Yes, I realize this is quick but it has a dollar value! Banks want the REO off their books, especially if the closing will be prior to the end of a financial quarter.
  2. Paperwork: Complete and submit every piece of paper the bank has requested. Most banks have their own forms and want them used. For my REO listings, I can load them in the MLS for any agent to readily obtain. Banks will reject offers that are missing the required paperwork.
  3. Down payment: Some banks specify a percentage of the price as minimim earnest money. In every case, I suggest the "good faith deposit" be at least 1.5% of your proposed purchase price. Show the bank you are a serious buyer. A strong second deposit (post-contract, before closing) will also sway the bank in your favor.
  4. Mortgage: A few banks want a shot at your loan and insist they do your pre-approval, even if you have no intention of using them for the loan.  (Remember, it is their property and they can make whatever rules they want...) Even without any imposed requirements, a pre-approval from a "brand name" will strengthen your offer. Sure, you can actually then get your loan from "My Cousin Vinnie's Finance Center in Podunk" but a name-brand might just be that little added extra that gets your offer accepted by the bank.

Here is why I earn the big bucks (ROFL) for Northwestern NJreal estate

A tip I use to help my buyers "steal" a Warren, Hunterdon or Sussex NJ REO

Banks tend to have a very aggressive price-reduction strategy. They want to sell the REO quickly even if they will not consider offers far below the list price. Many banks drop the price almost monthly, assuming no offers are being negotiated. Waiting until the price drops where you want it to be could mean someone comes in ahead of you -DON'T RISK LOSING A PROPERTY YOU REALLY WANT OVER A SMALL DOLLAR AMOUNT.

But in considering your offer, you should know WHEN the last price reduction took place, the frequency between all price changes and the percentage of each. If it is a new REO listing, I can often determine a particular bank's reduction pattern by examining another local REO listing owned by the same bank.   So, if a bank habitually reduces its list price 5% every 32 days and the current price came about 27 days ago...

Real REO price history

(Fellow agents - I know this tip is could mean more work, if you're not already doing this. Some of you might use MLS systems that do not permit you to research historical data to gather a price reduction history.  My personal perspective is that I'll continue to do all I can to get my buyer the best deal possible AND submit an offer that will fly.) 

Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. All posts from RealtorIrene.com represent Irene's personal musings.

Considering selling a home or looking to buy a foreclosure in Warren, Hunterdon or Sussex Count, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.