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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 22

Don't Limit Your Property's Exposure!

Monday, April 30, 2012
by Connie Erickson
google map to real pro systemsDon't Limit Your Property's Exposure!

Print ads are not the answer to selling your property!  Your REALTOR should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques and have a pro-active marketing system.  Your REALTOR should also be committed to selling your property and have systems in place that expose your property to as many potential buyers as possible. 
 
I've been selling Door County real estate for 28 years.  Over the years I've developed systems that pro-actively market my property listings.  If you're thinking about selling your Door County property, I'd love to help you. 

 

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Monday, April 23, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract.  Real estate contract are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing.  Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections.  Know what you are responsible for before signing the contract.  Can the property be sold “as is”?  How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction?  Not knowing the answers to these kinds of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

 

Avoid Selling to "Looky-Loos"

Monday, April 16, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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Trying to Sell to “Looky-Loos”

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a “for sale” sign he saw may not really be interested in your property.  Often buyers who do not come through a REALTOR may be years away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than actually making a purchase.  They may still have to sell their property, or may not be able afford a property yet.  They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to make a property investment.

Your REALTOR should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers.  REALTORS should usually find out a prospective buyer’s purchasing power.  This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing to the wrong people.

 

Don't "Hard Sell" While Showing

Monday, April 9, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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Don't “Hard Sell” While Showing

Buying a property is always an emotional and difficult decision.  As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property.  Don’t try haggling or forcefully selling.  Instead, be friendly and hospitable.  A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.  An even better idea is to NOT be present when a showing occurs.

 

Showcase Your Property

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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“Showcase Your Property”

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread.  When attempting to sell your property to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your property look as pleasant as possible.  Make necessary repairs.  Clean.  Make sure everything functions and looks presentable.  A poorly kept property in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.

 

Don't Make the Mistake of Pricing Your Property Too High!

Monday, March 12, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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Pricing Your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her produce.  Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price!  A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property.  Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer.  As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price.

 

Why should I test my well?

Monday, February 27, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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Why should I test my well ?

 

As one of Wisconsin's 900,000 private well owners or private well water consumers, you probably use ground water for doing your family's laundry, drinking, cooking, bathing and watering your garden. Municipalities are required to test their water supplies regularly to ensure the water is safe to drink. Since there is no requirement to test a private well except for bacteria when it is first drilled or the pump is changed, you are responsible for making sure your water is safe.

Most private wells provide a clean, safe supply of water ; however, contaminants can pollute private wells, and unfortunately you cannot see, smell, or taste most of them. Consequently, you should test your water on a regular basis. The decision on what to test your water for should be based on the types of land uses near your well.

There are many tests that can be performed. The most common tests in the Door County area are Coliform Bacteria, E-coli Bacteria, Lead, Arsenic and Nitrate. It is very important to realize that comprehensive water testing once a year should be as important as changing the batteries in your smoke detector. Here is a little known fact. In 1994 a Wisconsin survey found 23% of all wells tested were positive for Coliform Bacteria and 2.4% tested positive for E.coli. This survey was statewide.

Keep your water safe. Maintain your well and pressure system as you would any other part of your home and property. There is nothing more important than safe drinking water. Lots of questions ? If you or have questions, feel free to contact me. I can answer most of the questions. Further, I can make site visits to advise home owners on how to feel confident that they have a system that is compliant and operating correctly.

Robert Larsen
Master Plumber 226224
DNR. Licensed Pump Installer 4328

I would like to acknowledge the Wisconsin DNR. Bureau of Drinking and Groundwater for contributing to this blog.

Robert Larsen is one of my recommended vendors.  For more information on well water testing, septic testing or any plumbing issues, you can contact Robert at:


Englebert Larsen Plumbing and Pump Service
920.743.4261 - 920.868.2488
[email protected]

 

 

Mistaking Re-Financing Appraisals for Market Value

Monday, February 20, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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Mistaking Re-Financing Appraisals for the Market Value

Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price.  Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing.  The market value of your property could actually be lower.  Your best bet is to ask your REALTOR for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community.  This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

 

PRICE: A fact that determines whether your house sits or sells!

Thursday, February 9, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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The best chance for selling your property is within the first 7 weeks. Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of the employment agreement.

The market is so competitive that even over pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell. Your first offer is usually your best offer.

Here are 8 reasons for pricing your property at market value in the beginning to net you the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time:

An overpriced home:

  • Minimizes offers
  • Lowers agent response
  • Limits qualified buyers
  • Lowers showings
  • Lowers prospects
  • Limits financing
  • Wastes advertising dollars
  • Nets less for the seller.

 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY IN A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012
by Connie Erickson
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I was recently reminded of the importance of communication in a transaction between the Buyer and their REALTOR (and Seller and their REALTOR). We had an accepted Offer to Purchase.  The Buyers were working through another REALTOR and I was working with the Sellers.  Throughout the negotiations and then after the Offer was accepted, it was apparent that there was very little, if any, communication between the Buyers and their REALTOR  The deal ultimately fell apart because of the Buyer’s lack of understanding of the Offer process.  I felt these Buyers really wanted the property, but were left in the dark when it came to procedures.

It is SOOOO IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR REALTOR.  The REALTOR is there to guide you through the transaction.  Most people do not buy and sell real estate every day.  I DO!  Because I do, I can help you through the maze of writing the Offer, negotiations, inspections, financing, appraisals, zoning, offer deadlines, etc.

The best advise that I can give you, is to WORK WITH A REALTOR WHO COMMUNICATES WITH YOU CONSISTENTLY! 

 

Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 22

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Connie Erickson
Door County Realty, Shorewest, REALTORS®
10580 Country Walk Dr., #12
Sister Bay WI 54234
920-868-3245
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