Advantages and Disadvantages to an MLS Search

MLS searches (or Multiple Listings Service) are based off the principle; „Help me sell my inventory and I’ll help you sell yours.“ It is a unique concept, though one not many other industries use. Real estate brokers acknowledge the advancements in technology once MLS searches became popular, and are willing to present the advantages and disadvantages of MLS queries to interested parties. The decision of utilizing this service is ultimately up to the potential buyer.

No For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Options

One of the big disadvantages to MLS searches is they do not include homes sold by the owner, unless the seller has negotiated a certain percentage of the commission to the realtors. If interested in FSBO’s, the buyer must search potential neighborhoods for FSBO signs and negotiate a price within their range. If the buyer does not know much about negotiating prices, or how much homes are worth, MLS queries still provide some contribution for comparison purposes. If excessive research is undesirable to the buyer, then MLS queries provide another benefit.

Less Research for the Buyer

Buying a home might already be considered a stressful process for some. MLS searches can cut down on some of that stress because it reduces the research the buyer must conduct. There are already so many other aspects a buyer must remember to look into, including the community, crime rate, demographics, school districts, job outlooks, among others. MLS queries place hundreds of homes from the participating brokers into one database, with hundreds of fields with which to search the properties. Knowledgeable brokers with years of experience determine these popular search fields; whereas if the buyer conducts the research by himself or herself, he or she may question whether the information they find is accurate.

The Internet Outdates MLS Queries

The younger generation might claim the Internet is called the „Information Highway“ for a reason. While it is true certain states have their MLS queries readily available on the Internet, not all states have this accessibility. It is also important to consider that information researched on one’s own time might not be as accurate as the MLS searches provided by real estate brokers.

A Trusting Community

As mentioned earlier, all MLS queries are based off the „You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours“ premise. In other words, there are no hidden agendas. All brokers participating in MLS queries are trying to provide the buyer with the greatest number of options. They keep the buyer’s requirements in mind and try to create satisfactory customers.

Ultimately, the decision to use MLS searches or to conduct the research on one’s own is up to the potential buyer.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Real Estate 101 – Listing Agent vs FSBO

The number of property owners selling their land independent of a realtor has seen a sharp decrease in recent years. In fact, it has dropped six percentage points over the last decade, according to the latest numbers from Chicago-based National Association of Realtors. As of the beginning of 2007, a mere 12 percent of all real estate transactions were for sale by owner, or FSBO.

One factor influencing the statistics may be owner frustrations with a fluctuating housing market. Owners have other things working against them, too. They cannot register property in the MLS listings, one of the most popular search tools for property shoppers. It takes a real estate agent to get property included on that list. Realtors may also have more connections and more techniques, experience and training that could net higher offers.

Property owners, on the other hand, will know more about factors like the home’s specific strengths and weaknesses, the neighbors and the schools. They may, however, shy away from pricing their house high and may agree to come down too quickly. From mid-2005 to mid-2006, five percent of real estate transactions were closed by realtors who took over a FSBO that fizzled. Only one percent of transactions within the same time frame were sellers who started with realtor representation and later switched to FSBO, according to the NAR.

FSBO transactions – particularly when handled by first-time sellers – have been said to sit longer, sell for less, cause more headaches and increase confusion. So why would sellers even want to try? The average real estate commission is about six percent and many property owners see FSBOs as a way to pocket more cash. In reality, however, NAR statistics show that homes generally go an average of about 16 percent higher when sold by realtors.

For sellers absolutely determined to go it alone, there are a few key points to remember. There are some Internet web sites available now that are very professional in appearance and offer FSBOs an alternative to the elusive MLS listings. Plenty of high-quality photos are crucial with any marketing, and Internet marketing is undoubtedly one of the most effective methods. Many of these FSBO listing web sites will now offer extra perks, like yard sign rental and print advertising.

It is important to be patient, price your home fairly but also allow a little wiggle room for the inevitable price haggling and be extra cautious to avoid unqualified buyers. This can help prevent deals from falling through. To get a deal in the first place, however, sellers must market their property and don’t shy away from offering incentives like a decorating allowance or paying the fees of the buyer’s agent. Among the buying community, FSBOs are notoriously associated with great deals. Make sure you arm yourself with the tools to avoid becoming a casualty of that mindset.

FSBOs also have a reputation for misleading buyers on such things as the true condition of the house or the severity of the house’s problems. This is not always intentional. Many homeowners really don’t know the extent of the damage and do not intend to mislead. This is where a crackerjack home inspector can come in handy. Not only can a home inspection help justify the home’s price, but it can also set the buyer’s mind at ease and perhaps help close the deal faster.

Another good reference tool is a local competitive market analysis. This can help ensure that a FSBO is selling for what it is truly worth. The lender’s desk is the worst possible place to find out that a seller overcharged for a home, but it happens all too often.

Realtors are immensely more experienced and knowledgeable in all things real estate – from selling techniques to legal matters. However, at the very least, a seller would be wise to bring in a real estate lawyer to ensure the legality of the transaction. It is also a good idea to involve a bank, as opposed to the seller alone, in the process of handling escrow funds.

FSBO transactions can be smooth if the seller has related experience. FSBOs can save money if the seller avoids backing down on price too much. If, however, the seller finds themselves stalling with no end in sight, it is best to turn to a realtor as soon as possible. The longer a house sits unsold on the market, the worse position the seller will be in. It looks bad to potential buyers and they will wonder why the home hasn’t sold. In reality, it may simply be a matter of ineffective marketing on the seller’s part. Time is money, and a house sold on commission is better than a house not sold at all.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Real Estate Photography Tips For Realtors – Don’t Do it Yourself, You’ll Lose Your Commission Check

I’ve done it myself; taken what I thought were great listing pictures and used them for my online MLS listing. My clients thought they were fine and I thought they were just fine, until I started working as a buyer’s agent in Seattle a few years back.

I worked with over 40 different buyers a week and everyday I’d hear, „Did you see those listing pictures? There’s no way we want to see that house, it’s a dump! Does the listing agent know how bad they are?“ Obviously, the listing agent didn’t spend anything on real estate photography.

My buyers would also see some great listing photos and want to get in to see the home that afternoon. We’d step inside and they’d wonder if it was the same home they saw online. They felt cheated because the pictures were nothing like the real home. (but at least the listing agent got buyers walking through the house).

It all came down to the listing pictures they saw online. That’s essential marketing for listings! Give buyers a great picture and they’ll jump inside the house that day. Give them a „do-it-yourself“ picture and they’ll move onto the next home. The listing pictures make the difference, especially when you spend a few bucks on professional real estate photography!

Even when the listing pictures were better than the actual house, guess what? It still got the buyers inside! That’s your goal as a listing agent; get as many showings as possible. Professional real estate photography makes that happen.

With upwards of 80%+ of buyers looking online now, the listing photos are the first thing they’re looking at and basing their initial impressions on.

How much money in lost commissions do you think you’re missing because you won’t spend a couple hundred bucks for professional real estate photography?

If you did spend the well invested marketing dollars on some professional real estate photography…….

  1. You could have more satisfied clients because the home sold faster.
  2. You could have made more cash because you didn’t have to drop the sales price when the listing became stale on the market.
  3. You could look like a top producer in the area because of the quicker sales, better looking listings and more satisfied clients. Your overall image is enhanced, big time!

Isn’t it funny how such a small aspect of your business can affect the whole thing? Anytime you realize how one issue affects your net profits, that’ll make you perk up, right?

Now don’t give me the excuse that it’s too expensive because it’s not. Look at it as a marketing and advertising expense because that’s exactly what it is. And real estate photography is one of the best things you can spend your marketing dollars on.

You have a couple options……..

You could grab a professional in real estate photography in your local area and offer them $50-$200 to come to your listing and take some fabulous photos. Make sure they’re top notch, have all the right equipment and understand the goal of these photos. You don’t want to pay for real estate photography that’s no better than your own.

Your other option is to go with a company like Vicaso.com who does real estate photography exclusively. Their business is listing photos for real estate agents!

You can schedule your photo shoot on their website, pay about $200 or so and get the most captivating listing photos you’ll ever see. Even if you have a crack house listed for sale, their real estate photography will make it look like a palace.

I’m telling you; don’t skimp on your real estate photography. Look at the cost as an investment. If you spent $200 on professional real estate photography and got back another $20,000 in commissions that year from faster sales, more clients, and higher listing prices, wouldn’t that be worth it? You betcha!

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Tips To Find the Best Homes For Sale

Are you on the verge of buying a new home in the city? It can be a thrilling episode altogether if you’re planning to change the neighborhood or moving to a new city. The townhouses stand to be a favorable choice for most property buyers interested to move to cities. The traditional narrow and terraced houses with more than two to three floors are good choices for families looking forward to budget homes. Again, investors consider buying such properties for their future benefits. But, if you and your family are excited to get a new residence in the town, few suggestions might help you.

Make your priority list

If you have a family with you, then you guys should sit along and discuss the priorities based on which choose the townhouse. For instance- a single person’s apartment differs from that of a family. If you are a family person with one or more kids, you need sufficient space for the children. You’ve to think about the future when your kids will grow up and will seek individual rooms. If you have are intending to buy this property as your permanent address, you have to consider the future. Moreover, you need some extra space, if you’ve pets along with you.

Stick to the additional features

Along with the spacious rooms and the living area for the family, you might have the interest in some special and additional features. It might include the number of balconies, how the rooms are faced, whether the rooms are receiving ample light and air and so on. If you have kids, you need to buy an airy home that receives ample sunlight and fresh air. You can also have a preference of choosing a sea facing or a riverside property so that you can enjoy the view from your townhouse.

Location matters

The location has a very important role to play when you are looking for the house. You gave to stick to the priorities and the location that might also include the priority list when you are about to choose a new residence. Make sure the area has easy access to the marketplaces, gas stations, medical stores, hospitals etc.

Take the help of a reliable real estate agent to find the best homes for sale in your preferred location. Make sure, the professional has the reputation of having the most updated property listing in the area. Besides, the agents help throughout the whole process of selecting and buying the house.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Real Estate Agents – Strengths and Weaknesses in Listing Commercial Property Today

In this commercial property market there are some real pressures and challenges that confront a lot of property owners when they want to sell or lease their property. They need the help of top agents that really understand the local area, to help in moving the property.

Contrary to popular belief, it is in markets like this that good agents can make a lot of commission. It all comes down to the way in which they package their services and help their clients.

In simple terms, top agents and experienced agents can do very well today providing they work the local area and their database. A good database will always get you through any market conditions and frustrations. In saying, that I am a big believer that a salesperson’s database should not be delegated to the office administrative staff to control.

Every salesperson should take ownership of their database; in this way they will get good activities from it. In this market you need leads that you can do something with. When a database is passed over to the administrative staff to control, the inevitable result is inaccurate and old data. The database soon becomes redundant. The salesperson doesn’t keep it up to date.

Become Change Agents

So we are the ‚agents of change‘ when it comes to helping our property clients an owners get results in this market. We should know how to attract the right people to every property listing that we take on. Exclusive listings are more important in today than ever before. Some top agents will not take on ‚open listings‘ for the very reason that they are a waste of time and effort.

When you know the drawbacks of the industry and the listings today, you can offer the clients that you serve some solid solutions. So what are the drawbacks? Here is a list of some of the bigger ones:

  1. The time that it takes to sell or lease a property can be longer today. Every client has to be conditioned for the best price or rent so the time on market is not lengthened. The first few weeks of every marketing effort are the most important. Position the property correctly to get the best enquiry in this time.
  2. High prices and high rents will achieve nothing. The price or rent for the property should be optimised for enquiry. You have to do more with less when it comes to marketing and inspecting of properties.
  3. A larger number of competing properties can frustrate your marketing efforts and time on market. Check out these properties before you do anything with your listing.
  4. Buyers and tenants are slower to enquire, inspect the property, and then make a decision. Your skills with each stage of the listing should be optimised. Hone your skills accordingly.
  5. Limited finance can put some ‚brakes‘ on the larger deals. Find out where your prospects can get finance from and what the criteria of approval may be.

Whilst these may be drawbacks in the market, they are also opportunities for agents that can get focused and organised. Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

Are you a solution provider in this commercial real estate market? Top agents are just that. You can be too.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Why A Waterfront House For Sale Is A Good Investment

Waterfront property is immune to most market trends, and for good reason. Splendid summers can be spent on a lake or river, promising family bonding time and decreased stress. Full-year houses and cabins are becoming more frequent. They can also be converted into permanent residencies that promote privacy and communing with nature. A waterfront house for sale is rarely on the market for long and should be pounced on by interested buyers.

Privacy

Privacy is an increasingly valuable commodity. With lakefront property, real privacy is obtainable. The distance between homes and dense foliage dampens sound, leaving the owner to appreciate their thoughts and conversations with friends and family. With limited space for development, no houses will pop up between the property and water’s edge, resulting in a clear view of the water. A waterfront house for sale will also likely feature a private dock, or at the very least, an intimate, walk-up access to the shoreline.

Fun Water Activities

Water activities are a great way to bond with families and friends. The water presents a wide range of options for fun, such as fishing, skiing, swimming, and boating, among others. Many of these activities cannot be replicated on land and give a thrill of being unique. Even simple activities like reading a favorite book while drinking a cup of coffee are suddenly mystical when paired with a lake sunset.

Limited Supply

Substantial property directly on a body of water is rare and priced accordingly. They retain their value, especially compared to fluctuations of city housing, and can be sold at almost any time if need be. When not in use, renting cabins can provide large profits. Owning a waterfront property requires some amount of upkeep. However, a house for sale in an area that is desirable can be a great family experience, as well as a smart investment.

Closeness to nature

While this depends on the area, lakes and rivers are a natural habitat for a plethora of wildlife. You can watch birds from the dock, fish for sport or food, catch the occasional appearance of deer or owls, and experience an intimate moment with nature that a city cannot duplicate. Of course, having a fully operational house means that nature can be enjoyed on the individual’s terms, which is especially important in humid climates and at night.

Health Benefits

Many studies have shown that spending time close to water has immediate health benefits. For those who have spent time around or on water, this should come as no surprise. Spending time on the lake creates a serene atmosphere that reduces stress. For those who are used to living in a city, the clean air and decrease in noise and light pollution will be a welcome change.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

How Great Real Estate Agents FIND The Right House For Their Clients?

Home ownership, has been considered, an essential component of the so – called, American Dream, for generations! However, every potential, qualified, buyer, does not seek the same things, nor, necessarily, has the same combination of needs, priorities, qualifications, necessities, and finances! Therefore, not only, must these people, proceed, without rose – colored glasses, and have, some focus, on balancing their needs, and wishes, as well as comparing it to their personal finances, etc, but, nearly all, would benefit, by hiring the right, professional, real estate agent, to meet their personal, best – interests! Since, for most, the value of their house, represents, their single – biggest, financial asset, doesn’t it make sense, to take the time, and make the effort, to carefully, interview, prospective agents, to choose, the one, best, for you? A great agent, realizes, he must, be ready, willing, and able, to FIND the right house, for his clients, based on their personal needs, necessities, and requirements, in an attentive way. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and why it matters.

1. Face facts; features; funds/ finances; future; feelings: Begin the process, facing – the – facts, in a realistic way, because, if, you, merely, seek to Keep Up With the Joneses, rather that, what your personal needs are, it won’t serve you, effectively! Evaluate, the features, you need, versus, those you like, know what you can afford, as well as the quality of the, Bones of the House! Realistically, know your true feelings, by giving yourself, a thorough, self – analysis, and/ or, check – up, from the neck – up! It’s also important to consider future issues, including family needs, affordability, and whether, you plan to live there, for a considerable period, or only, as a so – called, Starter Home!

2. Instincts; insights; inspiring: Many homeowners discover their home, inspires them, and, have the instincts, to realize, what means the most, to each individual! The greatest agents respect and understand these feelings and perception, and proceed, with the expertise, and insights, which best serve a client’s best – interests, etc!

3. Needs; nuances/ niche; neighborhood: Before buying a house, a potential buyer, should walk – the – neighborhood, and discover, if he would feel comfortable, and, truly, enjoy, living there! True professionals know and understand their client’s needs, perspectives, and priorities, and respect these, thoroughly, while addressing the nuances, and niche, which might provide the highest – quality, personal service, and representation!

4. Delve deeply; discourse; deliver: You can’t customize, properly, unless/ until, one delves deeply, and listens carefully, during the entire discourse, emphasizing, delivering, the best house, for the particular client!

How a quality real estate agent, proceeds, forward, to FIND the best house, for a client, differentiates the greatest ones, from the rest – of – the – pack! Doesn’t it make sense, for a prospective buyer, to carefully, choose, who, he hires?

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

How To Buy Paintings Online For Your Home

Your home is your sacred space, and it is necessary to decorate it well. This is necessary so that you look around your home and like what you see; it gives you that sense of being at peace in your own home.

Home decor is very important for your family too. Everything in your house should give you a welcome feel. This is also true for guests who visit your home. After all, you do want them to like the kind of home that you have. The artwork exists at the very core of home decor, and original canvas art can take your home to new heights. It gives a different outlook to your house.

It is rather easy to buy paintings online these days because there are so many sites to choose from. However, not all of them have the best galleries or paintings that they portray in their homes. So, this can get quite disappointing after a while, and it will be a waste of money too if you don’t know where to look for.

Things to consider before buying

You can easily find an online art gallery but finding one that is worth your time and money is difficult. But here are some things you should keep in mind before investing in canvas paintings or anything else.

• You should only buy what you love. At the end of the day, it is your home, and you will be staying there all the time. So, whether it is modern art paintings or even simply a painting of a waterfall on a blank wall. You should be passionate about what you choose. Many people choose paintings on canvas because of their old school texture and feel.

• If you are a genuine collector of art, then keep in mind the value of the art you purchase. Consider purchasing only from an original art gallery so that you can ensure its authenticity.

• Content should also be an important factor. Especially if you are an art enthusiast. What the painting is about and what it says to the world should also be important.

• When you go to any art gallery website, keep in mind the color scheme of your house and how well the artwork suits your general decor.

• Oil paintings are not very popular these days, but they can still be found online if you search the web long enough. You will need to skim through quite a few sites to find them.

The importance of art

Art is something that portrays your personality to the world whether you create art or simply display it in your home. It tells the world about the things you like, the things you are passionate about and the things that catch your eye. They are quite the conversation starter. So when you venture out to buy paintings, you should definitely look online first.

In the online store, you can find all the art you want. Whether you’re a collector, or want something original, or just looking for ideas to decorate your home, you can find everything you need if you find them in the right manner.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

How To Buy The Best Real Estate Property For Investment

Many people are looking to buy a real estate property. They can use this as an investment or as a place to build a house. In any case, it is important for anyone to realize the importance of some buying tips. This way, you can easily get the most value out of your purchase. Of course, if you want to invest on a property, you have to make sure it is problem free. On the other hand, you could also use the property to build a new house. Usually, people are buying real estate assets for the family. Therefore, it is best that you could choose one without problems. Here, we will give you a few tips on how you can select a good real estate property.

One thing that you need to consider is to find a good location. The location of the property spells its true value. The more accessible it is, the better is the price. However, the initial buying price could be big for you to avail. This is normal because you are just investing on an asset. In the long run, your property will be worth more than what you paid for. This means you could increase the value of your asset so you can have better return of investment. Initially, a person needs to render a big amount of money to buy a property. If the location undergoes development in a few years, then the buyer could increase the value of his asset. Then he could sell it at a much higher price. Only this way can profits be realized.

Aside from location, it is also good to check if the property has no legal obligations. One of the basic problems of property buyers is legal problems. A property may have come from a bad owner who did not pay the previous tax requirements. This can be a pain to the buyer especially if the amount is too much to pay. On the other hand, there could be some foreclosure problems if the property has a built structure. This is also a concern for any buyers because it requires being resolved first. Upon solving it, one can then ask for the price of the property if it is for sale.

One more thing that you need to do is to find a broker or agent. We all want to save money when buying properties. However, we can save time and effort if there is an agent. A real estate agent will know everything that needs to be done. He can handle the legal issues of the properties if there is a problem. He can also let you bargain for the price when you want to buy or sell a property. Moreover, he can monitor the prices of the real estate so you can have better decisions. There are so many agents that you can find. Online, you may find them from real estate websites or those freelancers. It is best that you contact any of these agents so you can buy your property today.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Finding a House For Sale – Top Tips For Buyers

If you are looking for a house for sale in Christchurch, NZ there are several factors to consider. We’ve got some top tips for purchasing property in Canterbury, NZ.

1. Even though it’s a relatively small city, population wise, Christchurch is full of open suburbs with plenty of space and diversity that meets the needs of a range of purchasers. You can select anything from a beach front property, to one in the Port Hills, a central city pad, or a large house in the suburbs. Each suburb of Christchurch has a different feel, and it’s important to find a part of it that fits you and your personality as well as your housing needs.

2. Consider your garden needs. One thing Canterbury residents love is their gardens. Some newer areas have covenants so that gardens are kept to a specific standard. It’s important to find a place that matches the exterior maintenance of your lifestyle. Cottage gardens can look gorgeous, but may take some dedication, whereas native grasses and shrubs can look clean and clear and be low maintenance. It all depends on your lifestyle.

3. Schooling requirements are also an important factor. Many of the popular schools have zoning requirements and moving into a particular area can ensure your child/children have a better change of access to that school, but this often means you pay more of a premium. For parents of children who will attend a private school this may not be so much of an issue. The school culture is considered an important part of family life in Canterbury. Selecting a school in some of the outer suburbs often means your child can go to a smaller school, with a lovely family atmosphere.

4. Sporting and outdoor pursuits are another factor. Most sports are within an easy driving distance, but being situated near a golf course, a surf beach, or near biking tracks can be of benefit for the extra keen sports lover.

If you want a home that’s got all of the benefits of city living, with an outdoors lifestyle at your door, then buying a home in the Lyttleton Harbour and Bay areas can be a good option. The properties in these areas offer an easy commute to the central city if necessary, or you can work closer to home.

As you start looking for houses for sale in Christchurch, NZ, be sure to consider these above buying tips as part of your house buying process.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg