Habitat Hunters News

Hints to Sell Your Home Faster in a Troubled Economy

Whether you are relocating, purchasing a new property or simply needing to raise funds quick, it is sometime necessary to sell your home fast. Unfortunately, that goal may be easier said than done as we move into a slower seasonal winter period coupled with difficulties in the financing world. Don’t despair as there are several steps that may provide you with some speed that others in the market will not achieve.
PRICE YOUR HOME RIGHT. One of the most important steps you can take is to price your home at, or even a bit below market price. This will help insure that any buyers in your area will view your home. Hopefully, they will see that it is a great value and choose to purchase it over your neighbors.
TACKLE THOSE JOBS. Clear clutter and debris from inside your house, garage and yard. Take a thorough look at every aspect of your house with your agent and make a list of items that need attention before putting the house on the market. You will be surprised how much working light bulbs, no leaky faucets and a clean crisp appearance will do to help your house move quick.
Consider Investing in a Pre-Inspection. For approximately $400, a pre-inspection may be worth considering. It will help demonstrate the condition of the home in the eyes of an independent licensed inspector to prospective buyers and help ease their minds. Further, the report serves as a great punch list for you to make the home ready for market.
HIRE AN EXPERIENCED AGENT. Over the years and even today, people try to sell their homes on their own. After failing and waiting months, many then turn to an agent. However damage has already been done like losing buyers to homes that were properly marketed and paying several months in extra mortgage payments, interest and taxes. Consider going with a pro from the start.
Contact:
Jeffrey S. Plotkin, VP of Habitat Hunters, Inc.
Texas REALTOR, ATTORNEY & CPA
503 W 30th
Austin, TX 78705
Phone 512-517-4327
e-mail Plotkin@habitathunters.com www.habitathunters.com

Add comment March 31st, 2011

Do Not Buy the Wrong Home

Have you just relocated to Austin or are you currently renting in the area? You should ask yourself “Is buying a residence the right thing for me to do?”. How do I avoid buying the “wrong” home?

Home buying can be a very trying and emotional experience. There are pitfalls from the beginning of the process until the very end. The most important thing you can do to better handle the process is to hire a professional REALTOR®.

Do not just hire any agent. Find a REALTOR® you feel comfortable with and who will not try
to push you into the wrong house. Patience and persistence must win out. Sometime it takes months to find the correct home.

Avoid settling! For example, if you really believe you need 2 bathrooms do not settle for 1. If you like to entertain, stay clear of houses with only one dining area and small kitchens. If you are thinking about adding a dog or a child to the family, be sure and look for spacious yards and quiet streets.

Remember, you are buying a home note only to live in but also to possibly resell some day. Therefore, carefully plan and think about your needs, now, and in five years. Also, think about trends that may help you easily resell in the future (i.e. three car garages, large open kitchens, lots of closets).

To discuss any of the topics above, feel free to contact Jeff Plotkin, a Texas REALTOR®, attorney and CPA. Jeff Plotkin, is VP of Habitat Hunters REALTORS of Austin. Jeff may be reached at plotkin@habitathunters.com or 512-517-4327. Please visit www.habitathunters.com to learn more.

Add comment March 31st, 2011