Kim Hodges

Why Face to Face Negotiation Wins Real Estate Clients

2007-07-12T19:56:00Z

In a recent article in Agent Direct News, Bernice Ross writes about face to face negotiation.

High touch still matters. Realtors have fallen into the pattern of either faxing or e-mailing offers. By doing so you loose one of the most important tools you have in negotiating a listing agreement or purchase contract. Face to face negotiations gives you a real advantage over digital communication. According to Ross, our body language communicates approximately 60 percent of the information that we use to determine what the other person means.

Is there more then one seller? Is one seller for the offer and the other against? How will you know what points are negotiable? Where can you obtain additional concessions for your client? What is motivating the seller? The agent who relies on fax or e-mail will almost never know why their offer was turned down or what he or she might have done to put the property under contract says Ross. You loose a wealth of valuable information about what is happing in the negotiation.

You might be relying on an untrained agent whose communication and negotiating skills are inferior to your own. Putting yourself face to face with the buyer and seller clearly gives you the opportunity to control the negotiations and bring the best possible price and terms for your client.

While other agents continue to fax and e-mail their clients offers, differentiate your services by negotiating your transactions face to face. Your clients will appreciate the superior service you are providing them.

Call Kim Hodges at The Selby Group 407-482-8225

Does Curb Appeal Really Sell Homes? What Can You Do To Maximize Your Home's Curb Appeal?

2007-06-04T15:19:00Z

When you make the decision to sell your home one of the first things you’ll want to look closely at is the curb appeal. Does this really matter if your home is competitively priced for your market? During a buyer’s market pricing is just one thing to consider. A buyer will generally start refining their search with price fist, but while touring those selected homes the next thing they’ll look at is curb appeal. How will your home compete with the others for sale in your area?

When taking a good look at the exterior of your home use this check list to help you find those things that you might consider working on before you list your home on the market.

Exterior Paint

Is the paint in good condition? Is the color dated? Exterior color and condition play a big part in the buyer’s first impression.

Landscaping

Is the turf green and edged? If you have flower beds are they manicured and healthy? Does the landscaping compliment your home and not appear to be overgrown, hiding the home? Manicured landscaping compliments a home and shows the buyer the home is well maintained even before they enter.

Pool/ Patio Areas

Is the deck in good condition? Is the screen clean and free of tears? Is the pool maintained and the water clear and inviting? Is the pool area clean and free of clutter? In Florida, pool and patio areas are extensions of the home where people spend a great amount of time. The buyer will be looking closely at this area.

Cost Effectiveness

When you are finished with your inspection look at the items you can tend to and will be the most cost effective such as:

Instead of repainting try pressure washing the exterior of the home, the pool deck, and screen enclosure. This can make a dramatic difference and will cost very little.

Do a complete landscaping detail. Replace wilted and dying annuals with fresh ones choosing the color carefully to compliment the color of the home and trim back any overgrown plants and shrubs.

Fertilize lawn so it will be lush and green.

Place potted flowers by the front entryway and around the pool and patio areas to bring in color with very low cost.

Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door and replace the lock and door knob to give a new appearance.

Finally, make sure your house number is attractive and can be seen easily from the road.

Considering listing your home? Call Kim Hodges at The Selby Group and Expect the Best!
407-482-8225

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Inventory and Price Stabilize

2007-05-25T19:32:00Z

According to the Orlando Regional Realtor^®Association the Orlando housing market appears to be seeking a middle ground between buyers and sellers as the pace of newly added inventory dropped in April and the median price increased just a fraction. The median price is down 3.11 percent when compared to April 2006, which indicates a correction from the red hot market of 2005. ORRA President Randy Martin, goes on the say market conditions are clearly favoring buyers. “It’s a good time to buy, in part because homebuyers are not pressured to make quick decisions. We are in a window of low interest rates with a plentiful supply of homes on the market. Buyers also now have more power to negotiate with sellers for help on downpayment or closing costs.” Says Martin.

The area’s average interest rate of 5.93 percent, a tick above last month’s rate of 5.83 percent, remains historically low. While the inventory of homes available for purchase through the MLS increased by 888 homes in April. According to ORRA.

We saw an increase in buyer interest last quarter, but buyers are still hesitant to make a purchase. With desirable interest rates and large inventory now is defiantly the time to buy.

Orlando growth is soaring due to Great weather, beautiful golf courses, great attractions, easy access to the ocean, new high tech jobs, and super home values. The neighborhoods of East Orlando have everything a newcomer would want when relocating. A rated schools, community events, great shopping and restaurants. We can find you the perfect home in a community that has everything.