Why Pay 6-7% Commission?

Atlanta Real Estate.  I received a call yesterday from a homeowner stating that he paid his LISTing agent $24,000 to LIST the property and the property sold in 1 day.  He asked me why he had to pay so much for so little work?  After all $24,000 is a cost of a new car, college tuition or even retirement.

There is no reason to hire a traditional real estate company to LIST your property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  Agents have scared homeowners over the years to believe SELLing a home is rocket science.

Today thanks to the Internet.  Homeowners have alternative choices on how they can LIST their properties in the MLS.  One of the choices they have is to LIST their homes with for a Flat Fee Listing Broker. The homeowner pay the Listing Broker a nominal marketing fee to LIST their property in the MLS.

In many cases the homeowner also reserve the right to continue to show and sell their properties themselves.  If the owner sell their property to a buyer not working with an agent they SAVE the buyer's agent's commission and pay NO COMMISSION at closing.

By using the Flat Fee Listing Broker the homeowner pays only 1 agent; the agent that brings them a qualified buyer a commission at closing usually around 3%.  The homeowner SAVES the LISTing commission that would have gone to the Listing agent at closing to LIST the property in the MLS.

Think about the terms used.  LISTing agents LIST the home.  The SELLing agent SELLS the home.  Homeowners pay only 1 agent that actually brings the buyer and not two agents.

In today's real estate market it really does not make sense to LIST your property with a traditional agent, unless you can't use $24,000 toward your retirement, your kids tuition or even to purchase a new car.

For more information go to: GAforSaleByOwner.com

Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Fall and Winter is for many homeowners the most enjoyable of all the seasons. As the temperatures steadily decline and days get shorter, the cold winter days get closer and closer.

Now is the time to prep your home - both indoor and outdoor - for the long winter months.

         Outdoor Maintenance Tips

1. Clear debris out of you window wells, gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. This will allow the water to properly drain, minimizing standing water and stalling the freeze and thaw expansion process that often occurs during colder months.
2. Make sure the weather stripping on your windows and doors fit and is in good condition.
3. Clean your windows. Sparkling clean windows let in lots of sunlight that will help chase away winter's doldrums.
4. Look for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows. Check for loose putty around glass panes.
5. Remove garden hoses from spouts, drain and store for the winter.
6. Check painted surfaces for water damage or mildew.
7. Insulate outdoor faucets, pipes in unheated garages, and pipes in crawl spaces with materials such as rags or newspapers.
8. Keep rodents out. In the winter months, all kinds of critters will be looking for a cozy spot. They don't need a lot of space to get into or under your home. Make sure all exterior vents are screened and that there are no gaps underneath garage doors. 
9. Fall is also the time to remove window screens and store in a safe place such as your basement or garage. Install storm windows to insure proper heating efficiency.
   
   Indoor Maintenance Tips
10. Get your heating system checked by a professional.
11. Replace your furnace filter.
12. Clean out any dust that has accumulated in vents to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants and cut down on winter colds.
13. Make sure you have proper insulation in both your attic and basement. While checking your insulation, if you see any dark, dirty spots, it may indicate you have air leaks coming into your home.
14. Test all smoke alarms and clean dust from the covers. Replace batteries as necessary.
15. Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters, especially after electrical storms.
16. Check your home around windows and doors for air leaks. An easy way to check for leaks is to move a lighter around the window or door frame and see if the flame moves with a breeze. If you find a leak, you can caulk it or you may have to replace the wood frame. Repairing these leaks can save you money on your energy bill during the cold months.
17. Don't ignore your hose bibs and learn the location of your pipes as well as how to shut off the water. If your pipes end up freezing, you'll have a better chance of preventing a burst if you can quickly shut water off.
18. Clean and reverse ceiling fans. Reset fans for the winter routine by giving fan blades a thorough dusting, and then switch them to a clockwise spin in order to push warm air downward from the ceiling.

For more information go to: GAforSaleByOwner.com

Newly Renovated Single Family Home!

Adorable, newly renovated 3/2 bungalow close to downtown East Point shopping and restaurants. Refinished hardwoods upstairs and down, gorgeous master suite, large bedrooms, brand new mechanical systems, basement, bonus room, fully fenced yard, corner lot with detached carport. Owner is a general contractor and ready to customize for you!

For more information go to: http://2150BenHillRd.gaforsalebyowner.com

Buyers First Impressions!

Before listing your home for sale, consider one home renovation project at a time.  Start with the exterior then work your way into each room of the home.

To significantly increase your home curb appeal--repaint the exterior trim, especially if it's flaking and looks shabby.  Pressure wash the driveway, sidewalk and home brightens up the exterior.  A clean exterior makes the home stand out visually.

Landscaping is extremely important for curb appeal.  Add fresh mulch and flowers enhances the curb appeal and adds a finishing touch to your yard. 

Bare area in the grass can be spray painted with natural green grass paint for a quick fix.  Cut back over grown bushes and tree limbs.  Pick up debris, leaves and sticks.

Repaint the front door. Add new lights and/or fixtures.  Add a new welcome mat to the entrance and color pot with flowers.  Buyers buy on emotions.  Create a welcome atmoshere means the difference between a sale or longer days on market which will lead to a lower price.

Although this is a time-consuming task, it's also one that can make prospective buyers fall in love with your property at first sight.

For more information go to:  GAforSaleByOwner.com

GA for Sale By Owner: Mom Died at 80 - What Do We Do With Dad?

GA for Sale By Owner: Mom Died at 80 - What Do We Do With Dad?: "A year ago my mother passed away from lung cancer she was 80 years old. Mom wasn't suppose to die first - that was never our plan. She was..."

Mom Died at 80 - What Do We Do With Dad?

A year ago my mother passed away from lung cancer she was 80 years old.  Mom wasn't suppose to die first - that was never our plan.  She was to live to be 100 and enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

My parents live in New Jersey in their home for over 50+ years.  At the time of Mom's death, Dad was 87 he is a diabetic and had his right leg amputated 10 years earlier.  Dad is totally dependant on aides to do everything for him.  My parents wishes were clear - Dad was to remain in their home.  He was not to go to a nursing facility (that would have been too easy on all of us, I am one of 6 children).

So for a year now I have been traveling back and forth between Atlanta and New Jersey taking care of Dad's needs.  My baby sister (who lives near my parents) and I takes turns every 2 weeks running his household, maintaining the help, running to the bank and doing the grocery shopping and cooking.  Dad is now 88 years old. 

He is doing well considering his health issues and needs.  He is lonely yet he is never alone. 

Since my business is Internet based I have been able for the past year to service my clients while taking care of Dad.  I am very happy and content with the way things are going.  My clients are wonderful people with parents of their own and have supported me throughout the past year. 

I wanted to take the time this morning to thank everyone for their support and well wishes.  Human nature is amazing.  People you know and helped over the years have come to help me and my family.  We are very blessed. 

Thank you for all your support.

Showcase Your Property with Photos!

Internet marketing is the buyer's first impression of your propery.  The old saying 'A picture is worth a thousand words' can either make or break the buyer's first impression of your home.
If you are planning on taking your own photos here are a few tips to getting quality photos. . .
Use a high quality digital camera not your camera phone
Use a wide angle lens and correct lighting.  Dark and dingy photos will mean longer days on market.

Wait for a sunny dayThe best exterior photos of the home is when the sun is on the front of the house and the sky is blue.

Shoot during daylight Interior photos should be taken during daylight hours to provide the best lighting conditions. Turn the lights on in every room and use the camera’s automatic flash. .

Avoid glareA trick to avoid glare point the camera at the window and hold your shutter part way down.  When your camera adjust to the lighting pivot into the room and take your interior shot.  Don't shoot directly into a mirror or light.

Be still To avoid blurry or poor quality photos, hold your camera still when taking photos.  Turn off the ceiling fan (clean blades).

Rooms to showcaseBuyers want to see the living areas, kitchen, breakfast area, dining room, master bedroom, master bath and basement plus the exterior front, back and backyard photos. 

Arrange your photos as if you are walking through the front doorPhotograph your home in the same order as if you were walking through the front door. Starts with the front exterior, moves to the foyer, living, dining room, kitchen, family room, master bedroom, master bathroom, basement, exterior back, pool, backyard and gardens.

Showcase your propertyIn order to get the best photos rearrange some of your furniture. Clean off countertops, and refrigerator.  Remove personal items and photos.  Remove pets and children toys.  Stage your home like a magazine cover.   Take photos of the rooms selling points, for example remove the rug to showcase the hardwood floors.

With over 90% of all buyers searching the internet for homes.  Taking quality photos can either make or break the buyers first impression of your home.

For more information go to: GAforSaleByOwner.com