Attention sellers and buyers. Here's a quick list of things you may not have thought about that will make your real estate experience that much better. It's the sort of stuff "most real estate agents won't tell you." Not because these tips are secret, but because sharing them requires a little bit more effort and a lot more experience. It's a good thing that I'm not most real estate agents.
With that in mind, let's launch into these 12 Tips of Real Estate. If you haven't considered all of these before, I'm doing my job.
1. You've Got to Have a Dream: Chances are, if you're honest with yourself you've got a vision for how you'd like to live. Maybe it's a fantasy, you're Scarlet O'Hara gliding down a grand staircase. Maybe it's a top secret lair like the Bat Cave. Start there. What is your vision? Who are you in that vision? Where are you in that vision? When you're comfortable. Share it. There are no stupid dreams, only compromised ones. A Realtor's job is to get you as close to that vision as is possible within the limitations of reality. Don't hold back. Do separate needs and wants.
2. No Monkey Business: More time and deals are killed by one issue than any other; assumptions. Final hour disagreements between buyers or sellers, not buyers and sellers kill deals quickly. That's right. Your spouse is more likely to end your contract than a negotiation ever will. To avoid this, eliminate assumptions and make sure that you and your significant other are truly united when it comes to what you want and what you need. Do so early and touch base often. And remember significant other can and should be broadened to include any investors, decision makers, or opinion makers you value or require.
3. Shop With All Your Senses: Exercising all your senses can put your mind at rest. I have never, and will never judge a client for sniffing that "new" wall to wall carpet. When you look at a place look with more than your eyes. Touch surfaces, listen for inside and outside noises that raise concern, note damp smells, etc. It'll help your agent draw attention to specific concerns come inspection time. Sellers check in with your senses before listing your place and get out in front of things that can be addressed or expectations that can be easily managed.
4. Open Every Door: I once opened a closet door to find a "secret" staircase leading down to a private courtyard. This is New Orleans. Old homes are delightfully wonky. Leave no door unopened, literally. Sellers assume every door will be opened during a showing and tidy up accordingly (see below).
5. Know the Neighborhood: A good trick for getting to know a neighborhood includes talking to neighbors and checking it out at different times of day; but you already knew that. Want the real low down? Attend a neighborhood and/or a city meeting. You'll hear about new developments, crime reports, and other issues. Keep in mind all neighborhood organizations tend to attract a certain class of busy bodies, don't let one or a few people dictate the overall culture of the neighborhood for you. Sellers if you haven't been or haven't attended a recent meeting, go. You'll be better informed about what you potential buyers may be hearing and/or worried about.
6. Make An Offer: When a listing agent (the seller's agent) says, "make me an offer," or "all offers are valid," they're likely fishing for any offer. If the property has been on the market for any amount of time they are, "most likely pushing for an offer." If you are serious about a place and believe the price should be below ask, make an offer below ask. It opens the conversation and you'll start to learn what the seller truly needs and expects. Sellers it's 100% ok and even expected to counter offer. Remember it's a conversation, not a duel.
7. Curb Appeal: Sellers. Curb appeal is as important as they say. Here's why. According to NAR (National Realtor's Association) 90% of today's buyers start their search online. The first picture they'll see will be the front of your house (them's the rules). Thus, not only does curb appeal matter when people roll up to showings, it matters when they're choosing what places to see to begin with. Spruce it up with a fresh cheerful door color or potted plants. Buyers, the front of New Orleans homes (especially shotguns) can be misleading. Be sure to check the pics that show inside a listing even if that front seems 'plain Jane.' You'll find some treasures.
8. Declutter. Declutter. Declutter.: When showing your place, clutter is the enemy from day one. Dust won't show on photos, clutter will. Family photos won't 'make it homey,' they'll make it, 'someone else's home.' Start packing for your move early by boxing up keepsakes, knick knacks, appliances, and anything else that isn't needed for you to live in your home for the next two to four months. You'll thank yourself when you've just got a great offer and half the packing is done already. Bonus tip? Consider staging it's more affordable than you think and can seriously and positively impact the bottom line.
9. The Trouble with Pets: I love animals. I love love love dogs. Some people don't. I can't relate but it's true. Sellers, those non-dog-loving-oddballs (ahem) people may be your best offer. Those same people may see a dog bed and start looking for scratches, stains, smells, holes dug in the yard, etc. Stop them in their bi-pod tracks by taking Boudin, Rex, and Decatur for a walk during showings and tucking their bowls, beds, and other bits & bobs away.
10. Know the Marketplace: Buyers & Sellers do best when know the field before they play the game. Every state has its own laws (especially Louisiana). Every neighborhood has its own restrictions. This, along with supply and demand, can shape the final sales price of a property. Do your homework. Look into recent sales and into listings currently on the market. Get a CMA. Your agent will do one for you. Sellers, this will make sure that the listing price is set to market your place appropriately. Buyers this will give your offer clout.
11. Get An Agent: If all of the above sounds daunting, it's with reason. There is a lot to consider when buying or selling a property. There's no (good) reason to go it alone. Sellers, the money 'saved' in selling your property as "for sale by owner," can be lost in time-on-market, a smaller pool of buyers, in showings, and in negotiations. Buyers, with rare exception, the seller pays the buyer's agent and it's negotiated in advance. It does not come out of your pocket.
12. Call Me: It's my job to know the marketplace, the players, the methods, and how to navigate the madness of buying or selling a home. Moving is stressful enough. Your co-pilot shouldn't be. Let me help. You won't regret the decision.
While these tips are not exhaustive they are very real. In fact, they're all based on recent questions I've received from actual buyers and sellers. Real humans, just like you. No humans (or pets) were harmed in the acquisition of these questions or the writing of this post. As for me, I won't be harmed if we don't work together, but I'd sure like to help you out. Give me a call.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.
Contact Her -
email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
YouTube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
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