What to expect as a seller

The Denver real estate market is booming and it’s a definite sellers market. As of July 2014 Denver only has 23.2% of the required inventory to have a balanced market. This means that houses on the market are going very quick. In July, detached homes under $400,000 went under contract on average in 18 days- the historical average is 89. This is a market that we have not seen in quite some time and it can take sellers by surprise. When I work with sellers I try to explain what they may experience could be very different that was occurred when they sold their last home. Sellers should be prepared for: 

  • Multiple showings. The house I just listed had 82 showings in three weeks. Luckily the home was vacant so the sellers were not put out but there could be a number of people walking through your home.
  • There may be multiple offers depending on how the home is priced.
  • The market is moving quickly which means decisions needs to be made rather quickly.
  • Depending on the price point- investors may take interest in your property.
In this market if your house is not getting many showings or has been on the market more than 2 weeks without an offer, you may want to discuss with your agent what the cause might be. As a listing agent, I always have a conversation with sellers about how quickly the house needs to sell when we are determining a price.  

In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

How a Realtor can help YOU

There are a lot of people that will often try to sell there home on their own. While I certainly respect their decision, there are a number of pros for having a Realtor working for YOU. 
  • Personalized marketing plan. A realtor will communicate a targeted buyer that your home will attract and how they will accomplish getting the buyer. 
  • Understand the psychology and emotionality of buyers and how to use that to attract more offers on your home. 
  • Analysis of the market using market trends and additional resources.
  • Network of Realtors. Not only will their be a sign in the yard but a Realtor will make sure the large network of Realtors are aware of your home for their buyers. 
  • Internet Marketing. Most buyers search for homes online. A realtor will make sure you property has an online presence. 
  • Negotiation skills. A Realtor will work to get you the BEST offer. Realtor properties sell for $41,000. Source.
  • Staging. Realtors will give you staging tips to get your home sold.
  • Liability. A realtor has E&O insurance to cover anything that may come up during the transaction. As a daughter of a Risk Manager this is a HUGE pro!
  • Meeting deadlines and completing paperwork. This task alone can be daunting!
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Greige

Greige is a very popular paint color right now. If you are unsure what greige is, it is a combination of grey and beige. I like a lot of the greiges because it is great combination of cool and warm undertones. I think it is a great paint choice for any room in the home. Below I have picked out some of my favorite greiges:

Do you have a favorite greige? What is it? 
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

Staging + Smell

Smell.. the sense that is often overlooked in a home. We all become so immune to smells in our home whether it be the food we cook, pets, clothes or any other fragrances. We become used to the smell of our home. It may not be a bad smell but smell is one thing we need to keep in mind when putting your home on the market. 

When you put a home on the market, you want to make sure it presents the best it possible can. I always tell clients to keep in mind the smell. Your home will inevitable smell like you just by you living there. You want to impersonalize the home as much as possible so potential buyers can picture their family in the home. 
If you are planning on selling your home there are certain things you can do to neutralize the smell:

  1. Avoid odorous food. When I had one of my homes on the market I made Brussels sprouts one night then had a showing the next day. The buyer actually made mention of the smell (36 hours after actually cooking). Foods that have a strong odor tend to stick around for quite some time. 
  2. Shampoo carpets (especially if you have pets).
  3. Get furniture professionally cleaned.
  4. Deep clean all linens, duvets and wall treatments.
  5. Keep the home as clean as possible when showing it (nothing smells better than the smell of a clean home).
  6. If you (or even a past owner) smoked in the home, paint walls using a deodorizer primer and latex paint.
  7. Get fresh air circulating by replacing any air filters, furnace filters and air conditioner filters.
Most people’s first instinct is to disguise any smells in the home with potpourri, candles or air fresheners. While I do think these are great ways to make the house smell nice, I would be careful with the scent used. Some of those products can be overpowering and everyone has different reactions to smells. I, personally, stray away from floral scents and anything citrus. I would recommend a lavender scent, as it is usually not overpowering and can be calming.

In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

Townhouse in Whittier

This weekend I found myself in a beautiful industrial loft located in Whittier. It had exposed piping and brick walls, a master suite open to the downstairs, barn pocket doors and cement floors. It was a very unique home but quintessential to the changing Whittier neighborhood, where not that long ago the neighborhood featured only art and craftsmen style homes. Just as unique as the home, were the accent pieces through the home. 
Such as this beautiful lamp:
Of course, this knife holder was the best.
If you had a unique home, would you keep the furnishings just as unique?
Go here to view to see the home.
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352. 

Showing your Home to Sell

Lets switch gears slightly to actually selling your home. Whatever the reason, whether relocation, downsizing, upgrading or cashing in on your investment, as homeowners we will typically find ourselves in the position of selling a home in our lifetime. Selling your home does require a change in mindset. No longer is your home yours, it becomes a business deal.
Here in Denver, if the home is priced appropriately, homes are getting sold quickly. Making the best first impression with your home is crucial and staging can accomplish this. Here are some quick tips that you can easily do so your home shows nicely.
  • Clean. Such an easy way to show your place nicely.
  • De clutter. Remove unnecessary items in all your rooms. Don’t forget the kitchen/bathroom counters.
  • Shampoo carpets
  • Paint (if needed)
  • Remove personal items. When perspective buyers come to your home, you want them to envision themselves in the home. 
  • Rearrange furniture. The layout that works for you and your family may not work for all. 
  • Don’t forget the outside! Curb appeal is a must when trying to sell your home.
Keep in mind, showing your home is like a job interview. If you were going on a job interview you would look your best, right? Showings and open houses allow you the chance to ‘sell’ your home to perspective buyers that pass through and you want to make the best first impression. 
In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.