As we head into fall, let's talk about what is happening in our housing market.
Let's start with the good news. I mean, who doesn't need good news?
First, metro Denver has been named one of the country's top markets to watch next year in the new "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2011" report. This is a commercial real estate study in its 32nd year. The report ranks Denver 11th among U.S. cities on a list of real estate markets to watch for commercial and multifamily investment. Denver earned points for its redevelopment of downtown's Union Station, for DIA being "one of the nation's most modern airports," and for relatively low business taxes. Looking at the U.S. as a whole, the study found hopeful signs of tempered real estate market improvements for next year.
Second, Forbes magazine has ranked Colorado as the fourth best state for businesses and for fostering economic growth. CNBC has rated Colorado the third best state for businesses. The Forbes ranking puts Colorado first for labor supply, sixth for overall economic climate and growth prospects, and ninth for quality of life.
So do commercial real estate and businesses affect residential real estate? You bet they do! An upswing in commercial real estate indicates improving businesses. A good business climate indicates strengthening employment. And residential housing markets always recover as unemployment decreases. But notice the wording from the Emerging Trends report above: "hopeful signs of tempered real estate market improvements." Our housing market recovery is still in the early stages, and probably will recover slowly.
That brings us to the not-so-good news. Sales of existing homes in metro Denver fell 23.1 percent in September 2010 from the September 2009 total. That follows a 21.2 percent year-over-year decline in August and a 26.6 percent yearly decline in July. There were 23,332 unsold homes on the market in September, up 17.6 percent from a year earlier. But despite these depressing figures, some homes are selling. 3,079 homes sold in September, about 13 percent of the available homes for sale. I was able to put two of my listing under contract in September. The reality is, however, that both of these homes sold at 8-10 percent lower than their list price.
Getting a home sold in this challenging housing market takes patience and often times some real "belt-tightening." But it can be done. Let's stay positive!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Denver's Housing Slump
You probably heard the latest housing news: the number of homes sold in July plunged a record 27% compared with the same month a year ago. This was far worse than the most pessimistic forecast of economists.
So what does it mean for us here in Denver? It means our housing market's recovery is not going to happen real soon. But we still are positioned better than most parts of the country. We have less homes on the market and our homes are selling quite a bit faster than most other places. But if you want to be one of the homes that sells you've got to have the home looking great and you've got to be priced aggressively.
When will it all end? When will we be back to healthy appreciation? My take - it's all about job creation. Until we get unemployment back down to the 5% range we won't see any real increase in consumer confidence. When people are concerned about their employment, they lack the confidence they need to take on the housing market. So fewer homes sell and they sell for less money.
But this also means that if you are in a position to buy, this is a great time. Interest rates are at historic lows - I mean, 4.5% for a 30-year fixed? You've got to be kidding me! And there definitely are deals to be had out there.
So keep your chin up, Denver. Someday we'll be back to 7 or 8% appreciation yearly. Let's just hope it's sooner than later.
So what does it mean for us here in Denver? It means our housing market's recovery is not going to happen real soon. But we still are positioned better than most parts of the country. We have less homes on the market and our homes are selling quite a bit faster than most other places. But if you want to be one of the homes that sells you've got to have the home looking great and you've got to be priced aggressively.
When will it all end? When will we be back to healthy appreciation? My take - it's all about job creation. Until we get unemployment back down to the 5% range we won't see any real increase in consumer confidence. When people are concerned about their employment, they lack the confidence they need to take on the housing market. So fewer homes sell and they sell for less money.
But this also means that if you are in a position to buy, this is a great time. Interest rates are at historic lows - I mean, 4.5% for a 30-year fixed? You've got to be kidding me! And there definitely are deals to be had out there.
So keep your chin up, Denver. Someday we'll be back to 7 or 8% appreciation yearly. Let's just hope it's sooner than later.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sprucing Up the Kitchen
Can't afford a full kitchen makeover? Sprucing up the cabinetry is an easy fix for a fraction of the cost.
There are two options: replacing or refacing. Refacing includes covering the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a wood or plastic veneer and replacing knobs and door hinges; replacing cabinets requires removing them entirely and starting from scratch. So what's the best for your home? Here are a few things to consider, according to HGTV.
First, check to see if the cabinets are structurally sound. If you have problems opening the drawers, closing the doors, or if the cabinet's interior isn't as large as you need it to be, simply rejuvenating the look isn't going to help in the long run. Also consider the age of the cabinets: Those made 20 to 30 years ago were typically built using thicker wood and sturdier construction. Such cabinets can often be refaced instead of replaced.
Next, consider how long you'll remain in your home. Replacing the cabinets will add to the home's value and could be worth the extra money if your home will be on the market in the near future. But for a potential buyer, a modern renewal of the cabinets with up-to-date veneers might be enough, making refacing your cabinets a cost-effective, viable solution. The typical cost of refacing with plastic veneer can cost up to about $3,000, while wood veneers can run up to $7,000. If you're still considering replacing, make sure you budget accordingly. According to costhelper.com, the cost of delivery and installation of new cabinets can cost at least $10,000.
There are two options: replacing or refacing. Refacing includes covering the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a wood or plastic veneer and replacing knobs and door hinges; replacing cabinets requires removing them entirely and starting from scratch. So what's the best for your home? Here are a few things to consider, according to HGTV.
First, check to see if the cabinets are structurally sound. If you have problems opening the drawers, closing the doors, or if the cabinet's interior isn't as large as you need it to be, simply rejuvenating the look isn't going to help in the long run. Also consider the age of the cabinets: Those made 20 to 30 years ago were typically built using thicker wood and sturdier construction. Such cabinets can often be refaced instead of replaced.
Next, consider how long you'll remain in your home. Replacing the cabinets will add to the home's value and could be worth the extra money if your home will be on the market in the near future. But for a potential buyer, a modern renewal of the cabinets with up-to-date veneers might be enough, making refacing your cabinets a cost-effective, viable solution. The typical cost of refacing with plastic veneer can cost up to about $3,000, while wood veneers can run up to $7,000. If you're still considering replacing, make sure you budget accordingly. According to costhelper.com, the cost of delivery and installation of new cabinets can cost at least $10,000.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Is That "Free Credit Report" Really Free?
There's a lot a consumer confusion out there about "free credit report" offers that are advertised as free but many times require consumers to spend money on credit monitoring or other products and services. You see these offers all the time. So where do you go to get an actual free credit report? Go to the only authorized sources under federal law:
1. internet: AnnualCreditReport.com
2. phone: 877-322-8228
In an effort to prevent deceptive marketing practices, the Federal Trade Commission has amended rules governing free credit report offers. Any advertising for a free credit report must now include a disclosure statement notifying consumers that you have a right to a free credit report from the above two sources.
If your only need is to check your credit report (and it's a good idea to do this at least once a year), go to the above sources.
1. internet: AnnualCreditReport.com
2. phone: 877-322-8228
In an effort to prevent deceptive marketing practices, the Federal Trade Commission has amended rules governing free credit report offers. Any advertising for a free credit report must now include a disclosure statement notifying consumers that you have a right to a free credit report from the above two sources.
If your only need is to check your credit report (and it's a good idea to do this at least once a year), go to the above sources.
Friday, August 13, 2010
My First . . . and Maybe Last . . . 15 Minutes of Fame
Well they say it happens to everyone at some point - 15 minutes of fame. Mine came a couple weeks ago when I was featured on FOX 31 News in some real estate segments they did. Just in case you missed it (and in case you care at all!), here it is.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Keeping You and Your Family Safe
A new law was passed in Colorado last year that flew under the radar of most homeowners -- probably because you don't have to worry about it until you sell your house. But my suggestion is you worry about it right now.
Here it is: if your house has a fuel-fired heater or appliance (e.g., gas furnace, stove, dryer, fireplace -- and who of us doesn't have at least one of these in our house?) or an attached garage, you must install a carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the entrance to each bedroom prior to offering the property for sale or lease. For most houses, that means plugging one alarm into an upstairs hallway outlet. That's it. About $25 at Home Depot or Lowe's.
I recommend you don't wait until you're ready to sell your home - do it now and keep your family safe.
Here it is: if your house has a fuel-fired heater or appliance (e.g., gas furnace, stove, dryer, fireplace -- and who of us doesn't have at least one of these in our house?) or an attached garage, you must install a carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the entrance to each bedroom prior to offering the property for sale or lease. For most houses, that means plugging one alarm into an upstairs hallway outlet. That's it. About $25 at Home Depot or Lowe's.
I recommend you don't wait until you're ready to sell your home - do it now and keep your family safe.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Watch Out Brian Williams . . .
Real estate is always a hot topic - probably because most of us own a home. So, the subject comes up pretty much everywhere I go. I talked real estate with my dentist just this morning. Well, I didn't say much until he got his hands out of my mouth! But after that I answered some questions he had. I got my hair cut yesterday and guess what Dina and I talked about?
So it's not surprising that we hear about real estate in the news. It's in the business section of the paper most days. It's on the TV news shows, national and local. It's on internet blogs - like this one!
Tonight, FOX 31 is doing a couple packages on real estate in Denver. At 9 pm they are talking about some of the areas of town that have seen the biggest increase in home values over the past year; at 10 pm they talk about the areas with the biggest decrease. Any idea who their "expert" is? That's right! Tune in tonight and see if Greg makes a complete dork of himself!
You also may see a couple of my new listings and one of my current buyer clients, Meredith McKinnon.
So it's not surprising that we hear about real estate in the news. It's in the business section of the paper most days. It's on the TV news shows, national and local. It's on internet blogs - like this one!
Tonight, FOX 31 is doing a couple packages on real estate in Denver. At 9 pm they are talking about some of the areas of town that have seen the biggest increase in home values over the past year; at 10 pm they talk about the areas with the biggest decrease. Any idea who their "expert" is? That's right! Tune in tonight and see if Greg makes a complete dork of himself!
You also may see a couple of my new listings and one of my current buyer clients, Meredith McKinnon.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Remembering the Caveman
Dad and I were business partners for almost 10 years before he retired. That meant a lot of time together, phone calls (early am and late pm) and shared stories. But one of my favorite memories was Dad and his first computer.
When we first started working together in 1995 he didn’t have a computer. A lot of people didn’t. Real estate brokers in those days used contracts where each page had four carbon-type sheets so when you entered the contract info it transferred to each sheet. Most realtors hand wrote in the information. Dad - ever the perfectionist - would load those sheets into his IBM Selectric typewriter and type the contracts because he said they looked more professional. I personally think it was because no one could read his handwriting!
Around this time computer programs started coming out that would allow you to draft contracts on a computer and print them out for signatures. It was slick! No more poor handwriting issues. No more crossed out and initialed mistakes. No more needing to print extremely hard to get the words to transfer to all four sheets. I was in real estate heaven! So Dad and I went to Best Buy and picked up a couple Packard Bell computers - now those were some real beauties (insert sarcastic smirk).
A few days later I walked into Dad’s office and there he was, pecking away at the typewriter. I couldn’t believe it. Why would he be drafting a contract on the IBM when he had that sleek Packard Bell available? I blurted out, “Dad, you really are a caveman using that typewriter. Why don’t you come into the present and use the computer?” Dad’s response: “I can’t remember how to get to the contract program.”
“But, Caveman, we’ve been through this 17 times already.”
“So make it 18 and we’ll see if it sticks.”
At that moment the “Caveman” nickname was born. And it was right then I realized that Dad did not “get” the computer as quickly as I did.
Time to have some fun.
One of my younger siblings who was still living at home had helped Dad put a screen saver on the computer. You know the scrolling marquee screen saver that lets you input the text of your choice? Dad’s said “Go Falcons” in honor of his beloved Air Force Academy. While he was out of the office, I changed the text to “This is Caveman’s computer - now point me to the typewriter!”
About an hour later I got the phone call. He was laughing, but got a little ticked when I wouldn’t tell him how to change it! So for the next three weeks I’d leave new “Caveman” messages on the screen saver every few days and each time I could hardly wait to get his amused and irritated response.
I miss those moments. Dad would’ve been 73 today.
Love you Caveman.
When we first started working together in 1995 he didn’t have a computer. A lot of people didn’t. Real estate brokers in those days used contracts where each page had four carbon-type sheets so when you entered the contract info it transferred to each sheet. Most realtors hand wrote in the information. Dad - ever the perfectionist - would load those sheets into his IBM Selectric typewriter and type the contracts because he said they looked more professional. I personally think it was because no one could read his handwriting!
Around this time computer programs started coming out that would allow you to draft contracts on a computer and print them out for signatures. It was slick! No more poor handwriting issues. No more crossed out and initialed mistakes. No more needing to print extremely hard to get the words to transfer to all four sheets. I was in real estate heaven! So Dad and I went to Best Buy and picked up a couple Packard Bell computers - now those were some real beauties (insert sarcastic smirk).
A few days later I walked into Dad’s office and there he was, pecking away at the typewriter. I couldn’t believe it. Why would he be drafting a contract on the IBM when he had that sleek Packard Bell available? I blurted out, “Dad, you really are a caveman using that typewriter. Why don’t you come into the present and use the computer?” Dad’s response: “I can’t remember how to get to the contract program.”
“But, Caveman, we’ve been through this 17 times already.”
“So make it 18 and we’ll see if it sticks.”
At that moment the “Caveman” nickname was born. And it was right then I realized that Dad did not “get” the computer as quickly as I did.
Time to have some fun.
One of my younger siblings who was still living at home had helped Dad put a screen saver on the computer. You know the scrolling marquee screen saver that lets you input the text of your choice? Dad’s said “Go Falcons” in honor of his beloved Air Force Academy. While he was out of the office, I changed the text to “This is Caveman’s computer - now point me to the typewriter!”
About an hour later I got the phone call. He was laughing, but got a little ticked when I wouldn’t tell him how to change it! So for the next three weeks I’d leave new “Caveman” messages on the screen saver every few days and each time I could hardly wait to get his amused and irritated response.
I miss those moments. Dad would’ve been 73 today.
Love you Caveman.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A Great Way To Maintain Your Home
Well, the Wednesday Wake-Up is late to the blog due to YouTube processing issues. Anyway, hope you enjoy.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Great Day in Sunny Colorado!
There'll be no Wednesday Wake-Up video today (sorry Terri!) as I am out of town. Have a great week. There are a lot of positive signs in our Denver real estate market. We closed a short sale deal this week that was a great deal for my buyers. Despite media negativity, money is there to borrow. The tax credit is here for a bit longer. Enjoy your day.
Greg
Greg
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Different Wednesday Wake-Up Video
The Oscars were just awarded last week. In all the media surrounding the event I came across this gem of a satire on movie trailers.
Remember - if you have any questions you'd like to see addressed in a Wednesday Wake-Up video, let me know. I prefer real estate questions, but I might even tackle a life question! But nothing about cars - that's just too demanding!
Remember - if you have any questions you'd like to see addressed in a Wednesday Wake-Up video, let me know. I prefer real estate questions, but I might even tackle a life question! But nothing about cars - that's just too demanding!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What's Your Interest Rate?
I had a closing today. My client's interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.875% - and that's not buying it down with loan discount points! We may never see rates this low again in our lifetimes.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Because Life Isn't Just About Real Estate
Here's something a little different. I hope you enjoy it ... and that you have a great day!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Stack of Benjamins
I always remind my clients that they have to bring “good funds” to the closing table. That’s usually followed by the question: “What are good funds?” And I reply that it means funds that are verifiable, typically a wire transfer or a cashier’s check, but not a personal check.
So I’m at the title company at a closing with my clients who are purchasing some land - about 10 acres outside of Sedalia. We get to the end of the closing and the closer asks my clients for their funds. They had to bring $3,000 to the table to complete their down payment. So my client proceeds to whip out a roll of bills. I’m talking just like what you’ve seen in the movies - a roll of $100 bills. She starts counting them out. One ... two ... three ... and so on until she’s counted out 30 bills.
My clients own a business that is conducted mostly in cash so I’m not too surprised (except for the fact that when she finishes counting out her 30 bills the roll hasn’t gotten much smaller). But the closer’s jaw is on the floor. And then she starts getting real excited - shaking her head, waving her hands and saying “No, no, no! I can’t accept cash.”
What?
What is not “good funds” about a stack of Benjamins? I mean, it doesn’t get any more “good” than that.
But she wouldn’t have any of it. It was like those bills were tainted in some way, like they were the evil destroyer of all that is right and good at the title company. I swear the closer had backed up until she was against the wall and couldn’t go any further. She had sweat on her upper lip and was muttering something about liability and cash being the root of all closing evil.
After verifying that, yes indeed, the title company would not accept that much cash, we went across the street to a bank and paid $3,015 cash for a $3,000 cashier’s check. Now who’s gonna reimburse my clients $15?
So I’m at the title company at a closing with my clients who are purchasing some land - about 10 acres outside of Sedalia. We get to the end of the closing and the closer asks my clients for their funds. They had to bring $3,000 to the table to complete their down payment. So my client proceeds to whip out a roll of bills. I’m talking just like what you’ve seen in the movies - a roll of $100 bills. She starts counting them out. One ... two ... three ... and so on until she’s counted out 30 bills.
My clients own a business that is conducted mostly in cash so I’m not too surprised (except for the fact that when she finishes counting out her 30 bills the roll hasn’t gotten much smaller). But the closer’s jaw is on the floor. And then she starts getting real excited - shaking her head, waving her hands and saying “No, no, no! I can’t accept cash.”
What?
What is not “good funds” about a stack of Benjamins? I mean, it doesn’t get any more “good” than that.
But she wouldn’t have any of it. It was like those bills were tainted in some way, like they were the evil destroyer of all that is right and good at the title company. I swear the closer had backed up until she was against the wall and couldn’t go any further. She had sweat on her upper lip and was muttering something about liability and cash being the root of all closing evil.
After verifying that, yes indeed, the title company would not accept that much cash, we went across the street to a bank and paid $3,015 cash for a $3,000 cashier’s check. Now who’s gonna reimburse my clients $15?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Here's to Hope and $ in Your Pocket
This week's Wednesday Wake-Up for Denver Real Estate discusses the 2010 housing market outlook and the continuation of the tax credit for home buyers.
If you have a question you want answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at 303-766-7747 or greg@TheAndersonTeam.com
If you have a question you want answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at 303-766-7747 or greg@TheAndersonTeam.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday Wake-Up: Preparing Your House to Sell
If you have a question you'd like answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at greg@TheAndersonTeam.com or 303-766-7747. Have a great day. Greg
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Let There Be Light
Out showing houses today ... I bet you wish you had this beauty in your dining room! I swear, it was about as big as me. Not quite what you expect to see in the suburbs.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday Wake-Up: Short Sales
What in the heck is a short sale and how can it affect me?
If you have a question you'd like answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at greg@TheAndersonTeam.com or 303-766-7747. Have a great day. Greg
If you have a question you'd like answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at greg@TheAndersonTeam.com or 303-766-7747. Have a great day. Greg
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I am a Realtor. I am a Therapist.
They were moving to Denver from somewhere else. It doesn’t matter where - just someplace with bigger lots and lower prices. They were a good looking young couple. He was kinda serious and she was bubbly with enthusiasm. They had three kids, a dog ... and a problem.
He said: “We want a house in the country - lots of land for the kids and privacy for me.”
She said: “We want to be near the city - nice convenient commute and close to shopping.”
He said: “How about at least two acres in the metro area?
She said: “That sounds perfect!”
I said: “We better triple your price range!”
Well, the price range was not going anywhere. But we were. He prevailed and so we piled into my mobile office (that’s what I call my car - I like to think it helps my wife stomach my taste in fine autos if I remind her it’s my office - I don’t think it really works) and headed southeast.
If you want acreage on the south side of metro Denver and your price range is $200,000 max you head southeast ... go a little farther ... now a little farther still ... can you see Elizabeth? Do I have a Kiowa anyone? Elbert? Yes, that’s the ticket.
So we headed out. South on I-25 to Castle Rock. Then east on 86 toward Elizabeth. The clock was ticking. The odometer was spinning.
He said: “Wow, this is going to be a long commute to my Tech Center office.”
She didn’t say anything, just stared with a dropped jaw at the country, the horses, the tractors. Then she said: “Now, where did you say the mall is?”
A few barns and several county road intersections later he was still into it. She lost it three equestrian centers ago. He wanted to keep going - at least look at some properties out there. She told him no. Actually she told him: “NOOOOOOO!” Their conversation got a little heated. OK, they were yelling at each other. I let them go at it for a bit, then pulled the mobile office to the side of the road.
We discussed how finding a house that works for all the family members is conducive to a long, happy marriage. They agreed. We flipped an illegal U-turn and headed back. They canoodled in the back seat the whole way. We found a house in the suburbs with a larger-than-normal lot. The kids have room to run. It’s an easy commute for him. Oh yeah ... it’s close to the mall.
He said: “We want a house in the country - lots of land for the kids and privacy for me.”
She said: “We want to be near the city - nice convenient commute and close to shopping.”
He said: “How about at least two acres in the metro area?
She said: “That sounds perfect!”
I said: “We better triple your price range!”
Well, the price range was not going anywhere. But we were. He prevailed and so we piled into my mobile office (that’s what I call my car - I like to think it helps my wife stomach my taste in fine autos if I remind her it’s my office - I don’t think it really works) and headed southeast.
If you want acreage on the south side of metro Denver and your price range is $200,000 max you head southeast ... go a little farther ... now a little farther still ... can you see Elizabeth? Do I have a Kiowa anyone? Elbert? Yes, that’s the ticket.
So we headed out. South on I-25 to Castle Rock. Then east on 86 toward Elizabeth. The clock was ticking. The odometer was spinning.
He said: “Wow, this is going to be a long commute to my Tech Center office.”
She didn’t say anything, just stared with a dropped jaw at the country, the horses, the tractors. Then she said: “Now, where did you say the mall is?”
A few barns and several county road intersections later he was still into it. She lost it three equestrian centers ago. He wanted to keep going - at least look at some properties out there. She told him no. Actually she told him: “NOOOOOOO!” Their conversation got a little heated. OK, they were yelling at each other. I let them go at it for a bit, then pulled the mobile office to the side of the road.
We discussed how finding a house that works for all the family members is conducive to a long, happy marriage. They agreed. We flipped an illegal U-turn and headed back. They canoodled in the back seat the whole way. We found a house in the suburbs with a larger-than-normal lot. The kids have room to run. It’s an easy commute for him. Oh yeah ... it’s close to the mall.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wednesday Wake-Up: Interest Rates Up
Every Wednesday the blog will feature a video with answers to real estate questions. Here's the first. Hope you enjoy it.
If you have a question you'd like answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at greg@TheAndersonTeam.com or 303-766-7747. Have a great day. Greg
If you have a question you'd like answered on the Wednesday Wake-Up contact me at greg@TheAndersonTeam.com or 303-766-7747. Have a great day. Greg
Monday, January 4, 2010
Victoria's (should stay) Secret
It was a beautiful, sunny Colorado day -- what day isn’t beautiful and sunny here? Well there is the occasional blizzard that shuts down the city for a few days, but sun always follows the snow. Case in point was the nearly two feet of snow we had dumped on us a month ago that melted after a few 70-degree beauties. Anyway, I digress.
It was a beautiful, sunny Colorado day when my clients and I entered a house that was for sale. It was a sweet little 1960s ranch in southwestern Denver. Some updating. Priced pretty well for the market. Nice size yard. Big kitchen. Huge picture of the lady of the house in a negligee. Two full baths.
Wait a second. Back it up. Yes, you read it correctly. We walked into the living room and there it was, in all its glory hanging over the sofa -- a 2’x3’ glamour shot of this woman in a teddy. Now, I’m all for personal expression, but please, not to the whole world. I mean, this was not Victoria’s Secret quality (not that I would know anything about that ... ). And even if it was ... the living room?!
So when I asked my clients if they could see themselves in this home, his response was, “Not with that picture on the wall!” And there lies the problem with so many listings: they aren’t presented in a way that will make them appeal to the largest possible group of buyers. Yes, your little girl’s pink and purple room is adorable ... now let’s get it painted a neutral color. Sure, that wood paneling was popular in the 70s ... please, please get it updated. Certainly, your husband/boyfriend/neighborhood stalker enjoys looking at that picture on your living room wall ... may I suggest this nice Monet print?
We are in a challenging housing market. But not an impossible one. Houses that are prepared to show in their best light and are priced appropriately will sell. I’ve been in about 15,000 homes over my years in real estate -- I think I’ve got it pretty well figured out as to what works and what doesn’t. So put the negligee shot in storage -- I’ll help you find the perfect new house with a wall that is just right ... .
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