keep them for 3-5 years

not a good time to sell houses

prices declining

anyways

good luck

Wed Mar 26 2008, 11:34

Hello Karina,

When thinking of your needs, consideration may be given to your overall investment plans and how a sale now or in the future may best offer you continuing focus on your short and long term goals. Insight into your current business operations would surely prove helpful. It may be, for example, of greater benefit to you to enter into a 1031 exchange. Feel free to contact me personally at your leisure to discuss in more detail if you prefer.

Wed Mar 26 2008, 09:37

My advice to you is to find an agent that frequently works with investors. Investments are a whole new ball game and savvy investors speak in terms of cap rates, overhead costs, margins, etc. So should your agent. Most agents prefer not to work with investors as the commissions aren't as lucrative as they are with typical residential sales, and it requires digging into the details which can often be time consuming. However, I enjoy working with investors and work with several on a frequent basis.

You have two options here...Market the homes from an "investor" point of view, or market it from an "owner occupancy" point of view. Each option has a completely different set of strategies.

Find an agent who knows the difference and knows how to speak with you and potential buyers in the terms I mentioned above, rather than in terms of "cute", "immaculate", "spacious", etc.

Hope this helps!

Mon Feb 25 2008, 12:36

You can market to owner occupants and investors. Investors will be concerned with the current and potential rents. If you want your Realtor to effectively market to an investor market, choose a Realtor w/ experience in this area.

To find potential agents to interview, search on the internet for agents who have a good online presence. Search for properties online and review how the listing agent represented the other properties they are selling. How is the copy? How many pictures? Are they clear? Did the agent tidy the counter B4 shooting the pictures, or did the agent take pictures with toys and newspapers spread across a room? Does the listing agent have any premium positioning spots for their listings? Call the office that represents one of these listings and ask a few questions about a property that is represented? Is the person who answers the phone knowledgeable about the property? Can they set an appt for you or do you need to call someone else? Look at how a prospective agent is handling other properties as an indication of how your property will be treated.

While experience is important, having the most listings or the most sales is not a guarantee of a high support and attention for your property.

Get names of prospective agents from family or friends, but still conduct interviews, do your homework, ask questions, and look closely at how the listing agent represents other properties.

Mon Feb 25 2008, 06:03

Hi Karina,
You are smart to start the process by asking questions. I would suggest interviewing agents and asking them direct questions such as... How long have you been a Realtor? Do you specialize in the area that my property is located? Are you familiar with investment property? What are your personal average days on market? How will you market my property?
Have them show you personal statistics and provide references. This will help you to make an informed decision.
Good Luck!

Mon Feb 25 2008, 05:43

Hi Karina,
For a detailed analysis of the New Market area, please contact me for a full report to help guide you in making the decision on selling your properties. The average days on market (DOM) for New Market for residentials was about 137 days for the month of January 2008. Longest DOM was 376. I would be happy to assist you with all your real estate needs!

Sun Feb 24 2008, 09:17

Karina,
I would say now is the time to get your property on the market. I have noticed that we are already getting more calls. People get spring fever and decide to move. Let me know if you need any help.
Vicki

Mon Jan 28 2008, 05:08

Karina,

It is not too early in the year. Actually, now is the time you should be getting the homes on the market. Activity starts to pick up in the spring as people plan moves after the school year ends.

I can assist you in finding an agent. Feel free to visit my website and contact me via email or phone to discuss your requirements.

Sun Jan 27 2008, 23:09