Lisa Sparks

Information about how agents rank is provided on our MLS. Agents should be able to provide this for you. I'd suggest you interview a few agents before making any decision and ask for past client referrals. Also--pay attention to who is listing homes in your neighborhood. Ask those sellers if they're pleased with the service that is being provided by their current Realtor. Referrals are an excellent source of information. - Fri Jul 18 2008, 05:56

I'd suggest you become very familiar with your competition. In this market, you need to be aggressive. If you’re getting showings, positive feedback, and no offers, it’s probably time to review your price and make a necessary adjustment. Also, what is your time frame for moving? If you want to move soon, then you might want to have your price adjusted. There is no magic number for the ‘right’ time to reduce your price. Every situation is different. Based on the information you’ve provided, a price reduction might be your best solution. - Fri Jul 18 2008, 05:28

It's always a good idea to do a final walk-through. Insist on it for your own protection and peace of mind. - Fri Jul 18 2008, 05:20

I know how frustrating it can be when you have traffic through your home, yet people are not buying it. In fact, I’m a Realtor, and I’m meeting with sellers tonight who’ve had their home listed in Monroe for months without any luck too. Hopefully I can offer both of you some suggestions. First, if you’re using a Realtor, remember that selling your home is a collaborative process. There are things both of you can do to help:

First of all, take a look at your home through the eyes of a buyer. The number one factor is, “Is your home priced correctly?” Remember, this is a challenging market. You have a lot of competition out there. The housing market inventory is high, so your price needs to be competitive. Buyers have more choices now than ever. I’d recommend that you stay current on the market trends in your area. It’s even a good idea to research your competition. It’s easy for all of us to get emotionally attached to our homes and not be objective when it comes to the home’s real value.

Second, how’s the condition of your home? In this market, your home needs to be in top shape. First, do all the easy things that will make a difference. Declutter. Shampoo your carpets. Touch up the walls. Make sure the yard is freshly mowed and has curb appeal. Remove your pets for showings and keep the house clean. Next, look at your home objectively again. Is there something that can be done simply that would add value? For example, if you updated a few lighting fixtures would it give your home a more modern, up-to-date feel?

Lastly, go the extra mile. Research shows the simple things do make a difference, and buyers often buy on emotion. Put out the freshly cut flowers. Bake the cookies before a showing. Play the classical music. Still want to do more? Try writing a letter to the potential buyer letting them know about the positive memories you’ve had in the neighborhood and the house (if this is true). Add it to the table for showings. Trust me—I’ve found this added touch by the sellers makes a difference to buyers.

The last recommendation is find a strong Realtor who has a solid track record for getting homes sold in this market. You need an aggressive and positive agent who understands how to use the various avenues available to give your home maximum exposure. Even the words the Realtor uses when listing your home online makes a huge difference. I recently was featured on WCPO (Channel 9) on a story about ‘Real Estate Buzz Words’. If you’d like, give me a call. I’ll give you more advice and let you borrow a free DVD on ‘What to do if your home doesn’t sell’.

Good luck! I wish you the best. - Fri Jul 18 2008, 05:10

When is the right time to buy?

Honestly, there’s no perfect answer. The question to ask is, “Is this the right time for you to buy?”

Some experts say that no more than 33% of your total income should go towards housing. Have you spoken to a reputable mortgage professional to see how much home you can afford? Are you financially ready for this jump? If you are thinking about buying, have you thought about how long you want to stay in the area? If you want to build equity, you might want to consider this factor. Have you considered the responsibilities that go along with home ownership like maintenance repairs? If you’re still saying ‘yes’, then this could be the right time for you to buy a home.

It’s true that you will find some incredible buying opportunities right now. It’s a high inventory market, so there are fewer multiple offer situations. Many sellers are taking a loss when they sell, so this opens many doors for buyers to find fabulous deals. You can still get a decent interest rate.

Before making any purchases, analyze your goals. What type of home do you want? What area do you want to live? What factors are the most important to you? Find an agent who is patient, that will listen, and who will work with you on finding your perfect dream home. Ask yourself if you might compromise. For example, will you buy a fixer-upper if you love the location? Are there things you absolutely must have in a home, like a 2-car garage?

To sum it up, it could be the perfect time for you to buy. The truth is only you can make that decision. The market conditions are in your favor. Good luck!  - Wed Jul 16 2008, 06:16