Annamidkiff

Did you know that the public can access a the Tucson Multiple Listing Service to perform a search? Simply log on to http://www.tarmls.com/ and choose "Public Search." You won't get all the information available to Realtors, but it's a good place to start. Also, you may not be aware that working with a buyer's agent is free, because our commissions are paid by the seller. Buying a home is the biggest decision and transaction you will probably have in your life. You do best to have a professional representing you and watching out for your best interests. Best of luck in your search. - Wed Oct 10 2007, 17:48

Hi David,
It actually depends on to what beginning value it's being added. In other words, if most of the homes in the neighborhood have equally lovely and unobstructed views, there's not much to add to comparable sales in that area. If however, most of the homes in the immediate area, or the same subdivision, do not have similar views of the mountains, there is certainly a number of buyers who would pay a premium for the view. However, this is assuming all other things being equal...in other words, the home has a desirable floor plan, a nice lot and has no deferred maintenance or updating required. Bottom line, any thing that differentiates a home from those immediately surrounding it is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay. If you'd like to have the comparable sales sent to you, I'm happy to do so...no obligation of course! - Wed Oct 10 2007, 17:40

Nancy, I have a preference for Fidelity. The coverage is more extensive for a lower cost. As the other answers state, however, it all boils down to the representative from the company. They are good and bad, just as there are good and bad reps at any company. Find someone you trust, who is responsive, and can fully explain coverage and answer questions. Then stick to that representative. You get better customer service from someone to whom you've been loyal. - Thu Oct 4 2007, 12:32

Hi Kathy,
If you don't have many showings in the first week, something is wrong. When a home first hits the market, that is when interest is highest. I tell clients who wish to price their house above what I consider to be a good price that we will start it there, but review it after the first week. Few or no showings means you've missed the mark. Even if you do have showings, if no interest is generated (meaning no offers) you're probably overpriced. Dropping a price will generate additional interest, and many MLS systems show price reductions to agents and also will re-send the listing to those who have been set up to have listings emailed to them. A price reduction should show good faith on your part, though, too. Dropping it $100 will get more scoffs than interest.

If you're listed with an agent, ask them to run the comparables for you every two weeks or so. If your selling on your own, this info is a bit harder to obtain. You want to keep up with the competition so that your home stands out in the crowd.

Best of luck to you! - Thu Sep 6 2007, 12:36

Hi Sponnie!
You may want to check out some cable programs such as Sell This House to get some ideas for getting your home "sale ready." Look at the home through a buyer's eyes...starting with the front door. The best thing to do to prepare any home for sale is to Start Packing! You're going to be moving, anyway. Take as much of your stuff as you can...things you don't use daily/weekly...and pack it up in boxes and rent a storage room and stuff it! Clear out and clean up! Windows should sparkle, floors should be swept daily and always kept clean. Closets should be cleared out so they don't spill contents onto your buyers if they open the door. The curb appeal is imperative...buyers often make a decision from your drive way...don't let them scratch your home off the list before they open the door! Stash garbage cans out of sight, rake and trim the front yard, scatter some potted flowers around the entry way, repair or replace cracked entry walks. Smells are a big turn off, too. Ask a trusted friend to come over and give your house the sniff test. Smoke, pets and cooking odors are deal killers, but you don't want to overwhelm a visitor with powerful air fresheners, either. This will raise doubts in a buyer's mind. Best bet: keep the cat box clean, smoke outside, and clean, clean, clean the house so it has little to no smell at all. In addition, ask the agents you interview for advice on home enhancement...they may even have a brochure or check list for you to use to ready your home for sale. Don't take suggestions personally...the agent is trying to get you the most money in the least amount of time, and some things might be a bit hard to hear, such as hints to remove special treasures or have Fido groomed to keep down the odor and pet hair.

A good way to find the best realtor for you is to call the corporate or central office of the major real estate firms in your area, and ask for a referral. The managers of these networks are experts at picking out the best realtor for your needs. We all have various areas of specialty and expertise. You don't want someone who specializes in high end condos to list a manufactured home on horse property, or vice versa!

You want to interview about 3 realtors. Ask questions about their marketing plans, pricing and negotiating strategies. Marketing is KEY these days. Pricing the home right and preparing it for showings is your job (with ample advice from your Realtor) but if all the agent wants to do is stick a sign in the yard and throw the info into the local MLS, you're getting short changed. 80% of buyers these days start their search on the internet. Will the agent enhance your listing on Realtor.com, or will it be the generic single photo and office phone number type of listing? Does the agent have a good working knowledge of and accounts on Zillow, Truila and Craigs List? These are often overlooked avenues of marketing that produce RESULTS.

Best of luck to you! - Tue Sep 4 2007, 11:54