Property Lines
Conversations about Atlanta Real Estate
New Trend with Atlanta Sellers
[ 1 Comment ] 05/21/08 | Kathy Drewien | Filed under: Atlanta Real Estate, Sellers
Atlanta sellers are teasing me. 
Hello. I found you on the internet.
My house at 123 Anystreet is for sale. The listing number is #1234567.
I am offering a 4% commission to the agent who brings a buyer before the end of the month.
Curiosity compels me to investigate. Every time.
What I discover - every time - is the seller hired a flat-fee broker who listed the property in the multiple listing service. And, the seller priced the property without regard to current market conditions, or the most recent sales data.
Today’s carrot dangler seller over-priced the property by $25,000.
My response is always the same. “Homes that are target priced, and in showcase condition are selling. Why do you think your house has not yet sold?”
Sellers take note: Target priced houses in showcase condition are selling.
Conversation Tags: Atlanta Sellers | Buyers | MLS Listing Data | multiple listing service10 Tips for Selling Your House in a Tough Atlanta Market
[ Add Comment ] 05/17/08 | Kathy Drewien | Filed under: Sellers
Selling your house in the Atlanta real estate market today can be tough. And yet, houses are selling every day to buyers in every price range.
In our Why Isn’t My House Selling? series, we are exploring ways to get your house sold. A few days ago we looked at photos. Today we are examining condition.
Think about it.
When you are getting ready to sell your car, what are the first items on your to-do list?
- Wash and wax.
- Empty ash trays.
- Throw away fast food bags.
- Spiff up the dashboard.
- Clean puppy nose prints from windows.
- Spray Febreeze.
A quick run through the gas station car wash won’t get the job done. Review the 10 tips for selling your house outlined below, pull out the chamois cloth and Turtle Wax for a full detail job. 
1. De-Clutter:
This one is simple, yet time consuming. Clean out and throw away; inside and outside. How we “live in a house” is not the same as “how we sell a house.” Personal items - too many family photos, religious icons, magazines - are distractions to the buyer.
2. Repair
Buyers expect everything to be in working order - dripping faucets, broken windows, stained ceilings - lead the buyer to ask, What else is broken that we can’t see? Buyers also overestimate the cost of repairs.
3. Lots of Light:
A dark home with all of the doors and windows covered is not appealing. Open window shades to the top of the sash. Let the light pour in. Fresh air beats room deodorizers.
4. Clean Windows:
Buyers want to see the view from every room - don’t make them look through puppy nose prints.
5. Kitchen and Bathrooms:
These are the most important rooms in the house. They must be spotless and first class.
You need to “deep clean” all counters, floors, cabinets, and fixtures. Consider new hardware, lighting or counter tops - perhaps redoing the shower and tub enclosures. Make sure all grout is free from grease and dirt.
6. Odors:
Absolute deal killers are cigarette or pet odors. The drapes, carpets and furniture must be professionally cleaned. Do not smoke in the house. Some cooking odors can be overpowering. A little lemon oil mixed with water in a spray bottle will add just a bit of freshness.
7. Paint:
A fresh coat of paint on the outside or inside is an excellent way of preparing your home. Be sure to use neutral colors and avoid accent painting. In most cases, use a professional painter. The visual difference is obvious, and the work is completed in a shorter time period.
8. Yard Work:
Everything in the yard needs to be trimmed, watered, and manicured. Remove dead plants, sports equipment, boats, trailers, and toys. Add seasonal color with planters. Curb appeal is a critical “first impression.”
9. Furniture:
Less is best. If it’s old, worn or dated, put it in storage (not the garage). Remember, you are setting a stage and the actor needs to be the house - not your decor, accessories, or furniture.
10. Flooring:
Hardwood floors can be a huge plus - unless they are scratched, stained and worn. Threadbare carpet, or carpet in strong colors, can be a deal killer. Make the investment to professionally refinish hardwood floors and replace the carpet.
Remember, you are competing for buyers looking at many comparable homes in the area.
They arrive at your doorstep with a strong sense of what is on the market, and want to perceive value for their dollar. Detailing your house to be “show-room ready” is one of the best ways to get it sold.
Related Post: Why Isn’t My House Selling?
Conversation Tags: Atlanta Sellers | Buyers | Home Improvement | house photosAlpharetta Home Sells in 21 Days
[ Add Comment ] 05/09/08 | Kathy Drewien | Filed under: Alpharetta, Atlanta Real Estate, Mortgages, Sellers
Buyers are buying and sellers are selling. The average number of days a house is on the market in North Atlanta is 92. And yet, this Alpharetta home sold in 21 days!
What do you think the sellers did to make that happen?
Was there some special secret the agent used?
HINT: This is not a foreclosure.
Suggest the top 5 marketing tools in the Comments.
The first five to comment get fun treats sent their way.
Conversation Tags: Alpharetta home search | Atlanta SellersEast Cobb Homes for Sale - Just Listed
[ Add Comment ] 05/05/08 | Kathy Drewien | Filed under: Atlanta Real Estate, Buyers, Marietta, Sellers
The newest listings for homes in Marietta - East Cobb are updated through our new rss feed. Houses included here are priced $400,000-$500,000.
Define your search criteria for Atlanta listings of houses and condos for sale. Receive updates by email or rss feed.
$429,900 :: 3135 Indian Hills Drive, Marietta GA
4 beds, 2.20 baths
Property Size: sq ft
Lot Size: 23,870 sq ft
Last Updated: 05/01/08
MLS Number: 3702227
GORGEOUS UPDATED LISTING W/ NEW: INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINT, CARPET, LIGHT FIXTURES…TASTEFULLY RENOVATED BATHS AND KITCHEN. NEW GRANITE COUNTER TOPS IN KITCHEN AND BATHS, TRAVERTINE TILE FLOORS IN ALL BATHS & FOYER. NICE LARGE LEVEL LOT W/ PRIVATE WOODED BACKYARD.***THIS ONE IS WORTH RUNNING TO!!
Listed With KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SELECT PT
$474,900 :: 4517 Outlook Drive, Marietta GA
5 beds, 4.00 baths
Property Size: sq ft
Lot Size: 8,200 sq ft
Last Updated: 05/01/08
MLS Number: 3702474
IMPRESSIVE BRICK & CONCRETE SIDING IN PREMIER EAST COBB TOP SCHOOLS*3 CAR GARAGE ON KITCHEN LEVEL*SOLID SURFACE KITCHEN OPENS TO 2 STORY FAMILY ROOM & SUNNY BREAKFAST*BACKYARD IS FLAT WITH PLAY FORT*REC ROOM/OFFICE/EXCERCISE IN FINISHED DAYLIGHT BASEMENT*HARDWOOD FLOORS GRACE MAIN LEVEL*
Listed With ALL ATLANTA REALTY
$467,500 :: 881 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta GA
4 beds, 3.10 baths
Property Size: sq ft
Lot Size: sq ft
Last Updated: 05/01/08
MLS Number: 3681193
GORGEOUSLY RENOVATED HM ON INDIAN HILLS PAR 5 FAIRWAY VIEW OF THE #4 CHOCKTAW GOLF COURSE.NEW CARPET.KIT W/HDWD FLRING,NEW CABINETS, COOKTOP ISLAND W/GRANITE,TRAVERTINE TILE BACKSPLASH,DBL OVENS, SUNRM,BONUS/REC RM W/BUILT-IN DESK,BDRM ON MAIN LEVEL W/HIS&HER CLOSETS.THIS HOME IS HUGE!
Listed With RE/MAX GREATER ATLANTA
Brought to you by North Atlanta Realty Group, Kathy Drewien | Vivian Lacy Call us today at 770-321-4005, for more information on these - or other - homes for sale in East Cobb.
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