Selling Out...

Okay, time to admit it.....I am a HUGE sell out. I left my job in the Pharmaceutical industry to join a good friend, Jennifer Spencer, in the Real Estate world. Many thought it was a big mistake (Dad, I am talking to you!), but this has been the best move of my life. I have totally sold my soul to the "For Sale" sign.

Two occurrences have drawn my attention to why I know this life is for me. (Note that I said "life" not "job")

No. 1 : Dredging up passion in others. An old friend and I have recently reconnected. She mentioned that she has always wondered if she would be successful in Real Estate. Knowing how driven and creative she is, I knew she'd be AMAZING at it. So far, soooo good. She loves the classes and the content. She is so money and she doesn't even know it. I can't wait to share this new and exciting journey with her.

No. 2 : Selling myself. Last night I met a wonderful family who will be relocating to another state this summer. They want to sell and they want to do it FAST. Currently, they are listed with another larger brokerage in town, but they want more...more specialized attention and passion for their home. It was the first time that I really sat down with someone and sold me...not the fluff and the stuff...me.
WOW. How empowering. My knowledge of the internet, creative thinking and confidence made the presentation impactful. Jennifer's impressive sales resume and knowledge of the industry made it compelling. How could you NOT hire us??? I have never felt so validated in all of my working life. Wow.

Now I know. I know why people don't just work for the paycheck, but for the passion. Turn it up ya'll because we are on fire!

For Sale and Fashionable

In many ways, selling your home is just like getting dressed for an event. You want to be the most fantastic looking one in the room, sophisticated but not stuffy, fun but not too flamboyant. This is exactly how your home should show to prospective buyers. Home staging has become big business for good reason. This market is saturated with listings, yours MUST be the "most fantastic looking one in the room".

Here are some basics to help you make your home "For Sale and Fashionable"...

1. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY!!! When your agent tells you to take down your family photos or various tchotchkes, they are not trying to attack your things or tell you that your family is unattractive. Buyers want to be able to picture themselves and their things in the home. It is harder for them to do this while staring at your memories.

2. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make the outside of your home warm and inviting. Keep the lawn manicured, add flowers and a fresh coat of paint.

3. Admit that you have too much stuff. Declutter each room, clear off tables and straighten closets. Less really is MORE.

4. Mix it up! You would never wear the same outfit every single day, so why should your furniture be in the same spot year after year?! Move things around to give the room a fresh look.

5. Let the light shine. Open the blinds to give the room an airy feeling. Also, turn on the lights. Install dimmers to create ambiance as buyers move from room to room. Closed blinds and low lighting makes a room feel like a cave.

6. Always accessorize! Simple accessories are a great way to show off a space. Just remember the rule of three. Odd numbers are more eye-pleasing. Also, use varying heights and scale to add interest. For example, on an end table, you may have a lamp, a plant or flower and a small book or decorative box. Place the largest in the back and the smallest toward the front.

7. Go organic. Fresh flowers are stunning in every home. They are the perfect way to welcome guests. Keep a vase of fresh flowers on the counter or kitchen table. This lets buyers know you are happy they are there.

These simple steps can make all the difference in selling your home!!!
BTW...I should mention that I get all of my knowledge on staging from my Mother, professional decorator extraordinaire. She is FABULOUS!

NOW is the Time to Buy!!!

We hear this statement so often, but what does it mean to YOU?! Here is the deal...

Homes have NEVER been more affordable in the Raleigh area than they are RIGHT NOW! According to USA Today, 30-year fixed rate mortgages are the lowest they have been since 1971 and are down a full percentage point from a year ago. The head of mortgage finance company Freddie Mac said Friday that home loan rates are near their bottom and any further decreases will be small. Rates have been driven down by the Federal Reserve's decision last week to buy long-term government bonds and mortgage-backed securities held by Fannie Mae and Freddie. This equates to the housing market looking healthier in the near future!

Here are more reasons why it is a GREAT time to buy:

1. Who doesn't want $$$?! Uncle Sam is willing to help first time homebuyers (defined as those who have not owned a home in the last three years)to the tune of $8,000!!!

2. When prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.

3. Mortgage costs stay the same. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly payment stays the same – while everything else, including rent, goes upward.

4. You have to live somewhere! There is something comforting in the notion that your home is your own. You can paint it any color you want, let the dog run in the back yard and hang a swing for the kids in the front.

Convinced? GREAT! :) Glad I could help.

BTW...News 14 Carolina needed a Real Estate Expert for a local story and came knocking on the door of SPENCER PROPERTIES!!! Check out the story...

http://www.news14.com/Default.aspx?ArID=606728