Lesson ONE as a New Real Estate Agent...if a seller wishes to list their property for sale with you, whether it be as an exclusive listing, or an open listing (one generally includes a posting in the Multiple Listing Service, the other doesn't), and they say something or anything similar to the following..."we don't want any of those types looking at our home because we don't like what they will likely do to it, and our neighbors will be very upset with us..." You should immediately pick up your paperwork, let them know that you can not work with them, and that your duty is to NEVER discriminate under any circumstances. I have actually done this. Sadly, I have had the occasional seller tell me who I should, and should not have look at their house. They, in the end, listed with someone else.
Worse, is when a neighbor see's a sign on their neighbors house, or they hear that their neighbor is selling, feels the need to tell them who they would like to see as a neighbor. Innocently someone could say..."oh, we'd love to see some kids in the neighborhood." Maybe, give that a pass...but, when they say "we hope you sold to a purple family with only boys, and that they intend to keep the house painted blue because we don't like a yellow house." Really? Who are they to say? I've had clients lose long term neighborhood friendships over such a thing. My job as their a Realtor is to provide a READY, WILLING, AND ABLE BUYER. It's NOT my job to suggest to the seller that certain people although financially ABLE, and who are in fact READY AND WILLING should not be Considered because they are not Purple, and they are planning renovations (BIG or small).
My client, the seller, in the end decides, after I've advised them on the buyers ABILITY TO BUY whether or not the price and terms before them are acceptable, and if the will create a mutually beneficial transaction. When a seller makes the decision that they wish to proceed with a specific buyer, WHY WOULD THE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, OTHER NEIGHBORS, THEIR FRIENDS WHO DONT EVEN LIVE IN THE AREA AND ANYONE ELSE feel they have a say as to whether or not this buyer is suitable? Would these folks ever want to be dictated to when they were to sell their property? My guess is NO!
It's always interesting to see the complacency by people when "it's not in THEIR neighborhood." But when it's next door...some have been known to go full guns! So disappointing that in this day and age, people find the need to discriminate, and are so blatant about it, and are able to get others to fight their fight.
Although I have experienced such situations in my years on the job, I am happy to say, they have been rare, and dealt with swiftly. As a Realtor, I am confident that any and all of my fellow Realtors would do the same.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Spring is coming...
"Rick, we will call you in April to put our house on the market...the yard will look pretty, and everyone knows the spring market is the best time to sell!" This is the time of year that I hear this...almost on a daily basis...which means come April, there will be MANY houses on the market!! Like with anything, supply and demand govern the overall success of whether or not something sells, and at what price. Because the common conception is that the spring is the best time to sell, the inventory swells, while the number of available qualified buyers doesn't. I say..."list now!!"
There is an overflow of buyers who didn't buy before the holidays. They are just waiting for new inventory to become available. They are educated...they have seen everything in their price range, and haven't found THE ONE! They are armed with a pre-approval from a lender, are waiting to write a check, and are willing to meet almost any requirement requested by a seller. They just need the right property to come on the market...maybe yours is THE ONE. Come April...when there is more to choose from, maybe the competition will offer more and a better price...now, you've missed out, and may need to reduce your price.
The perfect storm awaits the prepared seller. Low interest rates, spring like weather, exceptionally low inventory, and many buyers. I recently listed 2 condominiums that sold is a day...over asking! My business partner recently listed a 4 bedroom colonial in a popular price range...she had 60 sets of buyers through her open house...had many offers, and the seller accepted one significantly over asking price. If a move is in your future, NOW is the time to begin conversations with me. We will devise a strategy that is right for you, and for your property.
I understand why folks would think that cold weather and snow on the roof may not seem the optimum situation, but there are more reasons to consider selling sooner than later than not. If now is not the time for you...still a good idea to call me now. It's a process getting ready. There is likely a "honey do" list to take care of prior to coming on the market. I take this part of the process VERY seriously. Today"s buyers insist that your home be presented well. I am an expert in preparing your home for sale. I will assist in staging, and offer professional photography by the best in the business. My listings SHINE...Call me anytime, and let's see what we can do together to MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
There is an overflow of buyers who didn't buy before the holidays. They are just waiting for new inventory to become available. They are educated...they have seen everything in their price range, and haven't found THE ONE! They are armed with a pre-approval from a lender, are waiting to write a check, and are willing to meet almost any requirement requested by a seller. They just need the right property to come on the market...maybe yours is THE ONE. Come April...when there is more to choose from, maybe the competition will offer more and a better price...now, you've missed out, and may need to reduce your price.
The perfect storm awaits the prepared seller. Low interest rates, spring like weather, exceptionally low inventory, and many buyers. I recently listed 2 condominiums that sold is a day...over asking! My business partner recently listed a 4 bedroom colonial in a popular price range...she had 60 sets of buyers through her open house...had many offers, and the seller accepted one significantly over asking price. If a move is in your future, NOW is the time to begin conversations with me. We will devise a strategy that is right for you, and for your property.
I understand why folks would think that cold weather and snow on the roof may not seem the optimum situation, but there are more reasons to consider selling sooner than later than not. If now is not the time for you...still a good idea to call me now. It's a process getting ready. There is likely a "honey do" list to take care of prior to coming on the market. I take this part of the process VERY seriously. Today"s buyers insist that your home be presented well. I am an expert in preparing your home for sale. I will assist in staging, and offer professional photography by the best in the business. My listings SHINE...Call me anytime, and let's see what we can do together to MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
Monday, October 7, 2013
All that's left behind...
Looking back on this past weekend, I am full of emotion...sadness, wonder of the future, excitement, pride, and...well, joy! You see, my oldest boy moved out of the family home, and into his very own first place. In anticipation of this, my wife made a few purchases, packed some things, laundered every last sock of his she could muster, made sure he had tissues and deodorant, made the brownies, and asked a million questions...did he change over the gas and electrical, did he get the right keys, where will he park, how far from the train, when will you food shop, will your friends be sleeping over?
Although she and I meant well, it seemed that with every question, he was even more anxious to start his life, where he could be the one to ask the questions, and could fall and soar on his own.
Our home is already different. A new energy, a quieter place, a less hectic place...all that will take a bit to get used to. My younger son will miss his big brother...the hardest part for me. I am however enjoying already more space in the garage, less "stuff" left around, the fact that lights are shut off when nobody is in the room, and being able to lock up for the night without waiting for him to come in...I guess it's the little things!
Yesterday, my wife and I began to clean his room. It occurred to me that he took everything he wanted, and left everything his didn't. We looked around the room and my wife said "he is completely unsentimental." He left behind things that WE treasure, but that he must see as dust collectors. Do we toss this stuff, or save it? Well, our head said to toss it, but as often the outcome in this type of question, our hearts won! We packed posters, Reading Rocket jackets, what once were his favorite books, his cap and gown, his college football jersey, even dried out roses he wore on prom night. The attic just got a little smaller.
In my business, I see so often those families who sell a parents house after an illness or death. One of their first questions is "who can I call to come clean out this attic?" So, while I was trucking things to my attic, I wondered if these items will one day be opened and admired, and will serve as a provoker of great memories, or if they will be seen as a burden. I would like to think that my wife is correct in thinking that he will one day be sentimental, and will appreciate the fact that we saved his things.
I remember being on my own for the first time...lets face it...it's a FANTASTIC time in life, so ok...maybe his 6th grade book report wasn't first on his list, but some day, if nothing else, even if and when HE throws all this stuff out, it will serve as a reminder to him that he means the world to us, and that saving those things helps US remember, and will keep him as our little boy for just a little longer.
Although she and I meant well, it seemed that with every question, he was even more anxious to start his life, where he could be the one to ask the questions, and could fall and soar on his own.
Our home is already different. A new energy, a quieter place, a less hectic place...all that will take a bit to get used to. My younger son will miss his big brother...the hardest part for me. I am however enjoying already more space in the garage, less "stuff" left around, the fact that lights are shut off when nobody is in the room, and being able to lock up for the night without waiting for him to come in...I guess it's the little things!
Yesterday, my wife and I began to clean his room. It occurred to me that he took everything he wanted, and left everything his didn't. We looked around the room and my wife said "he is completely unsentimental." He left behind things that WE treasure, but that he must see as dust collectors. Do we toss this stuff, or save it? Well, our head said to toss it, but as often the outcome in this type of question, our hearts won! We packed posters, Reading Rocket jackets, what once were his favorite books, his cap and gown, his college football jersey, even dried out roses he wore on prom night. The attic just got a little smaller.
In my business, I see so often those families who sell a parents house after an illness or death. One of their first questions is "who can I call to come clean out this attic?" So, while I was trucking things to my attic, I wondered if these items will one day be opened and admired, and will serve as a provoker of great memories, or if they will be seen as a burden. I would like to think that my wife is correct in thinking that he will one day be sentimental, and will appreciate the fact that we saved his things.
I remember being on my own for the first time...lets face it...it's a FANTASTIC time in life, so ok...maybe his 6th grade book report wasn't first on his list, but some day, if nothing else, even if and when HE throws all this stuff out, it will serve as a reminder to him that he means the world to us, and that saving those things helps US remember, and will keep him as our little boy for just a little longer.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Not going feet first...
In the course of just one day, I can go from visiting my elderly parents in the very house I grew up in, to listing a large home where the seller is a 50 something like me, looking to down size, and seek a change in life style.
It seems our parents had a secret goal to stay in their big, single family home for 50 years or more. They have more tolerance for lawns that nobody steps foot on, and giant trees that constantly need trimming, and general up keep that never seems to end. Or...they are more afraid of change. The older they get, the more set in their ways they become. Afternoons spent watching Gun Smoke re-runs, and dead-heading the geraniums apparently is fulfilling enough, so...status quo it is. My folks, like many their age (late 80's) say "you're gonna have to drag me out feet first!" With this, I'm finding I worry more about them...can they keep up with the demands of this property? Are they alone too much? If Mom should fall...again, can my hard of hearing Dad hear her call for him?
There are places today where older folks, with over-all good general health can live, where an eye is kept on them around the clock...giving them a life with more human interaction, balanced meals, and immediate medical attention when they need it. And for their children...peace of mind! No matter how my sisters and I try, along with the rest of a large, close family...we can not give them all they need, and worse...all that they WANT.
Alternatively, I see couples looking for a townhouse, while in their 50's, rather than duplicating the lives of their parents. The thought of a Lazy-Boy recliner, and dinner at 4:15 has them packing up sooner than ever. These clients are having me put the sign up the minute Little Johnny or Susie head to college. They are OUT-A-HERE! Some go to live it up in the city, while others may head to the coast...or, some stay in town, but give up 3000sf for 1500sf or less...and with no yard! They wish to travel, dine out, socialize, entertain, and just not be tied down to home maintenance.
I think too, a lot of the reason people are selling younger is so that they will be less reliant on their children, the way ours rely so heavily on us. We either don't want to impose on their lives, or...perhaps we are not as confident that our kids will be there for us, the way we are for ours.
Whatever the case, less space and less stuff can mean more freedom, more excitement, more opportunity to explore what life has to offer.
There will always be a 30 something who can't wait to mow the lawn, clean the gutters, and trim those unruly shrubs...so, if YOU'RE looking for a lifestyle change, let me show you what lies beyond the cul-de-sac!
It seems our parents had a secret goal to stay in their big, single family home for 50 years or more. They have more tolerance for lawns that nobody steps foot on, and giant trees that constantly need trimming, and general up keep that never seems to end. Or...they are more afraid of change. The older they get, the more set in their ways they become. Afternoons spent watching Gun Smoke re-runs, and dead-heading the geraniums apparently is fulfilling enough, so...status quo it is. My folks, like many their age (late 80's) say "you're gonna have to drag me out feet first!" With this, I'm finding I worry more about them...can they keep up with the demands of this property? Are they alone too much? If Mom should fall...again, can my hard of hearing Dad hear her call for him?
There are places today where older folks, with over-all good general health can live, where an eye is kept on them around the clock...giving them a life with more human interaction, balanced meals, and immediate medical attention when they need it. And for their children...peace of mind! No matter how my sisters and I try, along with the rest of a large, close family...we can not give them all they need, and worse...all that they WANT.
Alternatively, I see couples looking for a townhouse, while in their 50's, rather than duplicating the lives of their parents. The thought of a Lazy-Boy recliner, and dinner at 4:15 has them packing up sooner than ever. These clients are having me put the sign up the minute Little Johnny or Susie head to college. They are OUT-A-HERE! Some go to live it up in the city, while others may head to the coast...or, some stay in town, but give up 3000sf for 1500sf or less...and with no yard! They wish to travel, dine out, socialize, entertain, and just not be tied down to home maintenance.
I think too, a lot of the reason people are selling younger is so that they will be less reliant on their children, the way ours rely so heavily on us. We either don't want to impose on their lives, or...perhaps we are not as confident that our kids will be there for us, the way we are for ours.
Whatever the case, less space and less stuff can mean more freedom, more excitement, more opportunity to explore what life has to offer.
There will always be a 30 something who can't wait to mow the lawn, clean the gutters, and trim those unruly shrubs...so, if YOU'RE looking for a lifestyle change, let me show you what lies beyond the cul-de-sac!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Where have all the houses gone?
As the new year approaches, I hope all of you had enjoyable holidays. Come this time every year, I am wrapping up sales from a few months ago, and looking forward to what the new year will bring. By all accounts, it should be a good year in real estate. There are reports that home prices have risen as much as 4.5%, which is the largest increase in years. What do you think is the leading cause for this? When I have asked this question of my friends and family over the last few weeks, the most common response has been "the low interest rates!" Well, that has has something to do with it, but...the main reason is that of low, low inventory. Like anything, when supply is low, and demand is high...homes that would ordinarily be challenging to sell, tend to sell, and for top dollar. I have recently watched a few of my listing which were considered HOT houses to receive multiple offers and sell well ABOVE the listing price.
Lesson here...if you are waiting till the spring market to sell you home, with the common belief that homes show better in spring, buyers are plentiful in spring, and therefore you will sell faster and for more money...wait no more! Inventory swells in the spring, due to this common belief, and as a result, homes can take longer to sell, and for LESS money. January through March is traditionally an excellent market for sellers...2013 will certainly be no different. Skeptical? If so, I am happy to put you in touch with my clients from years past who are now "total believers!" I will never forget a few years ago, when all it did was snow! I had the FOR SALE sign installed in a snow bank at a NEW listing, rather than in the ground, as we literally could not get to it. The sellers thought they would never sell, but trusted me. In a few days, I had that house under contract...for the FULL asking price!
If you are thinking of selling...NOW is the time to call me. If you want top dollar...the right broker, the right exposure, plus the right time all add up to be the IDEAL combination for SUCCESS! Lets talk anytime...781-290-RICK (7425), rick@colonialmanorrealty.com
As always, I look forward to hearing from you!
Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Lesson here...if you are waiting till the spring market to sell you home, with the common belief that homes show better in spring, buyers are plentiful in spring, and therefore you will sell faster and for more money...wait no more! Inventory swells in the spring, due to this common belief, and as a result, homes can take longer to sell, and for LESS money. January through March is traditionally an excellent market for sellers...2013 will certainly be no different. Skeptical? If so, I am happy to put you in touch with my clients from years past who are now "total believers!" I will never forget a few years ago, when all it did was snow! I had the FOR SALE sign installed in a snow bank at a NEW listing, rather than in the ground, as we literally could not get to it. The sellers thought they would never sell, but trusted me. In a few days, I had that house under contract...for the FULL asking price!
If you are thinking of selling...NOW is the time to call me. If you want top dollar...the right broker, the right exposure, plus the right time all add up to be the IDEAL combination for SUCCESS! Lets talk anytime...781-290-RICK (7425), rick@colonialmanorrealty.com
As always, I look forward to hearing from you!
Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I'm baaaaaack!
Well, here we are...it sure has been a while. Me, I figured nobody was reading, so...I took a 3 to 4 year break on writing. But...I have a new website, and thought it was time to get back out there...so, here I am. Happy to be with you. You know, back in the day, we had none of this...all I had was a car, a phone, and a dream...that's right, and I STILL sold a lot of houses! Now, I still sell lot's of house, but also have to spend half my life texting, e-mailing, uploading, or downloading, whichever...photo's, and trying to keep up with all of you. I am very happy with my new site (www.ricknazzaro.com) and hope you will like it too. Please take a look, and provide me with any feedback you might have...I will welcome it.
Along with the new site, I thought it was time to re-spark the Blog. I hope to provide you with interesting tid-bits pertaining to real estate, auctions, and sometimes just daily life. I will give you the good, the bad and the funny!
If there are topics you would like for me touch on...please feel free to let me know.
In the mean-time, I do thank you for checking in, and will look forward to conversing with you as we go along. So many of you have always supported me, and I hope you will continue to do so, for without you...where would I be? I hate to even think about it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...and in case I forgot to thank you...let me say "thank you!"
Along with the new site, I thought it was time to re-spark the Blog. I hope to provide you with interesting tid-bits pertaining to real estate, auctions, and sometimes just daily life. I will give you the good, the bad and the funny!
If there are topics you would like for me touch on...please feel free to let me know.
In the mean-time, I do thank you for checking in, and will look forward to conversing with you as we go along. So many of you have always supported me, and I hope you will continue to do so, for without you...where would I be? I hate to even think about it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...and in case I forgot to thank you...let me say "thank you!"
Monday, November 16, 2009
Rumor has it...
If you are watching the morning, or the evening news, you are made to think that there are WAAAAAY to many houses on the market, and NONE are selling. WRONG!! All Real Estate is local, and although the national picture as a whole may not be that great, local real estate is flying off the shelves in some cases. In my market area, if you have a nice property, under 450,000, it can be gone in days.
Now, this does not mean that you do not need to continue putting your best foot forward. Buyers are still selective, as they should be, and need to see "value" in your property. Right now, inventory is so low, that the frustration of buyers, and Realtors working with buyers is there is nothing out there for them to buy. With the extension of the tax credit, some of the pressure if off to "buy now," but the fact remains, there are buyers who want, and NEED to buy now. Interest rates are at historic lows. Combine that with leveling prices (after a decline) and a potential tax credit and you have the BEST conditions in decades in which to buy a home.
Sadly, not everyone is in a position to take advantage of the current market conditions. Unemployment, compromised credit, and tightening borrowing requirements will bump some folks out right now. For those, use this time to rebuild your credit, and look to the future for the time when you will be able to buy. Home ownership, even with the recent horror stories, in my opinion remains the American Dream, and makes smart business sense in the long run.
Sellers, if you have been waiting to list your home for fear that it will not sell...fear no more. With proper staging, pricing, marketing and negotiating, this is a great time to sell. You may even find multiple buyers fighting for your property... which drives the price way up.
When selling or buying real estate, always consult with a team of trusted professionals. Choose the right Realtor, home inspector, lender, and attorney. Shop around, ask questions. In the end, it is this team that makes your dream a reality.
I am always available to respond to your questions or comments, and I invite you to contact me at rick@colonialmanorrealty.com
If you are watching the morning, or the evening news, you are made to think that there are WAAAAAY to many houses on the market, and NONE are selling. WRONG!! All Real Estate is local, and although the national picture as a whole may not be that great, local real estate is flying off the shelves in some cases. In my market area, if you have a nice property, under 450,000, it can be gone in days.
Now, this does not mean that you do not need to continue putting your best foot forward. Buyers are still selective, as they should be, and need to see "value" in your property. Right now, inventory is so low, that the frustration of buyers, and Realtors working with buyers is there is nothing out there for them to buy. With the extension of the tax credit, some of the pressure if off to "buy now," but the fact remains, there are buyers who want, and NEED to buy now. Interest rates are at historic lows. Combine that with leveling prices (after a decline) and a potential tax credit and you have the BEST conditions in decades in which to buy a home.
Sadly, not everyone is in a position to take advantage of the current market conditions. Unemployment, compromised credit, and tightening borrowing requirements will bump some folks out right now. For those, use this time to rebuild your credit, and look to the future for the time when you will be able to buy. Home ownership, even with the recent horror stories, in my opinion remains the American Dream, and makes smart business sense in the long run.
Sellers, if you have been waiting to list your home for fear that it will not sell...fear no more. With proper staging, pricing, marketing and negotiating, this is a great time to sell. You may even find multiple buyers fighting for your property... which drives the price way up.
When selling or buying real estate, always consult with a team of trusted professionals. Choose the right Realtor, home inspector, lender, and attorney. Shop around, ask questions. In the end, it is this team that makes your dream a reality.
I am always available to respond to your questions or comments, and I invite you to contact me at rick@colonialmanorrealty.com
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