Texas For Sale by Owner Blog

Dear Folks, this Spring proved to be quite a busy period for most of our sellers. Listings and sales are both up in excess of 15% from the same period last year. This is a result of pent up demand, an improving economy and in many cases the home buyer credits that expired April 30th.

Lately we have been asked “where do we go from here?” First of all, the good news is that the market in Houston still remains strong. Interest rates remain low (for now). In addition, we are in the prime selling season. While there is no “bad” time to sell in Houston, June-August is typically our busiest months. This being said, here are few tips you may wish to consider:

1) Make your home stand out amongst the competition. When the prospective buyer drives up, what do they see? Is the grass cut? Are the flower beds freshly mulched? Do you have a voice mail system to capture all calls?

2) Is your yard sign stocked with updated flyers? Please remember, you can order your own flyers by contacting our friends at Zeus Mortgage or by emailing Flyers@askZeus.com.

3) Update your ad on ForSalebyOwner.com. The site shows the last time you have made any changes. Fresh ads create interest. Plus, if your photo is from the early part of the year and the grass is brown, now is the time for you to replace it with something new.

4) Are you competitively priced? We are still in a buyers market, and they (the buyers) know it. Chances are this is the number one reason why a home does not sell. Be realistic about your price. Be at the midpoint or below in your market. If you are not sure where you should be, it may be a worthwhile investment to bring in a state certified appraiser. Appraisals typically run $350.

5) Advertise! Utilize all resources available to you: Internet, Signs, Magazine, MLS. You do not know where your buyer is going to come from. Maximize your exposure.

6) Brush up on your skills: home preparation, taking calls, showing the home etc. You can do this by joining us at our next seller seminar on 6/10/2010 from 6:30 – 9:00. Call 713-683-0050 or email us to reserve a seat.

Selling by Owner, you are truly in an enviable position compared to your competition. We encourage you to take advantage of what is available to you and act now rather than later. As always, please feel free to call or email with any questions on how we can help you make your FSBO experience successful.

Sincerely,

The For Sale by Owner Team
713-683-0050

Dear FSBO’s – The Texas market continues to buck the national trend in home sales. In fact our business showed a 7% gain in closed transactions over the past year. Proof that No Commission Realty and Better Marketing are the keys to successful selling in this type of a market.

Heading into the 2010 selling season, we are “bullish” that sales will remain strong through the spring and early summer. There are however some upcoming events taking place this summer that concern us. A) The New Home Buyer Credit and Existing Homebuyer Credit expire at the end of April (closing must take place by June 30th) B) FHA is changing the minimum requirements. Some of the changes coming down the pipeline are increasing the minimum down payment from 3 1/2 % to 10%, plus limiting the amount a seller can contribute to closing costs from 6% to 3%. C) Interest rates are likely to rise by summer. We have been hearing this one for some time now, we suspect this time it may be for real. We are confident home sales will continue beyond the summer, nonetheless, the next few months may be optimal time for you to put your best foot forward and get your property sold.

Here are a few suggestions: A) Review your price: If necessary, pay to have an independent appraiser give you a true market value. We can give you names of appraisers if you need. B) Market your home properly: Utilize all facets available to you including; Internet, Print and Flat fee MLS. C) Keep your flyer box full. If empty, email flyers@askzeus.com. Give them your ID and they will be happy to send you free color flyers at no charge. D) Update your ad on ForSalebyOwner.com. Buyers look at the days since last updated. If excessive, they may feel the home is no longer on the market. E) Brush up on your skills: home preparation, taking calls, showing the home etc. You can do this by joining us at our next seller seminar on 2/11/2010 from 6:30 – 9:00 at the Westchase Marriot. Call or email us to reserve a seat

Selling By Owner, you are truly in an enviable position compared to your competition. We encourage you to take advantage of what is available to you and act now rather than later. As always, please feel free to call or email with any questions on how we can help you make your FSBO experience successful.

Sincerely,

The For Sale by Owner Team
713-683-0050