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 If the 2008 Seattle real estate market taught us anything at all it taught us that the market has changed and knowing how to change with it is vital whether you are buying or selling a house or condo! This is by no means a complete list, but I did want to wish every one a happy new year and a great 2009 starting with the following tips for Seattle real estate buyers and sellers:
Seattle Seller Tips For 2009
1. Preparation: Realtor choice (find someone that fits well with your personality), House prep including cleaning, touch up, repairs, etc., Staging, Realtor walkthroughs to monitor progress of pre marketing phase.
2. Guidance: Obviously this is one of the biggest reasons for hiring a Realtor besides the extra help in getting the home ready for the market, there is a great deal of marketing involved in selling a house successfully in the current market. Your home must be online in about a hundred or so different places and it must be well represented with professional quality photos and lighting, tours , and more. Over 80% of buyers start their search for a house online - make sure you hire a Realtor who is successful online.
3. Patience: Patience not because your house might take longer to sell, but because the new class of qualified buyers are asking for more. Be patient and don't take the negotiations personal. Everyone just wants a "good deal" so they will most likely ask for the world. By no means is it a personal attack nor does it mean that you have to give it to them, but negotiating is part of the game now. Your Realtor is your shield and your advocate.
Seattle Buyer Tips For 2009
1. Preparation: Getting a loan is not a piece of cake any more! An online calculator is great but does not take into account your credit score or other factors. You really have to talk to a lender and get a pre approval to know what kind of numbers you are talking about. I have great recommendations if you need them!
2. Guidance: This is why a Realtor comes in handy so much for you as a buyer. Homes are listed by the seller in the NWMLS through a listing agent. All real estate agents who are members of the MLS have access to showing these listings to you as a buyer. How do we get paid? The sellers sign a listing agreement with their listing agent and part of that agreement is to offer the agent who brings a buyer to the table with a signed contract a portion of the commission. The commission for both the buyer's agent and the seller's agent comes out of the seller's net proceeds when you purchase the property. You may as well ask a full service Realtor to help you and provide you with expert guidance because the seller is contractually required to pay the full commission in most cases any way.
3. Patience Buying a house is not instant. You have to go through the steps and make sure that all pieces fit together correctly. this is a huge investment!
So there you go, Seattle! Happy New Year and here is to a great 2009! Please feel free to drop me a line if you need anything at all! realestate@cooperjacobs.com
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