Selling Your Condo: Helpful Tips

Realtor LogoWhen you begin thinking about selling your condo, it is a good idea to begin by enlisting the help of a licensed Realtor. Unless you are otherwise experienced in the business of buying and selling condominiums, hiring the help of a qualified professional will enable you to reach a large market of potential buyers, and a good agent will work overtime to help you sell your home. In addition, hiring a Realtor will help ensure that all of the paperwork pertinent to the transaction is executed properly. Once you decide to sell your condo, begin by following the helpful tips listed below to prepare you for the process of selling your condo and enable your Realtor to do their job most effectively.
  • Begin by making a list that summarizes all of the information regarding your specific condo unit as well as the building and area it is located in. This list should emphasize all of the features that your condo has to offer. What makes your condo unique compared to others in the nearby area? What elements of the condo have you found to be most convenient and important to you? What are the amenities that your condominium building offers to residents who live there? For example, location is a major selling factor. If the unit is located near mass transit or other commuter-friendly areas, you should use that as a selling feature. This list should include everything that the specific condo unit and the condominium building feature. Finally, be sure to include any other information that you believe is relevant or applicable to the property. Once your list is completed, give it to your Realtor. This list will aid both you and your Realtor in advertising, marketing, and ultimately selling the property.
    condo
    For condo buying or condo selling in Northern VA call Nesbitt Realty
  • Next, head out and go to see the competition firsthand or, at the very least, do some internet research to locate other condos for sale in your neighborhood. It is important to know the general price point that other people are asking. In today's market, it is critical that you price your condo competitively if you want it to sell. Becoming knowledgeable about the market you are selling in is crucial. Ask your Realtor what they know about the area surrounding you condo and be sure to keep the lines of communication open if you discover any new or interesting information.
  • Let your neighbors know you want to sell your condo. Many times, your neighbors may have friends, family or co-workers who could be potential buyers. You can then post flyers or create postcards to place in the lobby of your building to let neighbors and others in your community know that your condo is for sale. Never underestimate that word of mouth is often an incredibly effective marketing tool particularly because people often like to live in a building where they know someone.
Finally, remember that selling your condo is more than selling a piece of real estate. Selling your condo is about selling a place to live that supports a particular lifestyle. Therefore, you want to target those that would be most interested in owning property. Through the process of maintaining effective lists that highlight the features of the property, understanding the nearby and local market, and informing neighbors of your desire to sell, you and our Realtor can both knowledgeably and efficiently sell your condo even in a buyer friendly market. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Properties in

Hollin Hills is suburban

Suburban residential detached properties in Hollin Hills can cost <$800,000. Properties in this neighborhood seem landscaped with natural foliage. Hollin Hills is near Hollin Hall shopping center, not to mention served by Hollin Meadows Elementary School, Sandburg Middle School, and West Potomac High School. Can not forget, Hollin Hills is sort of close to Belle View and Richmond Highway, also known as Route 1. Contact Nesbitt Realty on Hollin Hills Real Estate sales, renting, and property management (703) 765 0300

Properties in

5 Ways Sellers Can Prepare for a Home Inspection

From time to time, sellers ask us how you can prepare for a home inspection.
home inspector
Bob Murphy is a home inspector
 
      1. Leave appliances clear: Don’t leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher or laundry in the washing machine or dryer. This is because the inspector will need to test the appliances, and he doesn’t want to have to pull out dirty clothes in front of everybody. The same is true for your oven and stovetop. The inspector will need to test them without moving your food or pots around.
      2. Make things accessible: Ensure the location of the attic and crawlspace are identified and easy to access. Don’t make a home inspector move your belongings in order to gain access. Strategically placed bundles and belongings can imply that the seller is trying to hide something and can cause the buyer to get nervous and the home inspector to get very thorough.
      3. Check the lightbulbs: If a lightbulb isn’t working, the inspector will need to determine if the fixture is inoperable. Save them time by making sure all the lightbulbs in the home operate, including those in the crawlspace, attic, and furnace rooms.
      4. Note shut off valve: Sometimes the location of your water shut-off valve is not obvious. You may want to label this to make it more obvious.
 

4 things to do to sell your property

  1. tipClean- The most obvious is cleaning. As much as you enjoy leaving your dirty laundry scattered everywhere and the dirty dishes piled up in the sink, cleaning is unavoidable. Hiring cleaners is often the best solution. Professional cleaners will scrub and clean the places you will easily overlook. The better your property shows, the easier it will sell.
  2. Landscaping- The yard and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Removing weeds, dead branches and making sure downspouts are functioning correctly are relatively inexpensive tasks that will do wonders on the first impression of your home. If you're thinking of moving next spring, (then) this winter, you should be working on your landscaping.
  3. Paint- Painting your home in a neutral color that appears to a broad audience will help purchasers envision themselves in your home. Auburn red might look great to you, but it has the potential to turn off buyers.
  4. De-clutter- It might be tough to let go of some items you have lying around your home. De-cluttering your home will give the impression of more space and give a more desirable impression.

Selling Your Home or Condo in Northern Virgina using the Internet

Stuart Nesbitt with Spring attire
Stuart Nesbitt with Spring attire
According to National Association of Realtors' 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, now over 80% of people use the Internet as a primary tool in their search for a new home. Sites like NesbittRealty.com are used by more and more people every day. Some claim that, "Internet condo buyers devote more time to research before working with a real estate agent. But after that, they move quickly, spending just two weeks looking for a new condo, new home, pre-construction condo, townhome, or loft with an agent." Although some of our clients know exactly what they want and view only a few homes or condos, many of our clients relentlessly research and analyze neighborhoods and homes before taking time to tour properties listed for sale. We find that our site and our Guide have complemented--not diminished--the role played by our real estate agents and realtors. Most Internet condo, townhome, loft, or single family home buyers use an agent in the home buying process. Our site provides a convenient method to do research about Northern Virginia home listings. NesbittRealty.com provides resources for home buyers and investors looking for new real estate opportunities. If you're reading this now then you have a clue just how big our Internet presence is.  Contact us to sell your home on Condos and Homes today! Nesbitt Realty appreciates every client and we'd love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to get a free assessment of your property's value in {Location_Name}. Nesbitt Realty has received numerous awards and recognitions for client satisfaction because we get results that make our clients happy. We'd love the opportunity to show you about why our clients rave about our service.  

Beautifying a staircase can be a smart move

Many folks consider stairs and hallways as strictly utilitarian — a place to get somewhere else - but these spaces can be great for decorations. Considering that stairs are often one of the first elements home buyers see when they enter the front door of a home for sale, beautifying the steps can be a smart investment. Consider these ideas for making the stairway more attractive:
  • A few tastefully positioned flowers can really stand out on at a stairway
  • Paint a runner in a bold shade of marine paint. Or do it in a pattern, like a stripe or polka dot.
  • Carpet the stairs with a pattern that hides dirt – even if the rest of the house has hardwoods. (As an added plus, carpeted stairs are safer than bare, potentially slick ones.)
  • Tile the risers, the vertical part of the stairs that get scuffed easily.

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When Should You Use a Short-Sale Negotiator?

Realtor Ron Ginyard
Ron Ginyard has the experience you need to successfully realize your real estate goals.
Short sales abound, but many real estate sales associates do not possess the time, training, or temperament to process this type of transaction. In particular, many sales associates would rather use the time that would be lost processing paperwork to instead pursue marketing, lead generation, and other more productive activities. Rather than distract themselves from their core tasks, sales associates handling a short-sale listing can benefit from the involvement of a short-sale negotiator, but they must be careful to adhere to rules on agency relationships, insurance, and compensation. Home owners may choose their own negotiator, although they often do not have the expertise to select the best professional; selling sales associates may retain a negotiator as part of their team, or this individual may be an independent contractor that they hire; or the buyer's sales associate may bring in the negotiator, although this may lead to agency issues since the buyer's sales associate then begins to represent the seller. In any case, it is critical for listing and selling sales associates to be certain of their Errors & Omissions policies, which may or may not cover these activities. They also must take care to address how the negotiator will be paid — out of commissions that have been earned or as a separate or negotiated fee.
  • Second Liens Roadblock for Short Sales

    Second mortgages have become one of the biggest roadblocks to closing short sales. There are about 450,000 properties in some stage of the foreclosure process with at least one junior lien, according to real estate research firm CoreLogic. These second liens are a primary challenge for Freddie Mac, said Mark Johnson, who oversees short sales…

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  • Foreclosure Crisis Slowing Sales

    foreclosure sign
    The foreclosure mess is making it harder for banks to sell properties. ForeclosureRadar, which tracks foreclosures in five Western states, says the number of properties coming to auction in Arizona, California, and Nevada has declined by more than 30 percent. Investors are backing away from sales because they fear that the properties they buy will…

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  • Short Sale Schemes

    This real estate scheme usually happens when the borrower owes more on the property than the current value. The borrower then pretends they have a financial hardship and can not make any more payments. Someone, an accomplice, who is working with the borrower submits a low offer to buy the property. The lender agrees with the…

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4 Tips for Setting the Right Sales Price

Sellers think their homes are worth more than their real estate professional recommends, and buyers think these same homes are worth less.
Will Nesbitt
Will Nesbitt
It’s a difficult disconnect that makes selling properties a challenge. Successfully marketing a home requires that the price be set carefully -- or it will languish on the market. Among the considerations:
  1. How many homes are for sale in the neighborhood? The more homes on the market, the more important it is to list at the lower end of the scale. No matter where you price your home, buyers are going to want to understand the rationale behind why your house is the cheapest or most expensive.  In the end, buyers will pick the house with the most value.
  2. Take short sales and foreclosures into consideration when pricing. If the competing properties are in lousy condition, they are less of an issue, but if they are well taken care of, yet priced 25 percent below market, they can be a serious factor.
  3. Negotiate decisively. Many buyers have options so when you counter an offer, be prepared for the possibility that the counter might be the end of the discussion.
  4. If you have to . . . cut the price. If no one shows up for an open house, if no one calls and if there are no offers, then the price is too high. That means it's time to make a meaningful price cut.
https://youtu.be/mf6j1WrLvmg
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

Sell Your Home Quickly With These Showing Tips!

Julie Nesbitt of Nesbitt Realty recommends the following preparation tips for those who are selling their homes:
Julie Nesbitt
Julie sold another!
  • Create a neutral environment by boxing up personal items such as knick-knacks, family mementos, and books.
  • Make the rooms seem more spacious by removing excess furniture.
  • Thoroughly clean carpets, windows, closets, and ovens.
  • Assess needed household repairs and make them.
  • Clear debris from sidewalks, decks, and driveways.
  • Get a qualified HVAC specialist to certify that the furnace and air conditioner is in good condition.
  • Replace dated kitchen and bathroom hardware and fixtures.
  • Remove heavy curtains that block light.
  • Repaint rooms that look dull using a neutral color such as cream or tan.
  • Refinish worn hardwood floors.
  • Paint the front door and buy a new welcome mat.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says that since so many details, especially financial ones, are involved in buying and selling a home, using a real estate agent is a good idea because that professional can be a guide throughout the process, making the entire process and experience so much easier. The key to a successful and positive experience with a real estate transaction is finding the right professional to assist you. While a real estate agent can meet your needs, the services of a Realtor® will suite your needs even better.

In {Location_Name}, what’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?

Of the more than two million people who have earned real estate licenses, only a small percentage of them are Realtors. Realtors, who are members in good standing of the National Association of Realtors, their state association of Realtors, and a local real estate board, are held to high standards of ethical behavior and undergo continuing education annually to remain accredited. All agents of Nesbitt Realty are Realtors!   For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
Ballston real estate agents
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Ballston.
 

3 Reasons to Sell Now

Selling a property in this tough market can seem like a challenge. Here are rhee factors that actually make this a good time to post a For-Sale sign.
home on the hill
Home on the hill at Belle Haven
  • Sell low and buy low. Because all property values are down, the loss on the property a home owner sells is really only a paper loss because the next property he buys also will be a bargain. If he buys smartly, when prices come back up in a few years, he’ll be in better shape.
  • Good help is available. Really talented real estate practitioners, contractors, and designers are available and eager for business.
  • The best time to sell is when you need to sell. The worst time to sell is when you're trying to guess a market.

Real Estate Photography Tips For Sellers in {Location_Name}

Exterior of House
  • Move cars away from front and / or rear of house and close garage doors.
  • Move trash cans and recycling bins inside or away from house.
  • Remove newspapers from driveway and sweep leaves.
  • Open deck furniture umbrellas, remove grill covers and put any deck cushions on furniture.
  • Hide toys and sporting equipment in garage or storage containers.
Interior of House
  • Turn on all interior lights and open all blinds. Make sure any burned out light bulbs have been replaced.
  • Clean vertical surfaces that reflect light such as mirrors, refrigerators, windows, television screens, etc.
  • Hide all pet beds, toys, bowls, etc. in a closet or storage container.
  • Remove items other than non-religious framed art or decor hanging from walls.
  • Keep in mind that items being moved from room to room will show in photos of other rooms, so please hide items in closets and / or storage areas that will not be photographed
Kitchen
  • Clear off countertops
  • Remove hanging dish towels and small area rugs.
  • Hide garbage can along with pet food bowls, mats and other items.
Bedroom
  • Make beds and be sure the mattress or any objects under the bed are not showing
  • Hide all personal items such as books, phones, remotes, etc. (Tip: You can hide them under the pillows!)
  • We suggest that personalized decor be removed from children's rooms so their names and pictures don't show in the photos which will go on the internet.
Foyer
  • Make it look as large as p0ssible by removing shoes, coats, throw rugs, etc.
    Fort Hunt real estate agents.
    Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Fort Hunt.
Dining Areas
  • If dining area is small, remove extra leaves from tables to make the room look larger.
  • Show off the woodwork on the table by removing protector, tablecloths or placemats.
  • Remove extra dining chairs from the room so it doesn't look overcrowded and smaller than it really is.
Living Areas
  • Keep the floors as clear as possible to emphasize the beauty of any wood floors
  • Make sure all televisions and computer monitors are turned off, and if portable hide from view
  • Clear surfaces such as end tables and coffee tables of items that are not decorative, and hide all magazines, books, remotes,  tissue boxes, etc.
Bathrooms / Powder Rooms
  • Wash all mirrors. Even the smallest splatter mark is magnified in photos.
  • Hide the trash can, toilet brush, bathmats and plunger.
  • Remove family bath and hand towels. (Tip: Don't forget to remove the robe hanging on the back of the door.) You can keep a clean decorative / nice towels hung neatly.
  • Remove All toiletries from the counter and the shower/tub area, such as shampoo bottles, razors, toothbrushes, etc.
  • Make sure the toilet paper roll isn't empty or hanging down off the roll.
  For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.