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Get The Price Right June 7, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

One of the biggest problems sellers in today’s Tampa real estate market face is pricing.  Many sellers don’t see any harm in asking a higher price when first listing their home.  “I can always reduce it later” seems to be the most common response.  The problem is that such a price is based on what that individuals desires to get for the home, rather than what the market has determined the actual price should be.  The end result will be price reduction after price reduction, and a waste of valuable time on the market.

Today’s buyers are well educated about the market.  The state of real estate is constantly in the news, and it’s impossible to avoid.  Buyers out in the market are justifiably nervous, very cost-conscious, and do much more research on a potential purchase than they would have a few years ago.  High prices are often a signal for unrealistic or unmotivated sellers, and buyers in today’s market don’t want to waste their time on such a situation.  There is no longer the urgency to buy Tampa real estate that there was a few years ago, which means that potential home owners will not overpay.

“The savvy buyer has done research is very aware and cautious when they see a property on the market for an extended period of time,” says Dave Traynor of Smith & Associates Real Estate.  “They will also know that the extended time on the market is a result of the home being over priced.”

If you’re going to be listing your home for sale, make the most of the market from the beginning.  Price competitively.  The old strategy of padding the list price of a home to leave room for negotiating no longer works.  The home should look its best, and be priced competitively in order to catch a buyer’s eye and entice them enough to make an offer. “Many agents have a list of buyers anxiously waiting for new homes to hit the market,” says Traynor.  “When they are priced right initially, those homes have been seen to go under contract within the first week.”  So, take the best advantage of the Tampa real estate market possible, and get your home priced right from the start.

Want a professional analysis of what the right price is for your home?  We would be happy to provide a free market analysis for you.  Please request one here.

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Things To Know Before You Hire A Stager June 3, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

When owners list their Tampa homes for sale,  they become a commodity – merchandise for someone to purchase.  Like any retailer, making sure that your home is displayed in the best manner will assist you in getting that product sold.  Think of the products displayed in your favorite store or boutique.  Most likely things are displayed in an organized, uncluttered fashion and they’re placed in a way to make them look like their best.  The same rules should be applied when selling your home, and staging is a definite way to accomplish it.

A stager’s job involves rearranging, or possibly adding or removing, furniture and decor in your home in order to play up its best features and get it sold.  They can be an absolute asset in the process of marketing Tampa homes for sale, but there are things you should know before hiring one to stage your home.  Staging is at this point an unregulated profession, which means that what you get when you hire one can very greatly from the next.  It does not require a degree or any specific training, which means that individuals can come from any variety of backgrounds, training, and experience.   Similarly, what you get for the fees you pay will very greatly too.

Although professional training is not required to become a stager, most in the field have a background in design, decorating, real estate, or a related field.  Some who are very successful in the field have work experience in merchandising.  Not all those working as stagers are without training in the field, it’s just not required.  Courses are offered across the country in both online and in-person formats, and typically last a few days in duration.  Most of the courses however, focus more on the aspects of running a business successfully than they do on the aesthetics and principles of what will help a home sell.  When hiring a home stager, make sure to investigate their qualifications and experience before making a final decision.  Ask to see samples of their work to make sure you feel comfortable that they are the right fit for you.

When it comes to charging for services, some will complete work on an hourly basis while others charge by the job.  In most cases, a stager will offer a free consultation which allows them to get a look at the home and formulate a bid.  How much such a project will cost will vary greatly depending on the state of the home.  For instance, if a vacant home is being staged there will be a cost involved for rental furniture.  Another project may involve a fully furnished two story home that more than anything else is in need of a reduction in furnishings and ‘stuff’.  Since each of the Tampa homes for sale are unique, every home will need to be seen before a price can be agreed upon.

The best way to track down a great stager is by asking friends and professionals you know.  Referrals are often the best source of business for those in the field, and we all feel more comfortable going with someone who’s been recommended by another.  So, ask around!  Also, interview at least three to get a good picture of what’s available in regards to services and then make the choice that’s right for you.