What people are grateful for.. the simple things.

Thankful for Our Home

A little of what I heard this year when dealing with so many of the first time home-buyers.

2 Bathrooms

a Yard

A Camelia bush that reminds me of my grandmother

The handmade shelf we found in the garage

The pet rocks with the smiley faces drawn by a child lining the patio planter

a kitchen with new appliances

a room for my daughter, she’s never had her own

the lady across the street

a washer and dryer

the peace and quiet of the woods

a spot for the garden

grass to mow

a place of my own

Again, it’s the simple things that make a house a home for most.

Traditionally, I have always called or sent text messages to my customers early in the morning before too many get involved with their lunch preparations and this year was no different. I am always glad to hear their voices and talk briefly about what they are doing. Most all were having family in their homes at some time during the day

This year, with the help of the tax credit, I had an exceptional amount of first time home-buyers. Each one came to me with a desire to own a home. Home ownership, it really does mean a great deal to people. With the help of the tax credit, down payment assistance programs,  many were able to realize their dreams. There is innately a deep desire for most people to have four walls in which they place all that they seem to love about their lives, a roof over the heads of the people they love and a bit of turf where the fruits of their labor will grow. I am sure home-ownership means different things to different people, but I am lucky enough to hear the happiness over and over.

I am thankful for what I hear, over and over again. That is what I am thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Trendy Home Features

New construction is one of my specialties as a Realtor in Tallahassee and I am always amazed with the creativity and thought that most people put into custom construction. Choosing a contractor that understands a client’s fundamental goals and then works through the details of planning and design by incorporating those often intricate details into the home is paramount to a succesful working relationship.

This home at 6475 Tracy Lane in Tallahassee is a perfect example of a customer with very specific tastes and ideas for their home. Modeled after homes in their Native Australia and their lifestyles as athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the home features amenities suited to an active lifestyle and their love of trendy, modern conveniences.

Features in this home include:

• Over 3600 sq.ft. of living space
• Custom made cabinetry with granite counter-tops
• Porcelain and Glass Vessel Sinks
• Custom shaped Stainless Bar, Laundry Table and Fireplace Surround
• 9 ft. Triple Sliding glass doors along the rear of home offering near floor to ceiling views of the pool area and fenced yard.
• Brick Accent wall in Master Suite
• Master Spa Bath with Slate Roman Shower with 5 shower heads!
• Theater or Home Gymnasium Room with Wet Bar

For more information on contemporary, trendy home and custom details Click Here to see this beautiful new home in the gated subdivision of The Ridge at Velda Dairy.

How To Sell in A Buyer’s Market

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/24/eveningnews/main4291776.shtml

This video that explains a few things seller’s must consider when preparing a home to sell. Most of these tips are included in my pre-listing package.

The market, the average sale prices, and days on market are factors that change daily. Yes, daily! Gone are the days of comparing your home to a home down the street that sold two years ago, last year, even last month! Supply and demand, (Presently an oversupply and low demand), has set sellers up for challenges to making their home more appealing.

Shopping for a home in this market is much like window shopping..the internet offers a vast supply of resources for buyers, and 80+ percent of buyers begin their home search on the internet. However, time and time again, it is PRICING, that makes the difference in a proeprty that sells or does not sell. The theory of “substitution” seems to be the driving force of sales today. What this means is,.. if you have multiple items to consider when making your choice, two, three or twenty items that are similar in quality, age, size, amenities,.. the most likely factor that will seal the deal for you will be the bargain PRICE.

I am an Realtor that utilizes many technical, and diverse marketing techniques. Putting my seller’s properties in as many places as possible to bring buyers to the listing, is my goal. this is what brings buyers to the market.

However, cooperation from every seller is the most important factor in the success of bringing a transaction to close. Understanding market conditions, market value, (the most probable price a proeprty will bring), and detaching from all of the emotions of a property are all critical factors in preparing to sell. The value of your home doesn’t necessarily depend on how much you have invested in it. Real estate sales revolve around fair market value, not your “sweat equity” or even monetary equity most of the time.

Working with offers, negotiating details that will bring a deal to close is a tedious process. It consumes hours of time and involves many concessions from sellers than buyers these days. It is advisble to consider ALL offers, and work with counter-offers and through details until there is a meeting of the minds. This takes more than words..it is truly a skill, and I provide that to my customers. Bringing in reason, facts, explanation of isses that both parties may not be aware of, is my job. More times than not.. agreements can be reached.

If you are thinking of selling.. please consult me as your Real Estate Professional. Many buyers are not even considering FSBO properties because there is so much else to see. Many assume that FSBO’s are not as negotiable or educated as sellers who are working with professionals. Many buyer’s are also making multiple offers.. but on different properties…seller’s beware!

Again, consult a professional,… let me bring my experience to you, especially in this challenging market. We can succeed in a short amount of time!

Email me at debbiekirkland@homesalesoftallahassee.com for more information, or to request a pre-listing package for preparing your home for sale!