07.19.10

Ridgeland MS Real Estate Seller Strategies 101: Common Sense Curb Appeal

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Advice for home sellers is everywhere!  Turn on the TV, radio, or computer and you’re practically bombarded with ideas on how to prepare your Ridgeland MS real estate to get it sold.

Curb Appeal: It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Sometimes the simplest solution is right under your nose.  Sure, renovations, additions, upgrades and updates are great—and should not be overlooked. But common sense says buyers make their first judgment of homes for sale based on the homes’ exterior.

Increasingly Discerning Buyers in Today’s Ridgeland MS Real Estate Market

Today’s real estate market is challenging for sellers, all the more reason why every little detail matters. Buyers know they are in a strong buyer’s market and literally won’t put up with any rubbish, when window shopping for homes.

Before a potential buyer even considers stepping a foot inside your home, they want to see curb appeal— and not just any curb appeal, mind you. The discerning home buyer of today wants everything “just so.”

Here’s what buyers are looking for:

• Precision lawn care:  That means weekly mowing and edging in the warm months and snow or ice removal in the cold months.  The perfect lawn features mowing done in precise straight lines resulting in a very symmetrical, uniform look.  Don’t forget to trim around the driveway, stones, garden, trees, and especially the sidewalk.
• No junk lying around: Pack rats, you know who you are!  Put things in storage.  Don’t have an RV blocking your driveway or bikes and toys strewn everywhere.
• Beautify: Pick up leaves, weeds, branches and other debris.  Plant beautiful flowers.  You can even buy pre-bloomed flowers and replant.
• Splash o’ Color: Paint the house, garage, doors and shutters in neutral, updated colors.
• Fix and Re-Finish: Wooden decks and porch railings should be in tip-top shape.

Shoot for Showroom Shine

Just imagine that you are trying to win a contest for best looking home in the area. Think model-home quality.

You’ve got a Friend!

To help you get the most out of your precious Ridgeland MS real estate, I’m here for you.  Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Office:  601-956-8533
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
www.PaulaRicks.com 

Permalink 1 Comment

06.17.10

Your Ridgeland MS Home For Sale: Reaching Out to the Buyer

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

You placed your Ridgeland MS home for sale on the market weeks ago, but it seems no one is interested. What you may not realize is that the most desirable, most treasured buyers arrive at your home every day. They may not knock; they may not schedule an appointment; they may even need Map Quest to figure out where you are, but they’re viewing your home.

Buying habits are changing rapidly. More than 70 percent of today’s buyers find the house they want to buy through online resources. Why aren’t they just getting into their cars and coming by for a visit? Because a large part of your potential buyers are looking at your Ridgeland MS home for sale from states away…

The Invaluable Relocation Buyer
You want the relocation buyer. In fact, every seller, every agent and every community wants the relocation buyer. Why? Relocation buyers are those who have to move. They’re incredibly motivated to buy, and the chance of them buying a home in the community is high.

Your Buyer’s Profile
Your relocation buyer is probably an educated professional in his or her field. Relocation buyers usually know exactly what they’re looking for, and aren’t willing to budge much. They’ve commonly moved before and are knowledgeable home buyers.

If you’ve never sold a home, they’ll most likely understand the buying/selling process better than you do. They also know that real estate activity and values are different in every area.  As well, they know how their companies’ relocation assistance programs work, which affects their moving budgets.

Reaching buyers is a competitive process. If you want highly motivated buyers like these knocking on your door, you need a well-organized marketing strategy.

Talk to your real estate agent about your online presentation. Perhaps a video tour would be the best strategy to attract buyers to your Ridgeland MS home for sale. Whatever you decide to do, if your marketing strategy doesn’t include a well-put-together online presentation, you’ve already lost the relocation buyer.

Are you missing a large buying market for your home? As an experienced and award winning Ridgeland MS real estate agent, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Office:  601-956-8533
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
www.PaulaRicks.com

Permalink Comments

06.11.10

Buyer’s Market? Ridgeland MS Real Estate Agents to the Rescue

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

“Buyer’s market” means that the buyers have the upper hand; there’s more supply than demand. When it comes to selling your home, it’s safe to say that you’re competing in one of recent history’s toughest real estate markets.  This is a true buyer’s market, where supply far outweighs demand. So how do you go about selling your home in these conditions?

Interview Ridgeland MS Real Estate Agents
Don’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives an expensive car may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Ridgeland MS real estate agents and interview them. Ask:

• About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by
• What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable 
• How they would market your home

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it up
While interviewing, Ridgeland MS real estate agents will look at your home (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the house. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room.

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues.

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and then improve. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview!

Set a good price
These days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what homes are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate. 

The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your home repairs up to the buyer and overprice your home. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold!” sign!

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Office:  601-956-8533
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
www.PaulaRicks.com

Permalink Comments

05.03.10

Ridgeland MS Real Estate Do It Yourself Project: Staining Kitchen Cabinets

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

You’d like to remodel your kitchen, but like many Ridgeland MS real estate owners, you need to do it as inexpensively as possible.  Consider cutting costs by staining the kitchen cabinets yourself.

Here’s the basic 4-step process to staining kitchen cabinets for your Ridgeland MS real estate.

1. Gather supplies:  120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper, wood conditioner, paintbrushes, tack cloths, rags, stain and polyurethane.  Some experts recommend water-based stain and sealer because they’re easier to work with, while others insist on oil-based products because of their durability.  Do some research to make the right choice for you.

2. Prepare the wood:  Using 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the wood in the direction of the grain.  This prevents scratches.  Remove all of the loose dust with a tack cloth.  Then sand the cabinets again, this time using 220-grit sandpaper.  This creates a smooth finish.  Remove all the loose dust with a tack cloth and apply a coat of wood conditioner to the cabinets.  Let it dry completely.

3. Stain the wood:  Brush on a coat of stain with a paintbrush following the grain of the wood.  Then take a rag and rub the stain into the wood using a circular motion. Finish the staining by wiping along the grain of the wood one final time to ensure an even finish.  Let the stain dry completely.

4. Seal the wood:  Apply two coats of polyurethane following the manufacturer’s directions.  Once you’ve sealed the cabinets, make sure you give them ample time to cure.

Staining the cabinets for your Ridgeland MS real estate kitchen remodel can save you a lot of money.  Just be sure you take the time to do a quality job.  You’ll be living with the results for a long time, so make sure it looks good.

Want more homeowner tips like this automatically emailed to you?  Subscribe to this blog now.  It’s free and easy.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Permalink Comments

02.11.10

Valentine’s Day and Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale – How Much Is Too Much?

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Not everyone decorates their home for Valentine’s Day, but enough do that it brings to mind the question, “How much decoration is too much when your Ridgeland MS home is for sale?”

Decorations, although beautiful to you, are a matter of personal taste and style. Since this is a buyer’s market, something as simple as the wrong decorations can push a potential buyer from saying “Yes!” to saying “No.”

Rules for Decorating Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale
Here are a few tips on decorating for Valentine’s or any other day when you’re trying to sell your home:

• Choose decorations that are small and unobtrusive. Large decorations put too much emphasis on themselves. When you’re trying to sell your home, these take away from the overall appearance of the interior.
• Finding buyers is all about allowing them to see themselves living in the home. When choosing your decorations, or deciding to decorate at all, keep this firmly in mind. Ornamentation made of bright colors may be fun, but can also be overwhelming.
• If you’re ever at a loss on how to decorate or stage a home for a successful sale, take a trip through furniture stores. Stores that sell furniture often have furniture set up in “living” displays so people can see what the pieces look like together. Look at the displays, take pictures and notes, and then apply the knowledge you gain to make your home look like a display.

Decorating and staging correctly can make a huge difference on how buyers see the Ridgeland MS homes for sale.

If you’re ready to sell your home and would like to find out how you can receive a FREE home staging consultation, call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Permalink Comments

12.03.09

I Admit It – I’m a Biased Ridgeland MS Real Estate Agent

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

People have asked me about FSBO (For Sale By Owner).  They want to know whether it’s a good idea to use an agent and the answers to many other questions on this topic. I admit it; I’m biased. I am, after all, a Ridgeland MS real estate agent.

I’ll even go a bit farther and admit that I’m biased about my hometown. As far as I’m concerned, if you’re going to buy a house, you should use me as your agent and buy a house in this city. But then, that’s what most real estate agents will tell you.

Without the bias, however, there are some real issues with not using a Ridgeland MS real estate agent (or any agent, anywhere, for that matter).  And, there’s one BIG issue…

The Contract!
Okay, here’s the deal. A real estate contract, like any contract, is a sealed deal once the papers are signed. It’s legally binding and will be upheld in any court of law in the country, with few (and rare) exceptions.

If you don’t understand the contract you’ve signed, that’s too bad.  Lack of understanding does not constitute a dismissal of said contract. While some do manage to back out of a contract once it’s signed, to do so is expensive and stressful.

A wide variety of contracts can be borrowed from anywhere and have been. FSBO sites, as well as many other online sites and offline brick and mortar businesses, have “sell your house” contracts. For that matter, a contract written up by the owner, signed by the buyer with a notary stamp, without any legal representation on either part, is still legally binding:

I, the undersigned, am selling my house to the buyer for the agreed upon amount of money.

Buyer
Seller
Notary

A real estate agent will generally use a standard contract through your state’s Association of REALTORS® or their particular brokerage. What’s the difference, you ask? Quite a lot, but the biggest is that the contracts that agents use are created to fit the laws of each state. In addition, these contracts are not prejudiced towards the buyer or the seller.

Lastly, the buying and selling of real estate is full of potential issues and is a long, involved process. Call me proud and tell me I’m bragging if you want, but I’m good at what I do as a Ridgeland MS real estate agent. It’s not something I think everyone can (or should) do.

So, if you’re considering going FSBO, take a second gander at this particular article and think hard. We’re not all evil; quite a few great agents out there sincerely want to help you meet your goals of buying or selling a home.

If you’re looking for someone to guide you through the pitfalls, I’d be honored to help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Permalink Comments

09.21.09

5 Questions to Ask Ridgeland MS Real Estate Agents When Selling

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate agents, Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

If you’re ready to sell your home but it’s not yet on the market, asking the right questions of your agent is a good way to help your home get sold.  These questions assist Ridgeland MS real estate agents in creating a customized marketing plan for your home, as well as helping you know what to expect.  The top five questions are:

1.  When is the best time of year?  Spring is supposedly “the” time of year to put homes on the market, but it all depends on the specific area.  In addition, many historic trends are completely disappearing and can’t be trusted as an indicator.  Ridgeland MS real estate agents can help you with a good timing strategy to get the best out of your particular area.

2.  What features can I accentuate?  Take the time to walk through the home with your agent.  Discuss with him what you’ve enjoyed about the place and listen to their suggestions as well.  Together, create a list for the agent to use in his sales and marketing tactics once it goes on the market.

3.  How can I de-clutter my home? Statistics show that homes sell faster and for more money when they appear roomy, clean and are clear of personal clutter.  Your agent can look over your home and give you suggestions to achieve that goal.

4.  What’s the bottom line price?  Let your agent know what you’d like to get from the sale, as well as the lowest price you can afford to accept.  Your Ridgeland MS real estate agent will evaluate your property as compared to other similar properties that have sold recently and recommend an accurate price range.

5.  What do I have to disclose?  You may be obligated by law to disclose certain problems about your home, as well as common insurance and utility costs.  Make sure that you find out from your real estate agent exactly what you have to disclose to maintain legal compliance.

Remember, good real estate agents are there to help you.  You don’t have to do it alone, so share the responsibility.

Click to: Learn why Paula Ricks is one of the Best Ridgeland MS real estate agents.

If you want to sell your home, let me put together a custom marketing plan designed to sell your home fast and for top dollar.  Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Permalink Comments

08.20.09

Ridgeland MS Real Estate: Did You Know Floors Can Sell Homes?

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate agents, Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 6:55 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Thinking about selling your Ridgeland MS real estate?  Have you ever walked into one of the Ridgeland homes and looked down to see stained carpet or flooring?  It brings a little thought of “ew” sometimes, doesn’t it?  Imagine if you were a buyer and saw that same floor.

The right type of flooring, and flooring that is well taken care of, can make a big difference to buyers.  If your floor brings on the “ew” thought, here are a few fixes to help make sure your home sells:

Does your home have hardwood floors?
You’re in luck.  Buyers love hardwood floors and some will actually pay extra to get them.  In fact, it could be that final selling point.  If your hardwood floors are covered by carpet, painted over or showing anything but the natural wood grain, it’s time for an overhaul.  Pull up those carpets and get to sanding.

With the ability to rent large sanders and other tools, you can either refinish the hardwood floor yourself or hire a professional.  Remember, however, that hardwood floors in Ridgeland homes have a tendency to show off scratches, dents and uneven surfaces.  If you don’t think you could do a good job, hire a professional.

Does your home have carpeting?
If you don’t have hardwood floors, take a look at your carpeting.  If it’s stained, out-dated, bright or ragged, it’s time to pull it up.  When laying the new carpet, use good carpet padding to make it comfortable to stand on.  Many Ridgeland MS real estate buyers will lean down and touch the floor, so make sure the carpet feels soft to the touch.

In addition, don’t go for the bright colors.  Pick a neutral carpet color that goes well with the home.

Does your home have tiles?
Although tiles are beautiful, they typically show every ounce of old grime, dirt, chips and cracks.  Go through your home and replace any that are chipped, cracked or show signs of bad wear and tear.  Make sure the grout is clean and new looking, and use cleaners (or a steam cleaner) to get rid of any stains.

Beautiful floors can go a long way towards selling Ridgeland MS real estate.  Take a good, honest look at yours.  Show your floors some TLC.  It might just get your home sold.

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help.  Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Permalink 1 Comment

06.25.09

Discover Why Some Ridgeland MS Real Estate Homes Aren’t Selling

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate agents, Ridgeland MS real estate sellers at 9:02 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Do you have one of the Ridgeland MS real estate homes that has been languishing on the market?  Just when you think you’ve done everything you need to do to get your home ready for the market, months pass and your home doesn’t sell. Consider a few factors that can effect your goal of selling your home.

• Priced Too High – If your home has an excessive asking price, it will be harder to sell. With so many Ridgeland MS homes for sale available today, a big price tag may turn buyers off. And, your competition down the street may have the same home but a better price.
• The Market – No longer can you simply put a home on the market and watch the offers roll in. Nowadays, you have to be diligent and knowledgeable in your approach. Research the market value of Ridgeland homes in your neighborhood and know what kind of competition you’re up against.  And, understand today’s buyers and what they need in order to make a good offer on a home.
• Unfavorable Location – No matter how gorgeous a home is a bad location can hurt sales. Although you can’t change the location, you can be creative in figuring out ways to appeal to buyers. Offer incentives to attract buyers or lower your asking price.
• The Appearance – Does your home need some work? If so, you want to attack those issues first before putting your home on the market. Things like dirty carpets and broken appliances can turn buyers off. Try staging your home. A staged home helps ensure your home dazzles potential buyers.
• You Didn’t Consult a Professional – Trying to sell a home yourself can be an extremely daunting task. That’s why you need to hire a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of the industry and can market your home in the right way.

The good thing is that you can make changes that will improve the situation. Go over all the points listed and address any problems. Once that’s done, you’ll have a better chance of watching your home sell.

Let me give you a free analysis of your home’s value in today’s Ridgeland MS real estate market.  Contact me now or call me at 601-942-3392 today.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Permalink Comments