What should you expect from your real estate agent?

Today we’re getting into the details! What exactly is the role of a real estate agent in helping buy or sell your home?

A lot of people really don’t know what a real estate agent should be doing for them. And because they don’t know the role of a real estate agent, they often miss out on some of the benefits of having an agent that does their job well.

Maybe you just hire any agent because you think they all do the same thing, but really you miss out on some bonuses because you simply don’t know that they should be doing certain things for you? It’s hard to ask questions if you don’t know what questions to ask!

The road to homeownership—or getting your home sold—can be bumpy, and it’s often filled with unexpected turns and detours. That’s why it makes sense to have a great real estate to help guide the way for you.

A Great Agent Should:

1. Save you time!
2. Be very knowledgeable of your area.
3. Be an expert guide for your market and for the process itself.
4. Find the right price for your home.
5. Effectively promote and market your home.
6. Have a strong network of professionals and agents around them.
7. Advocate for you as a buyer or seller.
8. Assist you with negotiations.
9. Take care of your paperwork down to the finest detail.

Why Selling Your Home in the Fall Might Be Great for You!

Waiting to sell your home until the fall? This week we'll talk about how selling in the fall might be a great idea for you! Dave and Robert go outside the box on this show, busting the myth that spring and summer are the only time of year you should put your home on the market.

Why Selling Your Home in the Fall Might Be Great for You!

1. People who don't have kids in school don't coordinate home buying or selling with summer break and school schedules. There's still a lot of potential buyers looking for homes!
2. A lot of home shopping happens online now, so it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside. People are looking for homes 24/7.
3. You can leverage low inventory in the fall to your advantage. Less competition increases your odds of finding a buyer for your home.
4. A lot of home buyers are slowing down after summer break and have time to start looking for homes.
5. Take advantage of beautiful fall landscaping and decor to attract buyers. The cozy feeling that fall often brings allows buyers to easily picture themselves living in the home.
6. Serious home buyers will continue to look for a home no matter what time of year it is, meaning a lot of serious buyers stick it out into the fall season.
    

Budget Friendly Ways to Improve Your Home Value

We've rounded up some budget friendly ways to improve your home value for this week's show. Get the short list below, then listen to the show for all the details with Robert & Dave + some upcoming football season banter and real estate market updates for the end of summer. Don't miss James from Fidelity Mortgage & Barbara Traylor Smith from Retirement Outfitters who also weigh in on improving home value.

Budget Friendly Ways to Improve Your Home Value

1. Tune up home systems
2. Power wash your home's siding
3. Update your curb appeal
4. Prune your trees and bushes
5. Give your house a fresh coat of paint--inside and out
6. Replace your front door with a steel entry door
7. Update your kitchen cabinets with a coat of paint or new knobs

6 Ways to Attract Baby Boomer Homebuyers + Home Value Killers

We have a two part show this week!

6 Ways to Attract Baby Boomer Homebuyers

How can you attract baby boomer homebuyers to purchase your home? Read the short version below and listen to the show for more details from Robert and Dave!

1. Highlight the pet friendly features of your home.
2. Don't shy away from contemporary or modern features.
3. Space isn't your enemy! They may be downsizing, but they also want space for visiting family. 2-3 bedrooms are ideal!
4. Make sure all your home maintenance is up-to-date. Boomers want their home to be nice and work right!
5. Showcase activities and amenities in your community or neighborhood. Baby boomers love to take classes, golf, adventure and more!
6. Baby boomers love technology. If you have smart home features, do not downplay them!

Home Value Killers

What are the biggest potential problems that could effect your home value? Check them out below!

1. The history of your home: a non-natural death in the home.
2. Being close to a cemetery.
3. The home has been used for a growing operation.

10 Things to Avoid if You Want to Get the Most Money for Your Home

Your house is your largest financial asset! If you want to make as much money as possible when you sell your home, listen to this show! Robert and Dave will discuss the top 10 things to avoid in order to make the most money.

1. Don't ignore your agent's advice!
2. Don't neglect important repairs prior to listing your home.
3. Don't settle for anything less than professional photography.
4. Avoid setting a list price that isn't competitive.
5. Don't be restrictive with your showing times.
6. Remember to keep the house tidy for showings!
7. Don't be present for showings or open houses.
8. Don't let your pet spoil the sale.
9. Don't review offers with a closed mind.
10. Don't overlook closing costs.

11 Reasons For Sale by Owner is a Bad Idea

There's a few people out there that think For Sale By Owner (FSBO) will save them time and money, but that's not always the case. Before you decide to go FSBO listen to this show and make sure you're ready to take the plunge!

1. Scams happen and if you haven't protected yourself with the proper paperwork, you're going to become a victim.
2. Liability is all on the seller.
3. All the paperwork is daunting!
4. Sellers can get stuck in a bad deal.
5. On average, FSBOs sell for less (yes, less!).
6. FSBOs spend more time on the market.
7. You lack representation if something goes wrong.
8. Inspections can be problematic.
9. Marketing is limited.
10. Hidden costs can start to add up.
11. For Sale by Owner will cost you a lot of time.