The Kasey Group's Blog

The calm before... Fall Market

The Kasey Group — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:26:12 -0400

We're at that time again... the market is at a stand still. It seems like every year the last two weeks of August and first two weeks of September are the slowest time in Real Estate. People are getting last minute summer vacations in, its time to get the kids back to school, or you just have to good-bye summertime blues.

It's at this point of the year we work on re-building our inventory, structuring our fall marketing plan, and schedule our upcoming open houses.

What are you doing to prepare for the fall market?

Keep in touch

The Kasey Group — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:52:20 -0400

Keep in touch! It's something we say all the time...but do we?

I had the most interesting conversation with a client who I ran into at the grocery store. She said to me that she appreciated me calling, mailing and emailing all the time. She said she likes the updates and she felt special. She also said that because of my many reminders, she always mentions my name to people who she knows who are looking for homes. The best part is, she has sent me referrals.

I took a moment to think. What was I doing that was working for her? I specifically checked my notes, I had reached out to her about 4 times in the last year. Was that really enough to warrant her excited reaction? I didn't think that it was SO frequent that she felt we were always in touch, but realized that perhaps the way I was reaching out was working.

I always try to reach out in a variety of ways...here's just a few suggestions:

Be timely, send an anniversary card each year, the warm sentiment will go a long way.
Send valuable information, email is great for this. If a home comes on on their street, let them know about it..they will appreciate the heads up and they may have a friend looking to get into the area who they can refer to you!
Keep your records up to date by mailing out yearly requests in the form of a mail-back card or letter asking for changes in email, phone or cell information.
Call. You can't underestimate the value of the voice on the other end of the phone. Even a message on an answering machine works. Remind them you are always looking for new clients and would love to work with their family and friends.

Don't send your clients daily emails, you will end up in their spam. But don't let too much time pass between contacts. It's easy to come up with some reason to reach out a few times a year, your best clients will enjoy hearing from you and the referrals they send will pay off.

By Megan O'Connell Albright on September 3, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

This is sure to brighten your day!

The Kasey Group — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:52:37 -0400

Have the end of summer blues? Well this video is sure to cheer you up.

Thanks to Tom Ferry for this Real Estate Swagger Rap Music Video.

By Stacy Pfannkuch on September 1, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Staging.. It can make or break a house.

The Kasey Group — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:03:06 -0400

Want to sell in this competitive market place? Then you need to be the best product on the market.

Not only do you need to be priced right but you also need to look right too. What does that mean? Your home needs to looks its best from the inside out.

Take a look at this video for a few helpful hints.

To Recap:

You've heard it a thousand times, 'First impressions are the most important'. Showings don't last long and it is important to give people a reason to want to enter your home(curb appeal), and want to stay in it(pleasant smelling, clean & neat, light & bright, etc..).

Clean, De-clutter, Depersonalize. Clean off the kitchen counters and remove all items off the refrigerator.

Every space matters. Your not just selling the living room and family room. Organize the closets and tidy up the basement, show potential buyers how much space your home has.

Good Luck and Happy Staging!

By Karin Stocknoff on August 27, 2010

Do you know what your significant others credit score is?

The Kasey Group — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:37:45 -0400

Ladies, can we talk?...

I cannot believe that I have just had yet another conversation with a client who found out to her horror her fiance's credit woes. This woman has really put her ducks in order, she has spent the past year saving for a down payment, paid off her car loan, paid down credit card bills and would you believe this, negotiated a lower rent with her landlord in order to continue socking away cash. In addition, she has a fabulous 740 credit score and a stable well paying job in the healthcare industry. This gal has a plan, she is engaged and hopes to have her new home just in time for the wedding. She looked into a price range that, based on their income she felt they could afford. She was excited and so was I.

I recommended she call a mortgage broker, who had to break the news to her. Her fiance' has a 605 credit score and a report filled with charge offs, a history of late payments and more. What seemed like a great plan now presented a bleak picture. Now what to do, on her income alone, they could not afford nearly what they had hoped and repairing his credit report was not only going to take time...it was going to cost money.

Gosh I felt sorry for her, but couldn't help but wonder...how did she not know? It may seem impersonal, but you need to know about your future spouses financial stability, this includes knowing their credit score. If for no other reason...poor credit habits rarely go away. Most people who don't take it seriously, spend their whole lives doing so. If you are responsible with your money, don't you want you spouse to be also? Don't be afraid to ask, throw it in there with 'where did you go to college' and 'what do you like to do with your spare time.'

Ladies, you may think your man is a 10, but really he needs to be at 710...or better. By the way guys this goes for you too, make sure your pretty girl, has a pretty credit score.

By Megan O'Connell Albright on August 25, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

YADDA YADDA YADDA...

The Kasey Group — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:41:32 -0400

YADDA YADDA YADDA...Remember that Seinfeld episode when Elaine is recapping a date and she says something like, "We had the bisque and then yadda yadda yadda." Jerry says, "Hey you left out the best part of the story", to which Elaine replies, "No. I mentioned the bisque."

Think about your home....what would someone who comes to see it at an open house say was the best part?

Here's some comments I've heard:

"The colors here are just beautiful"
"Obviously, this is the boys room"...decorated with pictures of half naked girls
"Are these owners smokers?"
"What is that smell?"...oh, just a dozen different Yankee Candles all opened, some lit.
"Do they have dogs or cats?"...not a good sign that people are afraid of your pet's smell!
"This house is so neat and clean"
"Come over here, honey...look at the pictures....doesn't this look just like Sue?, or what a pretty wedding dress!, or Do we know these people?"
"This closet is huge!"
"Clearly this is a bachelor pad."
"It's very dark in here"...some higher wattage bulbs or an open curtain can go a long way.
"Aaahhh, it's so cool in here"...on a broiling summer day or "It's nice and toasty"...as they shake the snow off of their jackets.
"I love it how they decorated it!"

If someone was leaving your home and only had a few words to describe it, what would those words be...hopefully not, "I went to an open house today and Yadda Yadda Yadda."

By Karin Stocknoff on August 10, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Attention Renters!

The Kasey Group — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:26:55 -0400

WANTED: Responsible Renters

Dedicated, full time real estate professional seeking responsible renters. Qualifications include: good payment history, high credit scores and steady income. Call now, you will receive sought after real estate advice and information, care and attention which will wisk you off to a pleasant and successful home closing.

Some days, I just think, maybe it's just that simple. Good renters make great home-owners.

By Megan O'Connell Albright on August 10, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Big Changes

The Kasey Group — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:23:57 -0400

Change..It can be a good thing but it can also be a little scary. There are few changes bigger in life then moving our family to a new home. This could involve changing schools, communities, and even states.

Here are a few tips that can ease the stress when moving out of the area:

Involve the kids- Let them see some homes, talk about their rooms with them, and highlight the amenities the new home/area has like pools, playgrounds, etc...

Explain the process- Let them know why this move is a good thing. Maybe it means more time together as a family and less commuting time for mom/dad.

And most importantly, if your nervous they will be too. So stay calm, stay positive, and the whole experience will go smoother.

Happy Moving!

By Stacy Pfannkuch on August 9, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Deal of the century?

The Kasey Group — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:34:39 -0400

You want to buy a home and it seems like everyone you know has advice to give you but you still don’t know who to listen too.

Check out the video below on items that you should pay attention to when looking for a home. It could save you a lot of headaches in the end.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

To Recap:
Water in the basement- look for water marks on the walls and if items are stored off the floor. Water issues in the basement can cost a lot to repair – Have a professional look at it.
Termites- If there are signs of termites ask if the home has been treated and if there is still cause for concern have a professional come out and look.
Asbestos- Depending on the type can cost a lot to repair/remove.
Old Kitchen & Baths-With a little elbow grease and few trips to home deport these can easily be converted in to updated spaces.
Poor Landscaping- Easy fix but pay attention be sure to check out large trees especially ones close to the house.

If you’re looking for a fixer upper be sure to pay attention to the items that can have costly repairs. What can you do yourself and what will require a professional. And don’t forget, before you swing a hammer call the town hall and find out if your ‘home improvement’ requires a permit.

By Heather Rebb on August 6,2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Don't just assume

The Kasey Group — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:11:45 -0400

You ask your friend who cuts their hair but not who sold their home?

I am always surprised that buyers sellers would just call an office and work with whomever is on floor(meaning whoever answers the phone). Agents on floor time can be really great, but is the only criteria for picking an agent the one who happened to answer the phone when you called?

With hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line, specific criteria for the job to be done is important.

Does the agent have an aggressive marketing plan?
How many homes has the agent sold?
Are they a full time agent?
Are they knowledgeable about the inventory and the area you are interested in?

I have a list of at least a dozen questions I've been asked while interviewing for the job of selling a home and working as a buyers agent... What do you think the most important question to ask is?

By Karin Stocknoff on August 4, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Get off the rental roller coaster!

The Kasey Group — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:37:27 -0400

The Kasey Group Sells...

Is it all about the Kitchen and Baths?

The Kasey Group — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:27:38 -0400

Looking for the perfect home can be a time consuming and challenging process but it can also be a great learning experience. We all know that kitchen and baths sell homes and of course Location, Location, Location but don't forget the BASEMENT!

Ask your agent about the furnace/boiler, the hot water heater, the electric panel, and if applicable any central air or well equipment. While agents aren't experts in heating, cooling, etc... The good ones have sold enough homes to learn what to look for.

Ask them-you can always remodel the kitchen later.

By Stacy Pfannkuch on July 30, 2010

The Kasey Groups Sells...

House Sitting Services Available....

The Kasey Group — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:50:52 -0400

Job Offering: House Sitting Services Sunday afternoon 12-3:00

I know no Realtor would offer this because they are probably booked at an open houses on Sunday at that time. However, if all you are doing is marketing the open house in the local paper, isn't this really what is being offered? Haven't we all had open houses where only 1 or 2 people showed?

If I am going to take my Sunday afternoon and hold an open house, I want them to be efficient, so I do the following:

Knock on at least 50 of the neighbor's houses to invite them (we know that if one house lists, usually two or more in the area do as well).
Contact any agent who has a comparably priced or comparably listed home.
Advertise as a featured listing on Listingbook.com (where over 60K buyers search for homes that are suited to their criteria).
Put up an Open House rider on my sign for anyone who is driving by.
Put up ample signage leading to the house on the day it is open with balloons (the open houses with balloons seem to get a better turn out...I think that it is a Pavlov-response from when we were kids, whereas balloons=cake).
Staging ideas for the seller to make sure the house is in the best condition.
Notify the agents who visited the house on tour the following Thursday or Friday.

And, of course the obvious: Ad in the local paper and on various real estate websites.

I'm always looking for ideas, anything I missed?

By Karin Stocknoff on July 29, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

They call it a 'closing' for a reason

The Kasey Group — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:46:28 -0400

When selling your home you might think you're already there when the offer comes in --But that's just the start of the journey.

You still need to get through inspections, appraisal, and the mortgage process before you get the the closing.

A couple tips... leave out some cookies and a note for your buyers at the time of the inspections. It's a stressful time and knowing what you've enjoyed about the home and a snack can help.

Leave any receipts for repairs too. It's great for the inspector to reference.

And don't forget, while packing designate a kitchen drawer for all the appliance manuals, extra keys, and garage door openers then Happy Moving Day!!

By Stacy Pfannkuch on July 22, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...

Timing is everything!

The Kasey Group — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:21:24 -0400

Timing is everything! Have you ever heard that one? Well in real estate no truer words have ever been spoken. You know this can apply to the up market, the down market, the interest rates.

How about this.. getting through the door to that really great new listing! Timing is everything. Are you working with an agent who is actively looking for your next home?

If you are really ready to move you need to see the homes first, as soon as they hit the market. Great homes come..but they also go...if your agents timing is off, you will miss out.

By Megan O'Connell Albright on July 21, 2010

The Kasey Group Sells...