How Is Your Realtor Working For You? Check Out These Buzz Words In Real Estate Marketing

Have you ever heard the saying: "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job. Wait until you hire an amateur." It is important to hire someone who has the education, experience, and tools to steer you in the right direction. Always check your realtor's track record and performance history. Make sure they are in the top 20% of their industry. Not sure how to find this information out? Contact Sandy Sold.

You're ready to sell, and you've hired a realtor to sell your home. The first step is professional photography and virtual photography for your home. Sometimes even drone pictures are warranted depending on the estate. The photos displayed should be clear with effective lighting. Photos should never be taken with a cell phone. If you only see the corner of a room, or one third of the vanity, you are not working with the right person. I've even seen some realtors post pictures sideways, blurry and post pictures upside down. I have also seen photos where the toilet seat is up in the washroom; and in the background, you see the photographer’s image in the mirror. You have to ask yourself, what kind of attention to detail are you looking for as a seller? Who is representing you? If your realtor chooses this route to market your property, what does that say about the way they do business? Remember who's working for you and always hire a professional.

The language in your listing description can be very forthcoming. I'll share with you some buzz words to look out for when exploring homes for sale. Here are some examples:

* The word "cozy", "cute", or "sweetheart" all mean small, tight space

* "Attention Builders, Contractors, Handyman Specials" are all perfect for a knock-down to custom-build homes

* "First time offered in 50 years","Original Owners" all mean that the house is most likely dated and you will need to give it a face lift and upgrade it significantly. Can you say “money pit”?

* “Hot” is not the same as “popular” or “coveted.” When listings refer to a neighborhood as “hot,” that usually means the neighborhood has yet to establish itself. It might be an area developers or builders foresee to be the "next big thing", but it’s not there yet. Another variation of this term is “up-and-coming neighborhood”: Maybe someday it’ll be the most desired location in your area, but for the immediate future, it is not. This shouldn’t immediately be a deal breaker, but an emerging neighborhood might lack the amenities or have a low walk score that you crave from your next home. Also, keep in mind that buying into a hot neighborhood today is a gamble — there’s no actual guarantee the neighborhood will still be hot in five years.

* “Offered as is” - Chances are, this real estate listing has some downright alarming things going on. Burst pipes that no one bothered to repair or clean up, a renovation that was abandoned halfway through. Non-functional appliances or a leaky basement, and potentially a roof in danger of collapsing to name a few. This warning also means that you have absolutely zero negotiating power. The seller is well aware of all the property’s faults and has no interest in pretending otherwise. Banks sometimes use "as is" for estate sales when the executor has not lived in the house for many years. Proceed accordingly and ask your realtor for advice on how to proceed.

Email: [email protected]; Tel: 416-988-0042 www.sandysold.ca