What Should I Do?

When I first saw the newest Nike commercial featuring NBA Forward, Lebron James, I found myself thinking, "oh, not this guy again!"

Being a huge NBA fan, I wasn't the only person who had strong opinions about this summer's NBA free agency hype surrounding Lebron James. The 24 hour media circus that ended in a distasteful interview where he announced his final decision to join the already talented Miami Heat with hopes of winning an NBA championship, didn't sit well with me and most NBA fans around the world.

All that being said, I have to admit this commercial is very thought provoking. It basically centers around the reaction towards his decision and what people expected him to do. What everyone else thought was the right and wrong thing to do. How everyone had an opinion about which direction would've been in his best interests.

At the end of the day, we have to live with our own choices. Whether they panned out to be the "right" or "wrong" choice, it's what WE decided at the that time. Everyone has there own agendas and most of us make certain decisions based on our current situation or circumstance.

We all grow up being taught that poor choices bring poor results. But do good choices always bring good results?

In my personal and professional life, I mostly make decisions and choices that I feel have the most favorable outcomes. That's all I can hope for! Anything more than that, not only exceeds my expectations, but the expectations of the people around me. These people are most likely the ones who I seek approval from and praise me for making a difference that truly counted in their lives and ultimately my own.

Timing Is Crucial In Real Estate.....and LIFE!

Approaching eighty-five years of age, Mrs. Harris finally decided it was time to give up her townhome in New York City and move to sunny Miami.  She was given the name of a Florida realtor, who enthusiastically drove her all over Miami, extolling the virtues of every condo they looked at.  "And this one, what a steal," he rhapsodized, "the investment of a lifetime.  Why, in ten years it's gonna be worth three times . . ."  "10 years?", interrupted Mrs. Harris, "Sonny, at my age I don't even buy green bananas!"

MORAL OF THE STORY IS:

Know your client before investing valuable time that some people just can't afford to waste!

 

The Heart of your home is the Kitchen?

There is no doubt that in most households around the world, the kitchen is the heart of the home.  More than any other room in the house, it always seems to be the place where families spend most of there time.  It's where people tend to gather almost as if something were drawing them towards the kitchen versus any other living space in the home.  No matter the occasion, people feel most comfortable in the kitchen - is it because food and drink are produced in the kitchen?  For centuries these things have brought people together, riling up great conversational memories.  It's where families have discussions about the good and bad parts of their days.  It's where most big decisions are made.  It's where we learned about great news and also bad news that are sometimes life altering.

Is this why people are so concerned and focused on the "look" or "feel" of a kitchen when they are considering buying a home?  Real estate professionals have always lived by the law that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms, if not the most important of a home when trying to sell or buy.  Why is it that at every Open House you visit, the Realtor is mostly "set up" to greet you in the kitchen, filled with their marketing propaganda, home information flyers and sign in sheets?  Do Realtors subconsciously realize why their clients place such huge emphasis on the impotance of having a "great" kitchen?  It seems like two things are a deciding factor in determining those "good feelings".  The kitchen either has to be updated if not exactly but even close to their taste, or maybe just a kitchen with lots of potential so that someday, the client can make it their own.

We must realize that as time goes on, peope change and evolve so naturally the kitchen will follow.

Are photos really that important when trying to sell my home?

Ever hear the saying “a picture is worth 1000 words?” It’s almost as if they were referring to real estate listings when they said it originally…LOL!

The first step in advertising your home for sale online is taking and posting great pictures! According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), approximately 93% of homebuyers look online for their next home. This means that if buyers come across your listing and you don’t have enough pictures or quality pictures that show your home in it “best light” then guess what….they quickly move onto the next listing! All because your pictures are NOT a good representation for how nice your home is in real life, showing the “pride of ownership”. I’m sure you’ve spent countless hours getting your home “show room” ready to sell and to display your hard work through crappy pictures can be truly insulting and embarrassing and ultimately a big disappointment when the buyer your home deserves is not there.

The limited characters allowed my most MLS’ can only go so far but then again, today we are more of a visual society rather than taking the time to read through every single nook and cranny while buyers search for their next home. Most home buyers are attracted and drawn towards quality photos, access to conventional still image virtual tour and maybe even a cool video walk thru of your home or as I’ve created the “Virtual Open House Tours” as seen on OSHTV.

Multiple interior and exterior photos that portray the house well are the most basic and if those aren’t done well, how would you expect prospective buyers to become motivated to see your home in person? Buyers are mostly super busy with “life” as we know it ourselves and for them to take time out of their busy schedules to view homes in person, they need to know it could be worth their time and effort.

Statistics show that a home that is advertised with spectacular photos versus unflattering photos will have fewer days on market and sell for a better price. Savvy marketing techniques with a little extra pep gives your listing that needed edge in today’s competitive high inventory market!

For more information getting your home ready to SELL, contact me for a FREE marketing consultation!

New Home Sales Bounce Back

New Home Sales Bounce Almost 27% Higher in March 2010

Sales of new homes broke out of a four-month winter slump with a bang in March 2010, soaring 26.9% over February; the government recently said..READ MORE

(Source: RISMEDIA - April 28, 2010)

Feds vs. Raw Data - Both Positive Market Outlook

Should you listen to the Feds or the latest pending home sales numbers?

Feds recently found positive signs in consumer spending and manufacturing output increasing despite snow storms and all around bad weather for most of 2010.  Both are key indicators of improving economic conditions.  Consumer spending accounts for approximately 70% of US economic activity and directly effects employment growth.  Consumer spending also increased one half of 1% in January outpacing income growth for the fourth straight month!  What does this mean you ask??  Basically it means consumers are slowly regaining confidence and beginning to feel good again about buying more goods and services.

NAR states pending home sales/signed contracts came in 12% higher in January 2010 than last January.  These numbers should hit significant highs as a large percentage of the existing buyer pool rush to secure home contracts before the home buyer tax credits expire.

Overall it seems we are taking economic steps forward and there is a positive outlook in the market! 

For more information about home buyer tax credit, please go to: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215827,00.html

Happy House Hunting!

Early Signs of Spring

I’ve been so busy already this year as it seems people are really getting aggressive with their home sales & purchases. From what I can tell, there are three BIG reasons for all the great activity!

1. The fact that home prices in most areas of the US have stabilized considerably.
2. The home buyer tax incentives, that unfortunately will expire by the end of April 2010.
3. Interest rates still seem favorable but word on the street is that won’t be the case too much longer.

For more info about our strengthening real estate market or to be added to my FREE monthly market newsletter, send an email to ozzie.marten@cbmoves.com.  You are obligation free and may opt out at any time.  My newsletter has grown to reach over 1000 homes and has brought targeted, up to date, comprehensive market area information to families and friends in N.J. and across the U.S. 

Happy house hunting!