by Tom Gilliam | Apr 9, 2019 | agent, agents, Blog, Farmington Hills, Firs Time Home Sellers, selling, selling a home, selling advice
Once homeowners have arrived at the decision to sell their property, most want the transaction completed as quickly as possible. Sure, you can hire the best agent in town, price your home just right, and then market the heck out of it, but having a little bit of luck on your side and a few selling superstitions never hurt either.
When it comes to getting the deal done in a timely manner, sellers and agents have been known to rely on time-tested selling superstitions. Let’s take a look at 10 that are all but guaranteed to get that “Sold” sticker slapped on your “For Sale” sign in a hurry.
Selling Superstition #1. Appeal to the senses.
Here’s a sweet sellers superstition even if you’re not the least bit hungry, there’s something inherently appetizing about walking into a home and smelling a freshly-baked treat. While some experts recommend whipping up a batch of cookies, others say bread emits a scent that’s heartier, lasts longer, and offers greater olfactory appeal to buyers. Non-bakers will be glad to hear that sprinkling cinnamon inside a stove and turning it on low even for a few minutes will do the trick. Fans of savory versus sweet swear by roasting an onion, which is said to be enough to fool would-be buyers into envisioning hosting their very own Thanksgiving feasts in that home.
Selling Superstition #2. Bury a statue of St. Joseph in the yard.
Though St. Joseph was a carpenter by trade, he’d have made a pretty great Realtor ®, some say. It’s believed that burying a statue of the saint upside down (because this way he’ll want to get out faster) seems to have a mythical ability to sell homes in record time according to some seller superstitions . Unlike costly home renovations made in the hope of a quick sale, this statue won’t blow your budget. Kits, which include an accompanying prayer, start at $6.95.
Selling Superstition #3. Don’t do the math just yet.
Apparently the old phrase, “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched!” also applies to real estate and selling superstitions. Triplemint agent Phil Reynolds says, “Don’t calculate your commission unless you’re negotiating it!! I’ve heard agents say it’s bad luck to calculate your commission before the deal closes.”
selling Superstition #4. A dimmer switch is a bright idea.
Some believe putting lights in dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and family rooms on dimmers will attract buyers who are drawn to the control they offer but wouldn’t necessarily devote to the time or trouble to adding the feature themselves, but not completely sure of this selling superstition.
Selling Superstition #5. Skip the zeros in superstitions.
While it might be tempting to price a home at a nice even number, selling superstition dictates that you’d be much better off choosing a random figure as it lends intrigue. Just do yourself a favor, and leave unlucky “13” out of it.
Selling Superstition #6. Throw in some amenities.
Buyers often fall in love with certain features only to be turned off when they learn that the exquisite chandelier or state-of-the-art appliance they coveted is leaving with the homeowner. Consider sweetening the pot by offering up a highly-desirable item and watch the bids roll in with this selling superstition.
Selling Superstition #7. Create a warm welcome.
If the home boasts a fireplace, and weather permits, set it ablaze. A roaring fire adds warmth — literally. Creating a charming ambience will definitely distinguish one property from another in a buyer’s mind. Make sure fireplace is clean for this selling superstition as to avoid the nasty smell of burnt wood.
Selling Superstition #8. Pretty it up with fresh flowers.
Another over-looked selling superstition is when a home is showing, you want it to look as fresh and inviting as possible. Flowers go a long way toward adding color and character to any space — even a pint-sized powder room. This trick holds true for the outdoors as well. Good landscaping has been known to shorten a property’s time on the market by as much as six weeks, experts note.
Selling Superstition #9. Don your lucky outfit.
Lady’s will love this selling superstition,the right outfit can boost your confidence no doubt. Triplemint Sales Manager Joan Kagan says she owns a “lucky closings dress.” Hey, whatever works!
Selling Superstition #10. Smudge it.
Some believe a home may have a “negative energy” lurking inside, which of course, can cause it to linger on the market long after it should’ve been sold. Smudging, a Native American ritual, in which cedar and white sage are burned either together or separately. Next a prayer or intention is said requesting that only positive energy enter the space as the negative flows back out says this selling superstition. It’s said that strangers often feel these emotions more strongly than the home’s inhabitants.
“I had a buyer who found out there was a cemetery not far from their apartment and didn’t close because she didn’t want to have ‘evil spirits’ in the house ,” Triplemint agent Greg Moers recalled. “She backed out of the contract and lost her deposit, so she was really against it. In the Asian culture, along with Feng Shui, this is a very big thing. They are against evil spirits of the dead to enter the house.”
So the selling superstitions can mean tons to any potential home buyer or home seller and although some may believe, there may just be some truth to these. Lets discuss your selling superstitions and get your home sold for the most money possible!
by Tom Gilliam | Mar 1, 2018 | Blog, farmington hills listings, homes, listing farmington hills properties, seller mistakes, selling
Seller behavior may affect the marketability of a listing. Some typical seller mistakes listing Farmington Hills properties are more critical than others. Sellers should know the impact of their own behaviour and avoid the errors below.
Typical Seller Mistakes Listing Farmington Hills Properties
Failing to Clean Up
It can be tedious to keep a property presentable for every showing especially when you are still occupying it. Sellers must spend time cleaning prior to property viewings and open houses. Buyers will notice the mess instead of the amenities of a property, so neglecting to clean up will make your home less marketable. Furthermore, buyers assume that sellers who do not clean their property also avoid serious home maintenance. Cleaning up helps listings sell faster and for a higher price.
Inconvenient Showing Instructions
Requiring too much notice or limiting appointment times can be a bad decision. Another mistake is not making it easy to get keys for a property through a lock box. When competition is heavy, people will focus on easy showings. Complicated showing instructions result in decreased opportunities and extended listing time frames.
Being Present During Viewings
Home owners may wish to be present during appointments, but this can do more harm than good. Buyers can feel uncomfortable looking through a house under the close watch of a seller. Additionally, excessive conversation with a property owner may distract a buyer from the property itself. Buyers prefer to take time to explore a home and to talk freely with one another about their thoughts. Also, sellers and buyers talking with one another could result in misconceptions about motivation and terms.
Pricing Too High
Price affects marketing time and what it may ultimately sell for. Of the typical seller mistakes listing Farmington Hills properties, this one is most critical. It is understandable for homeowners to have an attachment to a home and to try and get the best price possible. However, overpricing is dangerous. Overpriced real estate take more time to sell than correctly priced ones. As time passes, the listing grows old and is less intriguing to buyers. Long marketing time and price reductions over time will lead the listing to sell for less. For this reason, there is really no benefit to overpricing homes. Consult with a real estate broker for an estimated market price and delay listing your home if the market value is not enough.
For Sale By Owner
Some owners attempt to sell on their own. Even though it can be done, there may be many headaches and costly mistakes along the way. Real estate agents are trained on positioning a property, being an intermediary, negotiating contracts, and protecting the interests of sellers. They also understand changes in the market. Experience will make a big difference, particularly during changing real estate markets.
Sellers Are the Key
Sellers play an important role in the marketing of real estate. The typical seller mistakes listing Farmington Hills properties above are merely the most critical mistakes. An experienced listing agent can prevent other marketing pitfalls. For additional information on this and other similar topics, contact Tom Gilliam at 248-790-5594 or [email protected]
by Tom Gilliam | Feb 19, 2018 | Blog, selling, staging, staging property, staging tips
Many potential home sellers think staging is a waste of money. But it turns out, staging has a significant impact on how quickly, effectively, and profitably you may be able to sell your house.
Why? Because staging is a key component of drawing in buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging, a whopping 77% of buyers agents said a home that is staged made it easier for their clients to visualize a home as their own. And the more a buyer is able to see themselves living in a home, the more likely they are to make an offer.
Even more good news: According to the same report, 50% of seller’s agents see in increase in the offers their clients received from buyers when their house was staged—and 39% said staging greatly decreases the amount of time a house is on the market.
Because a staged home has such a significant impact on the amount of time a house sits on the market and the ultimate offer price, you’d think everyone would be doing staging… but that’s just not the case. Only 25% of sellers pay to have their house staged.
Any Realtor or buyer will tell you the benefits of staging a home for sale. There are important benefits that make it worth the effort. Below are things to consider when deciding whether to stage your property.
The Benefits Of A Staged Home For Sale
The fact is, the way your home is staged can truly impact the appeal of your property and its selling price. Staging highlights the best elements of your home and can minimize the not so great ones. It also enables buyers to visualize themselves living in the space. These impressions can increase the interest level of those buyers. Ultimately, staging your listing can help it go under agreement sooner and for more money.
Approaches to Home Staging
There are various ways that a home may be staged and options may differ based on specific properties. Here are just a few approaches that your Realtor may cover with you:
- Organization
- Clearing the Clutter
- Changing Colors an Decor
- Changing Furniture
- Lighting Aspects
When staging your property for sale, you want visitors to think that it can be their home and not that they are entering yours. Although people are purchasing the home itself and not your personal belongings, it is unavoidable that those belongings and how they are presented may affect their feelings about the home.
Debating Whether to Stage Your Property
If you want the maximum sales value, you must acknowledge the benefits of staging Farmington Hills homes for sale and make the effort to do it properly. You do not have to figure it out on your own. Rely on real estate experts for ideas. Their experience with home buyers and selling other homes may be a huge asset. For further information on listing and staging your home, contact Tom Gilliam at RE/MAX Classic.
The Takeaway
If you’re getting ready to sell, stage your home. Staging can help your house stand out from the competition, and it can potentially fetch a higher offer faster than you thought possible.
by Tom Gilliam | Jan 28, 2018 | Blog, declutter, open house tips, selling
An open house is a great tool for taking your home from “for sale” to “sold.” But not all open houses are created equal, and if you want your open house to drive buyer inquiries and offers, you need to do it the right way. Take these open house tips to get your home sold:
1. Make sure people show up
One of the first open house tips and a successful one is to make sure plenty of people show up. The more people that attend your open house, the higher the probability that one (or more) will fall in love with it
and want to make an offer.
And how, exactly, do you make sure enough people show up? Marketing, marketing, marketing.
Effective marketing is the key to driving foot traffic to your open house. Your real estate agent should manage the marketing, but make sure your open house is listed on all the relevant real estate sites (like Zillow, Trulia and Redfin) as well as local-focused sites like Craigslist. The more places you list your open house, the more potential buyers you’ll get in the door is probably one of the most important of these open house tips.
2. Make the right first impression
You only get the opportunity to make a first impression on your potential buyers once, and you don’t want to lose them before they even get to the door. Open house note that the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, and it’s going to be the determining factor into whether they decide your open house is worth attending.
Make sure your home looks attractive and inviting from the street. Make sure to landscape your yard, add a new coat of exterior paint and replace worn items, like an old mailbox or front door, to ensure you make a good impression on passerbys debating whether they want to attend your open house.
3. Get rid of clutter and personal items
Nothing kills an open house – or a potential buyer’s interest – than an overflow of clutter spilling out from every possible closet or drawer. You want to create an open feel for your open house, and too much clutter will leave the space feeling closed in and claustrophobic.
Before your open house, go through your home and put anything you don’t use on a daily basis into storage. Clear off countertops and underneath beds. Too much stuff is a turn off.
On the same note, you’ll also want to get rid of any personal items. If you have too many personal items (like family photos) around the house, it can be hard for potential buyers to envision themselves in the space, lowering your chances of selling at the open house.
4. Offer snacks-One of my favorite open house tips
When hosting an open house, you always want to have snacks and refreshments available. It seems like no big deal, but if potential buyers come into your home hungry or thirsty, they’re going to be less engaged in viewing the home – and as such, less likely to make any buying decisions. By having refreshments on hand, you can ensure that everyone who attends your open house is satiated and ready to give their full attention to your home.
When it comes to snacks, there’s no need to go overboard; a veggie tray, cheese and crackers, or cookies with water is plenty, these may be one of the open house tips potential buyers like best.
5. Have a place for pets
Pets are an irreplaceable part of the family. But if you have pets, they need to be an invisible part of the family come open house day.
Having your pets roam free at an open house is a potential disaster waiting to happen. People who don’t like or are afraid of animals might be scared off when they see your pet and leave the open house before fully touring the property. People with pet allergies might have a reaction. Or your pet might get upset by all the strangers in the home and act inappropriately.
Do yourself a favor and have your pet stay with a friend outside of the home during the open house. If there’s absolutely no one who can care for the pet during the open house, make sure you keep them in a secure, fenced-in area.
6. Clean like you’ve never cleaned before.
When you’re hosting an open house, it’s absolutely imperative that every inch of your house is spotless. A messy kitchen, shower mold or a collection of dust bunnies under the couch can have potential buyers
running in the other direction.
Spend a solid day cleaning your home from top to bottom. If you’re not the cleaning type, hire a cleaning service to do it for you. Don’t lose potential buyers because you hosted an open house in a less-than-spotless home!
An open house is a great way to get your house sold and off the market. And with these tips, your next open house is sure to be a success!
Contact me TODAY! Realtor Tom Gilliam-RE/MAX Classic – 248-780-5594
by Tom Gilliam | Jan 20, 2018 | Blog, Home Buying and Selling, low inventory, selling, The American Dream
Think about Selling?-According to the National Associations of Realtors Homeownership and Market Experience (HOME) Survey, most Americans believe that now is the perfect time to become a homeowner. 
According to the survey, 72% of people believe now is a good time to buy.
This could be because of the changing economic situation. 52% of Americans surveyed believe the US economy is improving, and according to a recent Neighborworks survey, 81% of Americans believe owning a home will make them more financially stable.
It could also be because homeownership is still such a deeply ingrained part of the American culture. According to that same Neighborworks survey, a whopping 93% of people believe owning a home is a part of the American dream, with 18% claiming it’s the most important part.
And with so many new buyers flooding the market, it creates the perfect opportunity for sellers. With more people believing now is the time to buy, the market is struggling to keep up with demand. Low inventory, particularly in the starter home sector, creates more competition between buyers and can be a lucrative opportunity for sellers to get the most for their homes.
The Takeaway For Think About Selling
If you think about selling, take advantage of all the new buyers in the market and use it to get the most for your home!
If you think of selling and taking advantage of the statistics in this article please keep me in mind. It would be a pleasure to assist you in all of your real estate needs in the Farmington Hills Michigan area. As your #1 Farmington Hills Michigan Realtor I have the knowledge it takes to find your the best deal or to sell your home for the most money possible. Together lets make the most out of this low inventory and beat the coming spring competition to the Farmington Hills housing market. You can reach me at 248-790-5594
by Tom Gilliam | Nov 18, 2017 | Blog, selling, winter home selling, winter listings, winter staging
As the days continue to get shorter and the holidays get closer, you may feel as if your time is running out when it comes to getting an acceptable offer on your home, and finally closing the deal this winter.
It can be easy to check out of the selling process during the winter months, because there are fewer buyers and showings. But, winter can still offer the right seller a great opportunity, as buyers are everywhere and yours might be right around the corner!
Here, we’ll discuss four ways to keep your home-for-sale looking its best even in the dead of winter. 
1. Don’t forget curb appeal
Winter may not seem like the optimum time to be selling a home. However, there are things that you can do that will brighten up the curb appeal of your home even on the dreariest of days.
If you live in a climate where snow is likely, remember to keep a path clear from the curb to the door. No one is going to get a good first impression about your home if they have to struggle to get inside. Keep all your walks shoveled and clear of snow. Make sure to spread salt or sand to reduce slipperiness.
If you’ve decorated the front of your home for fall, now is the time to start thinking about getting rid of the pumpkins and corn stalks. Nothing says “Doesn’t take care of the property” more than seasonal decorations that are currently out of season or worse, moldy (in the case of old carved pumpkins).
2. Don’t overdo the holiday decorations this winter
Winter weather is messy, but that doesn’t mean that the entrance to your house can’t be neat and tidy. Also, make sure that your foyer or entryway has plenty of rugs for wet boots, coat hooks for coats and hats, and a stand for wet and drippy umbrellas.
Simple and tasteful holiday decorating is a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of your home. However, keep in mind that a little decorating goes a long way. (Think more along the lines of the home in Home Alone, as opposed to the home in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.) If you’re one of those people who tends to go all out during the holidays when it comes to decorating, this may be the year to reign it in a little.
What is traditional to you might be over the top to a potential buyer. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to holiday decorations. After all, you want buyers to see and appreciate your home and its features, and they can’t do that when they’re being distracted by your decorations.
Staging a home for showing is all about allowing the potential buyer to see their own possessions inside your home, so even though you love your Grinch collection, it’ll have to sit this year out. The same goes for overly religious decor. You don’t know who will be walking through your door, ready to make an offer, and you don’t want to alienate or turn off any potential legitimate buyer. In the larger picture, taming things down during the holidays to secure a buyer for your house is a small price to pay.
3. Let there be light
Winter days are short and sunlight is at a premium. When you know you have a showing, open all the curtains and blinds and turn on all the lights. Even the lights inside closets and cabinets should be turned on, and then the doors re-closed. Remember that you are trying to create the illusion of light and warmth.
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, fire it up! Turn the thermostat to a few degrees warmer than usual before the showing, for a couple of reasons. First, the last thing you want your potential buyer to feel is cold when they walk into your home. They will immediately think of having to install more installation, a more powerful furnace, etc.
The second reason is that, if you turn the thermostat up prior to the showing, but turn it down a couple degrees when the buyer arrives, your furnace will not kick on, and if you have a loud furnace, you’ll immediately realize this benefit.
4. Focus on cozy
The lights, the warmth… now to create the perfect cozy trifecta, you’ll want to create a warm, inviting scent within your walls, too. As with holiday decor, the key here is to be subtle with the scent.
First, make sure that there aren’t any unpleasant scents lingering around. Take care of those first by doing whatever you have to do to get rid of them. Then, choose a subtly scented candle or two and light them about 30 minutes prior to the showing.
You can also put a couple drops of vanilla extract on a pie tin and put that into the oven. Turn the oven on low, and your home will fill with the scent of baking cookies. Alternatively, simmer cinnamon sticks or cloves in water on the stove for a festive aroma.
