My house (http://www.howardhanna.com/property/property.asp?PRM_MLSNumber=99695&PRM_MlsName=EriePA&VAR_AgentCode=35346&VAR_OfficeCode=1478)
It hasn't been on the market that long (since June) but I'm ready for this thing to be gone.
I think part of it is that the garage is the same size (roughly) as the house. Seems that most people like the house but don't want to spend the extra on a garage they won't use.
Just a guess.
Anybody know any voodoo dances I could do, or animals I could sacrifice to help a buyer show up with good credit and a down payment saved?
;D
Change realtor's? http://beta.daveramsey.com/elp/home/ (http://beta.daveramsey.com/elp/home/) Check out the ELP's in your area (Endorsed Local Providers). He supposedly prescreens anyone he endorses and only endorses people that get things done and done right the first time.
Dude... That's my ideal house. Garage size = house size. [thumbsup]
Can you market that to people whio would be interested in such a house? Gearheads, Motorcyclists, Restorers... etc.
sounds funny but it worked for my wife,when we sold a flipped house,and it worked when her sister was selling her home
http://stjosephhousesales.com/ (http://stjosephhousesales.com/)
Is the garage finished? As in full drywall, paint, shelving, etc.?
I think Pip is right, change the wording on the listing to appeal more to those who would find a garage that size ideal...
2 words...beer volcano
2 more words...stripper pole
Quote from: Drjones on November 05, 2009, 06:20:02 AM
Change realtor's? http://beta.daveramsey.com/elp/home/ (http://beta.daveramsey.com/elp/home/) Check out the ELP's in your area (Endorsed Local Providers). He supposedly prescreens anyone he endorses and only endorses people that get things done and done right the first time.
My realtor is also my dad and he's really good at what he does (so that's out ;) )
Quote from: Pip on November 05, 2009, 06:39:46 AM
Dude... That's my ideal house. Garage size = house size. [thumbsup]
Can you market that to people whio would be interested in such a house? Gearheads, Motorcyclists, Restorers... etc.
We may change to that tactic. . .
Quote from: Mr. Exact on November 05, 2009, 07:08:12 AM
Is the garage finished? As in full drywall, paint, shelving, etc.?
I think Pip is right, change the wording on the listing to appeal more to those who would find a garage that size ideal...
Looking at the picture of the garage, the right side is unfinished. The attached pole building on the left is partially finished. It's pole so there's no studs. I insulated the ceiling, put in a 100,000 btu forced air furnace (that the deal king got for free :D ) and plumbed in 1/2 pvc air line. I keep the compressor on the unfinished side and tap in to the air system where ever is closest to where Im working.
More insulation would be good, but it's comfotable as is.
Quote from: KnightofNi on November 05, 2009, 07:17:16 AM
2 words...beer volcano
2 more words...stripper pole
[laugh]
If we lived closer together we'd both have longer records [laugh]
So the agent's your dad? Sooooo ignore what I just said... ;D
I do have a really good camera for indoor shots if you want to borrow it. I'll be up in Grove City this weekend if you want to meet there. It's a Canon XTi with a 10-22mm lens. It's great for wide angle shots without the fish eye effect. When you're done we can just meet up there again.
All I have to say is that probably 90% of the reason the house I live in now wasn't selling was because the pictures were so shitty. To look at the photos, one wouldn't give it a second look, nor did they show off the actual nice parts, like the post and beam ceiling (how does one ignore that?)
is it de-cluttered when you show it?
If you told the neighbors you'd leave if the house sold, they'd probably be waiting for each new potential buyer with cake and ice cream.
Quote from: MrIncredible on November 05, 2009, 08:03:03 AM
If you told the neighbors you'd leave if the house sold, they'd probably be waiting for each new potential buyer with cake and ice cream.
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: Monsterlover on November 05, 2009, 07:39:06 AM
[laugh]
If we lived closer together we'd both have longer records [laugh]
you mean riding distance records not police, right?
Pip's got a great point. There's definitely appeal of a huge garage/workshop to some folks - but it is a more select crowd. As he said, re toolig the write up to appeal to that sort might help move it.
Photos, photos, photos - and good ones. Take the time to beg/borrow/steal a DSLR and get a proper flash on it - not just the pop-up on-board one, but one you can adjust, aim and use a diffuser with. I hate seeing crap point-and-shoot, flash hot spotted photos in listing. The can ruin even the most beautiful house.
Also, lots of photos.
best way to sell is to price as low as you can afford to get out of it. :P so low that someone feels they cant afford NOT to buy it.
most realtors (i will except your dad since he is a relation and all) are going to do THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM to get your house out on the market. That is why, as Mr Incredible mentioned, the pictures are so often crap. the more time the spend actually working to sell your house, the less money they make (assuming it sells.)
also, very few listing agents actually bring the ultimate buyer to the table, so they end up splitting the commission with the other agent.
i took the pictures of my own house when it went on the market, and insisted on reviewing (and approving) all marketing. This also allowed me to be pushy getting those things done.
FWIW, my house was on the market for over a year before it sold....for a 120k less than the original asking price (and 200k below the arbitrary assessed value that the county was taxing me for.) i still kick myself because i turned down one very solid offer early on that i felt was too low....and ended up being about 50k more than i sold it for. [bang] [bang] [bang]
Damn h(nh)
Shit happens I guess. The positive thing in your situation is that it's sold and you don't have to worry about it.
But shit, 50k is a bunch. Hindsight. . .
Quote from: JEFF_H on November 05, 2009, 08:01:37 AM
is it de-cluttered when you show it?
I don't live there so yes, it's mostly empty.
We staged it and it looks pretty good. Fresh paint everywhere and freshly refinished hard wood floors.
Quote from: MrIncredible on November 05, 2009, 08:03:03 AM
If you told the neighbors you'd leave if the house sold, they'd probably be waiting for each new potential buyer with cake and ice cream.
;D
Quote from: KnightofNi on November 05, 2009, 09:05:47 AM
you mean riding distance records not police, right?
Um. . . ok. We can go with that
;D
Lower the price.
Probably not what you want to hear, but the few buyers that are out there are looking for a deal right now.
How many showings have you had? How many were in the first month? the last?
What has the feedback been so far from the buyers that have looked at it?
frankly, i dont think 6 months is all that long for a house to be on the market these days. you or your dad should look up some stats to get an idea of how long property in your area is staying on the market, at different price ranges.
Tanya Memme
Lower the price.
Send TINI shirtless pictures of yourself so she can analyze. Based on her experience, maybe she'll suggest you stay there during open houses (or maybe further away).
[evil]
[laugh]
rofl
c'mon, nobody wants to see my moobs.
. .. or do they?
also, I have already dropped the price once so far.
Lots of showings, good traffic at open houses.
Comments have been good, but that the house is small and the garage is too big.
Perhaps I should just join the two ;D
I'd like to see some pics. We sold our last house in 2 hours and the previous one in 15 minutes! Granted..the market was a lot different a few years ago (especially here in PHX) but we can help you out ML.
Quote from: Stella on November 05, 2009, 04:39:29 PM
Send TINI shirtless pictures of yourself so she can analyze. Based on her experience, maybe she'll suggest you stay there during open houses (or maybe further away).
[evil]
[laugh] omg..... i'm cracking up
(not at your moobs ML) [laugh] and YoU owe me a new apple keyboard stella [coffee]
Quote from: IZ on November 05, 2009, 07:03:11 PM
I'd like to see some pics. We sold our last house in 2 hours and the previous one in 15 minutes! Granted..the market was a lot different a few years ago (especially here in PHX) but we can help you out ML.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3955-Oxer-Road_Millcreek_PA_16505_1110016755?source=web (http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3955-Oxer-Road_Millcreek_PA_16505_1110016755?source=web)
Click on featured tour. There are more pics that are better quality.
if the map at the bottom of that page is where your house is then maybe they don't want to live next to the airport.
move your house.
Quote from: Stella on November 05, 2009, 04:39:29 PM
Send TINI shirtless pictures of yourself so she can analyze. Based on her experience, maybe she'll suggest you stay there during open houses (or maybe further away).
[evil]
i'm very tired today. i thought this said SELL tini shirtless pics...
though that is an option too.
I do live near the airport.
However...
it is not the bustling epicenter of commerce here.
In fact
It's pretty sad.
No noise at night or early in the morning. I hear the train tracks on the far side of the runway more than I hear planes.
Also, nobody has commented on the airport as why they didn't like the house.
Go figure.
Nice looking house ML.
I don't know your particular market (obviously), but the house being the size it is will likely be sold to first time home buyers. Have you tried offering some incentives that would bring in first time buyers? Maybe offer to pay all the closing costs? Make sure to really stress the first time home buyer credit that Obama is offering, and is now extending through May.
put in ads with the local car clubs/bike clubs ;)
As minnesotamonster said nice, but small compared to what most people raising families today. Maybe targeting a more specific audience could help. Nice, heated garage for the auto/moto enthusiast! Hit all the performance shops etc. in your area and see if you can post an add.
Trouble beat me to it :P
;D
looks like everyone on your block has a garage bigger than the house.
you could-
a) dress up the kitchen a bit (new floor, stainless appliances)
b) dress up the garage (carriage style doors, etc..)
c) add another bathroom
d) give it that 3rd bedroom the listing mentions
e) turn part of the garage into living space, if allowed, and list it as an "in law"
of the above, the kitchen is going to give the most "wow" value, but the 3rd bedroom is going to be what sells it to a young family.
the other option is to figure out how much those upgrades would cost, and reduce the asking price by that amount (or offer a cash back for upgrades at closing type of thing)
Great suggestions, guys. Keep em coming
OK..as Kni said..MOVE YOUR HOUSE! :-\
Next step..call HGTV's Design to Sell and Curb Appeal. Then "House Hunters International" for Northern Italy! [thumbsup] ^^^ Watch these shows though to get some ideas!
Quick write up..
Cute house! Front yard looks good. Is that black carpet on the stairs? Where is the path leading to the door? Trim the bushes a bit.
Nice paint, arches in doorways and wood floors inside. I agree w/ Herm though, the house is in desperate need of a kitchen make-over (floor, cabinets,etc.) Need to up the staging, i.e.: more BIG pictures (not personal) on the walls, furniture, lighting, etc.
The backyard is nice. The "sun room" NEEDS different furniture and shades though. Move the table out from wall in dining room. Where are the other two chairs? Let buyers know there's room for 4 chairs.
Move the basement "office" around. Get rid of that big chair. It's making the room look small!
Where are pics of the bdrms? Inside garage? You need to post at least 10 more pics!
Concrete needs major repair to the garage. Guesthouse is a possible good idea. Depends on your market?
Tough time to sell with winter coming!
Good luck!
Quote from: KnightofNi on November 06, 2009, 04:25:21 AM
i'm very tired today. i thought this said SELL tini shirtless pics...
though that is an option too.
[laugh] [laugh] um... no it's not ;)
IZ = "The House Whisperer"
seriously though...if you have the time and a little cash, the sweat equity of kitchen and/or extra bedroom renovations will pay off. it doesn't have to be perfect either (cant believe i just said that.) all you have to do is "wow" the prospective buyer, and they will forget all about the less spectacular details. also, probably a good idea to make sure the systems will qualify for FHA financing (i.e....electrical, heating, roof.) i once replaced a perfectly good h20 heater because it was past its expected life span prior to listing my first home. there are some very stringent guidelines for those loans.
One thing that stands out are the big couches.
Staging goes a long way. - Rent some smaller furniture. Makes rooms look bigger.
Bake cookies often.
New carpet and fresh paint are usually a given.
Have Hooters girls serve the cookies. ;D
Rent that place out. [thumbsup]
Quote from: herm (not herb) on November 06, 2009, 05:33:32 PM
IZ = "The House Whisperer"
seriously though...if you have the time and a little cash, the sweat equity of kitchen and/or extra bedroom renovations will pay off. it doesn't have to be perfect either (cant believe i just said that.) all you have to do is "wow" the prospective buyer, and they will forget all about the less spectacular details. also, probably a good idea to make sure the systems will qualify for FHA financing (i.e....electrical, heating, roof.) i once replaced a perfectly good h20 heater because it was past its expected life span prior to listing my first home. there are some very stringent guidelines for those loans.
[laugh]
As stated..the home improvement for better staging do not have to cost a lot ($500-$1500)
Always be thinking about what the buyer wants when making these improvements. Watch "The Unsellables" for more ideas.
Plan on making this your winter project.
IZ beat me to it.
Kitchen: The fridge does not need its own window to look out of. It's not allowed to play with the other fridges anyway.
Buy a new stove. Period
Put in a walkway to the front entry. Flagstones are cheap.
Add that third bedroom on the second floor. All you need to turn a room into a bedroom is a closet (Assuming the walls and ceilings are sheetrocked, of course.)
Need pics of each bedroom, the second floor room, the garage interiors, a view looking out the back porch onto the lawn, etc.
And everything else IZ said.
just because it hasn't been suggested
how's your homeowner's ins coverage for fires?
Quote from: KnightofNi on November 06, 2009, 07:51:17 PM
just because it hasn't been suggested
how's your homeowner's ins coverage for fires?
thats just wrong....
and a little right too.
Quote from: herm (not herb) on November 07, 2009, 02:35:02 AM
thats just wrong....
and a little right too.
Maybe Smokey can help....
i think ML would like the RedDragon [evil]
Quote from: ducpainter on November 07, 2009, 02:36:58 AM
Maybe Smokey can help....
actually, Smokey is not responsible for houses.
might check with CDF though....
Quote from: IZ on November 06, 2009, 04:31:24 PM
Cute house! Front yard looks good. Is that black carpet on the stairs? Where is the path leading to the door? Trim the bushes a bit.
Black indoor/outdoor carpet. I put it in to replace yucky green carpet that was there, and had some moss growing on it.
There is no path to the door as the front door never gets used. I'll keep the flagstone idea in mind though.
Bushes have been trimmed.
Quote
Concrete needs major repair to the garage. Guesthouse is a possible good idea. Depends on your market?
Tough time to sell with winter coming!
Good luck!
The concrete is perspective I suppose. It's been that way for the 8 years I lived there and it never bothered me. Concrete work here is mega expensive so I never considered it!
The housing market here has not experienced a decline even when the rest of the nation was in the midst of a real estate apocalypse.
At first I thought the same about winter coming, but when I bought the place, we put the contract in place at the end of october and I was able to move in mid January ;)
Fingers crossed.
Quote from: KnightofNi on November 06, 2009, 07:51:17 PM
just because it hasn't been suggested
how's your homeowner's ins coverage for fires?
Already thought of that [evil]
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on November 07, 2009, 02:38:44 AM
i think ML would like the RedDragon [evil]
The what?
Quote from: Monsterlover on November 07, 2009, 10:37:07 AM
The what?
it's my new torch ;D
similar to the one nate used to light the boat bonfire at dimby [evil]
sheesh... 4 pages and noone suggested anal?
what's wrong with this place?
[cheeky]
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on November 07, 2009, 08:01:13 PM
it's my new torch ;D
similar to the one nate used to light the boat bonfire at dimby [evil]
Nice! You have one too now? I feel left out.
;D
welp, got the make the beast with two backser sold finally.
Closed a week ago Thursday :D :D :D :D :D
I took a little less than I wanted, but I walked away with a little cash and it's gone.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
[thumbsup]
Make sure you talk to your accountant about your tax liability from the sale before you start converting other assets into a Roth during 2010. But good on ya'!
sac
Well, If you're talking about capitol gains, I will escape those.
Sale was under 250k is the one that let me out of that.
Congrats, must be a relief to have that done with finally. [thumbsup]
You know it!