Selling

Selling

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Marketing Punta Gorda and Charlotte County real estate is my full time job. And Florida real estate is some of the most sought after property in the world. So, selling it takes a lot of knowledge, extensive experience, discretion, and a myriad of contacts. I've been selling real estate in Punta Gorda since 1989. Prior to that I traveled and lived on a sailboat and then lived on St Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Later I lived on Tortola, British Virgin Islands and also Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. So, my extensive knowleged can help you either sell your waterfront home or if you're buying, find the waterfront home of your dreams.

Upon listing your real estate with me, here's what I will do:

1.Have a high quality sign placed in front of your property according to subdivision, city, and county code.

2. Take high resolution digital photographs of your property.

3. Place your property on our Multiple Listing Service to over 1200 local agents.

4.Complete a virtual tour of your property.

5. Design and prepare full color property brochures and distribute to prospective buyers and targeted marketing areas.

6.Prepare a customized marketing plan which will include advertising in newspapers and magazines on a scheduled basis.

7. Create extensive property exposure through award winning websites including but not limited to www.sw-fl-homes.com; www.wesellpuntagorda.com; www.charlotteareamls.com; www.realtor.com ; plus several others.

Because the real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, you need a professional that understands the industry and is positioned to stay ahead of the game.

I go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That's why I constantly research the market and property values so your home is priced effectively from day one. I also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative advertising and marketing techniques to attract potential buyers.
Call Karen at 1-800-445-6560 or send an email to info@sw-fl-homes.com.

Thinking of selling your property yourself? Go ahead! However, most people eventually give up and retain a Realtor. So, when that happens, call Karen at 1-800-445-6560.

Information Sources Used in Home Search

Real estate agent - 90%
Yard sign - 74%
Internet - 74%
Newspaper - 53%
Home book/magazine - 40%
Open house - 51%
Builders - 37%
Television - 26%
Relocation company - 16%

Source: 2004 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Statistics

Did you know?
. . . the typical FSBO home sold for 163,800, compared to $189,000 for agent-assisted home sales.

FSBO Methods Used to Market Home:
Yard Sign . . . 63%
Friends/neighbors . . . 25%
Newspaper ad . . . 44%
Open House . . . 33%
Internet . . . 24%

Most Difficult Tasks for FSBO Sellers:
Getting the right price . . . 24%
Understanding paperwork . . . 22%
Preparing/fixing up home for sale . . . 24%
Attracting potential buyers . . . 10%
Having enough time to devote to all aspects of the sale . . . 5%

Source: 2004 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers

THE 10 FACTORS MOST LIKELY TO INFLUENCE YOUR SALE:

There are, of course, many items which influence a sale. Look upon the following as a checklist of items which will bring you closer to a sale. Every item on which you are unwilling or unable to make a concession moves you further away from a sale. Just remember whose side you are on!

1. Price the property between WHOLESALE and RETAIL.

2. Be willing to consider offers based on VA/FHA terms. Government terms give many buyers a head start on the ability to afford a home.

3. Allow the property to be shown with or without an appointment! That's a nuisance, but it's not as bad as being on the market for 6 months!.

4. Please be gone whenever a prospective buyer, accompanied by a Realtor, wants to see the house--and STAY gone until they're gone! Buyers need to "try it on for size", but they can't do that as long as you are there.

5. Eliminate any barrier to the free flow of traffic in the property. Such items as bulky or extra furniture; house plants that stick into traffic ways; toys or clothes not put away; and beds not made, etc., slow down traffic and make rooms look smaller and darker.

6. Watchdogs that provide so much security that no one can see the property without a death wish are a problem.

7. Your Realtor is on your side and won't get paid until YOU GET RESULTS. Advice from a professional is useless unless you take it!

8. Look at the front of your house. Size it up objectively and critically (that's asking a LOT of any home owner!). Ask yourself this question: if a buyer pulled up in front, would the appearance pull them inside?

9. Make any and all recommended improvements with an eye toward neutral marketing--be aware of unusual colors or styles which might clash with a prospective buyer's taste.

10. Be willing to consider ANY offer at anytime. Remember, you are always the final judge of what's accepted and what's not!

Home Buyer & Seller Statistics

Active home search (repeat buyers):
Weeks (median) - 7
Homes seen (median) - 10

Method of Home Purchase:
Agent/Broker - 77%
Builder - 12%
Direct from previous owner - 9%

Definitely would use same agent again: 66%

Actions taken as result of using Internet site: Drove by/viewed a home - 72%
Walked through a home viewed online- 51%
Found agent used to search/buy home - 18%

Tenure in previously owned home:
One year or less - 3%
1-2 years - 14%
3-4 years - 21%
5-6 years - 16%
7-10 years - 20%