This Month in Real Estate: February 2016

Here are the national statistics for February 2016!

The National Statistics show that the projected home sales went up from 5.4 million in January 2016  to 5.5 million in February 2016.

The median home price rose this month from $220,000 to $224,000. This is a 1.9% increase from last month and a 7.6% increase from February 2015. If you're thinking of listing your house now would be a great time!

The great news for home buyers is that the interest rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage has actually gone down from 3.96% to 3.81%.

For more information on our local market or how these numbers affect you, please contact me at pfjohnson@kw.com.

Increasing Your Home's Appeal

When you are preparing your home for sale, remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression.

Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal:

Exterior

• Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
• Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
• Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
• Tighten and clean all door handles.
• Clean windows inside and out.
• Powerwash home's exterior.
• Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
• Paint the front door.
• Buy a new welcome mat.
• Place potted flowers near the front door.

Interior

• Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
• Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
• Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Shampoo carpets.
• Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
• Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
• Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
• Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
• Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
• Fix or replace discolored grout.
• Replace broken tiles.
• Replace worn countertops.

Special details for showings

• Turn on all the lights.
• Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
• Keep pets secured outdoors.
• Buy new towels for bathrooms.
• Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
• Replace old lamps or lampshades.
• Play quiet background music.
• Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
• Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
• Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
• Vacate the property while it is being shown.
• ** For an extra touch, bake some treats in the oven the morning of the kitchen is warm, smells good and people think of themselves cooking and eating in "their new" kitchen. 

How to Price to Sell and Still Make a Profit

The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear, but won't leave money on the table. 

Here are some points to consider:

Time. Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the outcome, perhaps time is the biggest determinant in whether or not you see a profit and how much you profit. Studies show that the longer a house stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for the original asking price. Therefore, if your goal is to make money, think about a price that will encourage buyer activity.

Value vs. Cost. Pricing your home to sell in a timely fashion requires some objectivity. It's important that you not confuse value with cost - in other words, how much you value your home versus what buyers are willing to pay for it. Don't place too much emphasis on home improvements when calculating your price, because buyers may not share your taste. For instance, not everyone wants the same type of flooring, color of cabinet, style of home.

Keep it simple. Because time is of the essence, make it easy for the buyers. Remain flexible on when your agent can schedule showings. Also, avoid putting contingencies on the sale. Though a desirable move-in date makes for a smoother transition between homes, it could cause you to lose the sale altogether. 

5 Questions to Ask Your Realtor About Selling Your House | Answered by Me

Q

1. Are you a full-time professional real estate agent? How long have you worked full time in real estate? 

A

1. Yes, I am a full-time professional real estate agent with Keller Williams Classic Properties. I have been working in many aspects of the real estate industry since 2009 when I started at the bottom as an administrator at a brokerage. I also worked in commercial real estate and apartment leasing prior to making the jump to a full time agent. I utilize all of my experience in this industry and others to think creatively, problem solve efficiently and pay attention to client's specific needs.

2. No, when you choose to work with me you are selecting a focused and full service agent who will be with you every step of the way. You know exactly who you're working with and I can ensure excellence every step of the way. 

2. Do you have a personal assistant, team or staff to handle different parts of the purchase?  

3. YES! I have a a diverse work background including design and tech which I use to the advantage of myself and my clients at every turn. I will list through my website as well as the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, etc. and all of my social media outlets for maximum exposure. You find me at here and reach me at pfjohnson@kw.com or call/text 614.638.5817

3. Do you have a Website that will list my home? Can I have your URL address? Who responds to emails and how quickly? What's your email address?

4. This is something I will decide with each client based on their needs and what they're comfortable with. I will communicate as often as you want through text, email, home visits, coffee dates, you name it!

4. How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process, and how often?

5. I pay extreme attention to detail and in real estate when things can be so competitive, every detail counts. From the list price to the photography, staging, marketing and the open house you will receive a customized ,high quality approach.

5. What do you do that other agents don't that ensures I'm getting top dollar for my home? 

About Columbest Homes

I'm Priscilla Johnson, an agent at Keller Williams Classic Properties operating under the name "Columbest Homes". You can find me on social media under that name to keep up with local events, community news and real estate.

As a Real Estate Agent in Columbus, Ohio I represent clients looking to buy or sell a home, or both! I focus on Downtown Columbus neighborhoods like the Short North, Harrison West, Italian Village and German Village as well as surrounding areas like Upper Arlington, Grandview and Clintonville. Wherever the area, I like to learn about my clients, what they are looking for, help them to understand what they can attain with their budget and then look furiously to find the right home for them.

With a strong background in the Columbus urban rental market, technology and design, I bring all of my knowledge and skills together to provide a high quality well rounded experience. I believe in utilizing technology to my advantage and the advantage of my clients whenever possible. It makes things smoother, faster, and less stressful. Design elements play a strong role in real estate through marketing listings and staging a home to appeal to to as many potential buyers as possible. A lot of agents have to outsource many of these services, but I can take care of them all myself so there is consistency, quality, timeliness and success!