Sellers ... Stay Informed on the Local Market

According to a recent report published by the National Association of Realtors,

nearly 80% of potential home buyers use the Internet to begine their search for a home for sale in Kalamazoo or Portage MI.   

Most real estate web sites that provide real estate market information for Kalamazoo real estate let buyers browse by house size, style, area, and price.  Many homes are shown with a variety of photos, virtual tours and even video.

Because many buyers look only at those homes within their price range, it's important to accurately price your home for the market. The higher a home's priced above true market value, the fewer the number of interested buyers will see it, and the longer it will take to sell.  If a buyer is pre-qualified for $150,000 they may search for Kalamazoo homes for sale in the price range of $130,000 to $150,000.  If your home for sale is really a $145,000 yet it is priced at $155,000, those buyers may never even find it in their web based searches.

The key to selling your Kalamzoo MI area home quickly at the greatest return is to price it at market value right from the start.  A fairly priced home in Kalamazoo MI or Portage MI will capitalize on the flurry of buyer interest a home enjoys during its first few weeks on the market.

The top choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://www.HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

To receive a FREE market evaluation of your Kalamazoo MI area home without obligation, complete the form below.  You will be provided with a price range estimate of the value of your home at no cost or obligation to you.  Completely FREE and performed online, this is a great way to get started if you are considering selling your home in the Kalamazoo MI area.

The first two weeks your home is on the market is critical

What happens during that time frame is so very important, you want to be sure and create the absolute best first impression you can make if you are selling your Kalamazoo MI home.

What you can do to stage your home properly and really turn on the buyers that visit your Kalamazoo MI home, strongly affects not only how long it will take to sell your home, but also how close to list price the offers will be.

Potential buyers eagerly jump on new homes on the market.  But buyers are smart.  Do not underestimate the level of intelligence or the amount of effort and plain old hard work these Kalamazoo home buyers are putting into finding their new home in Kalamazoo or Portage MI.  Remember, during this buyers market, many homebuyers are nervous.  They're apprehensive that the prices will come down even more than they already have.  They do not want ot pay too much for their new home in Kalamazoo.  These Kalamazoo home buyers have generally put in some very intensive research into the area they have chosen to live.  They KNOW the prices of homes in their selected neighborhoods.  Many of them can tell immediately if a home is a bargain or whether it is even a little bit overpriced in comparison to other homes on the market in Kalamazoo or Portage MI.

Occasionally, I'll meet homebuyers who are more in tune with a particular market segment than the majority of Realtors.  There is a simple reason for this.  Because these homebuyers are focused on a particular neighborhood and a particular price range, they have seriously studied the homes for sale that match their criteria. A Kalamazoo area real estate agent has to be familiar with the ENTIRE market.  Their focus is less intense and more broad.  While a real estate agent generally focuses on homes for sale in Kalamazoo MI area, a home buyer may create a laser beam focus on homes for sale in the Haverhill neighborhood of Portage MI, for example.

When a new home hits the market and it matches their criteria, they will want to see it immediately IF they percieve it is priced properly.

If it IS priced properly, the next hurdle is the FIRST IMPRESSION you make as a Kalamazoo MI home seller who desires to sell their home.

Here are some “staging” tips you might find helpful:

* Keep your home in “show shape.” Make sure that beds are made, dishes are in the dishwasher or put away, everything is picked up, and the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle.
* Decorate with fresh flowers. Many home sellers use potted flowering plants that last much longer than cut flowers. Place them inside and out. They really add cheer!
* Turn on lights; replace all burned-out bulbs. Open blinds and draperies. Let the natural light in.
* Confine pets and keep them out of sight when possible. They can be distracting, and some people have allergies.
* Create a relaxed atmosphere with soft background music.

Naturally, you should leave the house.  Buyers will not be comfortable touring your home if you are there.

Treat a showing as if you were having an open house.  Think of your home as a model home.  Most importantly, while your Kalamazoo home is for sale, think of it as a PRODUCT, because that is exactly what it is.  Yes, it is your home.  But it is also Kalamazoo real estate inventory.  You are selling it, not just showing it off.  Be serious about it, price it right and you'll see the results you want to see.

The top choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in Kalamazoo real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

As you prepare your Kalamazoo home for the market, one thing to keep in mind is that you have only one chance to make a first impression. It is absolutely vital that prospective Kalamazoo home buyers form a good impression of your home--beginning the moment they drive up.

You can help create that good first impression by presenting potential buyers of Kalamazoo homes with a well-cared-for yard including a mowed lawn. Your front door and porch should be clean and neat, preferably freshly painted.

These first important encounters create a positive impression that carries through to the rest of your home. An inviting atmosphere implies that your house has been well maintained and taken care of.  Homes that convey pride of ownership frequently receive the best offers.

If your Kalamazoo home appears disheveled or uncared for, prospective buyers may quickly conclude it's been neglected and is in need of repairs. Such a negative impression can result in a less-than-generous offer--or possibly no offer at all.

Try viewing your home through a potential buyer's eyes. If you were shopping for homes for sale in Kalamazoo MI,  would YOU buy your home?

Remeber when you are selling a home in Kalamazoo MI, you are competing against all of the Kalamazoo bank owned homes, the foreclosures in Kalamazoo and ALL of the Kalamazoo homes for sale.  To sell your home, you MUST stand out from the crowd of all of the Kalamazoo MI homes for sale.

The top choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

Getting Ready to Move?  Lots of details, lots of things to do. 

Below is a helpful To-Do List that should help you stay organized and eliminate some of the hassles.

Moving To-Dos:

* Order a moving van and make sure you have a firm bid in writing.
* Call utility companies to cancel current services and sign up for services in your new home.
* Cancel phone and cable service and arrange for service in your new home.
* Obtain referrals for doctors, dentists, and specialists if you are moving out of the area.
* Collect medical records for family members and pets. These should be carried with you.
* Have any necessary prescriptions filled and carry them with you.
* Arrange to move pets, including travel containers, immunization records, etc.
* Transfer checking and savings accounts. Empty safe-deposit boxes, pack items, and carry contents with you.
* Dispose of flammables and other hazardous materials.
* Moisten plants prior to packing.

Back up your computer files and pack CDs in their cases.
* Drain fuel from lawnmowers and other equipment. Drain water hoses.
* Have the car serviced for the trip and have proof of insurance in the car.
* Pack a first night box: coffee, bedding, household cleaners, toothpaste and toothbrush, pet food, and other essentials that you will need upon arrival.
* Conduct a last-minute walk through. Check drawers, closets, basements, garage...and don't forget to check the "favorite hiding places' you've developed over the years for hiding the kids presents, etc.
* Make sure everything is turned off and locked up.

I hope this helps you organize your move to ensure you have everything you need. My goal is to hep you handle all the details of the transaction, not just the ones that involve the actual real estate transaction.  I'm always just a phone call or email away if you have any questions and will be happy to help.

The top choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

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Once you make an offer on your new home and it is accepted, you'll need to start planning your move.   You'll need to decide whether to move yourself or hire professional movers.
 
If you want to save money, the do-it-yourself option may be right for you. But first ask yourself some important questions. Do you have friends who are willing and able to help you move?   Are you willing to help THEM when THEY move?  Do you have access to a vehicle that can accommodate furniture and fragile items? Do you have the time?

Remember that your friends should be strong enough to help with heavy loads like couches and beds, and also conscientious enough to take care with precious heirlooms and breakables. To avoid "burning out" your helpers with multiple trips, rent a truck large enough to handle everything in one move.

If you are moving a long distance, you can avoid the cost of professional movers while still hiring load and unload help as an in-between option. There are companies that rent you the muscle to take your belongings from your old house to the truck and then again into your new house. All you have to do is pack, drive the truck and unpack after the boxes have been unloaded in your new home.

Remember that moving is always a stressful time.   If you do it yourself, arrange for help at both ends of the move and be sure the truck you have is large enough for all your belongings and reliable enough to get you where you're going.   If this can't be accomplished you may want to spend the extra money on professional movers. 

The top choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, is http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

The first big question for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first.  There is no "right" answer. It depends on your specific circumstances.

Most homeowners agree that it's less stressful if you sell your existing home first. . You can often get top dollar for your home if you are not under pressure to sell. And you're in a better position to negotiate on the buying side of the transaction. If you have to make an offer contingent on the sale of your home, you often lose negotiating leverage.

If you sell your current home and the home you select isn't available when you're ready to move, you may end up with cash in hand in a short-term rental. No one wants to move twice, but it may be well worth it to eliminate risk and have more money to work with

If you currently own a home I would be happy to provide you with a home valuation so that you know what your home is worth in today's market. If you provide me with some basic information on your home, I'll be able to give you a price range. That range will be determined using the information you provide to establish a list of comparable properties in your area as reported by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Or I can provide you with a more precise valuation by briefly visiting your home.

Please call or email me when you're ready to discuss your options or if you would like a valuation of your current home. 

Or simply complete the form below for an online evaluation of your home.

Your best choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

Are you thinking of remodeling your home?  Make sure the money is spent in the right areas before you start hammering, sawing or demolishing.  Consider the return on your investment.  Not all remodeling is created equal.  Kitchens and baths, probably a good idea.  Fireplace or swimming pool, not so much.

Updating your kitchen and baths is your best remodeling investment.  It can often return a nearly dollar-for-dollar increase in home resale value. An updated kitchen and bathrooms make your home that much more attractive to potential buyers when you do decide to sell.

By contrast, adding a fireplace or adding outdoor recreation facilities, such as a swimming pool or sport court, yield the lowest return on your investment.

Sometimes the cumulative effect of several smaller projects can yield a higher resale value than one or two larger ones. Smaller projects tend to be more cosmetic--new paint, doors, or windows. Larger projects that upgrade or add living space may cost more, but almost always add less resale value for the dollars spent.

Whatever you do, be careful of over-improving for your neighborhood!  You do not want to have the nicest home on your block.  Remodeling that significantly improves your property over neighboring homes won't return as much when it comes time to sell.

If you have any questions or you'd like additional information, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

Your best choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

The largest single asset most people have continues to be a home of their own.

A recent survey found that the equity we have in our homes outweighs the value of our investment portfolios, on average, by a ratio of 3 to 1. With stock prices still volatile, many families remain focused on preserving and protecting the equity in their homes.

Therefore, home improvement and home maintenance have become extremely important to home sellers. Deferred maintenance definitely lowers a home’s value.

The three most common areas of deferred maintenance that affect a home’s selling price are:

* Water damage
* Pests
* Roofs needing repair or replacement

The three best areas to invest your money in your home are still:

*Kitchen remodeling

*Bathroom updating

*Landscaping

Your best choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

What does it take to sell a home in the Kalamazoo area in today's buyers market?

The short answer to that is information.   

I have dozens of tools and resources designed to minimize the stress of selling and maximize the value you receive from your home, such as:

* Detailed photo reports of homes recently sold or on the market in your area
* Evaluation of whether or not this is the optimal time to sell, given current market trends vs. your particular needs
* Keys to maximizing 'curb appeal' to capture the interest of more buyers
* Latest marketing techniques that use the Internet to reach busy, discriminating buyers

I can help save you time, energy and stress in selling your Kalamazoo, MI area home.

Whenever you're ready, I can schedule a no-obligation meeting to discuss your options by phone or in person.

Your best choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

If you are considering getting ready to sell your home in the Greater Kalamazoo, MI area they you may be asking yourself some questions.

Questions you may be asking yourself may be questions like these....

• * When should I put it on the market?
  * How long will it take to sell?
  * Is my home in 'show shape'?

Besides helping you with answers to these and other questions, I can provide you with a variety of real estate resources about getting your Kalamazoo area home SOLD. 

 I'd also be happy to prepare a precise market evaluation of your home.  If you are going to be selling soon, you will want as information as accurately prepared as possible.  I would want to meet with you and have you take me on a "walk-through" of your home.  During that walk through I can also suggest some simple ways to increase your home's market value and appeal. This is a free service I offer and would not obligate you in any way. 

BUT I can also provide you with a basic market value price range of your Kalamazoo area home online. 

I wouldn't have to visit your home, you wouldn't even have to talk to me, if you didn't want to.  Based upon your description of your home and what information I can find online, I can give you a price range that usually is pretty accurate.  Usually far more accurate than the online home valuation services. 

Please feel free to contact me if either of those options are of interest to you.

 Your best choice for information about buying a home in the Kalamazoo, MI area OR selling a home in SW Michigan or investing in real estate, visit http://HomesofSWMichigan.com.
We've worked hard to make our website user-friendly AND comprehensive.
You'll even find a very easy system to search the Kalamazoo area MLS for homes for sale in SW Michigan.

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Kalamazoo MI, I hope you will contact me.

Are Kalamazoo & Portage Michigan property taxes deductible?

How do property taxes work?

Are seller-paid points deductible?

What are some tips on negotiation?