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Real Estate Observations - Perspectives from Experience!

Over the years in real estate business we have to learn something. If not we are fools making hte same mistakes over and over again.  We all must acknowldge that some homes will sell, and others will not!  When you see and sell a lot of homes each year you cannot help but to start connecting the dots.   Then, it all starts to make sense.  It makes your next deal easier. Unreasonable demands, and not facing the facts at hand can create a tough life in the real estate business.  It is smart to build on success, but it is also smart not to build on those things that don't work or will sap you of your time and talent.

I made a small list of items that I compiled in my own mind from a career in real estate that I thought I would share:

  1. Dirty homes never sell at a good price!
  2. Clean homes, priced right sell!
  3. Never underestimate location: commute, schools, convenience.
  4. Curb appeal really does matter!
  5. If a home looks really bad on the outside, the inside will be worse!
  6. Homes that are not well maintained will cost you.
  7. If a home needs work, do it!
  8. This is not a market to try a price for a few weeks!
  9. You learn a lot when you are listening.
  10. The barking dog is really saying, "Do not enter!"  "My bite is worse then my bark!"
  11. You make more money in real estate by not working investors!
  12. Rejecting bad business is smart business.
  13. Dreamers will waste your time!  Why not? They are already wasting theirs.
  14. It's smart to kennel pets when showing homes.
  15. Hope you enjoy your cigarettes more than a "Sold Sign" on the front lawn!
  16. Home inspections are a great thing! 
  17. Never trust a home inspector that refers you to others to get the work done!
  18. Home inspectors need to be code certified, licensed, and bonded! 
  19. Tradesmen need to be licensed and bonded!
  20. It is smart to use your senses when buying a home.  Pay attention to what you see, smell and hear!
  21. Big cracks in masonry, brick, concrete are telling your something.  Pay attention to them.
  22. Too many homes for sale on the same street may indicate something is happening.
  23. It is always a smart idea to further explore the neighborhood, and surrounding community.  
  24. Peace of mind is priceless!
  25. A home warranty is a good thing!
  26. Radon tests are a smart idea.
  27. Check for termites!
  28. A termite bond retreatment repair bond is a great investment
  29. It's always smart to get a survey!
  30. Always buy buyers title insurance!
  31. Use a local lender!
  32. Beware of agents that make promises they can't keep!
  33. It's not smart to buy a home on a major road or if it backs to a road!
  34. Never buy a home under power lines!
  35. EIFS / Synthetic Stucco look nice, but they don't sell well.
  36. "Appointment Only" homes rarely sell quickly at the best price!
  37. First offer is usually the best offer!
  38. Creative financing usually borders being illegal!
  39. If it sounds too good to be true, it is!
  40. "If I can't sell your home, I'll buy it!"  It's a confidence scam!
  41. Homes need a backyard for recreation!
  42. Lease purchases agreements very seldom if ever work out!
  43. Agents that have to be at the home when you show, give me the creeps.
  44. Agents do not like to show homes where the security system is on!
  45. Never pet animals in a home.
  46. Make sure everything you want in a home is in writing, and signed off by all parties.
  47. Never trust anyone's word - this is a business transaction. Put it in writing.
  48. When in doubt don't proceed forward - seek counsel.
  49. If something does not seem right, it isn't!  Trust your gut!
  50. If you feel uncomfortable, that is a good thing!  It is a warning system!
  51. If you hire an agent because they are cheap, it's because they are not worth more!
  52. A creek in the yard is not necessarily a good thing.
  53. Just because the home does not appear to be in a flood zone, doen't mean it isn't!
  54. Full time agents get the best results!
  55. Neighborhoods with an Homeowners Association and a pool are more sought after than those without.
  56. 4 bedroom homes are much better reselling than a 3 bed room home.
  57. Most buyers really don't like loft areas.
  58. Neutral colors are easier to sell.
  59. There is a difference between "Upgrades, and updated!"
  60. Sellers should never be in the home when it is being shown!

Jim Crawford REMAX

RE/MAX Paramount Properties  678-595-5286 Direct

Or  888-940-0074 Toll Free Office

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26 comments • Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO • January 28 2010 10:36PM