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Staging Works!
for agents in the lowcountry
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August 2007
- Vol 2, Issue 8
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In This Issue
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Your Local Stagers
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Dear Melissa,
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Charleston is heating up. Unfortunately
the real estate market isn't right now.
According to CTAR sales are down
compared to last year and homes are
taking longer (62 DOM in 2006 compared
to 90 DOM currently). Staging can help
create the edge your clients need.
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"Absolutely Perfect"
Mackenzie Crabtree, Agent,
Weichert Realtors regarding 9 Marbel
Downtown Charleston
"Believe it or not, I have 2
offers tonight. Thanks, and if I can
use you again, I will. It's been
great to work with you!!"
Kathy Sweet, Agent Weichert
Realtors, regarding 123 N. Plaza Ct,
Renaissance on Charleston Harbor
"Great job! I think it looks so
much better...and more inviting now.
Thanks again...the pictures and the
tour look great too." Lori
Olivi, Agent, Coldwell Banker
regarding 1177 Out of Bounds Drive,
Legend Oaks Plantation
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Localism.com It is becoming an internet
phenomenon. Are you using it yet? If the
answer is no, maybe you should check it out
and start! As defined by the site, localism
is
Or more appropriately, what will localism
be? Localism will be the premier spot on
the Internet for accessing local real estate
information provided by those who understand
local markets the best, real estate
professionals.
- Find meaningful real estate
information, not just demographics and
listings.
- Get perspective on local real estate
markets from the experts.
- Interact 1 on 1 with agents to get
your questions answered.
Powered by members of The ActiveRain Real
Estate Network. Now, what can localism do
you for you specifically? Localism allows
you to gain worldwide exposure. Buyers &
sellers researching the real estate market
are finding localism a huge benefit. Agents
can blog about their communities, listings
and current events bringing attention &
higher internet rankings. Many agents rave
about the number of referrals & sales this
community has created. Others are amazed at
the marketing techniques they pick up.
Active Rain and localism are becoming a
marketing phenomenon. Isn't it time you
checked it out? If you already know about
localism and aren't using it - you may want
to reconsider why you haven't.
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One of the biggest tools real estate agents
have is the Multiple Listing Service - MLS.
Most agents will find their clients homes
using MLS. Most successful sellers will have
their homes listed on MLS. Many new real
estate companies have been created with the
sole purpose of listing homes for sales on
MLS and collecting a flat fee. Many sellers
believe that this single tool is all that is
needed.
What I find truely interesting is that most
agents don't use this tool effectively. How
many of you are frustrated, or have clients
who are frustrated, because there are no
additional photos? The local board of
realtors require that at least one photo of
any listed property be used or a fine will
ensue. Why is it that so many agents stop at
the bare minimum? With the download
allowance increased, what does a single
photo in MLS tell agents & potential buyers?
Buyers' agents & their clients in this
slower market have multiple homes to choose
from that may meet all of the intended
criteria. The photos will determine which
homes are actually viewed. A lack of
photos will usually signal clients that
the inside (or outside) is so bad that they
won't go see it if they really knew what it
looked like - we should keep them guessing.
Poor lighting can make the rooms seem
unwelcoming, dark & small. Buyers may think
that the home will feel this way - not just
that you forgot the flash! Taking odd
photos of things like the toilet, sink
or light fixture can make buyers wonder if
this is supposed to be one of the
'architectural features' of the home. If it
really isn't the best asset, don't use that
photo. (On the other hand, taking photos of
crown molding, fireplaces & archways may
work in your favor!) Messy & dirty
homes are clearly homes that will only be
viewed by those looking to get a steal on
the price. When taking photos, tidy up a
bit. Empty (vacant) homes do little
to show size, scale or function of a room.
Add furniture, lighting and accessories to
help create the right image.
When taking a listing, remember that you,
the agent, needs to do everyting in your
power to get that home sold! Photos are a
HUGE part of this process.
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July and August have been
our busiest months to date. We appreciate your
business and constant support. Hopefully you've
found this month's articles helpful to growing
your business and selling your current listings.
Let us know what we can do for you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Marro
First Impressions
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