Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 71-80 of 114

Ann Arbor Real Estate & 5 Things Buyers Do that Turn Sellers Off

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

On today’s market, every savvy seller wants to know what turns buyers off, so they can get their homes sold as quickly as possible, for as much as possible.  But buyers, take note – there is a minefield of seller turn-offs you can trigger that potentially could keep you from getting the Home you want at the best price and terms, or to unnecessarily complicate dealings with your home’s seller.

Lest you think all of today’s sellers are under the gun and will just put up with whatever behavior buyers dish out, be aware that there are still many multiple offer situations in which buyers must compete with each other to get a home – buyers who trigger these turnoffs tend to lose in those scenarios.  Also, avoiding these seller turnoffs can create a transactional environment of cooperation and avoid things turning adversarial.  That, in turn, can empower you to land a better price, get extra items you want thrown into the deal, and even negotiate more flexibility around your escrow and move-in timelines – all perks that can make your life easier and your budget go further.

For sellers, these turnoffs have the potential of irritating you out of an otherwise good deal – maybe even the only deal you have!

Here’s a few of the most common buyer-perpetuated seller turnoffs, with tips for sellers on how to keep an emotional (and economic) even keel, even if your home’s buyer makes some of these waves:

1. Trash-talking. Trash-talkers are the home buyers who think they’re going to negotiate the list price down by slamming the house, telling the sellers how little it is really worth, how the house across the street sold for nothing, why the school on the corner should make them desperate to give the place away, etc. This strategy never works; in fact, when you attack a seller and their home, you only cause them to be defensive, and think up all the reasons that (a) their home is not what you say it is, and (b) they shouldn’t sell their home to you!  

Sometimes this happens with buyers who actually love a house and just walk around it fantasizing about all the ways they would customize it to their tastes while a seller is there.  Sellers: avoid being at home while your home is being shown.  Buyers: save your commentary for your agent; if you do encounter the seller in person keep your conversation respectful and avoid critiquing the house or the list price.

2. Being unqualified for mortgage financing. When a seller signs a buyer’s offer, most often the seller agrees to effectively pull the home off the market, forgoing other buyers who might be interested.  As such, the only thing worse than getting no offers on your home is getting an offer, getting into contract, then having the whole thing fall apart when the buyer’s loan falls through – especially if that could have been predicted or avoided up front. 

Sellers: Should work with us or your listing agent to vet your home’s buyers’ qualifications, including their loan approval, down payment and earnest money deposit – before you sign a contract.  It’s not overkill for your agent to call the buyers’ mortgage pro before you sign the contract and get a level of comfort for how robust their qualifications are.  Buyers:  Get pre-approved.  Seriously, this should be the first thing you do BEFORE looking at homes to better determine what price home you are pre-qualified for.  And make sure that you don’t buy a car, quit your job, deposit lottery winnings or do any other financial twitchery between the time you get loan approval and the time you close escrow on your home.

3. Making unjustified lowball offers. No one likes to feel like they are being taken advantage of.  And sellers generally know the general ballpark amount that their home is worth, as well as what they need to sell it for to get their mortgage paid off.  Yes – the price you pay for a home should be driven by its fair market value, rather than the seller’s financial needs, and deals are often available in a market like the current one, in which supply so vastly outpaces demand. But just throwing uber-lowball offers out at sellers hoping one will hit the spot is not generally a successful strategy, especially if you really, really want a given property. If you are going to be making a mortgage payment, it should be for a home that was at the top of your favorites list.

Sellers:  Don’t get overly emotional about receiving a lowball offer; counter at the price you decide makes sense based on the total circumstances, including your motivation level, recent comps and the interest/activity level your listing is receiving. Buyers:  Work through the similar, nearby homes that have recently sold (a/k/a comparables that we can prepare for you) before you make an offer to factor the home’s fair market value into your offer price – also factor in how much you want the place, too.  Don’t be amazed if you make an offer far below asking, and don’t get a response.

4. Renegotiating mid-stream. Sellers plan their finances, moves and  - to some extent – their lives around the purchase price a buyer agrees to pay for their home.  If you get into contract to buy a home, and find out during inspections that costly repairs need to be made, then propose a lower sale price, repair credit or even actual repairs to the seller, that’s sensible and fair.  But if you were aware that the property needed a lot of work before you made an offer on it, then you come back asking for a beaucoup bucks’ worth of credit or price reductions midstream, expect the seller to cry foul.  And holding the seller up two weeks into the transaction because you caught a case of buyer's remorse? Not cool, and not likely to foster the spirit of cooperation you may need to get your deal closed.  Buyers should remember too that no home is perfect and most will need common repairs or upgrades that you will assume or take responsibility for.  Your inspection is looking for expensive or surprising things that you hadn't counted on.  

Sellers: avoid mid-stream price renegotiations by having a full set of inspection reports and repair bids at hand when you list your homeBuyers: try to avoid renegotiating the entire deal unless you get some major surprises at your inspections or inflating small repairs to try to justify a major price cut.

5. Misleading or setting the seller up.  Remember when we talked about buyer turn-offs?  Being misled by listing photos or very fluffy property descriptions was high on the list.  The same goes for sellers. Offering way over asking with the plan to hammer the seller for a reduction when the house doesn’t appraise at the purchase price?  #LAME  Making an as-is offer planning the whole time to come back and ask for every penny ante repair called out by the inspectors?  Lame squared.

Sellers:
  If you get multiple offers and are tempted to take a sky-high one or one that claims to be all cash, consider requesting proof that the buyer has sufficient funds to make up the difference between what you think the home will appraise for and the actual sale price, and statements showing the cash truly exists.  Buyers: Don’t be lame. I’m not saying you have to tell the seller exactly what your top dollar is, but making offers with terms designed to intentionally mislead is really, really bad form – and can result in losing the home entirely if and when your bluff gets called.  Of course we can help you through every step of the way, so no worries.  You can get started by clicking here to view all available Ann Arbor Real Estate listings for sale.  

3818 Century Ct, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

3818 Century Ct, Ypsilanti, MI  48197

Pittsfield Township Taxes, Ann Arbor Schools.  

2600 square foot 4 Bedroom Home with 2.5 Baths.  This home backs to a common area in Palisades Subdivision.  Features include Granite kitchen counters, hardwood floors in master bedroom, family room and foyer leads to a stylishly updated powder room.  Located on a quiet cul du sac and close to shopping, parks and Freeway access making it a popular commuter area.

RECOMMEND VIEWING FULL SCREEN BY CLICKING THE FOUR ARROWS BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER. 720P HD RESOLUTION

2600' 4B$/2.5B home with plenty of hardwood floorS, granite counters along with an updated powder room. Located on quiet cul du sac and backs to subdivision common area for plenty of setback from the neighbors and space for the kids to play.

Call Listing agent Tom Stachler for more information at (734) 996-0000 or visit his website at www.TheRealtyTour.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOME ON 3818 CENTURY COURT, PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI  48197

Why Banks prefer to Foreclose than Modify your loan

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

The President says everyone should.... within reason, be given the opportunity to stay in their Home and avoid foreclosure and eviction. Watch this Short video to provide you with some insight on how the cards maybe stacked against the loan modification process and understand how the banks are making more money on real estate Foreclosures.  Its no wonder why it is so difficult to get their lender to lower their mortgage payment or interest rate.  

This short video will provide you with a little insight and perhaps something you should write your Washington representative about.  Please forward this to anyone you know who might be looking for help either with a short sale or interest in the foreclosure process.  

We have many additional resources available on our website here for Ann Arbor Short Sale Information and I am always available to confidential advice.  Also try this short sale web site http://www.annarborhome.info/

Get the latest Ann Arbor Real Estate Listings and Saline real estate listings for sale using this link. 

Ann Arbor Dining & Gandy Dancer Trains

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

Gandy Dancer Restaurant

401 Depot Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 769-0592

Built in 1886, this former train station is located next to a newer Amtrak train station.  This stone structure offers up a special atmosphere and menu sure to please.  Specializing in seafood and fine service and situated not far from the University of Michigan Hospital on Ann Arbors north side. Truely one of Ann Arbors best restaurants.

Take in the trains, stopping and traveling between Detroit and Chicago or relax within this well run establishment sporting old world charm.  You won't be disappointed.  Watch the video to learn about the Gandy Dancer Trains and Ann Arbor dining

Contact us if you are intersted in real estate in nearby Kerrytown market area or perhaps Downtown Ann Arbor real estate.

TRY THIS NEW ANN ARBOR REAL ESTATE LISTING SEARCH SYSTEM

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

Welcome to the Best Realty Search System Available

Take 2 minutes to view this short video about how to use our new FREE web application.

After you have had a chance to check out the basic's, you might want to view the other more advanced video's below by clicking on their Links. Click the viewer to the right to get started on clip #1.

REMEMBER TO TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER'S SPEAKER TO HEAR SO YOU CAN FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.  

Tip Video #2

Tip Video #3

We can provide you with more updates in the future.  Please let us know what you think.  If you haven't signed up already with your own search profile account, you can get started by clicking here  

Know someone looking for real estate?  Please forward this email to them. 

Forgot how to return to your account? Click here for your login page to retrieve any favorite properties or customized searches that fit your criteria.  We recommend that you bookmark the login page too for easy navigation in the future.  However, a login is not necessary to view your update emails that will follow in the future. Unless you are on someone else's computer, we would recommend that you do not hit the log-out button so your your personal computer will remember your password etc on future visits. IMPORTANT: CLICK & SAVE LISTING FAVORITES!

This system will give you a large advantage over other competing buyers and in many cases you will see these new listings even before many realty brokers & agents do.

Look for your first new listing email update report soon

 Please let us know if you see something you would like to view so we can setup a showing appointment for you.  That's what I specialize in..... Representing Buyers.  My ABR designation stands for Accredited Buyer Representative.

Remember, you can always change your search criteria.  Just ask us or use the TAB key to move quickly through the search criteria fields then hit the "Search" button for the result's.  Only saved searches will get automatic new listing updates sent to you.

  1. Have you provided the min. square footage acceptable to you?
  2. Revise the min. number of bedrooms?
  3. Limit the areas to 1-3 of your most desireable school districts.
  4. Correct min-max price range?
  5. Search by School district, NOT by name of cities & townships.

Thank you for your consideration. Wink

Too much snow on Roof & Ice Dam Ceiling leak

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The more insulation we put into our attics, the less heat is lost and the snow on your roof can remain longer.  Sunny days can heat up darker shingles to help melt snow, but this can lead to ice dam problems and ceiling leaks too.  

With all the snow we have had this year, you might want to be proactive with winter roof care.  Get a roof snow scraper or rake/blade to pull some of the snow off your roof.  This is especially important in areas that might backup near flashings and then leak inside our Home.  

Check out this link to get more information on this topic.  The conditions are right for more of this to happen.  Of course, if you know someone looking for real estate services, please give them the URL of this website to get started.  

Have a great day!

Cake Nouveau, Ann Arbor, Michigan

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

As Seen on the Food Channel

CAKE NOUVEAU

924 Packard St, Ann Arbor, Michigan -www.CakeNouveau.com

They do everything from One of a kind Wedding and Event Cakes to my favorite "Cake Truffles" .  These things are great and very reasonable.  Bring a six pack Home to your special person soon.

Check out this clip about them.  

Since we mentioned special events, perhaps its time for a new home.  Check out the "All MLS Listings" at the top of the page if you or a friend might be in the market.  Take care.

10160 Ridgeline, York Township, MI 48160

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

5 MINUTES FROM I94/US23 SPLIT

10160 Ridgeline, York Twp, MI

Home is located in the Saline School district in the popular Timber Ridge Subdivision.  Great commuter access to those wishing easy access to I-94 east or US 23 and want to avoid the Ann Arbor Traffic jams.

Just 9 minutes to Briarwood, this home has space and peace and quiet with top notched schools and low York Twp taxes.  

2950 sq ft

4BR/3.5 Baths with a finished view out basement, kraftmaid custom cabinets with granite counters, hardwood floors, 3 car garage and much more.  Check out the video tour above and click one of the Links above for "All MLS Listing" access or to contact us for a showing appointment.  Note the handy Chat button at the bottom of any web page too for quick answers.  

Blimpy Burger, Ann Arbor, MI

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

AS SEEN ON THE FOOD NETWORK

Blimpy Burger

551 South Division Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-4590

If you are in the area and like hamburgers you need to check out this classic burger joint.

I caught a glimpse of this section of one of the episodes this weekend and was stunned by how good those burgers looked with all the meat...and cheese...and toppings!  Anyway, this is an clip from the Food Network program "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".  Check out the ordering rules below if you don't want to stand out.  Enjoy! Cool

www.blimpyburger.com/ordering.htm

Zingerman's Deli, Ann Arbor, MI

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team
Video Video

WORLD FAMOUS DELI

ZINGERMANS DELI

Career Focus Cafe Video featuring Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This world class Deli that is truly amazing. A must visit for new and returning visitors.

Located at 422 Detroit Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 663-3354

Note this firm has their own bake house on the south side of town in Pittsfield Township that is also open to the public.

Looking for Real Estate?  Check out the "All MLS Listings" link above to access the complete inventory of Foreclosures, short sale's and regular resale properties.  Click the Chat button below to answer a quick question or try the contact info above.  We look forward to meeting you.  

Displaying blog entries 71-80 of 114

Syndication

Categories

Archives