March 2012 - Hammer Home News
Does a Realtor need a Realtor to sell her own house?
By: Rachel Hammer
The answer is pretty straightforwarded, YES!
Most of you know that during the last few weeks my family and I had the opportunity to purchase a new home and sell our own with two young children at our side. Folks, this was not easy, to say the least – and thank goodness it is over.
In a 10 day span, my husband and I hired and bartered with contractors, stagers, movers, cleaners and helpers to get our place in show home condition. We spent days overseeing and assisting in the process. Everyone played a huge part and we were very pleased with the overall effort and results of the entire process. The one thing we lacked was a Realtor. Oh yes, I know this is the part where I stand up and say, hey I am the Realtor - I should be able to sell my own home. Other people attempt it all the time on private sale sites right? This couldn't be further from the truth for me. Why? Simply put – “I”, like anyone else needed guidance through the emotional curveballs that real estate does to all of us, after all, our home sweet home is the biggest and highest achieved investment we have.
So - the first question I asked myself was: how much is my home worth? It was certainly priceless to me. We moved into this home before the birth of our first son and now we have two boys. That is a total of five years’ worth of memories going on the market for someone else to see and call their own now.
As a Realtor I was able to organize the right people to help prepare our home but deciding how to price the home was certainly not easy. I spoke to quite a few Realtors in hopes of getting a more objective and factual idea of the value of our home based on the current market conditions. I consulted with my husband and we determined our listing price and our bottom line. Although we could have listed for more, having had the children's best interests in mind we decided to list the home very close to our bottom line and hope someone would appreciate it, jump on it and firm up quickly. At the end, that is exactly what happened. The result was amazing – our first showing produced an offer and the deal was firmed up 48 hours later. I couldn't ask for anything better.
This whole process was overwhelming, both physically and mentally. In the end, as a Realtor and a Seller, I remained objective and realistic. After almost two weeks of packing, painting, staging and cleaning, we were done and the kids could finally have their toys and laundry back on the floor. My enthusiasm for this field continues on.
I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful change in weather. The spring market is definitely beginning to shine through and I am looking forward to this wonderful time of year. With another personal home selling process under my belt, I have even more experience to offer my sellers.
I love the adventures of real estate, when you are ready for some buying, selling or investing - Let's talk about it!
Sincerely,
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CMHC predicts stable Canadian Housing Market
Andy Johnson, CTVNews.ca
Date: Wed. Mar. 7 2012 9:16 PM ET
Two new housing affordability reports released this month offered a similar viewpoint: Canada's housing market is beginning to level off and prices are shifting in favour of buyers.
Scotiabank's Adrienne Warren, a senior economist and real estate specialist with the bank, said the market is cooling but still remains in better shape than many international markets. "I'm fairly encouraged by what we're seeing in the Canadian housing market currently. Essentially we're looking at sales that have largely levelled-out over the last year or so but still it's quite a healthy pace of build, essentially really in line with the 10-year average," Warren said at the Real Estate Outlook and Trends Forum in Toronto. Prices are easing, Read more...
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This Month's Trivia Question:
What real estate board game became the best-selling game in America just one year after it was created?
The first five individuals to respond correctly will win a $10.00 gift card to Starbucks. Email your answers to rachel@rachelhammer.com
Last Month's Trivia Question:
What famous American sign was originally erected as a real estate ad?
The Answer was: The Hollywood sign, built in 1923, was conceived as a real estate ad that originally read, "Hollywoodland."
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Congratulations goes out to Melanie, Marilyne and Nathalie for winning last month's trivia prizes. |
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Every detail awaits you here in this warm meticulously maintained minto paloma. Beginning with front brick exterior and lighting, beautifully designed interlock, PVC fencing and garden beds. Inside enjoy ceramic foyer, spacious entertaining areas including open concept kitchen overlooking family room with fireplace. Tastefully painted, with newer light fixtures and great sized bedrooms incl. Master with walk-in and 3 piece ensuite. Read More...
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Your new home awaits you here in this spacious and modern Richcraft Bancroft model. Painted in neutral tones with 20k in upgrades including extended kitchen cabinets, pots and pans drawers, built-in wine rack, custom window coverings, all appliances and electronic air cleaner. With three spacious bedrooms including a loft.
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