Sell Your Home with Great Photos!

Photos are your online “Welcome Mat”

Taking Great Photos to Sell Your Home

Who doesn’t take photos these days? Almost everyone I know takes photos with their camera or cell phone. Sending them out to Instagram, Facebook Google+ and Pinterest is a great past time. The truth is that cameras and digital photography have made it possible for almost everyone to be a photographer. The quality of these cameras has made it so easy to produce some rather good quality photos. For the most part that is true, but when it comes to marketing your home you might need a bit more expertise.

If  you spend anytime online lately you will notice that photos flood every page you see. A good photo may be pleasant, a great photo says pay attention and look for more. This concept holds true for selling a home. Great photos invite a buyer in the door like a welcome mat. Your online photos definitely can get a buyer to look inside.

If you are selling your home, it would be important to know that your home is being represented properly online. Your home only gets one chance to show off a first impression. It had better be the best it can be.  Did you know that the first photos sent out on the MLS are the ones that get syndicated? The first time a home is listed is when the most people will see that listing too. Your first impression needs to be spot on. While any agent can post a listing in a few hours, the truth is that photos take more than a few minutes to upload to put your best foot forward. It can be worth the wait.

An Invitation to Look Inside

How to get the best photos of your home online? You need to ask your agent for a sample listing. Making sure that you like what you see is important. My suggestion is that you ask to see the photos of your home prior to the listing being launched. If they don’t come out great the first time, insist that they be done again. First impressions are important. As a homeowner you should be a part of that process. Did you know that when the photos are posted that there should be a minimum of 24? Better yet, the MLS allows up to 30 photos. Yes, it is important to utilize this feature as it can affect how the home appears on the syndicated sites. A home featuring more photos will show preference on a Google search too.

Common issues with photos can happen when they are taken of the wrong features. A frequent example of bad photography happens in a very important room of the house. While all buyers want to know what the bathroom looks like, showing the toilet with the lid up is not something that shows off a home well. Other issues with photos are when they appear crooked photos, blurry, pale, and have bad lighting.

Bad photos are a result when the agent has:

• little knowledge of how to take real estate photos
• posted photos without any editing
• hired the wrong photographer to do the job

Not all agents are photographers. This doesn’t have to be a problem. If your agent is not great at photography then hiring someone to take photos would be the answer. Once photos are taken, editing is a must. Photos need to be cropped and highlighted but never over done. Photographers that use too much HDR make a photo look unnatural. It does not give a real picture of what your home actually looks like, and more like a graphic.

Wide angle lenses from either a professional or an agent can also be a problem when taking interior photos. If using too wide an angle the photo may look great, but at some point the reality is distorted. Photos can make a room look so much larger than it is. I have had buyers touring the home complain that the photos made the room look twice it’s size. The feeling that the owners misrepresented the true size is now in their minds. While showing off a room properly can be a challenge,  a room that is 8 x 10  should not appear as 20 x 30.

The purpose of a great photo is to lure buyers in the door, we want the photos to paint a true picture of the home and all its features. Being disappointed will not work in your favor as buyers become uncomfortable about what other truths may be hidden about the home.

Selling a home is an organized process. The work begins with proper marketing. Writing copy about your home for advertising, taking photos, editing them, and then syndicating all that information to the internet and then to potential buyers, takes experience and expertise. Getting your home in front of as many eyes as possible is how it happens. We only need one buyer to sell your home. My goal is find that buyer and make it happen.

Great Photos Sell Real Estate

Other resources for great photography are:

 Tips for Photos – Lighting

Home Staging – Before and After Photos by Claudia Jacobs

Map – Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley [map id=”49″]

published by: your real estate expert Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley as a community service in Newburgh NY. To receive more real estate information please subscribe to this blog. Looking to buy a new home? Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY. You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+

TIPS ON SELLING YOUR HOME

Tip #1 –  Hire the Right Agent!

Tips on Selling Your Home

A Listing Agreement is a sacred thing. It is a contract written between seller and a licensed real estate salesperson working  hard together to accomplish the goals of selling your home for the highest and best price. It is not just a bunch of words on a piece of paper. It is put together with an enormous sense of trust.  Hiring the proper agent to do the job is a must. Understanding that all agents are not created equal is an important factor when you hire an agent. While the contract to list your home is with a Real Estate Agency, your agent is truly the key in selling your home.

What to look for you ask?  A key factor when hiring your agent is to ask about availability to handle the job. I am not talking a 24/7, 365 days a year, but a reasonable effort to provide continuous service is important. Your agent needs to be around when you need him/her and when an offer comes in your agent needs to be around to negotiate a deal before it leaves town with the buyers. While I don’t mean taking calls in the middle of the night, you should expect your agent to be available, to return calls and allow other agents the ability to contact him/her during weekends. Those are basic standards.

Picture this scenario. I am a buyers agent and I show your home to serious buyers on Saturday morning. I write up an offer  on Saturday afternoon after lunch. The offer is scanned and emailed to the proper address with return receipt requested. I call the office of your agent (by the way the listing agent is the broker/owner) and I’m  told that he is out of the office and no cell phone number is available for me to contact him directly.  A message is left with the receptionist about the offer with a request for a return call. Nothing happens. Absolutely nothing happened all day. Sunday morning I call again requesting to speak with this listing agent and is told “he’ll be back on Monday, do you want to leave a voicemail?”  NO, I want to speak with the listing agent!!

Sellers, this is not something to be happy about. I have an offer and your agent is absolutely no where to be found and his staff doesn’t know how to get in touch with him. That is a serious problem if you are actually looking to sell your home! While we all understand that being available 24/7 is impossible, a backup system absolutely, positively needs to be in place. Your staff should know how to find you or the person that is taking care of your clients.

I am now waiting to hear back from someone from this office. I was told that the receptionist will try to locate the office manager to see what she can do for me. She is hopeful to get back to me sometime today. In my book this is truly unacceptable.

SELLERS BEWARE! When hiring an agent to sell your home ask questions relating to the process of how they answer their phone.

• Know what hours your agent is available
• How fast are calls returned
• Who covers for them if they are sick or on vacation
• Call their phone number before you sign the listing agreement.  See how it goes. If it goes to voicemail, see how long before they get back to you.

While no agent is able to speak with two people at once,  certainly a return phone call within a few minutes should happen. Cell phones, texting and voicemail make our lives easier with being readily accessible when needed.

If your agent can’t be found, how can he/she sell your home?  

When hiring an agent know how your home will be marketed and how your agent will respond. Ask Questions and make sure you get detailed explanations. Specifics matter!  For more info and tips on choosing a REALTOR, check out more!

published by: your real estate expert Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley as a community service in the Hudson Valley. To receive more real estate information please subscribe to this blog. Looking to buy a new home? Search the MLS for New Homes in Hudson Valley. You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+

No Leprechauns Needed When Selling Your Home in The Hudson Valley

St Patrick’s Day traditions are different across the the globe. In my opinion there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the day. No matter if your traditions are old  or new, the traditions are fun. Local celebrations in the Hudson Valley vary from eating soda bread to watching a parade, dying your hair green or wearing a green shirt. While the celebrations in New York are much different than the celebration in Ireland, local events can spur new traditions and fun for everyone. Seems that it has become an event for anyone that wants to participate.  Listing your home for sale may not be a typical St. Paddy’s Day tradition, but don’t let the holiday stop you. If you plan to  drink green beer, eat corned beef & cabbage while selling your home in The Hudson Valley, be sure to listen to your REALTOR® for some good advice.  Hire the right agent and relax. Remember, luck has absolutely nothing to do with it!

9 Tips from your local  Real Estate Agent should help you on your way.

• Do wear GREEN and leave your home for all showings. Attend a party or shop til you drop.
• Don’t paint the walls GREEN when getting ready to list your home. Bright colors don’t always work well.
• Do bake GREEN cupcakes or cookies and leave them out for potential buyers and agents for showings.
• Do clean your home leaving a light fresh scent. Using GREEN products is always a plus
• Don’t hire Leprechauns to dance in the front yard. It does not attract the proper attention. A FOR SALE placed by your agent is the only sign you need.
• Do order a RAINBOW to cascade over your home for any and all showings. First impressions count.
• Don’t dye the dog GREEN. Take Fido out for a romp at the local park. Pets should not be in the home for showings.
• Do put out cut  flowers with lots of  GREENery on your dining room table. Staging works!
• Don’t leave it up to the “Luck of the Irish”. Hiring the proper agent when it comes to selling your home takes out the mystical results and can help you find your pot of gold.

A more traditional way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day may be to attend a local parade and not sell your home. While I’m not Irish,  I have a different story to tell that is quite special. My celebration is more about family and new beginnings. It is the day my husband entered the United States for the first time 36 years ago, from the Philippines. It has been a day we never forget to celebrate. After three years of living in New Haven, we found our new home together in Newburgh. We have celebrated in some crazy ways over the years, especially when our children were little. Note to self – don’t put food coloring in a cup of coffee for your dad. 

Enjoy the day and leave the details of selling your home to your REALTOR®. 

Disclaimer: Please know that there were no Leprechauns consulted prior to writing this article. 

Remember, luck has nothing to do with it!

9 Tips to Sell Your Home on St. Patrick’s Day

published by: your real estate expert Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley as a community service. To receive more real estate information please subscribe to this blog. Looking to buy a new home? Search the MLS for New Homes  You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+

What Can A Seller Expect?

When selling your Newburgh NY home, buyers will request a home inspection after their offer is accepted. They are usually given five to seven days to get the inspection completed before contracts are sent out from your attorney. What can you, as the owner expect?

The buyers will choose and directly hire an inspector to complete the task. The inspector, the buyers and their real estate agent will book the appointment and attend the inspection. I always recommend that owners leave the home during the appointment to allow buyers privacy during the process. As the seller you would want to make this as easy as possible for everyone.

A good home inspector will make a thorough review of the entire home providing the buyers with a detailed report including photos of many parts of the home. You can request to see this, but you are not entitled to a copy if they do not want to share.

These are a few of the things that you as an owner can help to make the process go well.

• Make the home easily available at a convenient time
• Allow at least 3 hours for the inspection to be completed
• Provide inspector with clear access to all areas of the home. Don’t leave any doors or closets locked up.
• Attic – Make sure that nothing is blocking access. If a closet is the only way up, make sure to clear things for the inspector
• All cars should be out of the garage for full view.
• Clear areas in front of all mechancials such as electric panels, furnace or a/c systems
• Put away all small breakable items. Don’t leave out any valuables.
• Pets – Dogs and cats will need to find a place to go during a home inspection. They can not only be in the way, but could be frightened by intruders in their space. Make arrangements for them to have a play date or an afternoon at the park with you.
• If something isn’t working let the inspector know. If the washing machine leaks let him know so that he doesn’t flood your house.
• If you have equipment that should not be turned off such as a computer or cable tv let him know prior to the inspection.
• Make sure to alert inspector if something is dangerous to either operate, open or close. We don’t want you to let him open a garage door and it falls on his head.
• Buyers expect the a/c and heat to work if the home comes equipped with that.

Home Inspections from the sellers point of view can seem to be a bit intrusive. It is however an inevitable part of the process of buying any home. Basically the inspection is to turn on and operate all the mechanical systems in the home. The inspector is looking to see that things are currently in working order as expected and to let the buyer know what repairs may be coming down the way in a few years. Things like roof life expectancy, heating and cooling systems are expensive items and knowing that they may not last more than a few years is important. For the buyer, it is part of determining the true value of a home while also learning about home ownership from a maintenance point of view. It can be a basic education for the buyer in learning the mechanical functions of the house they are looking to purchase.

Understanding the process makes it a bit easier for any seller to facilitate the needs of the buyer. Know that you have the right to ask who the inspector is and ask if they are licensed and insured. Your real estate agent will also give you some additional advice on the process at the time of the inspection of anything out of the ordinary. Once the inspection is over the agent will lock up the house and leave it in the same condition they found it. You should hear back from your agent as to any concerns or problems found. Buyers expect the mechanicals of the home to be in working order. Buyers can ask for financial consideration or to have items repaired that are not working, or are a hazard. It can take a couple of days for the buyers to receive their written report before they share the info. It is their choice to share it if any items are not in proper working order or are considered a safety issue.

In the Hudson Valley, it is customary to sign contracts a few days after the home inspection. As a real estate agent explaining to my clients how the process works is just one part the services I provide. When a hiccup arises after a home inspection understanding how to resolve any issues makes for happy clients. Knowing how the system works makes the process much easier and allows you, the seller to relax. 

What to know more? Let’s talk about selling your home. I can help. Want to know what your home is worth?

What to Expect at Your Home Inspection

published by: your real estate expert Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley as a community service in Newburgh NY. To receive more real estate information please subscribe to this blog. Looking to buy a new home?  Search the MLS – Hudson Valley Homes for Sale. You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+

Selling Your Home In Winter Made Easy!

Newburgh NY winters can be cold and snowy!

While winter may not seem like the best time of year to sell a home, it may be a great idea for many. Consider the fact that buyers out looking are usually more serious about making a purchase. They are usually happy to look at less homes. Since many people don’t want to sell during the winter months there is less inventory. Buyers that need to make a decision quickly will be happy to buy a home that is priced right and well taken care of.

Your real estate agent should provide you with a list of tips for winter showings.

Sand and salt driveways and walkways. Curb appeal is what invites the buyer into your home so make it look inviting even during the winter months. Be sure that all driveways and walkways are clear and ice free as you never know when a showing may happen. Stairs may take a little extra special effort to keep them spotless. A safety hazard during a showing is not a great idea.

Keep the house toasty warm. While you normally don’t keep the home warm when you are not around, make sure that you pay attention when a showing is scheduled. Having the home feel toasty on a cold day helps to tell the buyers that this house is well insulated and feels warm in winter. No buyer wants to shiver during a showing. Let buyers feel warm and fuzzy when touring. If you have a gas fireplace, consider leaving that on before the showing, but a wood burning fireplace could present a safety issue if left unattended.

Staging your home to reflect the season is a great way to show buyers how easy it is to entertain and “live” in your home. Not everyone loves a ton of decorations so choose wisely. Less is always more?! This might not be the year for your giant balloon snow globe on the front lawn. There is definitely a way to convey a festive atmosphere that will not overwhelm potential buyers. It can be distracting and keep buyers from looking at the house behind all those lights. Consider setting the dining room table for a festive meal with a sparkly centerpiece and place cards and you will be good to go.

Keep the home bright for showings. Begin with outside lights that illuminate the walkways and outside doors. If a showing is late afternoon you will need them for safety. Timers are a great option for outside lights as well as inside lamps. Keep all the indoor lights on and have shades open for views. Make sure to let any sunshine in! Many homes with special views would be missed with curtains drawn. We have way to much dreary weather and gray skies during the winter, and a home that shows bright and cheerful has an advantage.

Buyers want to see a clean home even in winter. Don’t bring along the slushy outside mess into your home. Keeping the home looking clean and neat during these wet miserable months is important. Boots and coats all need to be kept neat and tidy. Buyers see your attention to detail and soon get the idea that your home is kept in tip top condition all year round.

As a seller it is important for you to make sure that your home stands out in the crowd. Take the time to make the special effort in the winter and you will be sure to find a buyer more quickly. Details matter and in winter we just need to look at what can make the difference.

If you are still wondering if selling your home during the winter and the snow is a good idea, think about this. I had an agent call this week to get her clients into a home during a snow storm. Yes, clients will look at a house during a snow storm! I think they are quite motivated too. We are waiting to hear if they will be putting in an offer.

5 Tips When Selling Your Home in Winter

published by: Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. Information here is a community service to the public. Please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home, Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY. You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+

Should  the seller be present?

It is simple. A seller still owns the house until the closing and has the right to remain in the home when the buyers show up for their home inspection. While that may be the law, my advice to sellers when they ask to stay is the same. It can only hurt you. If you are there, they will and do ask questions. Not knowing the perfect answer can ruin a deal, or cost you a ton of money. On the flip side, there is nothing good that can happen if you are there. There is no upside to your being home.

A buyer wants to find out more details about the home they are purchasing. They need to know the good, the bad and even the ugly about a purchase. This is their time to hire an inspector and see the house from the eyes of an inspector and critic. A good inspector goes over all these details and explains to a home owner what needs to be fixed now or cause major problems later. All the inner workings of the home are discussed so that the new owner will have a better understanding of what to expect in the future. It is the job of the inspector to report what he sees and not to have to turn to the owner for all the details.

When a homeowner stays around, the buyers are generally uncomfortable and feel that they can’t ask the questions they want of the inspector. Owners sometimes have the need to clarify any problems that come up and are of concern. Inspectors are feeling pressure to please both parties, but his responsibility is to the buyer and not the seller. This is not the time to be volunteering information. How the questions are answered could be a problem. If something is not right, a buyer may ask a homeowner right then if he will fix it. This is not the time for the negotiations.

Sellers should expect that a list of repairs is likely to be presented after an inspection. It is not a time to renegotiate the price, but a time to deal with major safety issues. At this time if the buyers have requests they usually provide a copy of the report to the sellers. This way there is documentation of what is wrong and any recommendations. The reports are now quite extensive and with photos. This helps to explain the problems so the owners can either repair reject or discuss alternative solutions to the specific issues at hand. Basically, if as a seller you are not home, you still are able to question a problem for a more clear understanding when you have discussed them with your agent. Agents for both parties are able to facilitate any further clarification and negotiations of repairs after the report is finished. Professionals have a better understanding of the process and can help their clients to an agreeable solution and move forward to getting contracts signed.

Home Inspection Tips for Sellers

published by: Janis Borgueta Key Properties of the Hudson Valley  in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. Information here is a community service to the public.  Please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home,  Search the MLS – Hudson Valley Homes for Sale You can contact Janis at (845)-527-7115 or find her on Google+

Why Using a REALTOR When Selling Your Home Matters

Like most people I want to get the best value when I hire someone to provide a service. Now that the Internet is available I am able to Google just about anything to ask questions when looking make a purchase. I like to do my research in order to make informed decisions. Buying and selling real estate are probably the most important decisions that most of us make over the years. Knowing what to do without the proper guidance can be pretty scary. Why begin the process without a Real Estate Agent to guide you?

I think using a real estate agent is super important. That is my job and of course I would say that, but I know from experience that  most people that try to sell themselves don’t end up doing so. Over 90% end up getting a Realtor.  What I do know is that when working with a good professional real estate agent the process becomes much easier and statistics show a much better outcome.

There are so many details when selling a home that are difficult. The financial aspect of the process can be hard to understand and banks are a challenge to deal with. Knowing how to work within the system and get you to the finish line can make or break a deal. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you will want a Realtor on your team. Why would you want to go it alone if your buyers have a Realtor? You become unrepresented. How scary is that?

Look to interview the agent to sell your home and ask these important questions:

• Where do you advertise, and do you have your OWN website?
• How long have you been in the business? References Please!
• Can I see how you present a home online?
• What hours do you answer your phone?
• Who helps when you are not available?

Skills, experience and expertise are necessary to guide you through the process. From the first showing to the closing table there can be bumps in the road that are not the “norm”. Every deal is different and with new guidelines for banks, title and the documents necessary to purchase a home. Having professional representation is important. Best of all, did you know that when selling your home the statistics show that you end up with more cash and sell in a shorter period of time?

Let’s talk now. Call me so we can get started today. 845-527-7115

 Other Resources with Info on Selling Your Home:

Should I Use a Real Estate Agent in Newburgh NY

Posted by: Janis Borgueta, a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and Living in the Hudson Valley, please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home, Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY. We have homes for sale in Newburgh NY.

A Great Time to Sell Your Home

Are you thinking of Selling Your Newburgh NY Home during the holidays? Don’t hesitate, it may be a better idea than you thought! Many clients ask the question about when is the best time to sell their home. My answer really depends on individual circumstances. I believe that if you are looking to sell your home you must have a reason for doing so. Choosing  when to sell by a specific season is not the answer.

You may be under the impression that selling during the holiday season and the winter is not the best time?  Think again…..

1. Buyers are more likely to be serious around the holidays. IF they are shopping now during a busy time of year… they need to buy a home. The result?  Motivated buyers that will tour your home. Less “lookers” and more buyers can make it easier for you to schedule showings.
2. Your home needs to be in tip top shape for showings. Now that the holidays are here, you have already made the transformation to reflect the holiday spirit. As long as you don’t overdo it, the decorations can be a great way to say “home” to new buyers.
3. Inventory drops during the holidays. Yes… many people just don’t want the interruptions that can happen during the holidays.  Lucky YOU…. less homes for sale that a motivated buyer has to tour. Less choices for the buyer means that you have a better chance of having your home viewed and get an offer.

Listing your home now will allow me to showcase your home on the Internet during the holidays. Many people are home and will spend time on the computer viewing which homes they want to see.  Buyers thinking of putting things off until after the holidays can see your home and make the decision early. Maybe you thought that waiting until after the holidays would be an easier time.. but as the old saying goes.. “There is no time like the present”.  Why not let your home BE their holiday “present”. Your present? The sign that says SOLD.

List your home now and be ready to begin the New Year ahead of your competition

Call or Email Me Now for an appointment now.

Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and Living in the Hudson Valley, please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home, Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY. We have homes for sale in Newburgh NY.

 Selling Your Newburgh NY Home During the Holidays?

New Homes Newburgh NY – Stainless Steel Appliances Are So Last Year!

Or Maybe Not….

Watch any of the HGTV shows lately? If you have you may be hearing about what is “current” when choosing appliances. Have you redone your kitchen lately? Maybe you know what I’m talking about. The new trend is color for appliances and stainless steel is not always at the top anymore? Are you seeing this trend? Maybe you are looking for something a bit different.  White Ice is being featured by Whirlpool. An upscale European trend is showing bright colors, for a new and exciting look. Think twice before jumping to the most trendy colors and styles though. Impulsive buying can be costly and hard when it comes time to resell your home. Some things that are too trendy get old quickly. See what is new and trendy with our smart appliances. Nothing stays the same and appliances are no different. Super cool things are now happening with function. Don’t get caught up in crazy prices. Check out reviews. Make sure style and function are well worth the price.

Stainless steel still ranks as the number one choice with New Construction Homes in Newburgh NY.  Buyers for these homes are not quite so adventurous I guess…. I’m glad as I can’t imagine a purple fridge!  I’m sure I’ll see some new more adventurous clients pick out different styles and colors. What do you think?  Is Stainless Steel still on your “wish list” when buying a new home?

Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and Living in the Hudson Valley, please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to buy a new home, Search the MLS for New Homes in Newburgh NY