FENG SHUI #1

Q: What if clutter is a problem with a listing? I'm talking piles in the house!
A: Do not waste time, energy or hard earned dollars on a listing like this if your client isn't willing to store their stuff. Space clearing it the FIRST step in the process of creating good feng shui.

Q: Can Feng Shei hurdle this difficult market place?
A: It can command top dollar in any market...but it can not hurdle an over priced lisitng.

Q: Are the design on a pointed roof poison arrows?
A: Actually it will protect you if on the top of the roof. It's the neighbors energy that will be of concern. The placement of a windchime, flag or wind sock will mitigate some of the neighbors energy.

Q: I slept well facing the SE, but my head is in direct alignment with a long hallway through my bedroom door. If the door to the hallway is closed, would the long hallway still impact my health?
A: Yes. Chi moves through anything, even mountains. A long hallway creates a fast moving pathway of energy, know as a poison arrow. Play it safe by selecting one of the three other directions.

New Rules for Critical Pricing

As inventory of homes nears 10-year high, pricing becomes trickier, relocating is trickier. As housing markets cool, new tactics are recommended:
Price homes in the bottom 25% of comparable properties.
First time buyers should not over stretch finances, expecting rising prices.
Relocaters should look for a home that will be easy to resell if transferring again soon.

The number of houses for sale is up 30% compared to last year according to the National Association of Realtors. The group predicted home sales would drop close to 6% in 2006 compared to a 4.4% gain in 2005. High mortgage rate have also made houses less affordable, with variable rates moving up the fastest!

Sellers need to make sure their house comes across as a good value compared to other homes on the market. Pricing is absolutely critical now. Ceiling height, quality of renovations, and first impression with curb appeal and front entrance are vital considerations today. Some sellers are even turning to stagers to give their property a better personality! Today, computers are used to screen listings based on price, size and other parameters. Price needs to drop about 4% if the listing does not generate several showings within about 3 weeks.

Buyers have the opportunity to be more thoughtful about their purchases and can negotiate for a lower price, a more flexible move in date, or incentives such a seller paid closing costs.

My advice: If you have any way not to sell right now, don't!

Cape Cod Tax Rates per Town

Barnstable: $6.31/$1,000 of assessed value
Chatham: $3/73 Dennis: $4.26
Bourne: $6.50 Eastham: $4.69
Brewster: $5.58 Falmouth: $5.43
Harwich: $5.89 Mashpee: $6.34
Orleans: $4.16 Provincetown: $5.56
Sandwich: $9.36 Truro: $4.40
Welfleet: $ 4.59 Yarmouth: $5.93

Negotiating in the New Millennium

It's time to enter the new millennium of negotiation by providing my clients with a few concepts that save time and energy and ultimately remain lifelong "partners."
As a buyer's agent representing my buyers best interest, it's rarely about the drapes or the refridgerator without knowing the reason of their importance.
Negotiation is a process, not an event. Mutual expectations and responsibilities regarding the process should be met.
Price is a strategy, not a goal. Remember that the list price is a recommended stategy to reach a goal of selling a home. Whereas an offer includes a stategy of reaching the goal of buying the property.
Worth and Value are not the same. Worth is subjective. Confidence in a properties value enhances the negotiation process.
The Client has the responsibility to create options. While it is my job to analyze options to allow clients to make educated, informed decisions.
Questioning is actually far more complex then we realize. It is important to understand the motivation of that question. Only begin your questions with "why" if your intent is to get a defensive answer. The perception of objecting locks each party into their position.
Use inclusion language such as "and" rather than "but" to bring parties together more quickly with far less frustration.
Negotiation is rocket science! Never underestimate the power of an effective negotiator.

Senior don't have a second chance...

When selling their property, Seniors don't have a second chance to make their equity.
As a Seller's Agent, I will represent your best interest with my Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (SRES).
I can assist with marketing your home by pricing it to sell in today's market;
Staging your home to be ready to show; (Over the years alot of "stuff" will need to be removed before shown!)
Provide sources for the latest information on Capital Gains Tax and 1031 Tax exchange;
and discuss Reverse Mortgages.
Seniors deserve to remain living with dignity and should understand they have options.

Using a Realtor who represents You, the Buyer

Massachusetts buyers now have the option of being represented by their own agent, a buyer's agent. That's my job. I study Cape Cod's Real Estate market every day. Like a personal shopper, I watch for houses that suit your style and budget. When you are ready to make an offer, my knowledge and experience become your winning edge. Why go it alone? Why should the seller have all the advantages? The sale price includes the fees for your buyer agent and the seller's agent, so there is no out-of-pocket extra charge to have someone on your side.