Real Estate Auction – A Viable Alternative?

Submitted By: Stewart Larsen - Boerne Office

In a recent observation by Ina Steiner on AuctionBytes.com, October 22, 2007, we note that Ina sees… Real Estate Auctions Contribute to Live Auction Growth.

According to Ina Steiner, and in a recent survey, forty-seven percent of auctioneers that responded, reported an increase in gross sales receipts in the first three quarters of 2007. Additionally, Ina states, residential real estate auctions continue to be one of the fastest growing segments of the live auction industry with an estimated growth of 3.1% since the end of the second quarter. During this same period, commercial and industrial real estate auction has grown 2.9%.

Locally, we see real estate auctions on the rise as well. As noted by David Hendricks in Business Section D of the San Antonio Express-News, October 20, 2007, recently an auction of the McAllister house was conducted. Although bids submitted did not result in a sale, we recognize this as a viable alternative to conventional sales practices and are realizing our need, as REALTORS® to expand our marketing efforts in this arena. Having already experimented with this method of exposure and potential avenue for a sale, my own comfort level with real estate auctioning is growing at a very positive rate. For more information, visit me in our Boerne office or go to www.bradfieldproperties.com/stewartlarsen .

Seven Ways Sellers Can Ensure a Good First Impression

Submitted by: Rebecca Lowther-Marketing Department

There are many things sellers have to remember when selling a home. Keeping everything looking clean and tidy can be daunting and its easy to let the little things slide. Here are 7 things that could go unnoticed in all the flurry activity.

7 Things To Remember When Selling a Home:
1. Clean window treatments and windows: Wash the drapes or at least shake them out and dust any shutters or blinds. Dirty window treatments can make a home smell musty and can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers. Run over the windows with glass cleaner to make them gleam and let in the light. And don’t forget the window sills!
2. Dust ceiling fans: Ceiling fans accumulate dust fast and can make an otherwise tidy room look dirty. Run a damp paper towel over the blades to remove any dust that’s collected there.
3. Clean the baseboards: Use a a damp cloth to get rid of dust and marks from shoes. Touch up chipped paint.
4. Check for cobwebs: Carefully inspect ceilings, especially high ones, and eradicate any cobwebs.
5. Use candles and air fresheners to make your home smell inviting: We all grow accustomed to the smells in our house, whether its our beloved family pet, the fish we had for dinner or just the smells that accompany an older home. Although these odors might be faint, they can be quite noticeable to someone whose never been in your home. A fresh smelling candle or a few puffs of odor eliminating air freshener will keep your home smelling as good as it looks. But remember, overdoing it with air freshener and candles can scare people away just as quickly as bad smells, so use sparingly.
6. Pay attention to the front door: It must be clean and inviting. Use a household cleaner to get rid of any scuffs, smudges and fingerprints. Also, make sure the step and doormat are clean and tidy. Sweep away any leaves or bugs that may have been blown there.
7. Curb appeal: Mow, edge and weed the yard. Plant flowers for a splash of color. If you make your home inviting from the driveway, people will know you take care of it before they even walk in the door.

These little things may seem nit-picky, but they could make or break a first impression. Let people see your beautiful home, not the dust!