Do you really want to sell your house?

For those who believe everything they hear in the media and think that the housing market is at a complete stand still, I have some news. There are many homes that are selling, and selling quickly. They simply fit into one of two categories.

They are:

Well-presented, or Very well-priced.

Or, preferably - both.

Some of my buyer clients have recently run into extremely competitive sit­uations resulting in multiple offer scenarios. I have found myself resorting back to techniques that were used during the boom periods to have their offers brought to the top of the pile. These include writing letters defining their current and past employment situations, and descriptions of exactly - what nice families they are.

What is causing this type of competition in a down market?

These are basically sellers who have smart Realtors® and they are taking their advice. Before the home is put in the market, the agent goes through the property and points out areas that need improvement. As a result:

-- Interiors are getting a fresh coat of paint. -- The home is immaculately cleaned. -- Any deferred maintenance is immediately taken care of. -- Repairs are being made. -- Out-of-date décor such as flowered wall paper is being removed. -- New kitchen counters are being installed. -- The exterior is repainted, in necessary. -- But most importantly, the home is priced correctly.

Perfect homes, of course are not the only houses that are selling. Foreclosures, estate sales and properties that need freshening but do not have the resources to do so are also sometimes generating multiple offers. The key is - they must be priced to sell.

The message here is that, even in this difficult market, there are houses that are coming on and selling on the first day they are listed. The secret - and this should not be much of a secret - is: Listen to your Realtor®!

Copyright 2011 "What Types of Homes are Selling Right Now? Perfect Ones!" Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

JUST LISTED! - Awesome Midtown Ranch

Awesome, brick ranch in desirable Midtown Savannah. Situated on a quiet street with no thru traffic, this house resonates a peaceful ambiance. The airy, screen porch entrance leads to a spacious, open foyer just off the large, light-filled living room and separate dining room. The cozy family room offers a a wood burning fireplace flanked by floor to ceiling built-ins. The eat-in kitchen is crisp and well-planned. Each of the three (3) bedrooms is big and bright with plenty of closet space. The tremendous back yard and an attached studio with separate entrance, wrap this package up nicely. This solid, serene house awaits for you to add your discerning touches. For more information please visit DonCallahan.com

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Leafy shade covered streets and Craftsman style homes are a hallmark of this midtown neighborhood. Located immediately adjacent to Daffin Park, Savannah's largest, though less famous green space, Parkside is a quaint close-knit community offering an affordable alternative to Ardsley Park, its cousin to the west. Bungalows are the signature architectural style in this neighborhood, though there is a sprinkling of larger homes, multi-family buildings and even a few modernist gems. The Waters Avenue corridor provides access to local businesses and boutiques as well as a quick route to the Southside or Downtown Savannah.