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Insider strategies for a successful luxury home sale

Yes, it is a seller’s market, but having a successful, uncomplicated sale is not effortless. It takes planning and work and the more consideration we put into the sale of your home, the more money you will make and the happier you and your buyers will be. So, I’m inviting you behind the curtain, backstage for some pointers on what you can do to insure the successful, uncomplicated sale of your Atlanta Luxury Home.

Know your buyer.

Today’s buyers, more than ever, prefer move-in ready homes. If you have been putting off basic updates, like carpets, paint, or floors, get those done before putting your home on the market. Your home will sell faster and for more money if it’s been updated with a neutral color palette.

Timing is everything.

Timing also has to do with knowing your buyer. Is your home ideally suited for a family? If so, you may want to time your listing so that buyers with kids can close and move during the spring/summer when school’s out. However, if you are selling an in-town penthouse in a high-rise building, you may want to time your sale near the end of the year when lots of corporate transfers happen. Discuss the best timing with your agent.

Marketing out of the box.

Even in a seller’s market, you’ve got to market your home like a pro. Make sure your agent presents you with a thorough marketing plan that includes professional photography and videography as well as staging. The marketing plan should also include strategies such as social media and an open house for agents. If you want to fetch top dollar for your home, it’s got to look like a top dollar home. Buyers can spot value and they will willingly pay if they feel they are getting their money’s worth.

Have a plan.

Murphy’s Law is alive and well in real estate so I like to discuss expectations with my clients and have lots of contingency plans and strategies. For example, we’ll choose a starting price for the home, but if market factors change and comparables and competing properties pop up, we need to have a plan for how we will adjust for success.

Assess the strength of the buyer.

And, finally, if you want an uncomplicated transaction, assess the strength of the buyer before entering into a sales contract with them. I like to look for factors such as a short due diligence period. Now in Georgia, eager buyers can even offer option money, which is basically a good will gesture to sellers. At the end of the day, we like to see a clean offer from a buyer in a strong financial position that’s not asking for lots of contingencies.

If you look forward to a streamlined, successful sale of your home, these pointers will help you get there. And, equally as important as the above tips is choosing the right team members to work with that you can trust. As a third generation Atlantan and practicing real estate attorney I would be happy to guide you through the sale of your home and together we can make it as successful and uncomplicated as possible. Please reach out if I can be of any help to you.

~Jess

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Insider Secret: List in January!

Are you planning to list your home in the new year? If so, I’ve got some insider secrets to share with you to help you beat out the competition, get more money for your home and sell it within your desired timeline. It all goes back to the old adage, “the early bird gets the worm.” And in this case, the early birds are shopping for worms – homes – beginning in January. According to the latest research published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 88 percent of home buyers begin looking for their next home using the Internet – not really a surprise, right?! However, what is surprising is that buyers start researching homes 12 weeks before they commit to a home, making January the prime time they begin shopping in order to close and move during the peak spring and summer market. The trend bears out with our own website! Beacham & Company sees the greatest jump up in website traffic in January! 

Interesting, you say? Year after year we see this trend play out and in the luxury market, taking advantage of the trend is even more important. Luxury homes, on average, spend more days on the market than average priced homes and the buyer pool is generally smaller. So, if you are planning to list your home in 2018, I strongly suggest we get to work making that happen come January.

What are Next Steps?

  1. Make an appointment with a Realtor® – Your first step, once you decide you’d like to explore listing your home in 2018 is to call a Realtor® to discuss your options and talk about your plans. Of course, I’d love the opportunity to put my experience to work for you. As a 3rd generation Atlantan, Real Estate Attorney and Realtor®, I have a unique skill set to better help you find your ideal home and give you that extra edge at the negotiating table.
  2. Prepare to stage your home – Once we’re ready to move forward, we’ll tour your home with an eye for staging it for sale. Whether we decide to hire a professional staging consultant or do it ourselves, we will identify any fixes, improvements or most often, decluttering and shifting around that will accentuate the beauty and functionality of your home.
  3. Prepare to have your home photographed – Compelling photography was identified in NAR’s study (mentioned above) as more important to buyers when browsing your listing than detailed information about your property – including price! We’ve heard about the importance of high quality photography time-and-time again which is why we have phenomenal photographers on staff and take the time to help you prepare to have your home photographed. 

So, if you plan on listing your home in 2018, my insider advice is to consider listing in January to beat the competition and give yourself the best chance to sell within your timeline and for top dollar. We have seen it happen year-after-year that sellers listing in January get a headstart on all those who wait until spring to list. Please, reach out, I’d be happy to answer any questions and discuss your options for listing in the new year.

~Jess

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You’ve Never Seen 1930’s Renovation Like This

Recently I had the pleasure of listing an amazing and rare home on Peachtree Battle built in 1930 and completely renovated in a fusion of classic and contemporary style that amazed me when I had the chance to tour the home for the first time. This home has the perfect blend of historical charm and elegance mixed with modern day conveniences, luxuries, an open floor plan, as well as a unique contemporary style.

Want to check it out yourself?

View: Video & View: Photos

Now, come along with me as I share my favorite features of this spectacular, classic Atlanta home:

Location, Location, Location!

The location of this home is perfect for a young, busy family. It’s within easy walking or biking distance of Peachtree Battle shopping center as well as E. Rivers Elementary School. It’s also convenient to Buckhead, Midtown, and the interstates for those that commute. It’s also part of Haynes Manor neighborhood, an area known for its unique architecture and home styles. Part of the desirable Buckhead neighborhood, it’s also convenient to many beloved Atlanta attractions.

Spectacular backyard

This home is on a corner lot with a generous, well-landscaped backyard, under a canopy of mature trees with lush green grass. The outdoor living room is made for outdoor gathering under the covered patio with plenty of room for lounging and lots of overstuffed patio furniture. There’s also an outdoor fireplace! The home does not have an outdoor pool but there is plenty of room for the next resident to install one.

Unique mix of classic charm and contemporary design

What I love about the design of this renovation is that it maintained the beauty inherent in a 1930s home – like its archways and molding – but upscaled it to a 2017 design. The home includes all of today’s desired conveniences like en-suite bathrooms in each bedroom, dual sinks in the master bathroom, an open floor plan on the main floor, a generously-sized kitchen for gathering and entertaining, and top of the line appliances throughout. The styling throughout is distinctive and unlike any you’ll see anywhere yet it blends beautifully with a 1930s home.

Whether you’re in the market for a home like this one or just looking for some great design or renovation inspiration, this place has got it all! Also, I’m happy to help you list your home or find more luxury home like this one in Atlanta. Give me ring!

~Jess