Tag: showing a home

COVID-19 and Lake Real Estate: Difficult Times Require Dependable Partners

Posted on Mark Griggs

Protecting Everyone

The proliferation of COVID-19 will most assuredly bring significant and permanent changes to businesses across the spectrum in the United States and worldwide. The real estate industry will also certainly change to meet the needs of customers everywhere. Even with restrictions on travel and free movement within communities, real estate transactions are still taking place. Both buyers and sellers are completing negotiations and closings in what is shaping up to be a busy spring period.

Here at Lake Homes Realty,  we’ve taken steps to protect agents and customers as we negotiate the new environment in which we find ourselves. Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, says that “Safety is the number one challenge in conducting our business presently. We are doing everything in our power to support our clients safely and protect our agents.”

Safe Showings

Many buyers of lake real estate live in areas far removed from the lake markets in which they are searching for a home. LakeHomes.com, our highly trafficked website, is the perfect platform to allow potential buyers in markets across the country to shop for lake realty virtually anywhere in the company’s 29-state footprint.

Since there is often distance involved, our agents are offering virtual walkthrough services by using programs such as Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom. Agents are spending significant time with clients to ensure all questions are answered and needs are met through the medium of mobile-based live video.

When physical showings are necessary, we’ve established a set of common-sense rules for conducting those showings. Agents will arrive early armed with disinfecting wipes or sprays, cleaning all doorknobs and light switches, then leaving the lights on and doors open to minimize touching while touring the homes.

Agents will ask that potential buyers minimize touching or sitting on the furniture. They will also request that the agent be alerted to any areas that need to be shown, which may not be easily accessible.

Seller Service Through Technology

Lake Homes Realty is a hybrid company, existing both digitally through LakeHomes.com and as a traditional brokerage with agents located in markets nationwide. Because of our unique position, we have resources for lake real estate that other brokerages do not.

We produce the Lake Homes Realty Lake Real Estate Market Report quarterly, but since these unprecedented circumstances began, we’re now updating the report data daily. These accelerated data reports provide our agents with the most up to date comparables with which establish dependable market pricing for sellers. No other brokerage has this tool.

As always, valuation services are free to sellers listing a home or property. Best of all, these services can take place virtually through a web conference or telephone meeting to minimize or eliminate face to face appointments.

Listing Power

With over 4 million highly qualified buyers visiting LakeHomes.com annually, expressly to shop for lake properties, there is no more powerful or safe partner for selling your lake real estate. We’ll develop those leads and virtually introduce your property to our qualified buyers. This incredible level of service supports sellers even in this challenging business climate.

Stay Informed

The COVID-19 virus is continuously pushing us all to be knowledgeable about the pandemic. Staying informed and being able to move nimbly under these market conditions is the key to success. Lake Homes Realty is the partner who wants to protect you and your interests in this difficult time. 

 

7 Must Haves for an Open House

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having an open house is your chance to make your home shine and sell it right away. There are a few aspects of an open house that should not be over looked. It will help you sell the home fast. Selling it fast means more money. The longer the house stays on the market, the longer you are paying the mortgage.

1. Informational Packets

It is important to have informational packets available. Potential homebuyers will want information and some do not wish to hold a thirty minute conversation to get their answers. It will also help you with the sale. Having the information on hand will keep it fresh in their minds.

2. Business Cards

Business cards are extremely important. If they do not make their decision during the open house, they may talk about the decision later and decide they would like to make an offer. They will need to have your contact information to place their bid.

3. Refreshments

RefreshmentsRefreshments may be seen as a more of an old tradition when performing an open house. However, it offers a sense of comfort. They will be grateful for the snacks and it will also add to the nice aromas that help sell a home.

4. Stage the Dock

If the home is a waterfront property and there is a dock, make sure you don’t forget to stage it. Have the boat in the water, patio furniture on the dock, and any other items that promote the lake lifestyle. People want to buy on the lake for the experience and memories, highlight these things!

5. Air Freshener

It is a great idea to bring air freshener to the home. Arrive early to spray the home. You are to arrive early so that you can spray the home and allow it to dissipate some. This is so the air freshener does not seem overwhelming when they arrive.

6. Positive Attitude

This may seem like a no brainer, but the person holding the open house should have a smile on their face and offer greetings as potential buyers arrive. It is important to be friendly and warm during the open house.

7. Details

Potential buyers may need to have some questions answered. They may not have received the information they needed before coming to the open house. The information can include information regarding the area, pricing, what the seller is willing to do, and other information.

Ensure that you follow the list. Be inventive with your open house. Selling a home is never easy, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Letting a house sit on the market will cost you money in the long run.