Emotional Buying

Buyers often hear the advice to check their emotions at the door, to analyze each home without a bias. But the reality is most buyers want to fall in love with a home. So how do you walk that fine emotional buyer's line, allowing your emotions to come through but not rule? Start by creating a list that identifies three factors: 1) Must-have features; 2) Love-to-have features; 3) Nice-but-not-critical features. Write this list down and review it with your agent who can identify homes that meet your needs and your budget. Next, identify your financial comfort zone by finding out how much money you can afford to spend. Finally, take advantage of the balanced perspective and trained expertise of a real estate professional. An agent can help you keep emotions in check and show you homes that will meet your family's needs.

10 tips to improve your selling karma

1) Videotape your house-- then step back and watch it as a prospective buyer. Is it cluttered? Does the yard need work?

2) Look at neighboring houses and what prices they are asking-- Are you to high?

3) Be out of the house when buyers are showing up -- don't crowd their space, this let's them feel relaxed and able to talk comfortably.

4) Always get the honest feedback from your agent after a showing. And then follow it!

5) Have open houses on week nights-- doesn't hurt to be original.

6) Check your company poster board-- Even if your agent is advertising, it helps to have added exposure.

7) Neutralize your colors-- everybody has their own tastes, but it is easier to see on an empty canvas.

8) Know what your lowest price will be-- don't be unrealistically high.

9) Offer buyer's agents bonuses -- it helps create showings. Agents are more motivated to show your house if they are going to make a little more.

10) Relist your house-- if it has been sitting to long. This will help it to look fresh!