Are you aware that over two million people in the United States have real estate licenses? With that many practitioners, the seed quickly separates from the chaff, with a small percentage rising to the top in quality service to buyers and sellers.

As you consider the mountains of documentation, financing, negotiating, marketing, inspections and the like, where would you begin to locate the agent best suited to your needs? It makes sense to start at home, with those individuals who participate in neighborhood organizations, local government, charities, etc.

It makes sense to work with someone who is active within and knowledgeable about the local community. More information for your choice of representative can be found through open houses, advertising, and referrals and recommendations from other agents, neighbors, and local business leaders.

Once you’ve interviewed and selected a REALTOR®, make sure your relationship is clearly defined and documented. Some agents represent sellers, while others exclusively represent buyers. Make sure your REALTOR® explains how he or she works with all parties to the transaction, and provides a complete “agency disclosure” to document your relationship.

Then your agent will begin discussion of local market conditions and how they come to bear upon your listing or your purchase. A carefully selected REALTOR® from your community will provide all the information you need to move forward with confidence.

Call me at locally at 363-5464 if you need information to assist you with your real estate decisions. For Long Distance, call me at 1-800-724-7149 or e-mail me, if you prefer, at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com. We will be happy to share our knowledge with you at no cost or obligation.

Have you ever noticed clothing sales that advertise “seconds” at greatly reduced prices? The “second” quality merchandise may exhibit flaws like uneven seams and pulled stitches, and capitalizes on the slightly lower quality in exchange for a lower price.

Much like those “mark downs,” a home being offered for sale with obvious flaws also invites a lower price. Homebuyers, like other savvy shoppers, quickly become aware of needed repairs, and then begin scrutinizing the home for other defects.

If you plan to sell your home and expect to receive close to full price, be certain that all needed repairs are completed before the “For Sale” sign appears out front. If you don’t, expect to receive about $2 less for each $1 in needed repairs.

Protect your investment by asking a REALTOR® for advice. They will walk through your home as a buyer would, making notes of all apparent defects that attract attention. This could range from a cracked windowpane to carpet in need of replacement. No matter what the flaw may be, if it attracts attention, it also becomes a point on which the buyer may negotiate a lower sale price.

Your REALTOR® can guide you further by providing marketing tips to make your home more attractive to buyers. Remember that by offering a “first quality” home, you may expect to receive the best price.

Call me at locally at 363-5464 if you need information to assist you with your real estate decisions. For Long Distance, call me at 1-800-724-7149 or e-mail me, if you prefer, at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com. We will be happy to share our knowledge with you at no cost or obligation.

As a seller in the current real estate climate (or any market, for that matter), you know that your home’s features must stand out against those of the competition. First you need to understand what buyers are looking for, and then you must decide how much money and elbow grease to invest to make those wishes come true.

History shows that the kitchen is the best place to make your impression, and it can be done for less than a king’s ransom. Do you have old linoleum, vinyl or chipped tiles on your kitchen floor? You can install laminate that looks like new tile, stone or wood for just $1 to $5 per square foot!

You can show off your flooring with updated light fixtures. Under-cabinet lighting is easily installed, and a gorgeous overhead light will brighten things up for less than $100.

A coat of fresh paint and some new hardware are very reasonable ways to go if you want your old cabinets to impress new homeowners, and chipped appliances can be re-enameled to their original luster. It may cost just a few hundred dollars, but you’d be well advised to hire a professional for this kind of refinishing.

For more budget-wise suggestions, ask REALTOR® to do a “walk through” of your home before the first potential buyers come through that front door!

We always try to get a two-dollar return for each dollar our client may spend on improvements.

Call me at locally at 363-5464 if you need information to assist you with your real estate decisions. For Long Distance, call me at 1-800-724-7149 or e-mail me, if you prefer, at donkingsley@kingsleyrealestate.com. We will be happy to share our knowledge with you at no cost or obligation.