Sellers: Turn a "Looker" into a "Buyer"

The best incentive you (as a seller) can offer buyers is a fairly-priced home in great condition. However, there are more creative incentives that may make your listing stick out. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in the home you are selling. If you are selling a home or condo on the water, consider including a kayak, jet ski, or fishing equipment in the home's asking price. If your home in on or near a golf course, include a golf cart. These "bonuses" will help stimulate excitement among buyers.

If you are selling a home as a vacation home, consider leaving it furnished or providing a gift card for furniture. A buyer may not have enough furniture to fill a second home. Stocking your home with fresh linens, towels, and kitchenware is also a plus.

If your buyers are concerned about affordability, you can coax them into buying your home in a number of ways. Offer to pay some of their closing costs. If your home requires you to pay HOA fees, offer to pay the first year's worth of HOA fees for your buyer(s). The same goes for homes that are near community country clubs. You can offer to pay initial membership fees, and also monthly fees as you see fit. This will help buyers picture themselves living in your home, because it links them to their new community from the start. You can also offer to pay a year of property taxes and/or mortgage payments. Some sellers allocate money for buyers to use on repairs and rennovation, which helps when buyers are concerned about the condition of the home. 

It comes down to understanding your buyers--what are they looking for most? Some sellers leave behind appliances, televisions, and even cars!  No matter what you end up including in your final offer, be sure to communicate with your real estate agent about prospective buyer feedback, which can help you strategically list and market your home.

Need an agent? Contact me! I work with both buyers and sellers in Central Ohio. Read what my previous clients have to say, here.

Putting the 'Beach' in Beach Home.

While the Midwest isn’t exactly on the ocean, it does sport a number of lakes that are home to costal-inspired getaways. HGTV magazine lists a number of decorating tips that can help you create your tropical retreat regardless of your distance to the beach.

Let as much light in as possible. Linen curtains are heavy enough to block the sun when needed, but their loose weaves allow light to filter in. Linen can also be used for your bed’s headboard.

Use soothing colors (nothing too dark) on walls and for furniture. White furniture, countertops, cabinets, and bedding/couch cushions are easily complimented by soft shades of blue, green and brown to achieve a serene look. Using coastal patterns (fish, sailboats, anchors, etc.) is a great idea for throw pillows. Blue and green tile and backsplash should be paired with white bathrooms and kitchens. Wide plantation shutters (also in white) compliment this color scheme. As for the home’s exterior, grey stone siding (with white trim and a light blue door) is classically coastal.

Rattan chairs provide a naturally woven look. Using thick rope can also achieve this image, and is quite versatile. A ball of thick rope can be used as a door stop, the base of a lamp, or the border of a picture frame or mirror. Big woven baskets can be used to hold pillows and blankets, or could be used as a laundry basket.

Distressed finishes (think whitewashed mirror frames, consoles and tables) mimic driftwood. These antique finishes make furniture look slightly weathered. A burnt oak stain can also be used to achieve an aged, washed ashore look.

Decorate with art. Take advantage of shells and coral—a capiz chandelier makes a wonderfully beachy fixture. Sea glass makes for nice knobs, drinking glasses, and decorative bottles. Coastal art (beach and seaside scenes) is a quick way to turn a house into a beach house. You can also use furniture as art—consider putting a sailboat bed in a child’s room, with a lamp that looks like a lighthouse and nautical flags hanging on the walls. Striped rugs are nautical additions to any room. 

A Great Escape: Lakefront Vacation Condos for Sale!

It’s hardly a secret that summer is Ohio’s most anticipated season. What makes it even better? Being able to spend day or weekend at a lake! Indian Lake is a great community on the water. People can buy waterfront condos that each come with a boat dock. Indian Lake also hosts a variety of events. Some upcoming events include Kid’s Fishing Derby, Turkeyfoot Hospice Parade and Auction, Movie on the Beach, Lakeview Car and Craft Show, Indian Lake’s Got Talent, and Beach Spectacular and Fireworks. Click here for a complete list of activities, including the place and time of each event. Indian Lake's website also details information about restaurants, boating, camping, and the community.

Still not convinced? Come to one of my open houses this Sunday from 12 to 2. I will be showing three different units, which vary in size and price. They are all in Russells Point, Ohio (in Logan County, situated on Indian Lake). Come see for yourself how sweet it would be to own a vacation condo!

To view my Indian Lake listings, click on the following links:

  241 Chase Ave, first floor Listed at $219,900. Bed/Bath: 3/2.5 

241 Chase Ave, second floor Listed at $130,000. Bed/Bath: 2/2

129 Chase Ave Listed at $109,500. Bed/Bath: 2/2

If you're interested in or have questions about the properties, contact me!