By Steve Levine, President of Steve Levine Inc., and an agent for REMAX Prestige
As we bid farewell to the market of 2013, it's most certainly been one of the most up and down years I'se seen in my 28 years in the industry. We came off a tough recession, but started 2013 with a bang, as many homes flew off the market. It was a spring and summer of multiple full-price bids on many of the most desirable properties. As the fall approached, it became a bit quieter, but some sellers are seeing great results, as long as they have taken the time to properly prepare their properties.
Usually, in November, a few things start to happen.? First, I begin to hear from multiple clients ready to talk about re-entering the marketplace after being previously for sale with other agents during the year.? Nothing makes me happier than being able to take on those clients, and see many sell with multiple offers within the first week.? When that happens, we know that we'se on the right track in terms of our marketing approach. We'se still seeing inventory shortages in many towns and ranges, so if you were on the market in the past, or even if you weren's, now is the time we should be talking, not later.? Everyone talks about the spring, but really once the crocuses are blooming, you often find yourself the last one to the party.? While it is absolutely true that there may be twice as many buyers in the spring, there are usually four times more listings, so the winter market can actually favor sellers.
Working with people re-entering the market is actually one of my favorite things.? It's sometimes a bit challenging, because these homeowners usually feel as though their last agent let them down – and so naturally they are scared to trust anyone again. In the end we need to look at each and every one of these as an individual situation and come up with the most decisive marketing strategy to get the job done. That requires an open dialogue, and of course an open mind.? I had listings that didn's sell this year too, as everyone does, but in each of those cases, it wasn's because I didn's know how to sell a home. Rather, it was because the sellers hired me as “an expert,” but then really didn's want to hear what I had to say. Not much I can do about that, I suppose.
Challenges abound, but after 28 years in the business, I'se been through it all, and know very well just how to deliver maximum results. Just the other day a homeowner and I were chatting about that, and talking about how when the market is hot, everyone is a hero, but it's at times like this that the true professionals show their colors.
As I do each winter, I'se opened up the Homeowners Blend program again this week, in the hope that we can get 10 or 12 new listings on that program starting in December and January.? That's always been a huge hit with the local homeowners, in that it provides real estate fees as low as 2.5 percent, which is a huge difference when your equity position is low to begin with.? We already have four people signed up, but still have room for about six more – so if you'se looking for a solution that will put a bit more money in your pocket, just give me a buzz and I'sl save you a place in the program.
??? Steve Levine is President of Steve Levine Inc., and an agent for REMAX Professionals.? He has been ranked as the top REMAX Agent in the 6 state New England region 11 times, and can be reached online at www.stevelevine.com or by phone at 508 735-4663.
