Colorado Springs Homes Blog

You did your homework, you've signed the listing agreement, and the showings - hopefully - are going to start tomorrow (or as soon as you're ready). 

In our local market, there are more available homes than buyers right now.  It's hard to get showings on homes, so when you do, it's important to make the most of each opportunity.

• Follow through on what you and your agent decided was necessary - the fixing, the painting, the de-personalization and the de-cluttering.   The competition is fierce, so you need your home's best features to shine through.   Don't overlook your command center/art gallery (the refrigerator).   
• Treat every day as if you're having company - and we know this takes a lot of effort!  A neat home gives the right impression.
• If you or your agent hired a professional home stager, take her advice!   She's not suggesting you put away your grandmother's embroidered throw pillows to be mean, and she's not saying you have to do without them forever - just until your home goes under contract. 
• Be as flexible as possible with showing hours.  Buyers don't always give their agents much notice - or, maybe they're out looking and see your for sale sign.   If the agent  can't show your home that day, it may be a missed opportunity.

• Consider the feedback you receive.  If several agents give similar feedback, and it's something that's an easy fix, it may help you to do it.  If there are severe criticisms that can't be fixed or are cost prohibitive, discuss them with your agent.  Your agent isn't passing on feedback to upset you - he, like you, wants your home to sell quickly. 
• Don't be present for showings.  We know this isn't always easy, especially if you have small children or an atypical work schedule, but at least step outside.   Buyers don't feel comfortable to look freely if the homeowner is present. 
• The correct temperature, lighting, and pleasant aromas all contribute to a positive showing. 
• Be available to your agent.  If you're going out of town, please leave contact numbers.  When the offers come in, there needs to be a quick response time.

Our goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible, so you don't have to be showing your home for long.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are REALTORS® with RE/MAX Real Estate Group in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO.  They welcome your real estate inquiries; to contact them, visit their website.

Most of us have been touched by cancer.  It seems rare that a person doesn't have a family member or friend who's dealt with this terrible disease. 

We are proud to take part in our local Realy For Life, which is The American Cancer Society's only fundraiser.  We've been participants, team leaders, and a co-chairmmen for this wonderful celebration of life.  

Teams of 10-15 people commit to walking or running laps (usually one person walks for one hour) - on a track from 7pm Friday to 7am Saturday. The events are held over night to represent that cancer never sleeps.  Each team pays a $100 entry fee - usually sponsored by a local business - and each team member commits to raising pledges of at least $100.

The relays are a purposeful way to honor those who have faced cancer first hand, while raising much needed money for cancer research.   These wonderful family events include entertainment, the survivors lap, a special dinner for cancer survivors, and the highlight of the evening - the lighting of the luminarias to honor survivors and lost loved ones.

The Pikes Peak Relay will be held on June 27th.  Contact the Colorado Springs branch of The American Cancer Society at 719-636-5101 for more information.  Or, log on to the website.

Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are REALTORS® with RE/MAX Real Estate Group in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO, and they welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, visit their website.

 Are you considering selling your home?  A little preparation before your listing consultation can help this adventure be more rewarding for you.

• Consider your time line.  Do you have to be somewhere else on a particular date, such as for a job relocation?  Are you planning door-to-door moves with a new purchase, or could renting temporarily be an option?  Do you want or need to move during the summer school break?  Or, will you be ready to move quickly when the right offer comes in?  Your time line will likely affect how aggressive you'll be with pricing your home.
• Look at your financial picture.  Do you have the means to pay your current mortgage while also paying for a second dwelling?  Will you have a comfortable down payment for you new home?
• What’s the situation with your current home loan, if you have one?  Is there any pre-payment penalty?  (Many times waived if it’s due to the sale of the home, but you and your agent need to know this).  How much equity do you have in your current home?
• What items can you do without?  Now is the time to organize and de-clutter, and since you’re likely not going to take everything to your new home, start sorting and packing now.  Model homes exude comfort, but don’t have a “lived in look” – piles of things on the flat surfaces, hobbies spilling over into the living areas, stuffed closets and garages, etc.
• Get re-acquainted with your home, and fix those things you may have been overlooking, but others are sure to notice.  If you always drive into your garage, walk up to your front door.  Look up and look down – often we’re very focused on eye level.  Clean and polish.  (You and your real estate agent will discuss what needs to be done before listing the home, but it’s essential to give your agent the best possible first impression of your home).  Plus, your agent may want to take some pictures at this point.
• Take steps to be sure your home can be shown easily.  Will you be able to have your pets contained?  Will your home be in showing condition every morning?  Will you be able leave the house during showings? Agents like to plan ahead, but often their buyers give them short notice, and you don’t want to miss out on any showings of your home. 

With a little planning, you'll be more relaxed and  ready once you and your agent decide to put your house on the market.