Seller’s Checklist…Fort Smith Real Estate

Once you’ve listed your home, there is still more work.  More work???  Yes, more work.  You need to make sure your home is in the best shape and more competitive than the home down the street!  Fort Smith Real Estate is highly competitive, and you want to put your best effort forward, NOW.

1. Seller’s Checklist for Fort Smith Real Estate:

*  Curb Appeal - make sure your yard clean and well maintained.  Make sure all tree limbs are trimmed away from the house.

*  Exterior - siding needs to be washed down and windows cleaned.  Make sure there’s no peeling paint.  Gutters and down spouts need to be cleaned also.

*  Interior Paint - a fresh coat of paint is always appealing.  If there are holes in the wall from pictures; repair and paint.

*  Major Appliances - make sure all appliances are in working order.  It’s always a good idea to have your CH/A unit serviced as well.

*  Smoking - if you some in your home, stop.  Some buyers may have allergies.  Some buyers walk in, and immediately turn around.

*  Clutter - get it out of the house, and don’t move it to the garage.  That spacious two car garage doesn’t do us any good if a perspective buyer can’t see it for “Stuff”.

* Pets -no you don’t have to kick Rover out, but please make sure to pick up what Rover leaves behind, lol.

Selling a house in the Fort Smith Real Estate market can be difficult if you don’t have Realtor looking out for your best interests!  Selling your largest real estate investment requires more than just sticking a sign in the yard.  You need to do everything you can to POSITION your home ahead of the competition. 

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

KISR, BACA, & EXIT Realty Associates have Kid’s Day Easter Egg Hunt, Fort Smith, Arkansas

Saturday, March 22, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA),    EXIT Realty Associates, & KISR 93 Radio sponsor the 6th Annual “eggs”travaganza at Creekmore Park!!!

I spoke with Karen LeRosen at Exit and she is so excited about the event, and in her own words, “It’s ALL about the KIDS!!!”  There will be over 12,000 eggs and 130 T-shirts given away.  BACAwill be assisting with Face Painting, and there will also be 2 Bounce Arounds!!! 

BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) exist to help create a safer environment for children.  They work in conjunction with local and state officials and are always ready to assist.  Their presence is always known and welcomed simply because of the great things they stand for in our community!  So get up off the couch and bring family and friends out for all the fun!!!

Please feel free to view other informative posts about Fort Smith Real Estate and Surrounding areas.

• Fort Smith Real Estate…. Sebastian County Market Report 2008
• You Are #1 And It’s All About You!
• Fort Smith Real Estate… Sellers use Logic Instead of Emotion
• Fort Smith Real Estate, Southfield Heights Market Report
• Fort Smith Arkansas Downpayment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers
• Crawford County, Arkansas Market Report 2007 vs. 2006

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

Fort Smith Real Estate…. Sebastian County Market Report 2008

Fort Smith Real Estate is still very appealing to the eye of the Buyer.  It’s like several different pieces of pies, and you can’t make up your mind on which one you want.  The same applies while shopping for homes in Sebastian County.There are several quality homes on the market.  That means that Sellers are having to do more creative things to stand out from the competition.  Buyers have the great opportunity to purchase a great home, at a great price, and with a great interest rate!!  What are you waiting for???

From January 1, 2008 to February 29, 2008, there were 166 Residential Units Sold in Sebastian County!!!

The Average home in Sebastian County:

List Price	Sold Price	SP/LP	DOM	Square Ft.
$138,416	$131,786	96	118	1770

The Median home in Sebastian County:

List Price	Sold Price	SP/LP	DOM	Square Ft.
$109,900	$103,750	97	97	1542

Please feel free to view other informative posts about Fort Smith Real Estate and Surrounding areas.

• You Are #1 And It’s All About You!
• Fort Smith Real Estate… Sellers use Logic Instead of Emotion
• Fort Smith Real Estate, Southfield Heights Market Report
• Fort Smith Arkansas Downpayment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers
• Crawford County, Arkansas Market Report 2007 vs. 2006

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

Crawford County Market Report 2008

Fort Smith Real Estate might be very complicated to some but I will try to bring some clarity to the Crawford County Market Report:  January through February 2008.

In 2007 there were 93 residential units that sold between January and February.  In 2008 there were 90 residential units sold during the same time frame.  Crawford county only saw a very slight decrease of 3%!!!  That is very good when other markets are suffering from double digit losses.

Below are the Averages for the homes.

2007	List Price	Sale Price	DOM	Sq. Ft.
Jan-Feb	138,991	136,658	165	1,705
2008	List Price	Sale Price	DOM	Sq. Ft.
Jan-Feb	$127,448	$123,583	120	1630

Please feel free to view other informative posts about Fort Smith Real Estate and Surrounding areas.

• Fort Smith Real Estate…. Sebastian County Market Report 2008
• You Are #1 And It’s All About You!
• Fort Smith Real Estate… Sellers use Logic Instead of Emotion
• Fort Smith Real Estate, Southfield Heights Market Report
• Fort Smith Arkansas Downpayment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers
• Crawford County, Arkansas Market Report 2007 vs. 2006

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

**** Information herein is deemed accurate, but not guaranteed.

Sebastian County, Arkansas Market Report 2007 vs. 2006

Quit scratching your head and let me try to lead you through the sometimes confusing world of

National Reports of course include the homes sold throughout the nation.  My Market Reports ONLY include Residential Homes sold within Sebastian County, Arkansas.

It’s also important to remember, each market is different!  It’s important that you find an agent that is KNOWLEDGEABLE in their market.

Units Sold	1738	1564	-11.13%
Total Volume	$209,770,867	$196,546,396	-6.30%
Avg. Price Home	$120,697	$125,669	4.12%

Fort Smith, Arkansas and surrounding area’s within Sebastian County were down in Sales Volume by only 6%, and the Average Price Per Home increased by 4%.  We have a seen a slight decrease in sales, but not near as drastic as reports that have come in across the nation.  Fort Smith saw similar results. 

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

 

 

 

 

 

   

**** Information herein is deemed accurate but not guarantee. 

 

 

Sebastian County Real Estate!  It’s very important to understand the difference between National Reports and your area’s Market Report.

Crawford County, Arkansas Market Report 2007 vs. 2006

Crawford County has been a very stable market when it comes to real estate.  The city of Van Buren, Arkansas continues to grow.  We have seen an increase in people purchasing homes in Van Buren and Alma and taking the short 1 hour commute to NWA.

Van Buren and other Crawford County cities are just minutes from Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Buying or Selling a home can be very complicated.  Make sure you have a Realtor that is Knowledgeable about your current market and market conditions.

Units Sold	858	781	-9.86%
Total Volume	$103,195,040	$96,793,550	-6.20%
Avg. Price Home	$120,274	$123,935	3.04%

Van Buren, Arkansas and surrounding cities in Crawford County saw a 6.20% slight decrease in total volume sales.  Total residential units sold were down slightly as well at 9.86%, but there’s a slight increase in the Average Price Per Home at 3.04%.

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

 

 

 

 

 

   

**** Information herein is deemed accurate but not guarantee.

 

My Friend Max Said That House Isn’t Worth That!

I’ve been a Full-time Realtor for several years and there are few things that now shock or surprise me.  I’ve seen and heard almost everything.  Hearing from my clients what friends and family have to say about a property is almost a daily occurrence.  It’s just part of the business.

I’ve found the client a property in the price range that they wanted and with the criteria that meets their needs.  I’ve showed them the comparable properties in the area.  I’ve completed their market analysis for them and given them the numbers so they can make a justifiable decision.  Then enters Max.

Conversation with Client:

Max says, “Offer them $25,000 less than listed price, and see what they say.”

Ok, I will submit the offer. 

The following day.  They sellers rejected the offer.

What they didn’t even counter?

No, I am sorry they didn’t.  The agent said their sellers were insulted by the offer.

Insulted!  In this market they should be happy to get anything.

I understand where you are coming from, but houses in the area have sold for considerable more than what you offered.

My friend Max said that house isn’t worth that.

I am sorry.  What does Max do for a living?

Max is retired and he has bought and sold a lot of properties in his day.

Is Max a Licensed Realtor?

No

Is Max a Licensed Appraiser?

No, but he knows what he’s talking about.

Did Max give you some data that helped him come to his conclusion?

No, but Max has been my friend for years and he wouldn’t lie to me.

I assure you.  As your Agent.  I have nothing, but Your best interest in mind.

Well, we will just let it sit on the market forever then.

Ok, I will inform the other agent.  Thank you for your business.

I work with Buyers and Sellers on a daily basis.  I stay up to date on the current Market Conditions.  This may be a difficult market now, but all Sellers are not desperate.  It’s great to get feedback from family and friends, but remember to let your Professional do his or her job. 

Don’t put the largest investment in your life in the hands of anyone. 

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

Fort Smith Real Estate…Southern Trust Mortgage & Great Customer Service!!!

If any of you have read my posts.  You have a pretty good understanding that I am all about Customer Service and Professionalismin our industry.  There are tons of articles addressing the issue, and I ran across a Customer Service Tips Blog.  Imagine that.

It’s apparent the masses are speaking out and finally taking a stand.

Today I ran into one brick wall after another, and boy is my head hurting from it!!!  Until, this lady’s name kept coming up.  What do I have to loose?  So I went by her office.  I introduced myself, and explained my situation.  Becky Mathews with Southern Trust Mortgage dropped everything she was doing, and immediately began assisting me.

I had never met Becky until today.  She didn’t know me and I didn’t know her.  That’s Customer Service folks!!  I was very impressed.  After she help me we began to talk more about her company.  The Networking Relationship begins!!!

Southern Trust Mortgage offers fast, professional service from experienced loan officers who will work WITH you to get your transaction closed as quickly and smoothly as possible.  That came from their brochure, and before I read it, I was already under that exact impression.

Southern Trust Mortgage is located at 401 Lexington Ave., Fort Smith, AR  72901.  Please feel free to contact Becky Mathews at 479-242-5626.  If you want Customer Service, call Becky!!!  I look forward to doing a lot of good business with her in the near future!

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895

 

 

 

 

 

   

**** Information herein is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Texting To Success!!! Understanding the Texting Revolution!

Like it or not, the Texting Revolution has begun!  I have had to increase my Text messaging plan because so many clients are now communicating through text messaging.  I ask clients now, What’s the best way to communicate with you: email, cell, or texting?  Over and over, and more and more I hear; Text Me.

Text or Die: Six Things You Need to Know About the Next Generation of First Time Buyers by Janet Guilbault is a great post for individuals in our industry to read.  Best Texting ideas of ‘07 by Chris Brubaker shows that several companies are rushing to assist agent to help clients get what they need the way they need it.

What does all this mean?  It’s all about communicating with the clients and we need to get with the program!

I wanted to give you a little bit of Texting Lingo to help you understand, and save the tips of your fingers.

TEXTING BREAKDOWN:

BFF - Best Friend Forever

BRE - Best Realtor Ever

LOL- Laugh Out Loud

ROTFLMBO - Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Butt Off

LMBO - Laughing My Butt Off

WTH - What The Heck

Y - Why

? - What

KIS - Keep It Simple

DWT- Driving While Texting (this one might get you a ticket)

OA - Offer Accepted!!! Yes

OR - Offer Rejected!!!

- We Got Problems!

HS - Holy Smokes

GJ - Great Job

GLI- Gotta Luv It

Gratz - Congratulations

OMG - Oh My Goodness

4TLP - 4 The Love Of Pete

H/O - Hold On

TTYL - Talk To You Later

JAM - Just A Minute

JK - Just Kidding

Y24/7R - Your 24/7 Realtor

YR4L - Your Realtor 4 Life

WRKG - Working on it

GED (Southern) - Get Er’ Dun

WTG - Way To Go

NMCS - In Meeting Call Soon

CUL - Call U Later

ELR - Everybody Loves “Ray” (that’s one of my personal favorites)

Now you’ve got some tools to help you get started on the road to texting.  There’s a complete list of Text Messaging Lingo for you to review.  Until then my friends, TTYL!!!

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”…  479-414-1895

         

Fort Smith Real Estate…Relocating, What About Higher Education?

Fort Smith is a community rich with history.  A love for learning.  A dedication to higher education as well.  The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith gives the community that dedication!

If you’ve heard anything about Arkansas it’s “Go Hogs” this or “Go Hogs” that.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love them HOGS!!  It is often an oversight that Fort Smith only about 1 hour away from Fayetteville.  Cost of living is more affordable in the Fort Smith area as well!  How bout those LIONS!!!

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a learner-centered university with strong community support, as evidenced by the university’s $24.8 million endowment.UAFS is the state’s fifth largest institution of higher education with an enrollment around 6,500 students. Approximately 20,000 peopleannually benefit from UA Fort Smith’s credit, continuing education and business and industry programs. Students can earn bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in a variety of areas, including health sciences, education, liberal arts, business, and technology. UA Fort Smith’s College of Business offers degree plans that meet the needs of the region’s businesses and industries.

The university recently opened the Mary Tinnin Jaye Art Gallery.

There’s a deep rooted pride that comes with living in Fort Smith.  We got a beautiful community that is continuing to grow.  Fort Smith offers a quality of life that’s difficult to match anywhere, and the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, puts achieving a higher education within reach!

When looking for a Realtor in this market; you need to be assured that your Realtor knows YOUR market!!!  Looking for Real Estate in the Ft. Smith, AR and River Valley Area.  Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!”  479-414-1895