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        <title>Alaska Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.akhomeshow.com/blog/tags/home-selling-tips/</link>
        <description>This is the Alaska real estate blog for Ryan Tollefsen Real Estate Experts. All information is provided to our buyers, sellers and web site visitors as a courtesy.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.akhomeshow.com/blog/list-your-home-to-get-it-sold.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.akhomeshow.com/blog/list-your-home-to-get-it-sold.html</link>
            <author>ryan@akhomeshow.com (Ryan Tollefsen)</author>
            <title>List Your Home to Get it Sold!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Alright, so you have made the decision to sell your home. No matter your reasoning, there are some important steps to take to not only list your home for sale, but make sure it sells!


Aggressive Pricing: First and foremost, your home’s price will make or break a happy home sale. Make sure you are working with an experienced Realtor who knows the market and is able to not only research and present a competitive, comparative market analysis, but is also able to explain to you how your home’s price compares to other homes on the market and is in that perfect range where it will meet your needs as the seller, and is still aggressive enough to stand out among the rest as the hottest deal around.


Pack up, De-Clutter and CLEAN: It’s a fact, clean homes sell! Your home will be more attractive to potential buyers when it is sparkling and smelling fresh. Clean carpets, flooring, windows, walls, surfaces, every inch counts. Pack up your personal items, including photos, knickknacks, toys; less is better. You are preparing to show off your home and its features, not your personal stuff. When your home is clean and organized, it will be much easier for a buyer to imagine living in a relaxing and stress-free environment.


Appearance Matters: Curb appeal and quality are big deciding factors for many buyers in today’s market, and with longer on-market times and picky purchasers, you want to make sure your home shines among the competition. Give your exterior a face-lift; pull your weeds, trim grass and shrubs, remove dead flowers and leaves for a fresh and healthy quality, clean your drive and walkways, replace old light bulbs, repaint trim and doors if needed. Indoors, throw a fresh coat of paint on your walls. Light neutral colors are best and will help your rooms appear larger and brighter. Even small things like replacing dated knobs and handles on your cabinetry can make a difference! If you are feeling crafty, re-stain or antique your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to make your rooms feel fresh and updated.


Repairs: Complete that “Honey-Do” List! This is the time to make sure that little maintenance items are taken care of, so they don’t become flags in a buyer’s mind when previewing your home. Fix leaky plumbing fixtures, replace bulbs and faulty lighting fixtures, quiet squeaky door or cabinet hinges, patch dings and holes, etc.  These are little things that can be low cost fixes initially, and will make your home feel more updated and of higher quality, and can also save you a laundry-list of repair items down the road during a home inspection.


Soothe the Senses: Ultimately, a home that is comfortable and inviting is most appealing. When your home is being shown, make sure your heat is at a comfy temperature; no one likes a freezing cold or hot muggy home. Purchase reed diffusers or wickless candles; homes that smell good are definitely more appealing than those that don’t, and it has even been rumored that homes with a “foody” smell are even more appealing, subliminally, than other generic scents (think fresh baked bread, cookies, pumpkin or apple pie; food equals comfort in most minds). Turn on lights, open your curtains and blinds to let the sun in! Make sure your home is well lit, natural sunlight triggers happy endorphins in the brain, and you definitely want happy buyers in your home!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:24:02 -0900</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.akhomeshow.com/blog/important-questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-realtor.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.akhomeshow.com/blog/important-questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-realtor.html</link>
            <author>ryan@akhomeshow.com (Ryan Tollefsen)</author>
            <title>Important Questions To Ask When Hiring A Realtor!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do Not Hire A Realtor Without Reading This First! 

When you hire a Realtor to help you buy or sell real estate there are several questions you can ask to better help you determine whether you are working with the right person or not. Choosing the wrong Realtor the first time can not only cost you money but could potentially leave you with many problems.

In this report you will find a list of several questions that are crucial to ask but most people never think to. Before you work with another Realtor be informed whether they are the right person for the job or not.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Question #1: Do You Practice Real Estate Full or Part Time? 

You might think that real estate can be a part time job. In most cases that is far from the truth. Realtors can work many hours a week and need to be available at the drop of a hat or somebody else will beat them to the sale. It is important to have a full time Realtor represent you for this very reason. You also need to make sure you can contact them anytime day or night and get a prompt response. 

Question #2: What Education Have You Completed? 

In the state of Alaska there is currently only 20 hours of education required to obtain a real estate license. There are many classes outside of this that can be taken to increase a Realtor's knowledge. The mandatory 20 hours just covers the basics but definitely does not prepare a new Realtor well for real life experiences. Make sure you not only find an experienced Realtor but one who knows and practices the law! 

Question #3: What Designations Have You Earned? 

Designations show the accomplishment of certain sales and real estate classes as well as past performance in the industry. Realtors with designations have generally been in the business long enough to gain the experience you are looking for. Some of the possibilities for designations are, CRS, GRI and E-Pro Certified. 

Question #4: What Do You Do Each Month For Marketing? 

Whether you are buying or selling it is important to work with a Realtor who has a presence. This not only helps bring buyer to your home or find you properties before they are listed but can help with negotiating.

Question #5: Have You Received Any Awards In Real Estate? 

An established Realtor should have a list of awards they have received throughout their career which can help solidify they are what they say. Whether it is a Top Producer award from their company, provided they are not the only employee, or national recognition from their broker's franchise it is a good idea to check and make sure you are working with the best professional possible. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:20:09 -0900</pubDate>
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