Tag Archives: south florida sellers

4 Selling Strategies That Will Get You Top Dollar for Your Home

access_timeMay 28, 2020personScott Patterson

Despite the uncertainty of the last few months, now is actually a fantastic time to sell your home in South Florida. In fact, pent up buyer demand, low inventory, and relatively stable prices have given sellers an even greater advantage than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean you can just put a “For Sale” sign up in front of your house and lure in potential buyers!

Here Are Some of My Best Home Selling Strategies

Selling your home requires proven tactics, tons of research, and a defined plan of action. If you’re eager to move quickly and get top dollar for your property, my strategies can help you get started on the right foot. Here are a few exclusive tips to keep in mind throughout the selling process.

Work with the Right Agent

Real estate agent helping with selling strategies

Your agent can make or break your entire home sale, so it’s crucial to interview a few candidates before settling on “the one.” The right real estate agent should have plenty of experience in your area, a solid marketing strategy, and a proven track record of success.

Of course, it’s also important to connect with your agent on a more personal level, too. Make sure you get along and that they have a clear understanding of your selling goals. Remember—an agent is supposed to have your best interests in mind!

Price Correctly

Even the most gorgeous homes can sit on the market if they aren’t priced correctly. And unless you have quite a bit of selling experience under your belt, it can be hard to know just how much your property is worth. That’s why it’s best to turn to the experts when it comes to pricing!

Talk to your agent to determine the best price for your home before it hits the market. They can help you attract plenty of buyers while also protecting your hard earned equity. Many agents also offer a free comparative market analysis, which can help you discover how much your home is really worth if you’re still on the fence about selling.

Stage for Success

When buyers tour your listing, they’ll want to envision themselves living in your space. Unfortunately, your clutter and personalized decor is probably not part of their vision. That’s why staging your home is so important—but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive.

First, start by deep cleaning your space and getting rid of any excess clutter. From there, you can add a fresh coat of neutral colored paint to your walls, pare down your accessories, and get rid of any large furniture. Drawing back the curtains and lighting a scented candle can also add a magical touch right before a showing.

Always Be Flexible

It might be a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be flexible with buyers. Try your best to accommodate showings, and never stay in a home when buyers are present. The last thing you want to do is make them feel uncomfortable and jeopardize your sale!

If you’re having trouble making time for showings, try to clear your schedule as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to plan your errands or work schedule around home tours, so you’ll have a reason to be out of the house. It might seem inconvenient, but these sacrifices will be worth it once you finally sell your property.

Looking for More Selling Strategies?

If you’re interested in learning more about my top home selling strategies, I’d love to offer my expertise! I’m Scott Patterson, and I have decades of experience helping clients sell their homes in South Florida. Just give me a call to get started, and don’t forget to check out my seller resources to learn more.

What Will Go Back to Normal After COVID-19…and What’s Here to Stay

access_timeApril 24, 2020personScott Patterson

The last month has been chaotic, especially in the world of real estate. Many agents adapted quickly to help their clients during COVID-19, and some of these changes might be here to stay.

How Real Estate Will Change After COVID-19

Let’s face it—we’re all ready for things to go back to normal. But many people are asking themselves what “normal” might look like in the next few months. If you’re still thinking about buying or selling your home this year, here are a few trends that might linger for a while…and some changes that probably won’t stick around.

Virtual Tours Are Here to Stay

Virtual tours have been around for a while, but they’ve transformed into an essential tool for buyers who are looking for their perfect place. And while they can’t replace in-person showings and open houses, they’ll definitely remain popular after the COVID-19 crisis ends.

Now more than ever, many agents are offering virtual tours of their listings to reach quarantined buyers. However, they’re also helpful to those who are moving from out-of-state and cannot physically attend a showing. We can expect to keep seeing plenty of virtual tours in the coming months, especially in relocation markets like South Florida.

In-Person Showings Will Make a Comeback

Although virtual tours will remain popular for years to come, some buyers aren’t willing to commit to a home without seeing it themselves. Most Florida agents are sticking to online showings for the foreseeable future, but we’ll probably experience a sharp uptick of in-person tours once social distancing measures are relaxed.

Physical showings might resume before the end of this year—however, buyers, sellers, and agents will have to remain vigilant. You may still have to limit contact with surfaces or sanitize thoroughly before, during, and after the tour. While these changes might seem inconvenient, they’ll help keep everyone safe in the long run.

Remote Closings Will Gain Popularity

Nobody loves filling out paperwork, and there are just certain parts of the closing process that are inconvenient. In order to comply with CDC guidelines, buyers and sellers can now close on their homes remotely through e-signatures and mobile notarization. Some agents are even willing to hand-deliver your paperwork or video chat throughout the process!

Believe it or not, remote closings may soon become the norm for everyone. Having the ability to sign documents online can be extremely beneficial to remote buyers and sellers, too.

Expect an Influx of Eager Buyers and Sellers

COVID-19 has changed all aspects of life here in South Florida—and it’s forced some buyers and sellers to press pause on their real estate dreams. While it’s impossible to predict the impact that this situation will have on the market, plenty of people are still eager to make a move later this year.

We will probably see a steady influx of buyers and sellers entering the market during the late summer. Although spring wasn’t quite the hot real estate season we were expecting, it’s still possible to make a deal this year!

Looking for More Info on COVID-19 and Real Estate?

If you’re curious about how the COVID-19 crisis will affect the South Florida market, we’re here to help. Check out our virtual buying and selling programs for more details, and give us a call with any questions. The Scott Patterson Group is always here during your time of need!

4 Bigger Budget Projects That Increase Your Home’s Value

access_timeJanuary 21, 2020personScott Patterson

Tackling a big renovation can be hard, especially if you don’t know what to expect. However, larger makeovers can definitely be worth the time and money, especially if you want to increase your resale value. Not sure which improvements are worth it? Before you pick up that hammer, check out our list of bigger budget projects to see which ones will pay for themselves!

Updating Your Kitchen

Let’s face it—kitchens sell homes. If your space feels stuck in the early aughts, now is the time to give it a complete facelift. In fact, sellers can expect to see almost a 93% return on investment after tackling a total kitchen remodel. However, the key to making the most off of your improvement is considering the cost of materials versus actual value you’re getting back.

Most buyers are looking for pretty standard upgrades, such as granite countertops, plenty of light, and newer appliances. Unless you plan on staying in your home for a long time, big splurges (like custom cabinets or gourmet appliances) might not be the best way to maximize the value of your kitchen.

Improving Your Bathroom

Bathroom renovation, one of the bigger budget projects

As the years go on, buyers are expecting more and more from their bathrooms. Nowadays, it’s not just about toilets and showers! In an ideal world, your space will have a stunning vanity, all new tile, and sparkling finishes. And if you have an ensuite, a huge closet and a soaking tub with have buyers’ jaws on the floor.

If all of this sounds overwhelming, you might want to narrow your bathroom renovation down to a few key upgrades. You can promote function by adding extra storage in the form of a vanity or linen closet. For a dash of luxury, consider installing some designer light fixtures or putting in a separate shower and tub. When in doubt, adding some fresh paint and tile can always do the trick, too!

Sprucing Up Your Curb Appeal

When it comes wowing buyers, it’s crucial to start off with a great first impression. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see when they drive up, so you’ll want to get it up to snuff with the rest of your place. Even if you aren’t planning on selling any time soon, boosting your curb appeal will give you the prettiest house on the block!

Get ready for flowers, bushes, and shrubs—adding some landscaping is the easiest way to make your exterior pop. If you really want to go the extra mile, consider replacing your walkway, painting your front porch, or even resodding your lawn. All of these little touches can turn into a big project, but they really do pay for themselves.

Adding a Pool

If you own a home in Florida, you might want to consider adding a pool if you don’t already have one. In most other American cities, having a private swimming space won’t yield a return—but our market is a bit different.

Over half of all newly sold Miami homes have pools, and that number jumps to nearly 90% when you reach a luxury price range. Although having your own spot to swim does cost a pretty penny, South Florida is one of the only places in the country where building one is totally worth it.

Getting Ready to Tackle Some Bigger Budget Projects?

If you’re getting ready to renovate your home before you list, we’re here to help you out! As South Florida real estate experts, we know which bigger budget projects are worth it…and which ones you might want to avoid. Looking for more seller resources? Just drop us a line—we’re always here to answer your questions!

Sell Your Home Fast & for Top Dollar with My Extensive Marketing Plan

access_timeNovember 19, 2019personScott Patterson

Pricing right. Staging for success. Flexibility with showings. There’s a lot that goes into selling a home…but none of it matters if you’re not getting buyers through the door. For that, you’ll need a marketing plan—and an effective one at that.

Luckily, I can help. Over the years, I’ve carefully developed a comprehensive, strategic marketing plan that’s tailored to each of my clients’ needs. If you want to get buyers through your door, here’s how I can help you do it.

Onsite Marketing Plan

Professional staging advice: Homes that are effectively staged not only sell faster than those that aren’t, but also sell for a higher price. I’ll help you create an in-depth, personalized plan to make sure your home looks its best!
Custom property brochures: I’ll create a custom brochure that highlights the best parts of your home. It’s perfect for passing out to potential buyers and other agents!
Buyer/broker prospectus: This packet will contain important info like survey, elevation certificate, maps, brochures, property disclosure and more, all in one convenient place.
Visitor follow-up and thank you card: As long as the buyer is not represented by another Realtor, I’ll be sure to send them along a thank you card after their showing, just to keep your home fresh in their minds.

Professional Photos

A drone hovering above a person's hands.

These days, buyers are more likely to tour a home online before ever seeing it in person. That means your photos can make or break the deal. For my clients, I hire one of the best photographers in the South Florida area, equipped with remote flashes and Photoshop editing to give you the highest quality product.

But it doesn’t stop there! I also utilize top Aerial drone technology to create stunning bird’s eye photos and video tours.

Print Marketing

A pair of glasses sitting on a print publication.

Magazine display ads: Want your home advertised to buyer’s agents in South Florida and beyond? With my marketing plan, you can expect a spot in renowned South Florida magazines and national/international magazines such as Christies International Real Estate.
EWM publications: The Southeast Florida-based EWM Realty has two publications: their “Lifestyle Magazine” and “Casa and Condos.” Both are mailed to specific neighborhoods and homes in the area—and both can feature your property.
Classified ads: Some of the best writers in the area will put words to the magic of your home, creating compelling copy that’ll be placed in papers like the Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, and South Florida Business Journal.
Postcards: You never know if anyone in your immediate area knows someone looking for a home nearby! I’ll send out “Just Listed” postcards filled with high quality photos and detailed info to a large radius around your neighborhood.

Email & Web Marketing

People pointing to a home tour on a laptop screen.

Email blasts: Since I’ve been working in real estate around South Florida for years now, I’ve built up an impressive collection of local contacts and potential buyers. I’ll send email blasts to both to make them aware of your property.
Professional video tours: Want buyers to be able to see what makes your home so one-of-a-kind without even leaving their couch? My professional video tours will showcase the finest details of your property.
Domains: I’ve got over 70 active domains on the internet, and I’ll make sure your home is listed on each.
Social media platforms: Google, Facebook, Instagram—I’ll use my established social media platforms to help spread the word about your home. Through increased engagement, you stand to get thousands of extra eyes on your property.

Ready to Learn More about My Marketing Plan?

That’s far from the end of what my comprehensive marketing plan offers. Want to learn more? Give me a call today, and I’d love to talk about what your tailored strategy might look like.

In the meantime, feel free to browse my additional resources for South Florida sellers. Any questions along the way? Just let me know!