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Staging Your Home To Sell

April 5, 2018 by Lance Mohr

Have you ever wondered how Important staging your home to sell is? In this video, I go over a Shocking TRUE Story of staging a home to sell. Look at it like a 3 legged stool. You have Price, Marketing, and Conditioning (staging your home). If you take away one of the legs the stool falls over or in other words, you will NOT get close to top dollar.

Staging your home to sell it is one of the most important and the MOST overlooked things a homeowner can do to make more money. You only have one chance to make a first impression on a home buyer.

I always stress the importance of staging a home to sell because I spend a lot of time and money on marketing my listings. The LAST thing I want to do is bring my professional real estate photographer in to take amazing pictures just to see a home not conditioned/staged.

Transcription

Hi everyone. This is your Tampa Realtor Lance Mohr and in this video I'm going to go over staging your home to sell. I want to talk about it true story that actually happen to my sister to illustrate the importance of staging a home before you get it on the market and try to sell it.

Okay, I’m going to go pretty quick in this video because I have a lot of things to go over but this is actually a true story. Back in 2000 I had a condo in California I sold to my sister. The tenant trashed it. I actually had to go replace all the floorings and I had to replace closet doors, I repainted the whole place, I put screens on all the windows so it looked really good when I give it to my sister.

She lived in it, in about a year and a half and then they were moving so they were trying to sell it. She called me up and she said “Lance here's the situation. I have my home on the market for a couple months and I’m just not getting any bites on it. So what I'm thinking of doing is taking it off of the market, relisting it in about 2 weeks with another agent but I might go with the same agent but they told me to lower the price. And I said well what’s the price at now and she said 170,990. At the time that was very fair price and I told her that I say won't do anything to the price. I said don't lower it. I said how long is it been in the market how many days and she said write about 60 days. I said ok to approximately how many showings if you've got into the home? About 40 to 42 and I said wow, that’s really good.

I said look Gina at the end of the day there’s only three things that sell any home.

Number one is the price.
Number two the marketing.
The number three is the conditioning or the presentation of how the home looks.

I said, so you can't argue with the marketing I said he's gotten 40 to42 buyers in the home in 60 day time period that's really really good. I said I know because I found a place 170 99 is right on the mark right now. I said so that's really good. So what I’m going to do if I’m going to send you my free eBook. The eBook I give to the clients and stuff before they get the home on the market. I'm going to send you that. Its 12 pages. I want you to do every single thing in that eBook but I said now it will give you some tips and advice it will go over 90 things that you need to do.

Most people need to do probably 5 or 8 of them. You might need to do a little bit more. So do every single thing in the eBook and when you do give me a call. Don’t change agent. Don’t lower the price and she said ok. Let me just tell you something before we get off the phone. I'll let you know how this is going to play out if you don't do anything. If you keep your home work out right now in the condition it is whatever it looks like you’re probably have to lower your price to 169,990. I said did then people are going to see it’s been on the market for 60 days then probably offer you 165 you'll get it sold. You don't want to do that. So do everything in this eBook. She agreed to do it. She called me up 2 weeks later said she is she's going to relist it tomorrow with the same agent it went 179 990 they did every single thing in the eBook to get conditioned. I said fantastic. She called me 2 days later and she said you're not going to believe it the first two people that walked in the home, they both wrote above a full price offer and I ended up getting under contract for 182. I said see there? That's the importance of conditioning your home. You probably would have got about 165 if you did nothing but you're getting 182 so in other words she got 10%. The 10% allowed her to take all of her real estate fees. All the closing costs. And for her and her husband to go on a short vacation.
That's how important conditioning is to the home. Let me say another thing when it comes to conditioning the good thing very few people condition their home now in the higher price ranges you’re going to get more people to condition their home but when you start getting into and price ranges or even lower price ranges most people just don't do it so it's a huge advantage for you.

So to let me know your thoughts. Do you think on a scale of 1 to 10 what would you say how important is condition in a home to sell? Leave it in the comments below because I'm curious to hear what you have to say. If you're selling a home get it in condition. If you have any questions let me know. I love to talk to you. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area looking for a good real estate agent let me know but let me know what you think about condition on a scale of 1 to 10 how important is it? Leave it in the comments below. Thank you.

Feel free to visit my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/tampa2enjoy for more educational real estate videos. I have uploaded tons of videos that will help you whether you arre buying a new home, a pre owned home or you are selling your home for the first time and don't know what you are going to do. Please subscribe and share my videos. Thanks.

Short Sale Tax Break Passes House – Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act Extension

December 5, 2014 by Lance Mohr

This is great news for all the home owners who have done a short sale in 2014. The Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act expired f last year. But the U.S. House of Reps just passed a bill the will extend it through 2014. Check out the full story below.

Short-Sale Tax Break Passes House, On To Senate
“A bill that would extend a key tax break to tens of thousands of financially distressed homeowners who sold their homes this year for less than they owed passed the U.S. House on Wednesday and is headed to the Senate for consideration.

A one-year extension of the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act, which expired Dec. 31, 2013, was included in the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 and passed the House on Wednesday on a 378-46 vote. Dozens of other temporary tax breaks that expired but would get a reprieve until the end of this year under the measure include those for home energy improvements and mortgage insurance premiums.

But for homeowners who gambled this year and sold their home through a short sale, unsure about the tax ramifications, this is the one foremost in their minds, as it is for the housing market in general.”

If you have any question on selling your home through a short sale please give me a call. I have been doing short sales since 1999 and have worked with hundreds of people helping them.

Short Sale Tax Implications – Short Sale Tax Consequences – 1099 Cancellation of Debt

The Real Estate Must-Haves No Buyer Should Overlook

September 11, 2014 by Lance Mohr

In the world of buying real estate, it is important to know what you are doing so that you don't get taken for a ride. That is where a lot of research on real estate buying protocol comes in handy. Follow these tips to help you get a good deal when purchasing real estate and to avoid scams.

Determine if your desired property is in an economically viable area. Find out if property values in the area are rising or declining. Check with your city's economic office about the recent history of income from the area. This can be a determining factor in whether or not the property will appreciate or not.

Take the time to investigate the inspector for your potential property. You should make sure that they are certified, work for a reputable company and if possible are with an inspector association that is non-profit. If not, their credentials may be supplied by a non-reputable organization that supplies them for nothing more than a fee.

If you've dreamed of having a vacation home, now is the time to buy. Home prices have gone down in popular vacation destinations like Florida, Las Vegas, and California, and so have interest rates. It sounds risky, sure, but as they say, you have to spend money to make money; and you can easily rent out your second house while you're not using it. It's definitely a good time to buy.

By searching for the best prices one can assure that they will be making the most of their money. Homes that have been foreclosed on can be found for attractive prices although more money may be needed to be invested in the home. Other homes can be bought for more but may require less money invested.

Potential buyers should be sure to get everything in writing. This is especially important when working with a builder, as options and upgrades which are verbally promised may not end up being honored. Make sure you have a knowledgeable Realtor that knows about new construction and a the local builders. This can help you to avoid frustration and confusion during and after your home closes.

One important tip when it comes to real estate is to make sure that you do your homework on what agent to choose. This is important because this may be the largest investment of your life and you need to make sure you are in good hands. Be sure to do background checks, read reviews, and try to find out their track record.

When you are moving, pack a suitcase full of things that you may need for a few days. Include things like clothing and toiletries. Keep this suitcase separate from everything else so that you can have easy access to things that you would need until you can get totally unpacked at your new home.

As you can see from the previous list of tips, buying real estate can be quite an undertaking even if you have done it before. It takes some work, research, and common sense to avoid making a poor purchase, but it is all worth it in the end to make a smart property purchase.

Please give me a call so I can help you with your real estate needs.

Lower Tampa Home Prices Are Better For Buyers

December 30, 2013 by Lance Mohr

Like many other cities across this great nation, Tampa home prices have taken a dive in recent years. But these times of hardship make an impact on sellers more so than buyers. For the buyer, the situation makes for a perfect opportunity to get into your first home, or at least one that you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford.

Take a look at a couple of the most common ways one could take advantage of property values that are struggling to hold their ground in an industry that hasn’t fully rebounded from the woes of recent years.

First Time Homebuyers
When it’s time to buy your first home, if you are like most, it’s normally a financial stretch. Lower home prices in Tampa can be the perfect opportunity to purchase a little piece of the Floridian landscape. You could be looking for a beautiful South Tampa waterfront condo or maybe even a single family home on the golf course in a community like Pebble Beach; any home has the potential of suffering from Tampa home prices that have fallen. This is where a buyer comes in and takes advantage of a property that may have sold years ago for much more and is currently being sold at a great bargain to a buyer who is at the right place at the right time.

Looking For Something Larger
Lower Tampa home prices are also a prime time for an expanding family to upgrade to a larger home. When it’s time to move out of your starter home because you and your family have outgrown it, a larger home may be in order. But what if you don’t have a lot of money and would still like to get a lot of house? The answer is in taking advantage of the good bargains that are sure to be out there when house prices decline.

This is the time to get excited and give me a call so that we can get you started on finding just the right home to make an offer on. Also keep in mind that just as Tampa home prices have fallen, eventually they will once again rise, and when they do you’ll be sitting on more equity than you could have ever imagined.

The city of Tampa, and all of its surrounding communities, is still a fabulous place to call home. There are homes available to fit every budget. Get a condo or townhouse close to town or move a little further outside of city center into a beautiful home in a gated community. With just a little bit of patience you can ride out the wave and be prepared to take advantage of the time with home values in Tampa begin rising again!

If you have any question on home prices or values in Tampa please visit our website.

Florida Housing Market Improves During Last Months of 2012

December 25, 2012 by Lance Mohr

There is encouraging news about an upsurge in home sales. Summer Greene, 2012 Florida Realtors President, states that Florida’s real estate market has retrieved its ‘sizzle’. Credit for the hot market is due to things like the shortage of for-sale homes.

The regional manager for Fort Lauderdale’s Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st, Greene is in a position to observe market trends. More jobs and a better economy are bolstering consumer confidence for 2013. Mortgage rates are expected to remain low.

The Chief Economist for Florida Realtors, Dr. Jon Tuccillo, endorsed the optimistic outlook. Growth in home prices is the result of a solid recovery in real estate in Tampa Bay and other parts of Florida. Average prices have soared, resulting in actual marketplace appreciation. that impacts median prices, which usually would be less as investors take on the lower end of the market inventory.

Freddie Mac reports the average interest rate dropped from 3.99 percent in November 2011 to 3.35 percent for November 2012 on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. The overall savings that result led to an increase in Florida’s housing market pending and closed sales, as well as average and median prices. Florida Realtors reports a noticeable reduction in the inventory of condos and homes for sale during the final months of 2012.

According to industry analysts, a balanced market between sellers and buyers features a 5.5 month supply. November 2012 inventory statistics for Florida single-family homes showed a supply for 5.1 months. Townhome and condo properties also reported a lower amount, with a 5.3 month’s supply.

Statewide sales of townhomes and condos are up 18.3 percent from November 2011. November 2012 registered the monthly sale of 8,079 units across Florida. Pending sales, which are signed contracts that have not been closed or completed, have increased 30 percent when compared to townhome-condos statistics for November 2011. Although lower than the national condo median price reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for October 2012, the $112,000 Florida townhome-condo median reflects a 23.1 increase from last year.

Single-family existing homes statewide have a median sales price of $150,000. That represents an increase of 11.2 percent in the year from November 2011. In the same amount of time, pending sales show a 45.8 percent increase. Median prices across the nation include California ($341,370), New York ($209,000) and Massachusetts ($287,000). As of October 2012, the national median sales price raised 10.9 percent to $178,700.

Data from 10K Research and Marketing as well as Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis, showed 17,072 existing single-family homes sales closed statewide in November. That is an increase of almost 25 percent in just one year. Once the sales contract was written, closing generally took between 30 and 90 days.

Median prices reflect the midpoint. Half of the sold homes are less than that amount, while the remaining half represents a higher sale price. Factors affecting the median price in Florida and nationwide include discounted prices for distressed properties and foreclosure sales. Those prices are typically less than that of a well-kept, traditional home.

For more information on Tampa Bay home prices please visit http://www.tampa2enjoy.com.

Luxury Homes in Tampa Bay

September 12, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Thinking of luxury homes in Tampa Bay brings a number of locations to mind. North Tampa includes elegant homes and surrounding in Tampa Palms and Seven Oaks. The established portion of these neighborhoods is classy and inviting. Other neighborhoods feature golf courses or equestrian trails.

Those looking for space to park their boat in the water by their home are more likely to choose one of the exquisite homes in Apollo Bay. Neighborhoods like Mirabay and Symphony Isles are prime considerations for every aspect of a luxury home in the Sunshine State. One other neighborhood, Andalucia, is a gated community with slightly more than 200 homes in the development. Like any home, the opportunity to make it uniquely yours is available. Add the features that are most important to you and your lifestyle.

Waterfront homes truly appeal to the senses. Some homes have a view of the bay regardless of which part of the house you are looking from. This particular style of home typically has large decks and balconies. Home living with things like wood-burning fireplaces and ceiling fans keep rooms cool reduces the expense of central heat and air conditioning when only one or two rooms are in use.

You might prefer cathedral and vaulted ceilings to emphasize the grandeur of your home interior. Skylights provide natural lighting in prominent areas. As might be expected, your luxury home has a formal living and dining room. Those two areas provide the perfect place to entertain guests. Everyday mornings are more casual as the family eats at the breakfast bar in the kitchen, or a good friend enjoys coffee or tea and a muffin while chatting about local events. Enjoy walking along the palm-lined streets and admiring the well-kept yards and neighborhood.

A variety of luxury homes await future residents looking in the area of Westchase, which offers outdoor recreation such as wetlands, nature trails and a golf course. Within Westchase is the upscale gated community of Waterchase, resplendent with luxurious surroundings.

Different villages deliver many styles of homes in Waterchase. They feature lots of living space outdoors, as well as windows placed to maximize the incredible view. Room for a relaxed and free lifestyle is provided by the area of four to five thousand square feet and more. Some homes already have a pool. The community center has a pool, as well. There are some homes along the edge of the lake. Fish for bass in your spare time or visit the tennis courts and workout center at the clubhouse. As seen in these examples, luxury is defined by the owner and available in Tampa Bay.

Handling the Swing of Home Prices in Tampa

September 11, 2012 by Lance Mohr

In the first part of 2012, a report from California-based Clear Capital forecast an increase in home prices in Tampa and Tampa Bay areas. A respected analytics and housing valuation firm, the increase of 7.4 percent would confirm what experts in Tampa believed to be true: Tampa was rebounding from the economic hardships of the past few years. It was estimated the increase would be noticed during the latter half of the year. Home values started rising in late April. It is hoped it will inspire homeowners that have been considering a sale to list their property.

Another desired reaction is to encourage prospective homebuyers to become serious about considering purchase of any of the additional Tampa homes for sale. One feature is that sellers are not as likely to be beaten down on pricing as badly as they have the last few years. Even with more homes listed, there is not a sufficient supply for buyers at this time.

While investors snapped up property waiting for this day, there is still a desire to purchase as much as possible while the opportunities are good. Now that buyers are willing to get into a bidding war, investors must keep on track with the new competition. Hillsborough County reflects one of the Florida areas requiring more homes for sale to fill the demand of buyers.

The city of Riverview is located in Hillsborough County and has a significant number of impressive subdivisions. Four and five bedroom homes in Panther Trace reflect the beauty of these neighborhoods. Commutes are convenient thanks to easy access to US 41, I-75 and US 301. Close to tennis courts, club houses, gigantic pools and golf courses, life starts out good for residents and continues to improve in amenities.

The city of Tampa is broken down into many sections, such as New Tampa and the neighborhoods within its boundaries. The planned community of Tampa Palms is located north of the University of South Florida (USF) following the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) corridor. Restaurants, churches, shopping and schools are but a few of the conveniences found when searching for the benefits of owning real estate in this part of Florida.

Construction of additional neighborhoods, medical facilities, malls and schools indicate confidence in the upsurge of the economy. Roadways and thoroughfares continue being upgraded while conscientious planning maintains the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.

Enjoy the Wonder of Tampa Waterfront Homes

August 16, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Have you been thinking about how enjoyable it would be to live on waterfront property? Anytime people consider that type of property, even Tampa waterfront real estate, as a possible location for a residence, it is important to know why being near the water's edge is important to your lifestyle. Tampa is the hub of the area that makes up Tampa Bay, which covers quite a bit of territory in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties. The ocean waters, lake, marshes and rivers such as the Hillsborough, Manatee, and Alafia, host a variety of homes and property with the benefit of the shore and the water.

The most important reason to work with a local qualified Realtor when searching for waterfront property is because that person is familiar with any issues or concerns regarding that property. If you explain what you are looking for, he or she will know which properties suit your needs. A Realtor is also a viable resource for what you, as a future home owner, need to know about the area in which you wish to live.

The Definition of Waterfront Real Estate
Waterfront real estate consists of many definitions. It usually involves a higher sale value because it is more in demand and refers to a structure adjacent to water, such as a lake or bay. it can describe that part of a city or town near the edge of the water, such as a pier or wharf. A certain amount of land can exist between the water and the property line and still have it declared waterfront property.

The ocean, bays, rivers and large creeks, lakes and ponds all deliver the idea of waterfront, but the actual delivery must be seen in person. In the Tampa area, you have the opportunity to live in a house or condominium with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, your home might be built near the waterways that lead to the Gulf. Created and natural lakes offer waterfront property in certain neighborhoods.

Knowing in advance what you want in the way of a home and its relationship to the water will help minimize the amount of time looking for your dream home. Discuss with the Realtor any concerns about use permits, additional insurance requirements and obligations for maintenance and right-of-ways. With all the variety in Tampa and the area surrounding that city, the opportunity to find what you want is amazing.

Native Plants Add Ideal Landscaping While Building Tampa Home Prices

August 15, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Native plants are coming back into fashion for a very good reason: they are already adapted to the area in which they are to be planted. Regardless of where you travel in Florida, the chances are one or more of these plants will be on display in a park, wilderness center or neighborhood. Real estate in Tampa and surrounding areas, such as condos and homes in Sun City Center and Odessa, usually displays lush green lawns, one or more palm trees, and some of the colorful native subtropical vegetation that thrives in this environment.

Also called Ink-bush or Wild Olive, the Florida Privet is a creative way to make a privacy hedge for any yard. The Latin name, Forestiera segregata, designates the perfect semi-evergreen plant for homes in the Greater Tampa area; be certain the garden center or your landscaping company knows you do not want Japanese Privet, which does not tolerate this area very well. Salt spray and alkaline soil are problems that the Florida Privet adapted to long ago, as well as the incidental flooding and frost that happens in some of the coastal regions of Florida.

Fortunately, it can be left to grow together to form a sound barrier or pruned to resemble a traditional hedge, because it grows as tall as 15 feet, with a width up to 10 feet. Small yellow-green flowers appear in early spring, followed by new leaves and small berries. Birds delight in eating the tasty purple and blue fruits. Fallen seeds create new plants.

Another native Florida plant that thrives in the Tampa Bay vicinity is the Dayflower or Blue Spiderwort. This plant is beautiful in the arboretum of luxury homes in Avilla and fits right in growing on side of one of the paths at John B. Sargeant Park. Delicately beautiful blue flowers open in the. morning and close in the early afternoon during spring and early summer. If there is enough dirt for it to sprout, it will thrive, producing a beautiful groundcover. Seldom growing taller than 2 feet, it likes partial shade and the hot sun. From sand to mud, it will grow and spread quickly.

Knowing that simple to grow native Florida plants are available and will thrive with minimum care and water adds to the convenience of making your yard beautiful. That, in turn, adds to the value of your home. Nurseries and the field representative for the Department of Agriculture are available to answer questions and provide guidance regarding raising native Florida plants.

Easy Ways to Update A Home

August 14, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Another reason to think about buying one of many varieties of houses in New Tampa is the diversity of design and landscaping. Nearly every neighborhood or community is near a major thoroughfare that gives them convenient access to work, doctor's appointments, and cultural activities. If you happen to like one of the homes with these conveniences that a Realtor has shown you, but are hesitating saying yes because you want to change a few things, you can relax knowing there are easy ways to update older houses in Tampa and surrounding areas.

New Colors for the Rooms
Are the interior walls of the home much too bland for your liking? There is no reason they have to stay that way. How To guides often suggest that neutral colors be applied to the walls before placing the home for sale, as it gives prospective buyers the opportunity to visualize if their furniture suits the area without being concerned if a certain shade of green or blue will clash. A new coat of paint is typically applied to the trim and baseboards, as well. Again, this is easily changed and saves you the problem of applying a base coat to the walls and trim.

If the seller mentions painting the home before they move, they have handed you a bargaining tool. Discuss the idea of selecting the colors you want or perhaps getting a price reduction if you take charge of the painting with your Realtor first. That gives you an opportunity to make a counter-offer that benefits you by letting you select the paint that will make the house your home.

Closets and Storage Space
One of the primary things to look for when exploring these homes is storage space, especially the size of the closets. Is there enough room to hang your family's clothing? Check for a conveniently located linen closet with adequate storage space, including shelves. There should be cabinets in the bathroom to hold towels, washcloths and incidental items. Each person has their own kitchen cabinet and drawer needs, so base that section on what is essential for you. The seller may have some hints about what was done to compensate for any shortage of shelving, counter space and closets.

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Lance Mohr & Team