Pages

Thursday, August 26, 2010

What is a real estate CMA? (Competitive Market Analysis)

Have you as a home buyer or seller ever been offered a "CMA"? Sometimes, we REALTORS forget that folks out there in everyday land, not in Real Estate Land, don't understand our "lingo". We use terms and abbreviations like REO, FHA, CMA, FSBO (fizz-bo), GFE, and VA that mean absolutely nothing to most buyers and sellers. So, today, I'm going to try and clear up one of the most commonly used abbreviations:

The CMA.

CMA stands for "Competitive Market Analysis" or "Comparative Market Analysis". This document gives the interested party the likely value that a buyer may place on the property in question. Included in a CMA are properties that are similar to the subject property (the property that is being bought or sold). The goal when composing a CMA is to find properties that are most similar to the subject property in terms of location, square footage, lot size, upgrades, year built, amenities, and other features along the same line. The key is to look for comparable properties that have been on the market or sold in the previous 6 months or so. By looking at what these similar homes may have been listed for, sold, or not sold, for we can help determine the market value of any property in consideration. The information about the similar properties should come from a local Multiple Listing Service where properties for sale are stored along with specific information. This helps ensure that the information is relatively accurate and monitored by a local, non-biased office. Once specific properties are located, then they are compared to the subject property and adjustments are made for differences in each of the areas being compared. For instance, if the home you are selling has 2500 square feet, and the one you are using as a comparable only has 2000 square feet then a minor adjustment may need to be made for the difference. After adjustments are made and each property is compared, an estimated market value or suggested list price is determined based on the information collected.

The CMA is an important tool if you are trying to sell your home, because it provides insight into what a typical buyer might be willing to pay. This is what helps you determine where you want/need to set your asking price.

When buying a home, the CMA can help you determine how to structure your offer to the seller, and what may or may not be reasonable.

So, I hope that helps clear up some questions you may have about the ever-confusing Real Estate Language. Hang in there and Ask Questions! Your real estate professional is there to help you through each step of the home buying or selling process. Don't be shy!

Friday, August 20, 2010

TOP 10 STEPS TO GET YOUR HOME SOLD!

Besides the issue of price, maybe the next most important part of selling your home is what we marketing people call "merchandising". Merchandising with regard to the sale of your home is what you do to contribute to the sale, or, in other words, how you make your home as absolutely attractive as possible! Now, you may be thinking that pictures of you or your grandkids are extremely attractive, but...I'm going to just go ahead and say...YOU and YOUR FAMILY are the only ones who think so. (Ouch, I know.) But, seriously, TAKE THEM DOWN!!
Merchandising is all about little things like these that will make a HUGE difference in the way your home appeals to the potential buyer taking a look.

I've composed a list of what I believe to be the TOP 10 Merchandising Tips. Take a look, and take my advice!

1. First Impressions Count!

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so look at your home’s exterior with a critical eye. Mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, and tidy up the front porch.

2. Start with a Clean Slate

Take the time to clean the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. Potential buyers would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look.

3. Everything Has its Place

Remember, propects are not only looking for comfortable living space, but plenty of storage space. Check the attic, garage, and all of the closets, making sure they are all neat and free of clutter. Invest here or here.

4. Make your Bathroom Shine, Shine, Shine

As crazy as it sounds, bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine! Check and repair areas that may need caulk. Display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

5. Peel Back those Blinds

Let the sun shine in! Pull open your curtains, drapes, or blinds so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is. The more light, the better atmosphere.

6. Be it Ever so Humble…

No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. And if a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment, bite your tongue. You do not want to scare away a potential buyer forever.

7. Pets May Pose Problems

Dogs and cats can easily get in the way when showing your home. Try to be considerate and keep them outside, at a neighbor’s house, or in their kennel.

8. Too Much of a Good Thing

Put personal collections away someplace safe. They often take up tons of space and can easily make a room feel cluttered.

9. Check the Temperature

Now is NOT the time to be worried about the utility bill. If it’s warm or cool outside, adjust the temperature accordingly. You want to give your buyer more of a reason to linger, especially on those hot and cold days.

10. Play Down the Scent

Many people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers. Don’t overdo it with candles and perfumes. Your home should have a fresh scent, not anything overwhelming. Try this.


Ok, I think that about gets it! Whether selling your home yourself, or with a licensed REALTOR, swallow the knot in your throat, do a few things to make your home look its best, and SELL IT!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

About Me

     SO, first things first! My name is Morgan Plyler, also known as many other things, but “Mo” specifically. I’ve lived in Valdosta, Ga for pretty much my entire life, except a year or so during college. I graduated from Georgia Christian School down in Dasher, Ga, just south of Valdosta. I did most of my growing up down in Dasher, it will always be home. I moved on to Alabama for my first year or so of college, then back to Valdosta where I graduated with a degree in Business Management from Valdosta State University. I am so blessed to have grown up in this city that’s close enough to the beach and to the big city, but just far enough away.

…more to come about Valdosta soon…

     Close to finishing college, I felt it was time to break into the real estate market. Yes, this was the beginning of the worst real estate market in recent history. BUT,…I was a fearless college student, young, energetic, and ready to take on the task. It seemed like the right thing to do. Get an early start in a career where I control my income, I work on my time, and I get to help people through one of the biggest, most exciting purchases of their lives. Helping people realize a traditional American dream, like homeownership, is extremely rewarding. I would say the early start into the business served me well. According to what “they” say, the market can’t get much worse than it’s been in the last 2 years, so I can make it through anything! I learned, it’s not about the market, it’s about me! Work hard, pound the pavement, and success is inevitable. EXIT Realty showed me that. If not for the real estate and mindset training offered by this company, my outlook in life and in business would still be flawed. What a blessing!

     So, a 2.5 year old Realtor, I come with many real estate experiences. Being in the new, younger generation, I use technology to my advantage, and bring fresh ideas to the marketing and sale of homes in the area (no doubt linked to my focus on marketing, as well as management at VSU). I love the career I’ve chosen and the opportunities that it allows me to help others while supporting myself. Again, so blessed!

     Outside of real estate, I love sports!! I’ve been a player, a coach, and a fan my entire life! You can’t live in Valdosta, GA…Winnersville, USA, Titletown USA…without being a fan! I also enjoy teaching young girls, and volunteering in other ways around Valdosta. My friends are scattered around the southeast, but the ones I’ve grown up with are still around. We keep it pretty low-key, but always manage to have a great time!

     So, that’s pretty much ME! Real Estate Agent…with Southern Style. It’s what I bring to life, it’s what I bring to business.