Competing Against Multiple Offers For Your Home

The housing marketing is really starting to see an uptick in sales. It's making it a fun marketplace to be a buyer and a seller. However, if you're in the market to buy a home, here are a few things you should know.

When you find the perfect home, make an offer.

Don’t wait.

Right now, may homes are selling for their asking price (and in some cases) beyond. Home sellers need to evaluate several offers and if yours is one of many (your Castetter Group agent can tell you if other parties have indicated interest), it needs to stand out. 

Here are four steps to writing the best offer for your home:

1. If you need lending, get pre-approved and formalize it by including a letter from your lender as part of your offer.
2. Make a  clean offer with few contingencies. Typical home purchase contract contingencies include financing, inspections and the sale of another home. Put yourself ahead of the crowd by limiting as many conditions as possible before presenting your offer, however, do not forego important - and expensive - things that need to be fixed, e.g. a cracked foundation or leaking roof. 
3. Put as much of your down payment into your earnest money deposit as possible. It makes a very strong impression when you write the offer. The earnest money is part of your down payment which you simply put down a month earlier. This lets the seller know of your intentions because if the seller accepts your offer and you break the contract, you would lose your earnest money deposit.
4. Trust your realtor. Your real estate agent has the ability and knowledge to influence and impact your decisions throughout the offer process and presenting the offer itself. Trust your realtor's advice and guidance. They are working for your benefit. 

Great Neighbors Live in Hendricks County

One of the most common statements Hendricks County homeowners say to members of The Castetter Group - and can be heard around town - is Hendricks County has great neighbors.

People who relocate or find themselves moving out to the westside of Indianapolis find the friendliness of those living in this area as one of the area's greatest attractions.

Recently, a woman in one of our popular housing additions, The Oaks of Avon, gave birth to her second child. She told us the outpouring of support from the people living on her street was amazing. People brought over food, offered to watch her toddler while she adjusted with the new baby, came over to visit and just help out where they could.

Stories like this are not unheard of in Hendricks County. We have a great community and friendly residents and we're sure you are one of them! However, if you'd like to see a more close knit community in your neighborhood, we created a list of ideas to help get you started!

• Food - Whether you bring over a meal, fresh produce, ice cold waters, or a just baked treat, move-in day is a great time to get know your new neighbors. You can also plan a BBQ or dinner at your home for later in the week to further the relationship.
• Help - Offer to unload or unpack boxes, pick up something at the store while you’re out, or introduce your new neighbor to the carpool are invaluable ways to help your new friend.
• Information - Sharing your favorite deli or restaurant or the best parks and schools in the area open the door to conversation, as well. You could also pass along names of hair stylists, handymen, and other service providers and mention street sweeping and trash days.
• Cheer - Drop off some freshly cut flowers or a candle with a card and your contact information can really make someone feel welcomed, too. You can also help collect their trash cans or lids that may have blown down the street on a blustery day.
• Social Media - Connect with your neighbors online first! Many people feel like they can get to know you better through your online posts and comments and may feel more inclined to reach out in person.

How Technology Is Changing Home Sales

Your home’s first showing is now online. Realtor.com says 94% of all buyers start their home search on the Internet. Buyers are ten times more likely to find the home they purchase online than anywhere else.

The Castetter Group knows how important technology is to the home buying and selling process and that’s why we’ve integrated it into our process.

Once we ensure you have high quality photos taken of your staged home listing. Then your listing is syndicated on more than 300 local and international websites.

Specifically, we will list on these top sites:

• Realtor.com: This is where the world shops for real estate with over forty million visits per month. Realtor.com has mobile and iPad apps. These two apps receive 22 million viewings per month.

• TalktoTucker.com: The Talk to Tucker website has more than 300,000 viewers each month and is continually growing. With our dominant presence, we reach more targeted buyers and give your home more exposure than ever before.

• Mibor.net: The Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors is our local board of Realtors providing access of your property to all Indianapolis Realtors. There are more than 187,000 viewers per month.

• iTucker.com: With iTucker.com a buyer can use their phone to find your home. This website can be accessed from any smart phone giving buyers instant access about the price of your property & photos. Just enter the street name. An average of 70,000 hits a month. Exposure you can’t afford not to have. 

We also utilize Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word about your property.

We know your time is valuable and want to maximize your home’s selling potential. Agents within The Castetter Group are available to our clients by email, text and phone.

Are you ready to get started selling your home? Contact us today at (317) 414-1117 or chris@thecastettergroup.com.

You Don't Need To Wait Until Spring To Sell Your Home

A common home sale perception is waiting until the spring to sell your home. However, if you’re serious about selling, waiting until the spring may not be the best option for you.

This time of year historically has the least number of new listings - which means less competition.  Plenty of buyers can’t seem to find their dream home. Yours might be it! Don’t wait for your competition to attract those buyers before you do.

By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring rush! This will allow you to sell now in a less competitive market and potentially negotiate lower on the buy when there are more inventories.

The Castetter Group is a big believer in home staging and midwinter staging offers some unique opportunities!

• Make sure the walks and entryways are free debris. Take the time to clear off the patio too. You may not use it in winter, but your buyer needs to know it is there for the summer. Winter patio use is gaining popularity too!

• Keep your home warm and cozy. Now is not the time to worry about heat costs. If buyers are cold and uncomfortable, they will not stay long enough to experience your home’s special features.

•  If you have a gas fireplace, light it. Consider placing a grouping of candles in a wood fireplace and lighting them while the house shows.

Since daylight is at a premium in winter, try to have your house shown during daylight hours. Make sure your windows are clear and free of winter grime and window treatments are clean and dust-free.

If your house must show after dark, make sure to turn on every light in the house and yard so that your home is warm and inviting.