Do you really need a lockbox on your Tamaqua home for sale?

You may be reluctant. I understand that. It means anyone with a key to the lockbox can come in, even if they haven’t made a proper appointment. However, if you want your Tamaqua home to get the most exposure possible, you really do need that lockbox.

 

Sure, the agents who want to show your house can pick up a key from the listing agent – but many will skip showing your home if that’s a requirement.

It can add hours to an agent’s day when they drive to another agent's office to get a key – and then drive back to return it. Your home will only be shown if the agent has exhausted all other possibilities.

 

And what if a second or third agent wants to show your home while the first agent still has the key? Your agent will have to say “Sorry, not today,” and that might mean your house is not shown to that buyer at all.

 

And yes, if you’re home all day every day, you can let people in.

 

But remember that buyers are reluctant to really look at a home if the owner is present. You being there could cause people to leave before they’ve have the opportunity to see that your home really is the right one for them.

 

But I’d rather have my listing agent accompany all showings. He or she can bring the key along.

That sounds good, but if you insist, you'll severely limit the number of buyers who see your home. Remember that agents are busy. If your agent and the buyer's agent have to coordinate their schedules to make time for your showing, the buyer’s agent might just decide to skip it.

 

And of course, because your agent might already be out with a client when a call comes in from a buyer’s agent, you're apt to miss out on short-notice showings.

 

But isn't it dangerous? I don't want strangers coming into my home any time they feel like it.

I understand your worry that someone might come in without an appointment, and that things could disappear. However, our modern lock boxes go a long way to reduce that risk.

 

Today's lock boxes require a key or a code – and each agent has his or her own key and/or code. Because the lock boxes record the agent’s name or code each time the box is opened, we always know who has been in your house.

 

What if someone decides to come in with no notice, and I happen to be in the shower?

First, your listing will specify that an appointment is required – and most agents will honor that requirement. Second, you can take steps to prevent a “surprise” entry when you or your family members are at home. A door chain or a deadbolt is a good precaution.

 

So the answer is yes: When your Tamaqua home is for sale, you really do need a lock box.

 

If you're thinking of selling, get in touch. I'll show you how I market to minimize the disruption to your life by getting your home sold in the least amount of time possible.

There’s more to an offer than the purchase price

When you’re buying or selling a home in Tamaqua, the purchase price is only one component of the offer.

 

The fact that so many other details affect a buyer’s total outlay and a seller’s total return is why purchase and sale agreements include so many pages.

 

Start with seller concessions:

• Seller pays a set dollar amount or percentage of the total toward the buyer’s closing costs. Depending upon the loan program, this could be as much as 9% of the purchase price. That’s a considerable expense for the seller, and a considerable savings for the buyer.
• Seller agrees to pay a set dollar amount for repairs called for in an inspection.
• Seller gives an allowance for new carpet, paint, etc.

Those are the items that obviously affect the bottom line, but there are more…

 

Consider the closing date:

 

This can financially affect the parties in two ways.

 

First, consider the cost of storage and short-term housing between the sale of one home and the closing on the new home. This could affect either the buyer or the seller.

 

Next consider the expense to the seller if they’ve already moved, but are still making payments on the house they’re selling.

 

Think about what’s included in the sale:    

         

Kitchen and/or laundry appliances may or may not be included per the listing. If not, the buyers can ask for them. When they’re included, the buyers save money, and it may cost the seller to replace them – depending upon whether or not appliances are included in their next purchase.

 

Even though these items are not given monetary value on the purchase offer, they do have a value that should be considered when calculating the bottom line for both buyers and sellers.

 

The same is true for items like a riding lawn mower or a removable dog kennel. The seller may not need these items in their next home, but leaving them behind does add value for the buyer.

 

Whether you're buying or selling a home here in Tamaqua, look beyond the stated purchase price to see the true price.

 

If you have questions about these costs and how they affect your bottom line, call me at 570-640-8109 or drop me a note at edentroxell@yahoo.com.  I'll be happy to speak with you.

 

And when you're ready to buy or sell a Tamaqua home, it would be my pleasure to help you determine the true dollar figures, and to guide you through a smooth transaction.

What matters – the agency or the agent?

When you’re planning to purchase or sell a home here in Tamaqua you’ll get plenty of advice. Some of it will center on which agent or agency to choose.

 

If your friends or family members have had a good experience with a certain agent, they’ll advise you to call that agent – and that’s good! Take that advice – at least as far as talking with the agent to see if your personalities are compatible.

 

If no one has a referral for you, some will tell you to choose a nationally known name. Others will tell you to choose one of the small, independent agencies.

 

Does the size of the agency matter? No. It doesn’t.

 

What matters is the integrity, knowledge, skill, professionalism, personality, ambition, and enthusiasm of just one agent: the agent representing you.

 

If you want to sell a home here in Tamaqua, be aware that:

Every agent in Tamaqua has access to the same information from our Multiple Listing Service.  That means we all have the facts at hand to provide homeowners with an accurate estimate of market value.

 

Every agent also has the opportunity to promote his or her listings through that service, as well as through multiple Internet portals. The difference is in the care each agent takes in doing so.

 

Some agents take one fuzzy photograph of a home and provide only the bare facts, such as square footage and the number of bedrooms and baths.

 

Some, like me, use professional-quality photographs and post the maximum number allowed. In our MLS, we’re allowed to post 24 photos for each listing. Then we provide all of the information that a home seeker might want. After that we write property descriptions that point out the most important features and benefits of the home.

 

In addition, some agents will advise you on how to make your home most appealing to buyers and others will not.

 

Before you choose a listing agent, investigate how the agent markets his or her listings. Just ask for links to other listings on line or search for homes listed with that agent.

 

When you’re buying…

You want an agent who is familiar with the territory and can advise you on neighborhoods that will reduce your drive time to school, work, recreation, or medical care. Your agent should also be able to inform you about new developments in the area that might affect the value of your purchase over time.

 

You might also want your agent to show you statistics that reveal whether prices are rising or falling in the neighborhoods that interest you.

 

Important for both buyers and sellers…

Choose an agent with whom you feel comfortable. You’re going to be seeing a lot of this person over the next few weeks, so shy away from anyone who makes you feel intimidated in any way. It’s best if your personalities are similar, as well.

 

For instance: If you’re a talkative person, you’ll be uncomfortable with someone quiet – and if you’re a quiet person, someone who talks constantly will annoy you.

 

Buying or selling a Tamaqua home can be stressful. Reduce that stress by working with an agent you feel you can trust, and whose company you enjoy.

 

I’d love to be that agent – so let’s get acquainted! Call, write, or text me today.

Eden Troxell

570-640-8109

edentroxell@yahoo.com

Moving – Make it easier on the kids

Unless you’re moving to a new home within your current Tamaqua neighborhood, this transition can be both exciting and terrifying for your school-age children.

 

In addition to leaving a home they just might love, they’re leaving their friends, their playgrounds, their school, family members who lived nearby, their favorite ice cream shop – everything they’re familiar with except for you and their siblings.

How can you make this transition easier?

 

First, by creating a sense of adventure. Get them excited about what they’ll find in their new community. Do a little on-line research to see what attractions await them.

 

Find out about day-trips the family can take once you’re settled in your new home.

 

Next, if they’re old enough, get them involved in choosing that new home. While it’s true that you may live there for the next 20 or 30 years and the kids will probably move on to their own homes in a few short years, do listen to their input.

 

Once you’ve moved, make it a point to get acquainted with others in the neighborhood – especially those who have children in the same age group as yours. Invite people over so the kids can get acquainted in a non-threatening environment.

 

Find activities that your kids will love. Whether it’s an organized group such as Scouts or weekly trips to the pool or water-slide, put them in places where they can make new friends.

 

Involve them in decorating and arranging their new rooms, so they’re creating a space that’s truly “theirs.”

 

Go to school ahead of time and let them meet the teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, and others who will play a part in their daily lives.

Lastly, let them feel free to vent their feelings. Telling kids to “Get used to it” or “Get over it” when they’re mourning the loss of their friends, community, and old home is a sure way to cut off communication between you and make them feel even more miserable.

 

Instead, let them know that the move is a bit scary for you, too. Let them know that you also miss old friends and old places – and that it’s normal to feel the way they feel. But now is the time for the new adventure.

 

At the same time, don’t let them wallow in their despair. Push them to make the effort, and help them as they learn to love living in their new community.