If there is something I know about selling property it is that when you first get a new property you want to get it out on the market with a lot of hype around it as a new listing. If you drive around town you can see this type of advertising excitement used on new stores or restaurants that say “opening soon” or “new owner”. In real estate, we like to post a “coming soon” sign in front of properties that are to be put on the market in a timely fashion or even write about them before they go on the market to get potential buyers excited and have them start doing their research on the property.

Another way I cause a stir about new properties even before the information is released to the public is by marketing my listings as “coming soon” to other agents as well before putting the property into the MLS. If other agents know what their clients are looking for, and I go to them with a lead on a potential property, then more agents will actively look for my properties in the future as well as want to work with me again.

A study was recently done in Chicago where they took the number of properties that had been advertised as “coming soon” versus properties that did not saw the properties with “coming soon” selling after 28 days on the market versus houses not which sold after 42 days on the market.

These kind of studies continue to show that before it is time to list your property to the public and put it in the MLS, you should marketing the property as “coming soon” to build hype around the new arrival to the market. Like I mentioned before, many companies and business owners use this same tactic when it comes to building excitement over a new business or launch and here I am doing the same thing for my clients and their “coming soon” property.

If you are thinking it is time to put your house on the market then let me be the Realtor to get the ball rolling and get people and agents interested in your place with a “coming soon” announcement. Or if you are starting to look for a house but want help finding houses before they have even hit the market, give me a call and let’s grab coffee and discuss finding your “coming soon” home and making it your forever home.

In today’s fast-pass housing market, especially in Denver, going to buy a home can seem like an experience at an auction house. You know what I’m talking about right? Where the auctioneer (here being the home owner) has the ultimate say and you and a good dozen people stand around hoping to make the final offer and hear those magic words of “Sold!”.

So how can you best prepare when going in to negotiate? What is the best way to approach an initial offer, decide on a good price, and finally, sign on the dotted line for ownership to the house of your dreams?

Well first thing is first, you need to have help in your corner from day 1. Working with a REALTOR® is going to put you ahead of the curve because REALTORS know the industry inside and out. We know how to negotiate with sellers and buyers, we know the neighborhoods and what houses are worth, and finally, we know how to get down and creative if we need to in order to help negotiate the best price and outcome for you and your family.

First and foremost, when looking to buy or sell and when it comes to negotiations, find a good REALTOR® and even better a REALTOR® who is an MCNE ( Master Certified Negotiation Expert) (if you are looking currently feel free to give me a call, happy to talk with you). But here are some other suggestions when it comes times to negotiate for the house of your dreams.

Denver is currently in a sellers’ market, meaning that there is a high demand for houses and sellers’ hold the power. In this type of market you need to move quick when it comes to a desirable house and make a good connection with the buyer. If a buyer doesn’t like your offer, they won’t spend a lot of time negotiating with you. So when working in this market, keep it very simple in the steps to make before negotiating and the steps during negotiation:

In any market, it is essential to get pre-approved right away for a loan. If a seller sees you have the means to purchase their house that always makes them more comfortable with negotiating.
Go in strong with your offer, offer the asking price or something close to it.
Consider writing a personal letter with your offer or even add a photo to let the seller see who the potential buyers are and an image of the new people who would enjoy the home just as much as the seller did.
Ask only for the standard contingencies — financing, appraisal and inspection — to protect yourself down the road.
If you really like the home, be prepared to move quickly, houses do not last long in this market.

With all of these negotiation tools in your back pocket, it is exciting to think about finding that perfect home to call your own. Always remember, REALTORS are here to help you through the processes and are your advocate and if you are looking to buy or sell, don’t hesitate to give me a call and chat about what you are looking for, I am more than happy to lend any and all master negotiation skills I have!

"Coming Soon" Creates Bigger Boom

How to Negotiate When Buying a Home