Well-kept yards signal neighborhood safety

Survey: Well-kept yards signal neighborhood safety
WASHINGTON – Nov. 16, 2010 – New research conducted by Relocation.com concludes that most Americans identify maintenance of surrounding residences as the key factor in determining the safety of a neighborhood.

Fully three-quarter of respondents agreed with that sentiment, with a particular emphasis placed on the appearance of front lawns. A total of 74 percent of survey participants said they would choose a community based on “word-of-mouth” feedback or the neighborhood’s local reputation, while 67 percent said that local crime reports and statistics found in the local media would factor heavily into their home buying decision.

Of lesser importance to house-hunters who want to evaluate the safety of an area, according to the research, are location within gated communities with security patrols and proximity to police barracks or fire stations.

“Our findings suggest that some home sellers who are struggling to generate interest may want to go the extra mile and help their neighbors with landscaping needs in order to create buyer interest,” remarked Relocation.com Chairman and founder Sharon Asher. (http://rismedia.com/2010-11-15/well-kept-yards-signal-neighborhood-safety-suggests-new-relocation-survey/)

Source: RISMedia (11/16/10)

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THE TRUTH ABOUT OPEN HOUSES

Many agents, especially those with more listings than they can effectively manage, often allow inexperienced agents to hold their listings open. This is usually done to make the seller think they are working hard to sell their home. These newly-licensed agents know little about your home or neighborhood, but often know less about qualifying potential buyers. If a couple of directional signs, some balloons and a plate of cookies was all it took to sell a home, sellers wouldn't need real estate brokers in the first place. The fact is, less than 1% of homes ever sell as a result of an open house.

The truth is that open houses have an extremely limited window where they are actually beneficial to the seller. Here's why; when your home is new to the market, potential buyers - and agents - want to see it. If it is priced correctly, all repairs made and staged appropriately, an open house can be a great opportunity. But that opportunity only lasts for a few weeks. After that, most agents and buyers are familiar with the house.

After the first few weeks, if an agent agrees to hold an open house, it's for one thing; to meet potential buyers. The agent is using your home as a lure in hopes of catching buyers who, oddly enough, most likely will not purchase your home.

Thank you to :
Conrad Lyles Realtors specialize in Buckhead real estate.

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