Barb Schlinker The Real Estate Voice

10 Photos Mistakes That Will Have Buyers Swiping Away From Your Home ONLINESegment 310 Home Photo Mistakes That Will Have Buyers Swiping Away from Your Home ONLINEBarb, in the last segment we talked about how it’s a seller’s market, which means, in many cases, the home sellers get to choose from multiple offers, and there is a low number of available homes on the market, but you have said before that Buyers eliminate homes online.  What are some things that will cause a persons home to get digitally eliminated ONLINE:Yes, these are worries that keep me up at night.Home sellers might be surprised to know a few facts:The training for real estate agents in regards to marketing is very limited.There is just not much training on it.80% of Agents get out of the biz w/in 5 yearsYou would be SHOCKED or you may have seen some AWFUL MARKETING PHOTOS trying to entire buyers to see a home posted by untrained real estate agents.Example:  Price:  $590kNot ONE photo was in focusWhat’s Wrong with This Picture?Here is one:  6

Will Real Estate in the Colorado Springs Area Crash SoonSegment 2Will Real Estate the Colorado Springs Area Crash Soon?Barb, there are a lot of people who fear a real estate market dip in values is just around the corner?  Do you think the real estate market in the Colorado Springs area will crash?I understand their fears:People know history can repeat itselfThe last Increase followed by Crash 2003-2012 involved:Shady lending practicesBuyers purchasing more they can affordAdjustable interest rates caught people unaware and unpreparedRecently, COVID Pandemic caused other issues:Job Loss in 2020 – Unemployment rate then 12.6%Most recent date – 6.1%Still TBD:  Foreclosure Moratorium ENDED?Foreclosures up nationwide by 60% as compared to last yearMany, many are WithdrawnIN August: BIDEN Admin Put a New “Loan Servicing Rule” in place through the CFPB that would1. “HOLD OFF MOST FORECLOSURES UNTIL 2022”2. Prevents them from INCREASING Monthly payments for owners emerging from forbearance program3. Prevents them fro

Zillow - The Self-Proclaimed 'Master' of the Real Estate UniverseSegment 1Zillow – The Self-Proclaimed ‘Master’ of the Real Estate UniverseBarb, many people thinking of buying or sellers are now drawn to check in on the tech-giant, Zillow’s website where they will find homes for sale and a “Zestimate” of their homes value.  Is Zillow Really the ‘gold standard’ for real estate?> The real estate industry is still trying to catch up with Zillow> Zillow making some very questionable Anti-Trust moves> ‘Zestimates’ and ‘Cash Offers’ that should be viewed with caution, in my opinion:Let’s start with their corporate mission:The leading real estate and rental marketplace dedicated to empowering consumers with data, inspiration and knowledge around the place they call home, and connecting them with the best local professionals who can help.“Leading Real Estate and Rental Market Place”Same as any other real estate website* Connected to local MLS systems* National exposure give them front page on Googl

Top Pricing Mistakes That Will Cost You Thousands When You Sell Your HomeSegment 4Top Pricing Mistakes That Will Cost You Thousands When You Sell Your HomeBarb a lot of people go off those automated valuations like on Zillow to determine what their home is worth.  How does a home seller decide what price to set when selling their home?1. Pricing a home appropriately can mean the difference between a home seller getting TOP dollar for the home or the home sitting on the market for a longer than normal period of time.Here is why:a. Price too high – no or few showings – no offersb. Price too low – buyers don’t offer enoughc. Price too high and slowly walk the price downa. National statistics – Net LESS Money2. What About Pricing according to those automated valuations?a. Not accurateb. Average homes around youc. They Do not know YOUR improvementsPricing Just Right!Pricing too low:* Most buyers assume you will accept that number* Or if they need work…EVER LOWER! BLA Story* Agents suggesting a PRICE TOO LOW may no

Frequently Asked Questions for Agents When Thinking of Selling Your HomeSegment 3Frequently Asked Questions For Agents When Thinking of Selling a HomeBarb, I know many people ask you questions when getting ready to sell their homes.  What are the top frequently asked questions from home sellers about selling their homes?If you are thinking of making a move and would likePlus we are offering a Free Report entitled the : Top Frequently asked questions when selling a home visit www.BarbHasTheBuyers.comClick on the GREEN Button to Download or call 719 301 3900FAQ: What improvement will I need to do to get my home ready for sale?This is what we do multiple times every week.We come out, and take the grand tour:Give you tips on what to do and MORE IMPORTANTLY WHAT NOT TO do to get your home ready to sell.FAQ: What To Expect When You Call:Get a great idea on how much your home will sell for in this marketAnd show you how much you will put in your pocket when it sells.To order your report go to BarbHasTHEBuyers.com Cl

5 Critical Home Improvements That Make Buyers Pay Top DollarSegment 25 Critical Updates That Make Buyers Pay Top DollarBarb, most people assume that all homes are selling right now.  In this hot market do home sellers really need to make improvements to get the most money when they sell?Makes some minor improvements can go a long way to commanding as much as 11% more for your home!It is worth it in most cases, unless the entire home needs a rehab then I would think twice.WHAT WE DO:We Offer a Free, No Obligation Consultation on What to Do and What Not to Do to Get Your Home Ready for SaleYou can call us anytime at 719 301 3900 or Visit BarbHasTheBuyers.comUpdate According to the Buyers Taste:1. Paint the Interior - NeutralizeRemove Wall Paper:Paint Over Wood Paneling – Gives a Popular Shiplap appearance – Hot Now2. Cue In Curb Appeala. It’s a Challenge to Grow Grass Here!b. Paint your front door, c. Correct peeling paint4. Make the Yard GREAT!a. Refresh mulch bedsb. People love fire pits or places outdoors to

Realtor Association in the Hot Seat for Lack of TransparencySegment 1Realtor Association in the Hot Seat for Lack of TransparencyBarb, many people buying and selling real estate are often confused about how the real estate industry divides up commissions in a transaction. There has been some news about this topic lately, can you tell us about it?This started a few years ago with:Anti-trust lawsuit brought on by some Chicago home sellers about:"Why am I paying for the buyers agent to fight against me in the transaction?”This opened the investigation into the “Industry Norm and StandardSignificant Anti-Trust Law ViolationsSuit RevealedMinimum mandates of commission to buyer’s agentAgents were telling consumers:“If you DON’T offer the buyers agent X commission, they will not show it to their buyersReveal:  Buyers lack of transparency about commission offeredReveal: Some MLS Systems do NOT allow NON NAR members to input their listings (PPAR) or SHOW their listingsDOJ Anti-Trust Case Charges:a. Disclosure to

The Top Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early and Hot New ListingsSegment 4Top 7 Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early & Some Hot New Listings1) Barb, I’ve heard people say there is nothing more exciting than paying off your mortgage, what are the Top 7 Ways to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Its interesting to note that:Thinking of Refinancing?  Consider:How long you plan to stay in the homeWhether or not it makes sense to add Years to the MortgageThe cost of RefinancingIF plan to stay, paying off your mortgage as fast as possible is the best way to go:Fact:  A typical 30-year mortgage takes 21 years just to pay down LESS THAN HALF of the principal of your loan!Fact: For a $435,000 30-year mortgage at 3.0%, paid monthly with no extra down total amount paid would be $660,231!There are several ways to prepay a mortgage:Make an extra mortgage payment every yearAdd extra dollars to every paymentApply a lump sum after an inheritance or other windfallSome combination of the aboveThe Banks GET THEIR INTEREST MONEY FIRS

What if the Appraiser Does NOT Think Your Home is Worth the Sales PriceSegment 3What if the Appraiser Does NOT Think the Home is Worth the Sales PriceWe are back with Barb Schlinker, Barb…Barb, I’m told the market is red hot and sometimes the appraiser does not think the home is worth what the buyer agreed to pay, tell us about that.1. Yes, its exciting and very scary for home sellers at the same time.a) For the 4th month in a row prices are spikingb) Some sellers are reaching for the moon on prices and not getting itc) bidding wars ARE COMMON2. We have had a few cases where the appraisers have come back and said the home is not worth what the buyer agreed to pay. This can be very frustrating for a home seller.a) Options:  Lower price to appraisal1. Say no and get buyer to make up diff in cash2. Negotiate in between1. HaystackThe Elephant in the Room – Bidding OVER its ValueMany agents are making offers like that …just to get a contract then.If it doesn’t appraise…weeks later, some agents think the seller mus

11 High Cost Home Inspection Traps 2021Segment 211 High Cost Home Inspection Traps You Should Know Weeks Before You List Your HomeBarb, many home sellers fear the inspection.  Many people think most buyers want to purchase their home as it is.  What are some of the High Cost Home Inspection Traps you come across selling homes?Buyers want to buy – but in most cases NOT as isMost sellers assume their home is selling AS ISNot a time for UPGRADES butBuyers want broken things repairedLear Story33 Physical Problems that come under scrutiny, with the inventory low, most buyers are stating they will not ask for cosmetic issues and focus on major systems, health and safety.  Colorado does NOT require a license to be an inspector.Story of Landscaper inspector & DadThe high-cost things include:Roof replacements – particularly high deductiblesFurnace replacementsElectrical panelStructural stuff can be really costlySewer and Septic RepairsSome pre planning with a great real estate agent can help go you ready to sell w

Best Moving Companies When Moving Out of the Colorado Springs AreaSegment 1Best Moving Companies When Moving out of the Colorado Springs AreaBarb, moving for anyone is a huge project and many people want to know what are their options when planning their move leaving the Colorado Springs area.  What are the best moving companies and options for people moving across the country?Moving Company Options are a Frequently Asked QuestionAlthough Colorado has a Net INCREASE of People migrating TO the state by 7.3%Many people are moving out of stateTop Destinations for Migration are:Western States:Nevada, Washington Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, TexasEastern States:Tennessee, Georgia, Florida & North CarolinaTypes of Moving Companies Have Changed:A. Full-Service Movers – United Van LinesB. Hybrid Do It Yourself Movers – U-PakC. Do It Yourself Van RentalWe will cover some detail on the different options shortly and at the end of this segment I’ll be sharing:Top 5 Moving CompaniesHow to Protect Yourself Against Moving

How to Sell for up to 11% More - Hot New ListingsSegment 4How to Sell for Up to 11% More & Hot New ListingsQ.  Home Sale Preparation is a question home sellers often ask about when thinking of selling their home.  How much difference does home sale preparation make when selling a home?The #1 Question we get from home sellers is…What do we need to do and what NOT to do to get our home ready for sale?Small investment = Big ROIBuyers Want HGTVYou Need an Agent That Knows:What to do and what NOT to do to get top $To Fix or Not FixTable Rock StoryOak BendPosition the Home with Pricing and Improvements to Get Top DollaFordham StoryMarketing Strategy:Updated Homes = Top DollarAggressively Priced homes = Top DollarHomes Priced Realistically vs Optimistically = Top DollarExamples of Home Sale PreparationDeclutteringRe-purposingVacant StrategyTenant in the Home StrategyWhatever Situation Best Fits Your HomeWe are prepared to make it betterWe Will Help You Get Ready!Command Top DollarJust ask John and Shelly:We just

Trade Up Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Moving Up to Another Home Updated 2021Segment 3Trade Up Mistakes and How to Avoid Them When Moving Up to Your Next HomeBarb one of the biggest challenges for home sellers is the classic Real Estate Catch 22 Having a House to Sell Before They Buy Their Next Home, how do homes owners make Trade Up Mistakes when moving up to another home and how do they avoid them?1. The Real Estate Dilemma is TWO FOLD:Need their net proceeds from the sale to buy andFear that if we sell their home too fast they will be rendered in a temporary housing situation2. Needing the Net Proceeds?Option 1: Sell the Home!Or at least get it Under Contract – Home Sellers of homes they want to buy are much more likely to accept a Contingent Home Sale when their home already has a buyer…Most Sellers Will REJECT Sale Contingency - DEFINEOption 2: What if the You have NOT lined up a Destination?We can put contract protections in place to give the Seller an “OUT” for at least 10 days while we shopI’ve

Why the Millennial Generation Should Not Fear Soaring Home PricesSegment 2Why the Millennial Generation Should Not Fear Soaring Home PricesWe are back with Barb Schlinker, Barb…Many home buyers are concerned that they will get priced out of the market.  Why should people not fear soaring home prices and what about those first-time home buyers currently fueled by the Millennial generation who are starting to buy homes?1. God Bless the Millennials!  I am the mother of one.1) Now they have jobs2) They SAVE $$3)  Housing is ExpensiveThe Facts:Home Prices up 20% in the past yearSo have RENTAL RATES!$ Average RentY o Y ChangeAvg Size$1458 Month16%849 SFSource: Rent CafeYou Could Own for Similar Amount!I have 3 Properties Coming On the Market in the Next Few Weeks BELOW That:Townhome with NO HOA$270K - Pmt: $1271SFA Home Powers: $300K – Pmt: $1357SFA Home Fountain:$300K – Pmt: $1332NEW SLIDEHousing Affordability Remains Above Average for Payment:Average Home in 2019:  Average Price $364KAverage Home in 2021:  Averag

Top 7 Reasons a Market Slow Down is No Reason to WorrySegment 1Top 7 Reasons a Market Slow Down Is No Reason to WorryBarb, you have mentioned that many bloggers and people are concerned that we are in a Real Estate Bubble and could face a market correction. Even last week you said the market is slowing a bit.  Do you think this will mean lower home prices?People are concerned about another housing bubble.  However….The 2007 Housing Crisis Was an AnomalyHousing Crisis & COVID Had a Profound Impact on Housing StartsPikes Peak Market Under $Million Still Showing a LOW Supply:July Numbers VERY SimilarNOT MUCH DIFFERENT!REASONS NOT TO WORRY:#1 Reason Why Home Prices NOT Expected to DROPAnswer: CONSTRUCTION Supply Not Keeping Up – Look at Big Picture#2 Reason NOT to Worry: LOW INTEREST RATES = Low Payments#3 Reason NOT to Worry: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY – Annual Payment STABLE – Down Payment Higher in SOME Markets Not This OneYou are listening to the Real Estate Voice with myself Barb Schlinker of Your Home Sold G

How to PRICE Your Home to Command Top Dollar -Hot New ListingsSegment 4Pricing Your Home to Command Top DollarBarb, most people selling a home have some very different ideas of their home’s value, some believe they should price it at the very TOP of the price range, others want a quick sale and others have no idea.  How does a home seller price their home to command top dollar?Pricing Tip # 1:Don’t Rely on those Online Computer Generated“Zesitmates Those computers have never seen your homeThose computers do not know what makes your home unique and specialThings like:ViewsA Lovely YardHome ImprovementsTable Rock StoryPricing Tip #2: Don’t rely on the price of your neighbor’s home When it comes to home value:Square footage is a key part of valuationValue also includes:Condition, Views, Floor Plan, Improvements, & Location + AgeA Real opinion of value is what a buyer is willing to payMost buyers getting a loan need an Appraiser to substantiate the price to the lenderThis is why we look at recent “similar” sa

Critical Questions You Should Ask BEFORE Your Hire a Real Estate AgentSegment 3The Critical Questions You Should Ask BEFORE Your Hire a Real Estate AgentWe are back with Barb Schlinker, Barb…Barb, you know I have recommended you and your team for years.  But many people do want to interview several agents to pick the best one.  You have a report on the Top 10 Questions You should Ask Before Hiring an Agent, tell us about that..1. Not All Real Estate Agents are The SAME2. Picking the WRONG agent can COST a home seller Thousands.3. Most People DO NOT KNOW What Questions to AskFREE REPORT:10 Questions to Ask Before Your Hire An Agentwww.10AgentHiringQuestions.com or call us at 719 301 3900a) There are agents that discount and DO VERY LITTLEb) There are agents that will promise the MOON to get a listingc) There are agents that charge full price and DO VERY LITTLEHome Sellers Considering Selling a Home:Not sure what questions to ask?We Have Prepared a FREE Report:Title:  10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agen

Top 5 Costly Home Sellers Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemSegment 2Top Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale (Costly Home Seller Mistakes)We are back with Barb Schlinker, Barb…You have said before that many home sellers do not know where to start to get their homes ready for sale.  You are offering a Free Report on the 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.  Tell us about the report…1. The name of the report is the 9 Step System that can help you sell fast and for the most amount of money.2. The industry shows: traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market.1) Some homes DON’T sell! And…2) Half of home sellers do not get the price they want for their homes.3. The report outlines the 7 deadly mistakes that can cost them literally thousands.  1) But the good news is that every one of these mistakes is preventable.4. Here are a few things that are in the report:1) Signing a Long-Term Listing Agreement with an agent with

Signs of this Hot Real Estate Market is Slowing and What to Do?Segment 1Sudden Real Estate Market Slow Down – What Can A Home Seller Do About it?Barb, for months now we have been talking about this red hot real estate market. But going into the fall you are reporting some significant changes…tell us about them:Several HUGE Market Factors:SURGE in InventoryHomes Taking LONGER to SellFewer Bidding WarsNew Listings Surge Towards 2019 LevelsLocal Surge nearly 16% More Supply – Less DemandInventory:  AugustInventory: JulyAVERAGE AND MEDIAN PRICES FLATTENINGEl PASO COUNTY COLORADO HOME LISTINGS SURGEBUBBLE OVER?Why Home Prices NOT Expected to Keep SurgingPricing deceleration IS HAPPENINGBuilders Finishing More Homes = Resale CompetitionLow interest rates RemainMany Buyers Dropped out of MarketFrustrated with Bidding WarsYou are listening to the Real Estate Voice with myself Barb Schlinker of Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty, if you are interested in selling your and want to call Barb give her a call at 719 301 3900

How to Sell for up to 11% More - Hot New ListingsSegment 4Home Sale Preparation – How to Sell for Up to 11% MoreHome Sale Preparation is a Question home sellers often ask about when thinking of selling their home.  How much difference does home sale preparation make when selling a home?The #1 Question we get from home sellers is…What do we need to do and what NOT to do to get our home ready for sale?Small investment = Big ROIBuyers Want HGTVYou Need an Agent That Knows:What to do and what NOT to do to get top $To Fix or Not FixCyprusPosition the Home with Pricing and Improvements to Get Top DollarArequa StoryMarketing Strategy:Updated Homes = Top DollarAggressively Priced homes = Top DollarHomes Priced Realistically vs Optimistically = Top DollarExamples of Home Sale PreparationDeclutteringRe-purposingVacant StrategyTenant in the Home StrategyWhatever Situation Best Fits Your HomeWe are prepared to make it betterWe Will Help You Get Ready!Command Top DollarJust ask John and Shelly:We just Sold Their Home for