FSBO vs LISTING WITH AN AGENT IN THIS MARKET!

Despite this tough real estate market we continue to meet sellers who want to sell their home themselves!

Why???

Their responses:

Your market analysis shows me that I have to price the home lower in order to sell!
I am not going to "give away" my home!
I can negotiate more effectively because I do not have to pay a commission!
I do not want to pay any commission to anybody!
We will put up a sign and come to show the property when we receive a phone call!
We will have an open house and sell it!

Here are a couple of points from The Wells Team

The market analysis shows the actual market in your neighborhood. You cannot change that by listing the home by yourself!
If you are "giving away" your home then you should strongly reconsider keeping your home off of the market. Again the market dictates the price of your home!
There is a very good chance that you will be working with a buyers agent. If you do then you will be obligated to pay them a commission for all of their work. How much will you actually save by not involving agents!
Are you really ready to show your home on a moments notice? What if you miss the call?
The percentages of selling your home at an open house are extremely small.

What The Wells Team is seeing in this market

Buyers are seeing the homes on the real estate websites
Buyers are working with agents to show them properties
Buyers that drive by our listings are not calling like the past. They pull a flyer and leave.
We have lower turnouts at our open houses
Buyers want to see more information about the home before they take a look.
What The Wells Team brings to the market
3 members who answer their phones 24/7!
Extensive internet marketing on all major real estate websites
Strong market analysis of your property to assist in pricing
Good working relationship with other agents
Redesign services to assist in marketing your property
Representation for you when working with a buyer

In the toughest market in recent history continues why would you want to do this yourself?

Give us a call!

The Wells Team of The Norton Agency

770-313-5792, 404-642-1968

www.randywellsteam.com

SPEND THE MONEY FOR A HOME INSPECTION!

There is nothing worse for The Wells Team that to receive this phone call: We are having _______ problem with that house you recently helped us purchase!
Our heart begins to race, the throat constricts, and sweat starts to form on the forehead.
Then we ask ourselves the following:
Did we encourage them to get a home inspection?
Did we give them multiple home inspectors to interview?
Did we suggest a home warranty?
Did we give our "home expertise" on home issues that we are not qualified to do so?
Why do our buyers worry about the price of a home inspection as a percentage of the purchase price of their home?
The Wells Team would make a couple of points when it comes to inspections:
Receive multiple names of qualified inspections.
Call each inspector and interview them.
Hire additional inspectors for specialty items, ie septic systems, pools, roofs
Purchase a home warranty keeping in mind that it does not cover every item. If you have a specialty item buy additional coverage.
Without a doubt this is the largest investment that you will make. It is a product with lots of parts, many that cannot be seen.
Take the time and money to have it looked at by home professionals. Do not rely on the real estate agent for advice on home systems.
If you find yourself in the Norton Atlanta Metro area give The Wells Team a call. We were #5 out of approximately 130 Norton Agency agents for 2009. With a combined 41 years in the area we truly are your neighbors!
Check out our website at http://www.randywellsteam.com/

2009 was an interesting year as you can imagine. Barb and I worked with a lot of great clients, fellow real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and attornies.

At the same time we encountered some individuals who were inclined to use some "flowery" phrases.

There were some phrases that were used so many times that we had to share them with you.

Some of our favorites:

"I am looking for a deal"

"I know what houses are going for in our neighborhood but my house is different"

"Last year my house was worth more"

"Why was my house appraised so low"

And our personal favorite

"I am not going to give my house away"

2010 will be just as interesting.

Give Barb or myself a call to help you with your real estate needs. We can also teach you some new phrases!

Norton Agency Real Estate Reality January 2010

The Norton Agency has just published its first edition of Norton Real Estate Reality for 2010. Frank Norton Jr, the President of the North Agency, compiles his monthly outlook on the Norton Georgia real estate market.

Here are some quotes from the latest edition:

"Buyers perceive the market to be worse than reality. They want to feel if they do buy....THEY'VE GOT TO GET A DEAL."

"Buyers are being very selective in most markets, but the National Affordability Index indicates it's the most home you can buy in the last 10 years."

"Today the core of the housing market is made up of highly motivated sellers...There is an over riding reason to risk a sale in this market...Relocation, Family growth/contraction, financial, health... In other words motivated sellers dominate the market. In most micro markets motivated sales are occuring at 2003/2004 prices."

"Inventory is dropping like a rock, new homes 66% from peak, and the foreclosure rate has dropped. By year end 2010 we project stable and rising home values."

"6 month or older valuations are no longer relevant. It's what selling today...Last week, last month that are the only real comparables."

Barb and I pride ourselves in our local knowledge. Let us help you with your real estate needs in the North Atlanta Metro Area.

If you would like a complete copy of this report just send us an email.

Randy and Barb

The Wells Team

The Norton Agency

http://www.randywellsteam.com/

Frank Norton Jr, the President of the Norton Agency, will give his annual forecast on January 21st at 6pm.

The Norton Agency has been involved in the real estate industry since 1928. After 80 plus years in the business the Norton Agency has had their hand on the pulse of North Georgia.

We encourage all of you to attend our annual forecast at the Georgia Mountain Center. If you cannot make it you can listen to it via simulcast on www.accessnorthga.com

The Wells Team prides itself on being part of the North Georgia community. After 5 years of being members of the Million Dollar Club we can say with confidence that we know real estate in the North Atlanta area. If Barb, Randy, or Sue can help you with your real estate needs please give us a call. Of course you can see all our information at www.randywellsteam.com

If you have any questions about the forecast do not hesitate to get in touch. See you next Thursday.

Randy 770-313-5792

Barb 404-642-1968

The Wells Team

LAKE LANIER HAS REACHED THE TOP!

A year ago we agonized over the water level in Lake Lanier. There were docks sitting in the Red Georgia clay, empty boat dealerships and lake front restaurants, and homeowners watching their property values decline.

Now we admire the lake in awe as it sits full. The boaters have returned to enjoy a late fall boat ride, the fisherman search for Bass, and the restaurants enjoy a surge in business.

As a result the Wells Team has been involved in 3 lake transactions totalling over $1.8 million dollars!

Barb and I have lived in a Lake Lanier community for 9 years! We know the lake, we know the Lake Lanier market! Our results speak for themselves!

There are still great opportunities located all around the lake but the true values are quickly disappearing.

Give Barb and I a call. Chances are you will reach us out on the lake!

Go to http://www.randywellsteam.com/ to see our listings and what we can do for you!

BUT ATLANTA IS SO FAR AWAY!

But North Georgia is so far away from Atlanta!

If we had a dollar for every time we heard this comment we would not be in the real estate business.

Barb and I made the move from to North Georgia, from Metro Atlanta, 9 years ago. A big move for both of us but we have never looked back!

For all of you folks who are looking at relocating to Atlanta a little geography lesson. "North Georgia", as defined by The Wells Team, is the area where the Appalachian Mountains start to become part of the landscape.

More than geography North Georgia represents a lifestyle. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail, savoring the locally produced wines, boating or fishing on Lake Lanier, kayaking, canoeing, bluegrass music, local artist, and hometown charm.

I would like to live there but it is so far away from Atlanta!

We are located:

One hour from the busiest airport in the world, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International

One hour from the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, Hawks, or Thrashers

45 minutes from the largest mall in Georgia

35 minutes from the newly built Verizon Amphitheatre, site of top ranked concerts

One hour from the Georgia Aquarium

One hour from Broadway shows

15 minutes from the North Georgia Premium Outlet Malls.They attract over 2.5 million visitors a year.

You can have it all.

Let Barb and I introduce you to the North Georgia lifestyle. We can assure you that it will be a decision that you will not regret!

If you would like to see our listings in North Georgia, and other Atlanta Metro locations please go to our website: http://www.randywellsteam.com/