Thursday, April 20, 2017

Is the homeowner desperate to sell?

Searching for a new home in Mancos, Cortez or Dolores Colorado?  There are some signs to help you determine if the homeowner is desperate to sell.  

Information is valuable.  Do your homework.  How long has the house been on the market? Why are they selling? Have there been several price drops?  Google the homeowner and the address.  Is the home vacant?  A rental? Are they listing the home "as is"?  Does the listing say "motivated seller" or "sellers concessions"?

Some of these questions can be answered by your Realtor.  Ask the neighbors,and ask at the coffee shop.  On your first visit to the home look for signs- is mailbox stuffed and yard untidy?  If the owners are at your showing ask lots of questions.  Ask them "Have you had any offers"?

Looking to buy a new home in Mancos, Dolores or Cortez Colorado?  I'm here to help! MancosHomes.com  970-759-2540

Friday, April 7, 2017

How to choose a real estate agent?



145 Grand, Mancos, CO 970-759-2540  MancosHomes.com


What kind of real estate company and agent you want working for you is a very important question.  At first you might say "I need a large company working for me."  Let's look~

1.  Size-  You might feel the excitement and buss of a large office, however lets look a little closer.  Will there be confusion on who to speak with throughout the real estate process?  Can your realtor be reached?  Do they return calls in a timely manner? How's there reputation with other Realtors and clients? All Realtors can list your home on the MLS, and to hundreds of internet sites but what does the prospective office do differently than the others?

2.  Location-  Consider how long it will be to drive to the prospective office. Of course technology gives real estate agents and clients mobility to keep up on emails, and answer calls.  However, a real estate office being in another town does not make it easy for you.  How easy is it for clients to find the real estate office?  What are the first impressions you get when you walk in?

3.  Training-  Does your potential realtor has specialized training?  Sure all Realtors are licensed by the state but what makes them stand out?  Have they gotten any awards?

4.  Experience-  How many sales has the potential realtor had in your area?  Are they familiar with the domestic water systems in your area?  How about the irrigation?  In Montezuma County in Southwest Colorado do they know about "red signed roads?" If they don't sell much in your area, the answer is no.  Get a list of current clients and past clients to call and get reviews.  Google them.  Do they have a personal website that is user friendly?

5.  Administrative Support- Meet their assistant.  Are they friendly? Google them.

6.  Commissions-  Does the real estate office, offer the same commission structure to everyone?  There are firms that will take a listing for a lower commission, however what kind of service will you get?  Will other Realtors want to show your home if they are only getting paid 2 or 2.5% commission?  Will a Realtor just list your house at any price to get the listing or will they do a market analysis to determine the fair price?

7.  Marketing-  For sellers, ask to see a marketing plan from a prospective realtor?  If buying a home, will they look at everything on the market ie. Craigslist, MLS, and for sale by owners?

8.  Community Involvement- Is your potential Realtor involved in the community?  You want a Realtor who is known in the community and has a wide range of interests.  For buyers, the Realtor will know what's going on and who is about to list their home.  For sellers, Realtors who are known in the community will have more clients, and that will equal to more showings.


By doing your homework, you can have a successful and stress free real estate transaction.  If you would like more information on buying or selling a home in Mancos, Dolores, or Cortez Colorado, please give me a call 970-759-2540.  MancosHomes.com.  I'm here to help!

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Tips to selling your home in the Spring


When selling your house in the Spring, you need to know how to stand out above the rest.  Here are some tips that will help you.

1.  Hire a realtor who can be your trusted advisor, knows the market and has sold homes in your area.      Do your homework and get recommendations, and interview potential Realtors.  This is a key step.

2.  Before the home is listed, get it inspected.  This way, you have a chance to fix things and you        won't have any surprises once you find a buyer.

3.  Clean the house this includes windows, and outside.  Get the house power washed, clean the fans, do touch up painting and declutter.   You want your house to be spacious, so buyers can imagine their stuff in the home.  Make sure your closets are not stuffed.  First impressions are huge.

4.  On the day of a showing, have curtains opened up, for sunshine and turn on the lights.  Also have bottle water and cookies out for potential buyers.  You want them to linger and fall in love with your home.

5.  Have a detailed sheet for the buyers in the kitchen for them to take home.  List the things that you love about the home, ie. proximity to schools, forest, big yard, heated floors, views.

I'd love to help you get your home sold.  I'm here to help.  MancosHomes.com 970-759-2540