I read this article titled "If you were selling today, would you have the home buyers want."  There are three things the article points to that buyers are looking for, but in my experience there are a couple more things as a seller to be aware of.

One big issue I have encountered is a seller who designed their own home and then went to resell.  Their floor plan was fragmented and although the price was right buyers absolutely did not like the floor plan.  This home price and location catered to...

 

 

 

The Kautz's instigated a Jeep ride Saturday afternoon that resulted in a drive to Storm Lake.  Storm Lake lies on the Northern border of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, above Silver Lake in Southwestern Montana.

The wind at the lake was cold and quite strong, Winter is in the air.  It was a nice drive and beautiful at the lake.

In my day I have used Storm Lake as my starting point to hike and or ride horseback up over the mountains to Goat Flat, with its amazing scenery, continuing...

Welcome Home to the private Circle H Ranch! With your own private share of 1200 acres of Elk Habitat and  unbridled mountain views, this very unique custom home was built with energy efficiency in mind. Every building detail features green material and cost effectiveness.   The floor plan is flowing, with immense windows that let in the natural light. It features high ceilings,  commercial style kitchen with concrete counter tops, top of the line appliances, and a formal dining room with butler'...

One thing I have noticed when working with buyers is the hesitancy in negotiating.  Negotiating can be a fine art and in Missoula offering too low can breed bad blood between buyers and sellers.  One thing that I try to do if I can't meet with the Seller's and their agent is to write a cover letter explaining our contract and how we came to that price point.  Sometimes for sellers it is hard to remember that your home is a commodity now and not the memories that you have collected in it.  Anothe...

 

One of the most common reasons buyers want to deal directly with the seller is because they feel they can save the commission.  It’s a valid consideration but interestingly, it’s the same reason the seller isn’t employing an agent; they feel they can save the commission.

Both parties cannot save the commission.  The buyer feels they have earned it because they’ve had to find the home, determine its value and negotiate with the seller.  They had to arrange their own financing, title and inspe...

 

 

Spring is finally here in Western Montana!  The robins are back, the fish are biting, and on any given day you can wear your down coat, shorts and a tee shirt, and a down coat again.  You never know what spring weather is going to throw at you, so always come prepared for a little of everything and you will have fun no matter what.

 

The fishing is really starting to get good in Western Montana.  A few more nice warm days and we should see the annual emergence of the famed Skwalla Ston...

Before I was in real estate I was told that you could take a vacation between Thanksgiving and Valentines day.  Those are the "Dog Days".  Clients are frozen during that time and nothing ever sells anyways. What a great career!  Its like being a school teacher and having all summer off (but without having to be smart.) That was the direction I was going to go! I will be a ski bum all winter long. AND... Real Estate agents are rich!  They are all driving Cadillac's and living the dream.     The...