I do not confess to know much about the instinct of Canadian geese but walking around Sloan's Lake last week, I was fascinated by this small gathering of geese. Standing there on the newly formed ice, they seemed to gather around with one question for the elder geese,
œWhere's my lake?Ok, they probably didn't have a care in the world but it does remind of all the times we ask ourselves the same question. Our lakes often change in real estate; market shifts, incentives change, and rates vary. I am always surprised that in such times, how many sellers and agents (outside of Live) agree to discount their marketing efforts to try and increase their net returns by investing the least amount into marketing. Doesn't sound right does it? It is a conversation I have often when asked to compare our services with others. I have tried to write about it for some time and then reviewing my photos, this one proved to be the perfect metaphor for the months ahead.
Not to carry the analogy of the lake too far, but minimal efforts to sell a home is the equivalent of ice fishing. Along with dozens of others on the lake, an ice fisherman will drop a line through the ice and wait. Same is true by simply relying on a yard sign, a brochure box, (often empty) and a MLS listing. Yes, it is cheaper in the long run but how fun is it to stare out your front door looking at your brochure box? It's probably just as exciting as staring down a hole in the ice. Here are a few pointers to consider when the lake freezes over at the same time you decide to sell your home Who ya gonna call? There is no lack of agents in Denver willing to work with you and no doubt you have friends in the business as well. But Real Estate friendships that lead to expected bargain commissions while expecting all the bells and whistles often end in resentment on both sides. If you have someone you know and want to offer them consideration for listing your home, take time to see how the agency behind them commits to marketing your property. Lowering services and expectations won't sell your home, creating the best strategy to reach potential buyers does. Don't let anyone just ice fish for youfor any price. I see you! Online traffic is everything in real estate and everyone has a website. Relying on the world to find your home without the right online tools is probably not going to happen. Before you list your home with someone, look how the world will see you, and find you online. Online resources make your walls transparent as buyers get to see inside your wonderful home without disturbing you or your pets! At Live, we have invested in what we all consider is the best website and mobile text resources in Denver and judging on how many registered users drop in, it seems to be true. There's momentum under these icy market conditions. You may not see the world under the ice, but it's important that world see you! Stage it! It is almost impossible to have an objective concept about your home but you do need to accommodate your potential buyers. Staging no longer is just for empty homes and rented furniture. Staging services balance your lifestyle with a more objective impression to buyers. Yes, it feels strange to revisit your own personal space in such a way but doing so allows potential buyers to see themselves in the space rather than just visiting yours. These are interesting times. As you will read in the weeks ahead, the Denver market seems to be thawing a bit faster than others around the country. (I couldn't resist) these are days of gatherings and thanksgiving, days of resolutions and reflections on 2010.
If you are thinking about listing your home after the holidays, I encourage you to consider the best strategies to do so. Live Urban is not alone in offering the caliber of services to assist in the process but I do believe we are the most unique company in Denver real estate. We invest in ourselves so that we can best serve you and the momentum keeps growing. Stop in and chat a while or send back an email. It's always warmer than hanging out hoping for the lake to thaw! All the best of the holidays to you and yours. 
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