• Plant native trees and plants
• Replace air filters
• Weather-strip and caulk doors and windows
• Install programmable thermostats
• Install low-flow showerheads
• Install CFL or LED lights
• Repaint with low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint

Consider comparables.

What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities? If you live in Old Town Alexandria, it's important to look at what homes have sold for in Old Town Alexandria. If you live in Kingstowne look at sales prices of similar homes in Kingstowne. Also, understand the distinction between sales price and listing price. When looking at comparables, the sales price is what the home actually sold for.

Consider competition.

How many other houses are for sale in your area? What condos are for sale in your building? Are you competing against new homes? Are they building a brand new condominium across the street? In this case the listing price is what other people are asking for their homes. I hate to be the one to tell you, but no one cares what you paid for your home. Whether you paid too much or too little, the price is still governed by homes listed for sale now and homes that have sold.

Consider your contingencies.

Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you'll receive? For example, do you want to be able to move in four months? The more hoops you expect to put your buyer through, the lower price you can expect. This is true for buyers moving to the area to work at the Pentagon or for tech savvy buyers working in Tysons Corner.

Get an appraisal.

For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home's value. Your Condo Alexandria REALTOR® can make some recommendations, or if you prefer at no charge we can prepare a comparative market analysis to see what you home might sell for. We'll take a look at homes that are for sale now and similar homes that have sold recently.

Be accurate.

Studies show that homes priced more than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell. This is probably even more true now that we are in a buyer's market.

Know what you'll take.

In the end, it's critical to know what price you'll accept before beginning a negotiation with a buyer.

It's hard to tell exactly what will sell your home. But it's fairly easy to spot things that will prevent your house or condo in Northern Virginia from selling. Whenever possible, follow these tips for the maximum impact.

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don't forget to clean out the garage, too.

2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It's worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.

5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.

6. Don't disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they'll give buyers the impression that the house isn't well-maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.

10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.

11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.

12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.

13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.

14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it's not in use.

15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.

16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that's not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they'll be to eliminate surprises.

17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it's impossible to watch everyone all the time.

18. Leave the home. It's usually best if the sellers are not at home. It's awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

Here are a few interesting year end facts about Northern Virginia real estate

• November's average sales price is UP 1.3% from 2008 to $428,481
• In January 2009, the average sales price was down 22.51% to $376,669

MRIS data indicates that the Total Sold Dollar Volume is up 44.3% over November 2008. Similarly the Total Units Sold is up 43.45% over November 2008. According the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors and MLS data from the MRIS, "The market is shifting and slowly recovering; we're coming back.

The average sales prices for Northern Virginia real estate is up from 2008.

The number of listings sold in Northern Virginia is up to levels not seen since 2006!

When you begin thinking about selling your condo, it is a good idea to begin by enlisting the help of a licensed Realtor. Unless you are otherwise experienced in the business of buying and selling condominiums, hiring the help of a qualified professional will enable you to reach a large market of potential buyers and a good agent will work overtime to help you sell your home. In addition, hiring a Realtor will help ensure that all of the paperwork pertinent to the transaction is executed properly. Once you decide to sell your condo, begin by following the helpful tips listed below to prepare you for the process of selling your condo and enable your Realtor to do their job most effectively.

• Begin by making a list that summarizes all of the information regarding your specific condo unit as well as the building and area it is located in. This list should emphasize all of the features that your condo has to offer. What makes your condo unique compared to others in the nearby area? What elements of the condo have you found to be most convenient and important to you? What are the amenities that your condominium building offers to residents who live there? For example, location is a major selling factor. If the unit is located near mass transit or other commuter-friendly areas, you should use that as a selling feature. This list should include everything that the specific condo unit and the condominium building feature. Finally, be sure to include any other information that you believe is relevant or applicable to the property. Once your list is completed, give it to your Realtor. This list will aid both you and your Realtor in advertising, marketing, and ultimately selling the property.  

• Next, head out and go to see the competition firsthand or, at the very least, do some internet research to locate other condos for sale in your neighborhood. It is important to know the general price point that other people are asking. In today's market, it is critical that you price your condo competitively if you want it to sell. Becoming knowledgeable about the market you are selling in is crucial. Ask your Realtor what they know about the area surrounding you condo and be sure to keep the lines of communication open if you discover any new or interesting information. 

• Let your neighbors know you want to sell your condo. Many times, your neighbors may have friends, family or co-workers who could be potential buyers. You can then post flyers or create postcards to place in the lobby of your building to let neighbors and others in your community know that your condo is for sale. Never underestimate that word of mouth is often an incredibly effective marketing tool particularly because people often like to live in a building where they know someone.

Finally, remember that selling your condo is more than selling a piece of real estate. Selling your condo is about selling a place to live that supports a particular lifestyle. Therefore, you want to target those that would be most interested in owning property. Through the process of maintaining effective lists that highlight the features of the property, understanding the nearby and local market, and informing neighbors of your desire to sell, you and our Realtor can both knowledgably and efficiently sell your condo even in a buyer friendly market.   

According to the National Association of Realtors:

A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate® -- the world's largest professional association.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's 720,000 members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. They can join one of our many institutes, societies and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections.

REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Working for America's property owners, the National Association provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.

Our agents are abides by this Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. We strive to give our clients value by staying current and knowledgeable about the sales and purchase process. We also constantly increase and improve our knowledge of Northern Virginia's communities, amenities and condominiums.

Adm. & Mrs. R~,

This is an update on your condo for sale at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria VA. I'm giving you this status report publicly. Don't worry, I'll never share privileged information in a public forum such as this---that's why I'm withholding your name above. But, my experience has shown that this publicly reporting this sort of information will increase your condo's Internet profile and will raise awareness among potential buyers.

Let me start by saying Richard Blaine completed the updates in the kitchen and bathrooms. I went by to inspect as soon as he was completed. The new appliances are installed. The new floor in the kitchen looks especially good. He also completed all the painting. After my inspection, I found some spots in the master bedroom that needed a second coat, and Richard had no problem with heading back for a correction.

He claimed it was a little dark for him to see in that bedroom (more on that later) and I told him to buy some shop lamps. He purchased the lighting he needed so that won't happen to him again and then finished up the work. If you'd like to take a look at the place, you can find a virtual tour online here.

After Richard was done, he cleaned the place, but it wasn't quite to a military standard---if you know what I mean. So, I contacted Nidea Cortez, a cleaning lady who has and continues to do excellent work for us. I put her crew to work in the place removing dust, washing baseboards, cleaning and shining. They charged me a couple hundred bucks and I'm glad to pay it. The condo now sparkles. I took most of the pictures you see in the virtual tour and a few more pictures for good measure.

Then, as fortune would have it, I had a family member pass away and on the way to the funeral I caught a mild case of food poisoning. (Never again McDonald's, no matter how much of a hurry I'm in.) It was a rough couple of days, but during that time, I put the listing in the MRIS. I contacted the Realtor who had heard rumors of our pending sale, and almost immediately her client and others started a flow of traffic. I feel that our marketing campaign and our price must be pretty close to right, because potential buyers are coming through the place.

But I received some feedback that the place "seemed dark". (Maybe this was why Richard missed a few spots in the master bedroom.)

As you know, I like this unit at the Torpedo Factory because it's so close to the Carlyle House and so close to King St. I like this condo because the patio will get a nice patch of shade in the oppressive summer months which will make that patio usable in Virginia's summer heat.

This condominium had never seemed dark to me, but I went by to re-inspect just as sunset was approaching. While I was there I realized that the condo has almost no overhead lighting. Most of it is designed to work from switched-plugs and lamps. I knew that someone was coming by to see the place the next morning, so I ran out an purchased a couple of standing lamps to place in the unit.

It took me a bit to assemble the lamps last night but I'm happy I did it then. While I was putting the second lamp together, a Realtor and client entered the property. I got the second lamp up and hustled out. I must mention that I really think the design of the lamps suits the condo.

BTW, while I was there I snapped the picture below to show others just how pretty the courtyard is at the Torpedo Factory after dark.

As you know, one my specialized areas of expertise is marketing real estate on the Internet. This post is one more drop in our tidal wave of Torpedo Factory information resources. Torpedo Factory dot com and Torpedo Factory dot info both prominently feature your condo. If a consumer uses Bing, Google or Yahoo to search for "Torpedo Factory condos" or "Alexandria condos" or any other of a number of searches, they will probably find your condo. I've also posted this listing at Postlets.com which plugs the listing into another tier of real-estate related Internet searches. One of the things you might notice at Postlets is that this condo scored a perfect 100 on its Walk Score. (Read more about Walk Score here.)

After assembling the lamps, I stopped on the way out to snap this night photo of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. I think it helps illustrate this condo's proximity to the waterfront.

In closing, I still can't promise with absolute certainty that this condominium at the Torpedo Factory will sell quickly.  This is still a tough market for sellers. But I can say with complete confidence, that we're going to get noticed by the types of people who will be interested in condos like the Torpedo Factory. I can guarantee we will have interested buyers touring our place online and in person. We know this is a great property in a great location. We feel the price reflects the discounts that have hit the entire market. And, at this time of this posting, we're also the most affordable unit for sale at the Torpedo Factory. 

Additionally, I expect that Ben Fornshell will host an open house next Sunday at the Torpedo Factory.

November and December are always slower sales months because of the holiday, but I think our outlook is bright. I will not be surprised if we end up with competing offers on this condo, and I'll keep you apprised of all offers. Enjoy your trip overseas and I hope the family is all doing well.  We look forward to your safe return.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Real estate agents are licensed real estate professionals. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that licenses be posted in a prominent place in the office of the real estate broker. If you don't see that license, ask if the agent is licensed and ask if the license is current. Agents also carry a license on their person.

Agents are required to train and take courses, so ask about your agent about their training, and about what resources they use to locate either properties for sale or prospective buyers. If you are buying or selling a home, make sure the real estate agent has access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). The MLS charges agents a pretty hefty monthly fee and believe it or not some agents let their access to the MLS lapse. Make sure your agent has full access to the MLS.

If you are selling property, ask your realtor to provide you with prices of comparable properties sold in your area so you can be sure you are listing your property for a fair and reasonable price. This is called a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA. A CMA can help you and your agent determine how long it takes the agent on average to sell property. This can also help point to the best marketing plan for selling your property.

Buyers should ask about the type of properties the agent specializes in, condos, commercial, townhouses, luxury, area, etc. Also as a buyer you should provide the agent any additional information about things like local schools and community information.

Buying and selling property can be simple with the help of a good real estate agency. Spend the time to find the right real estate agency for your needs.

We appreciate the opportunity to show what we can do for your business. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.

One of the greatest skills that a Realtor can bring to the table for you is a knowledge of property values across a wide range of areas.  For a seller or landlord, this means you strike the right balance between getting the most value from your home and selling or renting it in a time frame that allows you to either move or capitalize on your investment.

Simply looking at a neighbor's property and assessing yours based on their sale is fraught with dangers.  Realtors factor in not only differences in construction, floor plans, and location, but also have their finger on the pulse of the market.  The same stands true equally well for buyers and renters.  As a buyer looking for a bargain is key, but setting standards to high for a price range can result in wasted time, or worse yet buying an apparent steal in an area that is an investment nightmare.  Renting places you in similar straights.  Year long leases can be just as binding as buying a new home, forcing you to suffer through details that a trained Realtor will notice in your new home.

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Will Nesbitt Realty at Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Your agent can help you:

• Prepare the property for sale.
• Help you determine its fair market value.
• List your property to help you reach buyers quickly and competitively.
• Assist in price negotiations with buyers. 
• Help complete your sales agreement and close the sale.

As a buyer you can expect many of the same services, tailored to your needs finding a condo, these include:

• Deciding on the benefits of renting vs. owning
• Preapproval for your mortgage
• Selecting the right location
• Finding and viewing properties
• Assessing a properties fair market value. 
• Assisting in price negotiations
• Completing purchase agreements and closing the sale.

About the Author
 Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Marketing is how you communicate to customers and potential customers what you're all about. How important is marketing?

If you've seen the Terminator then it should be apparent just how important marketing is. A good marketer never lies. A marketer selects the facts that are relevant and uses them to put his product in the best light.

One of the reasons a good realtor is an important asset when you're seeking a new home is because a knowledgeable realtor might have an understanding or information that might not be readily apparent to you. As in the Mary Poppins example, home buyers sometimes don't have a full picture of an area or a neighborhood and they are scared by aspects of a neighborhood that they should embrace rather than fear.

The truth is a skilled marketer can arrange facts to give a powerful impression that isn't really reflective of reality. But a good marketer only uses his powers for good and not for evil.

That is to say that a marketer should always consider the public's best interests when marketing a property. The trouble is not all marketers are good and many marketers are unskilled. That's why a realtor is so important when you're searching for a new home. As a trusted expert, the realtor knows where reality lies and can help you sort out marketing enticements from marketing facts.

To best market your home, condo or property in or near Alexandria VA , please contact me, Will Nesbitt . If you're buying a home, you need an expert who can show you what Northern Virginia is all about and who knows the neighborhoods of Northern Virginia .

Use a Realtor

When it comes to selling your condo, it is always a good idea to enlist in the help of a Realtor. With the help of a Realtor, you will be able to reach a broader number of potential buyers through the MLS. A good Realtor will help to make sure all of the paperwork is in proper order for the sale to be complete. A Condo 1 Alexandria Realtor specializes in condos and understands the benefits of condo living.

Make a list, sell it twice.

Make a list of the benefits of your condo. What makes your condo special? Why did you buy this condo? Where is the Metro? What's so great about your location? What are your favorite nearby restaurants and attractions? What do you love about your condo? What are the amenities at your condominium association? List all the benefits of your condo. Then, share that list with your realtor. Post it on your refrigerator. Make sure everyone who visits your home knows why it's a good buy.

Market your condo!

If your condo is for sale by owner, you'll need to prepare a marketing campaign. Start with the list you created above. Put this on index cards that you can post in offices, grocery stores and anywhere that a buyer might see your ad. Bold lettering that says,

Walk to Metro!

Close to museums?

Amenities galore!

Your Condo 1 Alexandria Realtor will handle marketing the property. Although you can attempt to do this on your own, you could also cut your own hair, change your own oil and do your own dental work. Sometimes, it just makes sense to hand things over to a professional A Realtor usually has marketing experience and knows what works. So your realtor will be able to create more effective marketing methods and will be able to reach a larger number of potential buyers.

Work your network.

Once you have decided to sell your condo, it's time to spread the word. The goal is to sell your condo in a short period of time at the price you are asking for. So, tell your neighbors, friends, and family that the condo is for sale. Let your Facebook buddies know. Don't keep your condo a secret, even if you have a Realtor helping you out. These days every little beit helps!

Condos are special. When you sell a condo, you're not just selling a bedroom and kitchen, you're selling a lifestyle. The people who are attracted to your condo are people who don't want the benefits of home ownership without the aggravation of maintaining a yard or other problems that are commonly associated with home ownership.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Will Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo 1 Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

The listing agreement is an agreement or "contract" between a property owner and a licensed real estate professional. The listing agreement authorizes an agent to act on the behalf of the property owner for the purpose of selling the subject property. In other words, the listing agreement describes the powers and limits of your real estate agent when your sell your home. Listing agreements can be negotiated to include any number of terms specific to your relationship and property, but all valid listing agreements will always include the following elements:

Writing

In the Commonwealth of Virginia verbal real estate contracts are valid but not enforceable. What does that mean? Well in short-hand it means that all real estate contracts must be in writing.

Employment

The listing agreement is actually an employment contract for personal services offered by the broker to a property seller. This contract describes the terms and conditions of employing the broker. Often the broker will assign an agent to a specific property, but the listing contract is not between the agent and the seller. The listing agreement is an agreement with the broker employing the agent and the property owner. The listing agreement grants the broker and his agent the power to represent you in marketing and selling your home.

Compensation

For any contract to be valid, there has to be compensation. A listing agreement is no different. The listing agreement specifies the amount paid to the broker and establishes the timing of the payment to the broker. Most listing agreements charge a percentage of the sales price and this amount is paid at closing when the home sells.

In addition, the listing agreement will also describe instances where the seller might have to pay the broker even though the property has not sold. A rare example of this can happen when a broker finds a qualified buyer who is ready and willing to pay the asking price with the terms the seller wants, but the seller refuses to go through with the sale.

Title

The listing agreement requires the seller to make representations with regard to who owns title to the property. Obviously, only the owner of a property can sell a property, but the portion of the agreement also ensures against the possibility that there are additional owners of the property. All owners of the property must agree to the listing agreement.

Term

The seller authorizes the broker to act on his behalf for only for a specified period of time, or "term". The term is often 180 days and is only rarely less than 60 days. A listing agreement is a legally binding contract, so the property owner should never agree to a listing that doesn't specify a termination date. In the event that the listing terminates before the property sells, it is a simple matter to sign a new listing agreement with a new termination date.

Fine Print

There are of course other components to the listing agreement. Most of these are time-tested boiler-plate phrasings that are designed to reduce or eliminate the chance for confusion and prevent litigation. But the listing agreement is a legal document, so property sellers should read and understand the terms before signing. Your agent or broker can help explain the agreement to you, but if you require legal counsel consult an attorney. Lawyers, not real estate professionals, provide legal assistance.

When it's time to sell your house, townhouse or condo here are a few simple tips for realtors and home sellers alike. 

Turn on your heart light.

Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside. Whether you are showing your home in the evening or in the day, lights add color and warmth. Prospective owners feel welcome in spaces that are bright and airy.

Don't crowd your buyers.

Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter your home. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, prospects are likely to hurry through. When the homeowners are present people often feel uncomfortable looking in closets and laundry rooms an other private areas. Additionally, rooms filled with people give the impression that the space is small.

I love pets ... but not your pet.

Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. Some prospects are allergic to some animals. Sadly, many people love their pets, but they don't like your pet. It's in your best interest to keep the animals outside or out of the way of potential buyers.

Don't create distractions

Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. Most of us love music, but not all of us love your music. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the music. Turn off your TV because the last thing you want is for one of your buyers to watch the game while his wife falls in love with your house.

Give a wide berth.

A smiling seller is a welcome site, but a pesky seller will chase a home buyer away. It's important to be friendly but avoid being conversational. Anything you say could be construed to imply a warranty or could cost you thousands in negotiations.

Put things in perspective.

Some buyers will point out shortcomings or flaws in the property. It's best not to respond orally to these challenges. Utterances like these are seldom personal in this context. So, never take offense. Understand that these statements might be an indication of the buyer's ignorance, but sometimes the buyer attempting to frame negotiations with these statements. To engage the comment is to agree with the premise of the utterance.

Most people have heard of the MLS, but many are unclear as to exactly what it is. MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service.

The Multiple Listing Service is probably your best tool as a home buyer and your best friend as a home seller.

But what exactly is the MLS?

The MLS is a database.

In the old days MLS databasing was done on filing cards and notebooks. Today that information is aggregated on computers. MLS data includes information about what properties are for sale and certain details about those properties such as condo amenities, number of bedrooms, garage parking. Almost everything you'd want to know about a given property is catalogued on the MLS.

Much of that information is public, such as the selling price and the address. Some of that information is private, or reserved for those who have professional access to the MLS. For example, real estate agents know which properties are vacant. The general public doesn't need to know this information as sharing that information might pose a risk to some property owners.

Yes, the MLS is a database, but it is also something more.

The MLS is a marketplace.

The collection of information on the MLS serves as the primary repository of details about real estate for sale or rent. MLS data is the foundation for most websites, and it is the primary reference point for most real estate professionals. As properties are contracted and sold, the data is constantly updated. Today, most agents and websites have data that is practically up to the minute.

The MLS is not free, but it's free to you the consumer. Agents and brokers pay fees for access to MLS data and to fees to maintain and improve the system. Professionals like me make that data available to the public for the purpose of helping buyers and sellers connect.

The MLS is a tool.

Like all tools, the MLS gives the best results when wielded by a professional. (More on this below.)

The MLS is for sellers.

Home sellers want access to the maximum number of buyers, in the most cost effective manner. When compared to the expense of newspaper, radio or other ads, the MLS is incredibly targeted and very affordable. The professionals who use this data will only bring qualified buyers shopping for property in your price range. It doesn't get better than that.

When a seller chooses a real estate agent with MLS access, the seller's sales force is equal to the number of agents who are using the MLS. The larger pool of prospective buyers the greater the chance that the property will sell quickly and for a fair market value.

The MLS is for buyers.

The MLS makes home shopping extremely convenient. MLS data does not cost the buyers a dime. Thanks to the internet and sites like Condo1Alexandria.com you can search MLS listings 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Many consumers find that a "self-search" through the MLS is a good starting point for finding the right home.

A real estate agent is for you.

In the old days consumers needed an agent to help them look through the data. These days its easy for the public to access most of the data available. So, you can do it yourself.

But if you try to find a home on your own or you try to sell without an agent, you'll quickly discover why most people choose to employ a professional. It's true: you could probably cut your own hair, change your oil filter and fill your own cavities. But why would you?

These days the problem isn't that the data is hard to find. The data is often up to the minute. These days, the problem is that there is too much data. Buyers are overwhelmed with choices. Sellers are drowned out by the noise of available information.

That's one reason why when it's time to get serious about buying or selling, a real estate professional can help guide you through the process.

Most agents know the tricks and secrets of the MLS.

As an agent, I have access to more complicated tools and search processes not available to the consumer. I work with the MLS every single day. The MLS is one of the most important tools in my toolbox. Once you have an idea of what you want to accomplish, I can employ the MLS in ways that you haven't imagined.

I have a tip for condo sellers out there. As most of you may know, in the Commonwealth of Virginia (and in other states) the buyer must be allowed an opportunity to review the condo docs.  From the time the condo docs are delivered, the buyer has 3 days to cancel the contract without cause, other than to say the condo docs contained information which caused the cancellation. The buyer doesn't have to explain why or what the problem was.

Recently a client of mine was buying a condo and when he received the documents, the condo docs said that the unit did not pass architectural review.  The problem was that the client has made changes to his unit without first seeking permission of the association and then never had the changes inspected. 

The change that the seller made?  According to documents, the seller had installed an overhead microwave and changed a cabinet without seeking any approval from the association. This was indeed a minor change. Furthermore, the seller claimed that he didn't actually make the change. It was his claim that a previous owner made that change and that the seller had NEVER read his condo docs.

My client, the buyer, was a very above-board and by-the-book type of character. It was his position that if this guy "hid this fact" who knows how much else he withheld?  Even if he believed the seller's story (he did not) then it would show that this is a very inattentive owner.  My client canceled the contract based on condo docs.

At another location and with another buyer and seller, the property went under contract and the seller did not deliver the condo docs, because the seller didn't have condo docs. The seller didn't have the condo docs because the seller didn't order his condo docs. The selling agent explains that the law allows for 14 days for the delivery of condo docs.  I replied, "That's why you order docs when you list."  Because if you allow 14 days for preparation and 2 days for delivery and then 3 days for review, then the buyer can cancel the sale 22 days after the contract is signed. 

Here are the lessons for sellers:

1. Order you condo docs when you list your condo for sale.
2. Review your condo docs to make sure that your condo doesn't have any defects according to the association.
3. Have your agent deliver your condo docs PROMPTLY once your contract is ratified.