Author: Ali Palacios - Broker

Happy Clients Realty Group - Ali Palacios > Articles by: Ali Palacios - Broker

Transformation Tuesday

Posted on September 4, 2018September 10, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY

It’s amazing what paint does to a home. Lighter more neutral colors photograph better and make the rooms look bigger and brighter. In the attached examples, the previous owners probably spent a fortune on these custom curtains. They probably went great with their decor but it just isn’t what most buyers want today. The truth is that most buyers can not see beyond paint, flooring and window covers. It’s best to stage the home to attract as many buyers as possible.

In these examples we have the same house, with most of the same staging decorations and the same photographer. The only thing that changed was the paint color and the window coverings.

Ali Palacios

GRI, ABR, MCNE, TAHS, ASPRE, HARRL

Broker

Happy Clients Realty Group

ali@happyclientsrealtygroup.com

Mobile – 832-418-0670

www.ilovehappyclients.com

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Seek better representation

Posted on August 22, 2018August 22, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

Imagine you need to sell a car. Normally you would have the car detailed to make sure it shines. A clean, shiny, well kept car will appeal to the most buyers and get you the most amount of money. Most buyers will not seek out a dirty, beat up car, unless is cheap.

The same goes for selling a home. In fact, a home is a much larger sale so why not take the time to make it shiny.

Most people now a days have the attention span of a gnat (as do I). We only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.

Most buyers will research homes and areas online before they even consider reaching out to an REALTOR®. Property pictures are EVERYTHING. If your home does not show well in pictures you will not get the traffic you deserve.

You want to appeal to the most number of buyers. Stage your home to appeal to the masses. This will give you the best chance to get the most out of your investment. Your home is an INVESTMENT. It’s probably the largest investment you will make in your life.

When we represent a client in selling a property, it is our job to make sure that the property is marketed in a favorable manner. It is our job to tell you to declutter, clean, and freshen up the property. We know what buyers are looking for. We hear their complaints every day. Our critiques aren’t personal. We do not sell homes the same way we live in them. We want to you make as much money as possible. You make money, we make money. It’s that simple

As a future seller, do your research and make sure your listing agent will present your property in the best light. Look at their previous listings and see if you find them appealing. Does the agent focus on the homes best attributes? Are the pictures clear? Is the home clean and decluttered.

Sometimes the best way to explain the importance of our roles is to show them in pictures! Let the fun begin…

Please note that these are all listing pictures. None are from the Houston area (don’t want too step on any toes). They are all from different price points. I have seen multimillion dollar homes that are represented in this same manner.

First, declutter and clean. Most buyers when sent photos like this will not even want to tour the property. Would you?

Buyers will assume you have no storage if your counters are covered in stuff

This kitchen is small enough. Take out the table and bike!

I can’t even focus on the room. All I can look at is the personal items. Curtains on the main door?

Too much! Can you put away the trash can? Can you even open the frig door?

Lighting focus and angles – Dark photo are the death of a listing. Add blurry to that and why would a buyer keep looking?

This room seems to be freshly painted and it has nice floors but the lighting and the random grocery bag is distracting

What are we selling here? The back splash? This is one of two pictures that represent the kitchen. Neither one shows the entire kitchen

Is this the best way to represent a half bath? This is where wide angle lenses come in

Can you not fit in the entire home in the pic? How about straightening the camera?

It only takes a sec to straighten up the camera

Nope, it’s not a foggy day. Just a blurry pic

Blurry seems to be an ongoing issue but there is much more wrong with this image.

Why? what are we really showing? Shampoos and toilet paper?

Nope, I did not upload this pic upside down. That’s the way it’s listed.

Main picture, first impression – We have the ability to organize the pics as we wish. Ideally you want to post the best pic first. This picture will either tempt the buyers to open the listing and learn more or they will simply swipe past it.

This home has an amazing view. Could you walk out a little further to capture the actual view?

If this is going to be your main picture could you be bothered to move the box?

Maybe consider moving the cars? What are we selling here?

Does this pic best represent the home? Dirty walls?

Virtual staging has come a long way but when it looks like this it’s probably better to leave the room empty

We can’t force a seller to clean and declutter but we can stress the importance and set expectations. I know that money is sometimes a factor. You can’t do repairs if you don’t have the funds. That said, cleaning and decluttering is free. No excuses.

A listing agreement is a partnership with the same goal: to sell for the most money. The seller does their part (clean, declutter, make repairs, etc) and we will do my part. We will stage the home to spotlight the home’s best features and order professional picture. Professional pictures are absolutely necessary.

This partnership will only work if we both do our part. We too are making a investment of time and money to make your home shine.

If you have any questions or would like a complimentary staging consultation please feel free to contact us at the following number.

Ali Palacios

GRI, ABR, MCNE, TAHS, ASPRE, HARRL
Broker
Happy Clients Realty Group
ali@happyclientsrealtygroup.com

Mobile – 832-418-0670

www.ilovehappyclients.com

For example of great listing pics click here

Let’s grow together

Posted on August 5, 2018August 5, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

Thank you for your support, trust and referrals. I would not be where I’m at without your help. You helped me grow, I will help you grow!

I’d like to offer you my support in promoting your business. Do you have a small business and/or hobby you’d like to promote. I will list your business on my facebook page, website and offer your services to other clients.

Tell me more about you and your business. I’d love to help.

Am I the best agent for you?

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

I’ll be beyond honored to help you buy or sell a home!

As long as I’m the best agent for you…which I probably am, since I have the guts to even say that.

Most agents get so excited when someone even breathes the words buy or sell (or even just breathes), that they cram people in their car to go see homes, or push you to list your house on the spot.

It’s like going in for a kiss when you’re asking someone out on a date…let alone on the first date!

I prefer setting a date…just to chat and get to know each other.

Hopefully we are as good of a match as I feel like we’ll be!

So, for now, let’s just set up a good time to chat and get a feel for what you want and need in an agent. This will help me get a feel for who I’m agreeing to go steady with…before we put a ring on the relationship.

I’m here when you are ready

Breath, read, then sign…

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

E-signatures have made it very simple for people to sign documents on the go. It’s made it too easy. At times the documents send deserve to be read.

I’m always amazed at how many people just sign these things without truly reading through it. After all, it is a contract to purchase your largest assets.

So please, take your time. I like seeing that, because it means I’m dealing with someone who’s careful and will take the time to make solid decisions as we move forward.

Kind of a side note…

So many agents push people to sign these things on the spot, and rush right into things. I think it’s probably because they’re afraid if they don’t walk away from the appointment with signatures, they won’t get the business.

To me, if you deserve to be hired, you don’t have to push.

Heck, I feel like if you do push, you don’t deserve to be getting the business. Agents should be pushy for clients and their best interests…not pushy with them.

Anyhow, take the time you need. Ask me any questions you have. I’m even glad to go over it line by line with you. I’m here when you are ready to move forward.

Want in on that list?

Posted on July 22, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

You wanna know one of my secrets to getting my clients the best deal when they buy a house?

Well, it’s not really a secret, everyone knows you need to do what I’m about to tell you.

However, a lot of buyers (and even some sloppy agents) think it’s fine to put it off…

It’s getting pre-approved for a mortgage. The secret in my sauce is that I make sure my buyers do it as early on in the process as possible!

I doesn’t matter if someone got the greatest deal on a house…too many buyers get hosed on their mortgage because they didn’t get pre-approved until they found the house they wanted.

Then they gotta go from pre-approval to the loan process faster than a Ferrari, and that’s where, why, and when they lose money. Those rates and fees are along for the ride for a lot of years later. And it adds up to tons of money.

But since my clients get pre-approved so early on, they get a chance to really look at what the lenders’ programs, fees, and rates are, and make the best choice.

Here’s another thing I’ll let you in on…

I’ve got a private list of lenders I know and trust. Want in on that list? Or do you have a list of ones you know and trust already?

To sign or not to sign…

Posted on July 22, 2018July 22, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

Why to real agents ask you to sign a buyer representation agreement?

In Texas all real estate agents represent the seller unless we have a buyer’s representation agreement with the buyer. What does that mean? It means that legally we are obligated to look out for the seller’s best interest unless we are contractually linked to the buyer.

But here’s the deal. (And the “deal” is as lopsided as a table with a short leg…)

You get to sign this agreement and cancel at any time if you aren’t happy with me.

Think about that—I literally have to make sure you’re happy throughout this entire process, or you can just cancel this contract. No strings attached. No cost to you.

Don’t get me wrong…I do this willingly.

I do it because it keeps me on my toes and ensures that I’m always doing the best job possible for my clients.

Just do me a favor…

If at any point you aren’t happy, give me a heads up, and a chance to make things right. I’m here when you are ready 🙂

Frio Pops

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

I accidentally found Frio Pops in Cinco Ranch. I’m so happy I did!

If you are looking for fresh and fun flavors this is the place for you. I went all out and tried the avocado lime popsicle. Yum! I know it sounds weird but it’s smooth and creamy with a great lime flavor.

I also tried the strawberry cheesecake and the fruity pebbles. The strawberry cheesecake is like eating a yummy frozen cheesecake. It’s creamy and delicious.

The fruity pebbles is like eating a bowl of fruity pebbles and milk. There is something very comforting about this popsicle.

I honestly can’t wait to try it again! Check out their website

In defense of a real estate agent

Posted on July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

Real estates agents get a very bad rap. We are right there with car salesmen.

I feel the rejection as soon as I greet an open house guest. I’m just trying to tell you more about the house! I promise that it’s not a sale pitch…You can’t force someone to love the home. It seems like a few bad apples in a group will give the entire group a bad reputation.

No one likes a pushy salesmen. I personally don’t like it. I feel a sales pitch coming my way and I RUN. I understand. In defense of my peeps, most real estate agents love what they do and truly have your best interest in mind.

I get asked a lot why real estate? This question is usually followed by pursed lips. ugh.

I absolutely love what I do. Let me tell you why:

I feel like I make a difference in someones life. I’m there when someone purchases their first home; I’m there when the same family needs more space for their growing family; I’m there when the kids have left and they have an empty nest.
Real estate is so much more than buying and selling a home. Typically when someone needs to buy or sell, there is an issue. Every issue is unique and every solution is unique. I’m present to console a surviving spouse or a divorcee during a trying time. I have helped many out of a financial burden when the mortgage payment is overwhelming. Not every situation is happy but I’m still there for my clients.
I love working with buyers that are not qualified for a loan. With a few changes most people can qualify for a loan within a few months. Guiding someone through credit repair, down payment assistance programs and overall mortgage education can make their dream for home ownership a reality.
I love to educate. Buying and selling a home is complicated. I want my clients to understand the process and not feel lost. I love collaborating with my clients to obtain their ultimate goal.
I love building new friendships. I can honestly say that if it was up to me, I’d be BFFs with all my clients. I love to stay in touch and see how our lives unfold. The beauty of this profession is that I can work with those I want to work with. I refuse to work with as&$%les.
We all strive for that work/life balance. This profession gives me flexibly. Because I love what I do, I find myself working all the time. If it doesn’t feel like work, you tend to over do it. That said, when I need to I can turn it off and enjoy life.

This career is not for all. We invest many many many hours with our clients. Don’t believe what you see on TV. Shocker! Reality TV is not reality.

A good agent is compassionate and patient.

So next time an agent approaches you, don’t run in the other direction. Give them a chance and get to know the agent, more than likely they will become your new BFF. 🙂

Whole foods – Mochi ice cream

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Ali Palacios - Broker

If you have never tried Mochi Ice Cream you need to head out right now and get some. Where have you been?

But seriously, if you like gummy textures and ice cream, you found your new best friend.

Whole foods sells this yummy delights by the piece. They have a Mochi ice cream freezer and you fill up your own container. I tried several flavors: pistachio, strawberry, mango and vanilla. By far for me pistachio was my favorite. The rest were fine but I didn’t finish them. The pistachio had me wanting more!

Now go out there and try some Mochi Ice Cream!