CREIG SAYS...

Dear Friend:

My passion this month is reaching out to those ready to move up to their next home. Why is this a great time to move up? Look, you've been thinking about and planning to look for your next home. And yes, a larger home costs you more. But this is a great window of opportunity for you. Here's why:

·  Many homes are on the market now to choose from

·  Interest rates are still very low

·  Many of the mortgage lenders that were "suspect" are now gone

·  This means you are likely to find a good qualified buyer for your existing home

·  Home prices have stabilized

·  As winter approaches many homes will go off the market

·  The selection is best RIGHT NOW

·  While the percentage of profit realized on the sale of your existing home may be in the single digit range, you must capitalize on the purchase of the more expensive home you've always dreamed about

Despite national media coverage on the slump, you must understand real estate comes down to the local market. And I'm so confident in today's market, I'm hosting a Buyer Seminar on September 27th where I'll share exclusive information on buying and selling to help you MOVE UP and achieve your next dream home. If you've been thinking about making a move, you will not want to miss it. See details below.

Creig Northrop

·  To view Northrop Team listings, click here.

·  To view Northrop Team Open Houses, click here.

Selling Your Home is Similar to Winning the Big Game

Last night kicked off one of American's favorite pastimes, football. And The Northrop Team couldn't wait to for the start of this highly anticipated season. (Did you happen to catch our commercial during the pre-game show and mid-way through the game?) The NFL championship will be up for the taking by multiple teams throughout the AFC and NFC this season. And while the Colts beat the Saints last night in Indy, there's a similar competition taking place right here in our backyard. Are you selling your home with multiple homes for sale in your neighborhood, or even on your street?

The competition can be fierce. In professional football, the starting lineup always consists of three things: the brightest, fastest, and strongest players. Likewise, according to this Fall's "Real Estate Playbook", the starting lineup to selling your property is threefold: Pricing, Marketing, and making it stand apart from the other homes.

The coach usually plays the first team during the first half of the game to ensure a good lead before substituting any second team players. Price your home well from the start, and complete important updates before you place your home on the market, versus offering buyer credits or price reductions. Remember to do what is reasonable and what you can comfortably afford. (Coaches won't put an injured player on the field.) Freshly painted walls and newly installed carpeting easily add an inviting touch. Buyers are attracted to a move-in ready home.

While the defensive line holds the opposition back through sheer strength and determination, you can gain a competitive edge on selling your house by knowing your competition, and offering buyers something to love about your home. Make sure that your home is in top shape, clutter-free, sparkling clean, and everything is in working order.

Another essential element to winning the game is to have a great quarterback to make the important calls to lead the team to victory. Comparatively, trust your seasoned real estate professional to know the local housing market, and guide you through the process with proven sales methods from setting a sales price, to closing the sale.

Halftime is time to re-evaluate playing strategies and encourage the team to hold onto the lead and wrap up the game in winning style. If your house has been on the market for a period of time without serious offers, don't be discouraged; just re-think your selling strategy. Are you marketing it right? Does the house show well? Is the price competitive?

Fourth quarter, it is first and ten. The score is tied, one touchdown will decide the winner. Price your home competitively, ensure that it shows beautifully, market it right, rely on the knowledge of your real estate professional, and the winner could easily be you!