Ann Arbor Realtors Utilize Michigan Drone Aerial Video for homes in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline

Helicopter drones outside the military might have found a home with Keller Williams, Kathy Toth and Team at their local Ann Arbor real estate office. They’re not just used for conducting unmanned aerial strikes against insurgents; drones can also be used to sell Ann Arbor Area real estate, via in-depth tour videos made with cameras mounted to their frames.

Toth evaluated the Draganflyer X6 and the Parrot Drone.  The latter is sold at Brookstone and was chosen based on price and on easy flight with the ipad or iphone.  In addition to security, reconnaissance, inspection, damage assessment, research, this can be used for still photos and video real estate marketing to give our Sellers the exposure advantage they might need.

Toth has over 300 videos on www.KathyToth.com/see_our_videos, including community, University of Michigan, property tours, neighborhood tours, radio spots.  Perceived real estate value plays a huge part in negotiation especially in high end homes, says Toth.  This provides amazing perspective for homes in Washtenaw County and is a good complement for the high definition photography they use. Videos are no longer restricted to Hollywood; they are here to give Ann Arbor Area Sellers the edge they need.

Next time you are out in Ann Arbor, if you look up in the sky you may say, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, and it’s a remote-controlled high-definition video camera! 

How Do I Find the Right Real Estate Agent For Me?

Kathy Toth and Team | Keller Williams Realty Ann Arbor Market Center | 734.426.6669

I got this question the other day and wanted to share it with you. “How do I find the right real estate agent for me?”  Here’s my response:

1.  When searching for a real estate agent, it’s important to find one who appreciates and understands the type of transactions you will engage. When approaching potential agents, explain to them that if you are an investor, your business model is based on a high number of transactions closing on a yearly basis or if you are buyng one home that you will need personalized attention.

2.  It is important to find an agent that has the right mindset to work on all types of transactions. If an agent does not understand financing and investing, you will most likely have issues working with this agent in the future. It will be critical to find high energy, open-minded people who are interested in learning or experiencing different aspects of real estate.

3.  When hiring an agent to represent you in a transaction, consider that you’re going to use their knowledge of the real estate market. It is their skill and experience that will benefit you and the goals of transactions in your business.

4.  Of all the homes they list, what percent sell?

5.  What are homes selling for in the market compared to their results ( LP/SP ratio).

6.  How many days on market do their sales take vs. the average?

7.  Be sure to spend some time discussing your goals and expectations with the agent. The more they can learn about your process, system, timing you wish to focus on, the faster they can provide you with opportunities to review and or place offers.

To summarize, having an excellent real estate expert on your team can benefit your real estate business significantly. The more they understand your business, the better they can support its growth and your ability to earn a substantial income in this market.  There is no replacement for an excellent reputation and experience. This is priceless!

For your current and the most comprehensive Ann Arbor Area Real Estate market information including absorption rates for Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter and Saline click here  .  Keep up-to-date on your local neighborhood and have the report sent directly to your email inbox.

Search homes in Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County area  and call us as we often know about properties before they are listed.  Search here to find foreclosure deals in the area.

Let the Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts |(734) 426-6669  |  We are here to help you achieve your Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, and Saline Real Estate goals.

Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams Realty

Selling Your Ann Arbor Home Can Be Daunting

Selling an Ann Arbor Area home can be daunting. Selling a home in Washtenaw County can be simple or complicated.  I found this info-graphic that takes you through the steps of renting your home or selling it (with pros and cons) to turning over the keys to the new buyers.  Do you want to know what your home is worth, or what your neighbor’s house sold for?

Thinking of selling your home and not sure where to start? Call us 734-426-6669.

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Sales Down in Ann Arbor and Surrounding Area

Incredible news –  for the  3rd month in a row we have had a drop in the number of recorded Sheriff Deeds in Washtenaw County.  April 2011 compared to this year April 2012 we are down 36.5%.  Yearly totals for the 1st 4 months of 2011 compared to the 1st 4 months of 2012 we are down 28.64% from last year.  2012 is certainly showing improved signs of stabilization with a total of 122 fewer recorded sheriff’s deeds compared to last year at this time.

Sellers – it is time to list your home.  Property inventory is down and buyers are writing offers.  Very important to price your home to sell at a competitive price point to attract buyers.  Keep in mind that the sale of your home will also depend on an appraisal.

Looking for foreclosure deals?

Buyers – keep up with new and current listings.  Use our free property search at HomeSearchAnnArbor.com.  Have new listings sent directly to your inbox.  You can determine your own search criteria.

The chart below has been provided by Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds.

Use our detailed  home search engine to  Search homes in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area.

Kathy Toth and Team |  Keller Williams Realty  |  734.669.0337

You May Think Selling Your Ann Arbor Area Home During the Holidays is Nearly Impossible

You may think that selling your Ann Arbor Area home during the holidays is nearly impossible. While, it’s true that many buyers tend to put their home search on hold until after the new year, there are those who are taking advantage of less competition. In fact, selling your Washtenaw home this time of year allows you to highlight the warmth and comfort that your home offers. Buyers can immediately imagine themselves celebrating the holidays in your Ann Arbor Area home, which means putting your best foot forward this time of year is important!

If you currently have your home on the Ann Arbor Area Real Estate market, or have been considering selling your Ann Arbor Area home; you’ll want to know the best way to enhance your home without going overboard. Here are seven tips that can help sell your Ann Arbor Area home this holiday season.

  • Add Holiday Adornments- You don’t want to go overboard, but a simple evergreen wreath, a poinsettia center piece or other small decorations can create a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Of course it’s best to avoid overly religious flourishes as this can be off-putting to some.
  • Complement Your Décor- You’ll want to make sure that your Christmas decoration palette matches or complements your current décor. If the colors clash or seem to be fighting for attention, this can be very distracting to buyers and can take away from the great features of your home you’re trying to highlight.
  • Highlight the Highlights- Draw attention to a beautiful fireplace mantle with a few tasteful ornaments or enhance an arched doorway with hanging mistletoe.
  • Go Light on the Lights- An abundance of outdoor lights can leave Ann Arbor Area buyers wondering what the front of your home looks like. And, while you may love your giant inflatable lawn ornaments; it may be best to leave those in storage this year. Everyone has different tastes and you don’t want buyers to be met at your home with a sense of “tacky.”
  • Mind the Tree- While a tall Christmas tree can showcase a two story living room, be sure to be careful of the tree’s width. The last thing you want is to have your Ann Arbor Area home appear smaller than it really is. Also, you’ll want to stick with a cohesive theme for your ornaments. The family homemade ornaments can be meaningful to you, but can quickly make your tree look gaudy to outsiders. Keep it simple this year and remember, there’s always next year when you can display those keepsakes in your new home!
  • Give Warmth- Just before a showing, be sure to turn up your thermostat a few degrees to make it extra toasty inside. Ann Arbor Area buyers will be thankful for the change from Massachusetts’ cold winters. Put a fire in the fireplace to add an extra sense of warmth and highlight the cozy atmosphere that this feature of your home can bring.
  • Offer Tasty Treats- While you don’t want to come across as trying to bribe buyers, everyone loves holiday treats and having a plate full of cookies and candy can make the home showing a little sweeter. Hot chocolate and apple cider are always welcome and buyers will feel that you have their best interest in mind.

As Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Experts, we enjoy helping people sell their homes! Our experience and savvy marketing plan has allowed many clients to sell their Ann Arbor Area homes faster than market average, for top dollar, with less hassle.

We hope these tips encourage you that selling your Ann Arbor Area home during the holidays is possible and gives you insight into how to make your home stand out on the Ann Arbor Area Real Estate market.

We are here to get you started selling your Ann Arbor Area home.  Blessings!