It has been a while since I have blogged. I have been busy helping clients buy and sell and that is a good sign that the market is very active right now.

I get asked lots of questions about real estate, but I have been hearing a few over and over again lately so I thought I might address a couple here briefly. Hopefully it is good info you can use.

Selling Season?

 The first question is about when to sell. Is Summer a good time?

I would rank the seasons like this; Spring is far and away number one. After that would come Summer/Fall, followed of course by Winter. Winter is by far the worst time to try to sell a home.

For the purposes of planning, I consider the Winter to begin right about Thanksgiving time. Right around that time, people start thinking about holidays and presents and bad weather. Homes just aren't on the mind of as many people at that time of year.

Summer can have slow moments for sure. As the mercury in the thermometer goes higher and as school approaches, you can see a lull in the market. That however, is usually replaced by a brisk Fall market, as people try to buy or sell before Winter hits.

Length of Sales Time?

Another question I have been getting a lot lately is about how long a house will take to sell.

I could provide actual statistical data on this one from my MLS which would compile all listings sold and average out number of days on market. The problem with that approach is the homes might be very different from one another so comparing them can lead to an innacurate figure.

I tell my clients that my goal is to sell the home in less than 3 months. In fact, When I do listing contracts, I do them for only three months as it motivates me to move quicker and clients like shorter contracts.

The truth is this, if you price your home right, have great marketing and are selling at the right time of year, selling in less than three months is attainable.

Are You Stuck With Your Agent?

Are you with an agent right now you do not like? I get asked commonly how to change agents when you are in a contract. Perhaps they are not doing a good job or maybe you just want to switch. The best advice I can give you is to simply ask them. I consider myself somewhat of a rare breed, but if a client comes to me and wants out of a listing, the answer is always yes. My philosophy is that I will not build a long term, successful business by forcing people to do business with me. I want clients who chose to be with me and are happy with the service I provide.

Yes, you may have a contract, but all the agent really needs to do is tear it up.

In Closing

If you have any specific questions about real estate, I am more than happy to answer them or talk to you directly about them. I am here to help.

You can learn much more about me by going to MarkCharter.com.

While there, please take a look at my testimonials if you are in the market for an agent. There are currently 23 testimonials on the site and more coming soon!

Also, I would appreciate your vote on Ankeny Patch for "Best Ankeny Realtor" if you have a second to vote. I would love to win that title!

And oh yeah, August 28th is my second $5,000 giveaway this year. That means for the second time this year a client of mine will win $5,000 in cash. You could be next! Watch the attached video to see the last giveaway event I held.

Thanks everyone and enjoy the rest of the Summer!

Mark Charter

REMAX Real Estate Center

515-864-6444

Mark@MarkCharter.com

www.MarkCharter.com

Licensed to sell real estate in Iowa