Charleston, SC Posts

Finally, the air date for my House Hunters debut will be Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8pm and on August 18th at 12am on the HGTV channel (for locals that's Time Warner channel 39 and Comcast channel 98).  House Hunters is a behind the scenes look as buyers decide on a home. There are many things that go into a buyer's decision to purchase and it's quite an emotional decision for most.  We sold my clients home in Huger, a contemporary manufactured home on an acre of land on Bates Pond, that was a little far away from town.  The reason for their relocation was to find a community for the children that were coming to live with them.  The community was probably as big of a decision as the house.  Having amenities for the kids, lots of neighbors with children, and sidewalks to ride bikes were at the top of the list to help the children adjust to their new location. The show was filmed on two separate occasions.  The first half was in December 2008 to film the house choices and then they came back in January 2008 to film after the buyers moved in the home they selected.  Overall, it was a good experience although a little chaotic since it was filmed right before Christmas.   You never know how they will portray you and what they will cut and include. 

I have to say first, that it wasn't that easy.  A) We started at 8am and worked until 7pm each day of the filming.  There were 4 days of film and thankfully, I was only needed for 2 of them.   B)These buyers didn't just see 3 houses and then make a choice of the three.  They saw 12-15 houses over a 10 day period prior to choosing one to write a contract on one.   It's was so decisive which is okay.  I just don't want people to believe that it is always that easy, although sometimes it is.  Please do not think that realtors just show 3 houses and then get paid. It really was not that easy!  There were serious negotiations that took place to get them their home, not just with the price and terms, but also with the home inspection.  The job for the realtor doesn't just end after the contract is written.  There are many obstacles that can come up in any transaction and you need an experienced realtor to have you navigate them.   If you are considering a purchase, call me to set up a Buyer's Orientation seminar to learn about this process and learn how to protect yourself as a Buyer.

On a side note about other reality real estate shows...I'm not as crazy some of the shows, particularly, the "Get it Sold" show because of some of the same reasons.  It's just not that easy and can possibly paint an unrealistic picture for a seller.   A) Houses don't get sold at Open Houses.  B) It's easy to get people to come walk through an Open House when people know they are going to be on TV. At $4 a gallon, we do not see people coming to Open Houses unless they are on a main road.  

I do believe the staging and the changes they make do impact the sale of a home.  It's important to consult a professional home stager for help with this area in conjunction with an experienced realtor that can help you navigate the sale of your home.  Please call or email me if you need help selling your home.  One of my most valuable resources is my professional staging company, First Impressions, and they are part of my marketing plan to get your home sold.  To date, I have served over 150 families take part in the American Dream of owning or selling real estate.  Let my experience work for you. 

The market has serious problems.

You need a realtor with serious solutions.

Call or email the Charleston Relocation Expert at 843-572-0518 or michele@CharlestonRelocationExperts.com.