A Make or Break Decision – The Right Price

Part 2

The second toughest decision in the process is next – deciding upon a price.

Often home sellers base their property’s sale price on emotion and sentiment. A home represents a lot of special memories to the seller and they respond accordingly by overpricing.

This is where your real estate agent’s cool head and vast experience comes into play.

First, a real estate agent will visit your home or property making careful notes on its pros and cons that will contribute to a selling price. Next, the agent will carefully study prices realized from comparable homes in your area and determine its current value. Once sharing that with you, your real estate agent will develop a strategic marketing plan, customized to sell your home.

Depending on the condition of your home, your real estate agent may recommend some upgrades or modest cosmetic changes that enhance the attractiveness of your home. Trust in their suggestions because having worked with a variety of clients whose homes or properties range in size, style, age, and value – they know what sells. 

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484 to learn more.

Also check out our website: Columbia County Homes

The Great Backfire – Trying to Sell It Yourself

Part 1

Many people are tempted to try and sell their homes themselves, thinking they’ll save time and the fee they’d normally pay to a real estate agent. Often, they’ll waste six months without a nibble – and end up calling an agent anyway.

If this has happened to you, now you are poised to choose a real estate agent – so be tough about it. One of the best ways to find an agent is through personnel referral. Talk to family, neighbors, and colleagues who have sold a home and were happy with their agent’s performance and professionalism.

Confirm that the agent’s agency has a professional looking website that is easy to navigate and features attractive photos of properties which are accompanied by compelling descriptions of the home or property for sale. Look for customer reviews of the agency and their agents on their website. 

After compiling a list of potential agencies, call them and interview them by asking pointed questions. For example, inquire if they are seasoned marketing professionals and conduct competitive market analysis on homes and properties currently on sale. Do they belong to multiple listing services (MLS) and employ a number of marketing techniques such as advertising and posting on social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter?  

Likewise, ensure that the real estate agent networks with other successful agents and has a proven track record for quick sales and strong prices.

And finally, once satisfied that your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, choose the top three agencies and schedule an appointment for a face-to-face meeting with them. Make sure that the agent gives you confidence as demonstrated by their ability and knowledge to sell your home or property. In working with a real estate agent, chemistry with that person is key. Check that you speak the same language and your share the same goals for a successful outcome.

A few years ago, I had a customer who was in her late 80’s and wanted to sell her big farmhouse, where she had raised five children, and downsize to a smaller home, which we had found for her. Next we found a buyer who was perfect - a young couple eager to start a family who fell in love with the property.

Two weeks before the closing, I received a frantic phone call from the woman who said she couldn’t sell her house. I suggested we talk about what was happening in person and said I’d be right over.

When I arrived she showed me the molding in the doorway of a bedroom where all the heights of her children and grandchildren were carefully recorded.  “This is why I can’ sell it,” she said.  “I just can’t leave it behind.”

I thought a moment and asked, “ If you could bring it with you could you sell it?”  “Yes,” she said, “I could let it go then.”

I called the buyer and they were fine with removing the molding.

Buyer and seller were happy and all it took was some careful listening and creative problem solving.

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn

518-392-8484

Check out our Website at:  ColumbiaCountyHomes

Buying or Selling a Home on a Handshake

Our world continues to become exceedingly complicated.  There was a time when business transactions were sealed with a handshake, particularly when buying or selling a home.

Those days are far behind us and handshake purchases are a thing of the past.

Today, few would engage in such a financial venture without the advice and guidance of an experienced real estate agent.

The National Association of Realtors reports that if you are selling a home you will receive 19 percent more money if you use the services of a qualified real estate agent.

If you are a buyer, your personal real estate agent (whose fiduciary obligation is to you) will ensure you’re not overpaying for a property or lose the opportunity to purchase by offering too little.

For most people, the sale or purchase of a home is the largest investment they will make in their lifetime.

For the Seller

Once you are satisfied that you have found a qualified real estate agent, consult with them personally before making any decision. From experience, they will know how to prioritize improvements to your home that will increase its value and what changes that will render nothing. Your real estate agent’s main responsibility is to make certain your house is sold for a fair price by marketing it correctly.

The first question many sellers ask potential real estate agents when deciding who to represent them is, “What is your fee?”

Real estate is the only profession that does NOT require any payment unless your home is successfully sold. However, in order to accomplish that, many thousands of dollars are invested in marketing your property. Essentially, you are really engaging the services of a marketing firm to promote and ultimately sell it.

First, the real estate agent would develop a specific strategy for your property employing a number of marketing tactics. For example, a professional description with accompanying photos of both the interior and exterior will be created and posted on the agency’s website as well as other popular social outlets.

Experienced real estate agents also belong to several multiple listing services and databases to share information about properties with other real estate agents. These agents may represent potential buyers or wish to cooperate with another agent in finding a buyer of the property. Additionally, your real estate company will advertise in the many local and regional publications showcasing your property, which are avidly read by buyers, sellers and other real estate agents.

The next question sellers pose when seeking a real estate agent to represent them is, “ Do you have a buyer looking for a house like mine?”

Once you have made the decision to engage the services of a real estate agent, they will hit the ground running by first reaching out to their own customers to see if there is someone who may be seeking a home like yours. Additionally, real estate agents collaborate with their colleagues from other firms and will communicate their client’s needs to them as well as examine the existing inventory in the region.

For the Buyer

If you’re buying a home in an area with which you are unfamiliar, working with a personal real estate agent is crucial for success.

Make sure the agent you are considering listens carefully and understands your wants and needs. An experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent should know the area very well and be able to recommend professional vendors who are fair and responsive. These may include lawyers, inspectors, appraisers, insurance agents, tradesmen (carpenters, excavators, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, roofers), and lawn service and snow plowing companies.

Your real estate agent may be the only person you know in the area. Confirm that they are indeed experienced and well informed.

The Intangible Factor

Finally, before choosing a real estate agent determine whether you have a feeling of comfort, confidence and ease of communication with them. Can you confide in them and would you listen to their counsel? Are you convinced of their expertise and professionalism?

When you hire a real estate agent; you are now a team. Make sure you are on the same page; working toward the same goal.  

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn, Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty at 518-392-8484 or e-mail at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Check out our Website:   http://ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Finally Coming Home: What a principal broker can do for you

There are milestones we all encounter as we journey through life — deciding upon a career we wish to pursue, choosing a mate, finding the place where we want to live and buying or renting a home there.

My name is Stephanie Samuelsohn and for nearly two decades, I have served as the principal broker at VantagePoint Realty, located at 605 Route 295 in Old Chatham.

Beginning next month, I will be penning a column — scheduled to appear on the last Thursday of the month in the Chatham Courier and the Register-Star — that will provide practical suggestions, expert advice and time and money saving tips to help with one of life’s greatest challenges — buying, selling or renting a home.

Dedicated to serving our customers who wish to find property in Columbia County and the Berkshires, VantagePoint Realty offers an array of services for residential, commercial, agricultural and rental clients. We market and list homes, represent buyers (buyer’s broker), provide information on comparable homes in the area and provide referrals to the best mortgage brokers, inspectors, appraisers and builders.

As an active member of the Columbia Greene Board of Realtors and a fully licensed real estate agent in New York and Massachusetts, I interact with dozens of real estate professionals on a daily basis gleaning current information ranging from properties that may be coming up for sale and not yet listed, to new home developments in the works, to national trends that may impact real estate locally.

It’s well-known that the real estate market can be viewed as a barometer for the overall state of the economy nationally — and differs from region to region. But customers all over the country are essentially the same: People struggling to find a home where they want in the price range they can afford.

In most cases the reason for their frustration is they have tried to do it on their own without the assistance of a professional real estate agent.

Most of us would never tackle projects such as installing a new roof, repairing a furnace or replacing rusty pipes for the kitchen sink. We would contact a reputable roofer, heating technician or plumber to do the job.

It’s the same if you are looking to buy, sell or rent property. Make the decision to enlist the expertise of a licensed real estate agent who can guide you through the process.

For example, the savvy real estate agent will recommend getting pre-approved or pre-qualified by a mortgage lender. This can boost your purchasing power when seeking a home.

Alternatively, when selling a home, even modest improvements can spur a buyer’s interest. Older homes, for example, may have small rooms that gives the impression of being closed in. By simply removing a wall or installing a large picture window, a new focal point and a relationship with the surrounding environs could produce big dividends for the seller.

Home sellers should be aware that many buyers would include contingencies in their offers, which often includes financing and the sale of their own homes. To avoid such maneuvers, sellers can take steps to protect their interests.

The seasoned real estate agent will advise that before accepting a financing contingency. Ask to see the buyer’s pre-approval letter from a well-established lender.

Likewise, it’s prudent to obtain financial disclosure information that outlines the buyer’s employment, income, assets and liabilities. Receipt of a meaningful, earnest, money deposit provides proof positive to underscore the buyer’s intentions.

Additionally, in the case of a home sale contingency — by countering with a proviso, should another more attractive offer be submitted — the seller will give the buyer 24 hours notice to remove the contingency or lose the house and get the deposit back.

To ensure your home is being publicized effectively, it’s the agent’s responsibility to “get the word out” in the realty publications and newspapers, conduct open houses, list the property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and spread information via social media outlets such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.

Whether buying or selling make sure your real estate agent conducts a detailed market analysis, which compares the seller’s home to similar ones in the area that have sold recently. This comparison forms the basis of a listing price that both appeals to prospective buyers and ensures sellers of a proper return on their investment.

Stephanie Samuelsohn, principal broker at VantagePoint Realty, can be reached at 518-392-8482 or stephanie@columbiacountyhomes.com.

https://www.facebook.com/Vantage-Point-Realty-297597830362829/

Welcome To Shaker Ponds!

In the heart of Old Chatham, this is truly a Hunt Country retreat! First floor Master, just walk out to pool. 

7 total Bedrooms, and a Kitchen built for a gourmet chef. 4 Fireplaces, a screened porch and a Studio. 

Catskill Mountain views, Old Chatham Sheepherding Company sheep graze just across the road. 

Check out the video

Prequalify or Pre-approve a Home Purchase

You can boost your purchasing power when seeking a home by making sure you are prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender. VantagePoint Realty helps buyers pre-qualify for mortgages every day. 

Our office is conveniently located, where personalized, fuIl-service is not only the expectation - it's our guarantee! Whether you're looking for a vacation or second home, or primary residence in Berkshire or Columbia counties, or the Capital Region, contact us. 

We are fully licensed in Massachusetts and New York, and have the skills, dedication and expertise to help you. For further information on all of the services available to you, contact us today.

Visit our Website: Visit Our Website

E-mail at info@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or

Call - 518-392-8484

I Want to Hold Your Hand for Your Next Real Estate Transaction

"I Want to Hold Your Hand"

It's a Beatles song, and it's what an effective Realtor does for a Buyer.  It's called Buyer Agency.  Under this system the Real Estate Broker represents and works for the Buyer in the purchasing of a house - as the agent for the Buyer and has a duty to represent the Buyer's best interests, including:

*         Negotiating the right price for the buyer

*           Structure the transaction to the Buyer's advantage

Here are three of the most important ways Buyer Agency works for you:

*         Meaningful Savings Are Possible.  We will help you negotiate to 

          obtain the right price, terms, and conditions.

*          You are Represented.  As the Buyer Agent, we will do a 

          comprehensive market analysis on the property you select. 

          This will help you establish    fair market value before an 

          offer to purchase is made.

*          You are Exposed to a Larger Market.  In addition to MLS listed

          properties, our Buyer Agency System allows us to show us a
          wider variety of available homes, including unlisted properties -
          for sale by owners, foreclosure sale, and homes not yet on the 
          market.  In other words, you will have access to the TOTAL
          market.

VantagePoint Realty has years of experience

representing Buyers successfully.

Visit us on Facebook

Visit our Website:  http://www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Raise in Interest Rates

Friends and clients,

I write you today about the recent Federal decision to raise interest rates.  Although it’s only a 0.25% rate hike, if you are thinking of selling your home, this affects you now…

Your home will sell for its maximum price in 2016.  The upcoming spring selling season is going to be hot.  Not many homes are for sale in our area and inventory is very tight.  Home buyers will also make motivated offers to get ahead of inevitable future interest rate hikes. 

All this generates more demand for your home now. 

As you know, home prices in many neighborhoods went up considerably in 2015 and there’s a strong chance your home is one of them.

I recommend you check the current market value of your home.

I pay to get access to all the local MLS data and you can get it for free by contacting us at VantagePoint Realty  518-392-8484.

Looking forward to hearing from you. 

Visit us at:   ColumbiaCountyHomes

Tips to Add Value to Your Home

1) Clean, Organize, and Neutralize Your Space: Unclutter your house to make it look bigger and cleaner.  Buyers need to be able to envision their own belongings in the home, so avoid using bright colors and too many personal effects.

2) Keep your lawn green: Get your lawn in shape. A patchy lawn takes away from the home's overall appearance. Your local hardware store has supplies to re-seed those unhealthy areas.

3) Add insulation to save energy: The most inexpensive way to increase your home's energy is to add insulation which can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 25%.

4) Update Kitchen Appliances: The kitchen is often the room that buyers gravitate towards first, and an updated kitchen can help sell your home. You don't have to remodel your kitchen to give it a new look. Updating your appliances to the current standard and replacing cabinet doors and hardware can make a big impact at a relatively low cost.

5) Update those bathroom fixtures: A little change can go a long way when it comes to the look of your bathroom. Updating simple fixtures such as your sink and faucet can give any outdated bathroom style. And, according to Bankrate.com, minor bathroom remodels typically return over 100% of the initial investment.

6) Build a fence: If you're trying to sell a house, the appearance of a fence adds value to the home overall. Buyers with children or pets will appreciate the privacy and security of an enclosed backyard.

7) Repair the gutter: Ensuring that your gutter is clean is crucial in protecting your home against water damage.

8) Light up the outside: An easy and inexpensive way to increase your home's outdoor space is to add lighting. It makes it more appealing and safer.

9) Store and organize: Ample storage space is a plus, especially when it comes to garages and closets.  Efficient closet structures can help keep your clothes organized  and can save space.

10) Polish off the basement: Rather than adding an additional room, it is more cost-efficient to remodel your basement. This adds value and usable space.

Visit us at:  ColumbiaCountyHomes

Call Us ....We Should Talk

The value of any Real Estate Firm is its ability to provide seamless access to the best information, quickly and accurately.  Here at VantagePoint Realty, we specialize in this ability; we have the tools, including award winning web sites, updated and cross-linked to countless search engines, allowing us to be head & shoulders above the competition.  Call us; see why now, more than ever, it's so important to follow success!

Call Us VantagePoint Realty  518-392-8484

or

e-mail: info@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Visit our Website:  www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

As knowledgeable, skillful, and hardworking as real estate agents may be, they are not magicians. They cannot take an unappealing house and make it attractive to prospective buyers at a good price solely on the basis of words. A lot of the responsibility for selling a home rests with the seller's ability to boost its curb appeal with proper landscaping, paint, and repair/maintenance. Unless they are looking for a fixer upper, most prospective buyers are drawn to homes that meet their needs and that they can move into with a minimum of fuss. If this means that sellers must treat interior walls to fresh paint in neutral colors and replace worn carpeting, then that is part of a successful deal.

Hint: If a home is well cared for inside and out, prospective buyers are more likely to assume that it is worth the asking price.

If you are motivated to sell, or to purchase, please contact me, Stephanie W. Samuelsohn, Realtor and Principal Broker with VantagePoint Realty. I have a successful track record of assisting sellers and buyers. I will arrange an initial meeting. You will benefit from my knowledge and experience. The office is conveniently located.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

or e-mail her at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

See our website at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

The Two Secret Ingredients in a Quick Sale

A fresh coat of paint may help, and skillful marketing is certainly important, but only after a key ingredient is in place—a realistic asking price.  Buyers are comparative shoppers, and an overpriced house won’t fool anyone.  How do you figure out a realistic price for your home--With the help of a second ingredient, probably the most important—an effective Broker.  They determine a realistic price upfront, through careful analysis.  Only then will they advise you about such things as fresh paint, and go on to aggressively market your home.  If you want a happy ending, the one place to begin…is with a topflight broker.  Why not begin now ---with a call to me.

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn

Call me:       518-392-8484

E-Mail me:    info@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Visit our Website:  www.ColumbaiCountyHomes.com

Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...much less overhaul your vehicle's engine? The fact is that, whether a Doctor or a Car Mechanic, most people turn to those with professional experience to get the results they want. In the case of selling a home, there is too much riding on the outcome to hope that a homeowner can do the job himself or herself. While potential FSBO's (homes 'for sale by owner') nearly uniformly focus on saving money, experienced Real Estate agents usally pay for themselves by getting higher prices more quickly. They do this by setting a realistic asking price, advertising the property thoroughly, networking more effectively, qualifying buyers better, and negotiating a better selling price, circumventing potential problems.

I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.

People tend to think the winter season is 'off- time' for buying or selling a home. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. There is an honesty and warmth that animates both sellers and buyers alike during this season - the result is a greater willingness to share and to agree.

So, instead of 'putting off' until after the Holidays, call us. You may end up enjoying a very special New Year's celebration.

Do call us, join in our journey through these "interesting times."

Call VantagePoint Realty and ask for Stephanie 518-392-8484 or

E-Mail me at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Check out our NEW website"  at:  www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Why Winter May Be The Best Selling Season

"Real Estate activity has remained strong right through the last Winter...and will almost certainly be strong this Winter, thanks to a strong economy and a greater awareness of the area.  In addition, "Winter Buyers" have always been a special breed--they're not lookers or joy-riders, they are serious, motivated people out to buy.  For these reasons, "waiting until Spring" to list your home--once good advice--is no longer recommended.  It not only delays selling your home, it will cost you additional money each passing month.

If you have been thinking of selling, keep thinking that way.  Call me.  Le me see your home and let me show you my successes and you may be spending next Spring--in a new life."

Why Winter May Be The Best Selling Season

"Real Estate activity has remained strong right through the last Winter...and will almost certainly be strong this Winter, thanks to a strong economy and a greater awareness of the area.  In addition, "Winter Buyers" have always been a special breed--they're not lookers or joy-riders, they are serious, motivated people out to buy.  For these reasons, "waiting until Spring" to list your home--once good advice--is no longer recommended.  It not only delays selling your home, it will cost you additional money each passing month.

If you have been thinking of selling, keep thinking that way.  Call me.  Le me see your home and let me show you my successes and you may be spending next Spring--in a new life."

Having A Broker Is Like......

Columbia County Real Estate

Why Having a Broker Is Like Having A Physician

"Everyone loves the security of having a physician - a professional 'friend' to feely call for advice.  Your personal Broker can work much the same way, and is bound to give you the same loyalty and confidentiality--a whole lot more: valuable information about which home improvements will enhance your home's value, or the best local contractors and repair people.   You'll be kept abreast of the market, and be aware of new listings that might be your next home.  When I moved here, I was lost - luckily, I met a Broker who took a genuine personal interest.  Today I enjoy the same close, ongoing relationship with many of my clients.  You've got a Physician you can lean on - why not a Broker too?"

Columbia County Real Estate 2013

When considering your next real estate transaction and looking for real estate representation call us.   Keep in mind that we will do everything possible to make your buying or selling experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.  With our experience in assisting with home buying and selling you can be sure you are receiving the best representation possible.

Owning property is one of the most exciting investments you can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience.  If you are moving out of the area or downsizing, and need to sell your home, we can help you prepare your home for sale, pricing your home right and marketing it effectively.

If you have questions and would like to talk, please give us a call 518-392-8484.  We are conveniently located in Old Chatham, New York.

                           Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

What Your Neighbors Are Saying

Circumstances in the real estate market dictate that sellers list their homes with agents like us, who will market their properties aggressively. These efforts begin with a market analysis, which involves comparing the home to similar homes in the area that have sold recently, forming the basis of a listing price that appeals to prospective buyers and ensures sellers of a proper return on their investment. Then it’s my responsibility to "get the word out" by advertising on the Internet, in newspapers, in magazines, and listing the property on Multiple Listing Services and connecting with buyers and brokers on the Internet.

Listen to What Your Neighbors Are Saying!

Dear Stephanie,


“Many, many thanks for all the great professional help you gave me in selling my home. I will be singing your praises & telling everyone I know, if they are looking to buy or sell a home, to only consider you & your company!”


Sincerely, Susan, Old Chatham

Dear Stephanie,


“Before we unpack one more box, we would like to say that your attention to detail, from the selection of our new home to the process of relocation, is greatly appreciated. You have made our transition a positive experience we will share with others who are looking for the right place to call home.”


Carolyn & Jeffrey, Canaan

Dear Stephanie,


“We want to thank you so much for your help with the sale of our property in Copake. This is now the third time we have worked with your firm & it has truly been a pleasure. You are always on top of things, very responsive, & most significantly, you have an impeccable knowledge of the market. We look forward to working with you again one day & seeing you soon.”


Warm regards,
Ken & Debra

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint.

Aggressive Selling Strategy

Circumstances in the real estate market dictate that sellers list their homes with agents like me, who will market their properties aggressively. These efforts begin with a market analysis, which involves comparing the home to similar homes in the area that have sold recently, forming the basis of a listing price that appeals to prospective buyers and ensures sellers of a proper return on their investment. Then it’s my responsibility to "get the word out" by advertising on the Internet, in newspapers, in magazines, and listing the property on Multiple Listing Services and connecting with buyers and brokers on the Internet. Aggressive marketing increases the likelihood of selling a home in a challenging market. We are on many websites, such as:


ColumbiaGreeneNorthernDutchessMLS.com ~ Berkshirerealtors.com ~ Realtor.com ~ Google.com ~ Trulia.com ~ ColumbiaCountyHomes.com~ TimesUnion.com ~ Hot Pads.com ~ Homes.com ~ Albany.Backpage.com ~ RealEstate.yahoo.com ~  Oodle.com ~ CLRsearch.com ~ Zillow.com ~ NewYorkStatemls.com ~ HotFrog.com ~ Gaylesbiandirectory.com ~ IQRealEstate.com ~ RealEstateActive.com ~ HomeHippo.com and, and, and more......

HINT:  It has never been more imperative that sellers price their properties correctly in accordance with the prices of competing properties and local market conditions.

Visit us at: http://www/ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

E-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Call me at: 518-392-8484