Judy Ballard's Blog

Increasing Seller's Property Value Judy Ballard, Cobb County's Luxury Real Estate Specialist   www.judyballard.com   Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to..(read more)

www.judyballard.com 5 new rules for home sellers Whether you're buying or selling, the real estate game has changed. To win, you've got to learn a new playbook. By Amanda Gengler, Money Magazine Last Updated: May 12, 2008: 12:39 PM EDT (Money Magazine) -- Selling a home is a lot trickier than it used to be - here's how to be smart about pricing, presentation and incentives. Rule 1: Get..(read more)

Looking to sell a home in a slow market? The key is pricing your house according to your need to sell, says Lew Sichelman in the Los Angeles Times. Known as "absorption-rate pricing," the tactic involves calculating how long it takes a home to sell in your market, comparing it to your own preferred selling timeline and setting your price accordingly, Mr. Sichelman says. Sellers who aren't..(read more)

With plenty of homes on the market, prices falling and mortgage rates down, it appears to be a plum time for house hunters. But even in a buyer's market, buyers can make expensive goofs, writes Linda Stern of The Boston Globe. Know your local market, Ms. Stern counsels. While there are bargains to be had, it's not smart to buy on the cheap if prices in your area are still falling. For instance,..(read more)