Go for Gold
Dear Friends and Family,
We're about 2/3 through the Olympics and it's been an amazing Games of the XXXIII Olympiad so far (go team USA!). Regardless of your sport of choice or if you just watch the opening and closing ceremonies, there's no denying that the games are a huge undertaking for everyone involved: from the Olympic Committee and host city to the athletes and their family, friends, and trainers who support them.
Conditioning
Though the Summer Olympics only happen every four years, no one involved gets to just take the next three years off. To win gold, it takes unparalleled dedication, planning, and time. Preparation is key. Real estate is no different. To "win gold" in the residential real estate market, conditioning and commitment are required. If you're planning to buy or sell this fall (or really anytime in the near future), now is the time to gear up for success.
Team
While countless people around the world practice certain skills, to make it to the olympics takes a dedicated team of professional support. In real estate, think of me like your trainer, focused on achieving results, and keeping you in top form. While you can definitely go it alone, working with a broker is going to make the process more consistent and effective. Unlike athletes who only compete in a handful of Olympic games, trainers are in it for decades (sometimes over 40 years!).
Goal Setting
It's important to remember that a gold medal, while the top prize, is not always the only goal for each individual athlete. In real estate, a record breaking price or fastest days on market may make headlines, but what's right for you and your family may involve other, less flashy, accolades. The person swimming in the lane next you may be inching ahead, but you could be setting a personal best time. Ensuring that your goals are reasonable and attainable is part of the responsibility of your broker. I keep you focused on obtaining your "gold."
Buyer Prep
Do you want to buy in NYC? Today is the day to start your preparation! Unlike olympic sports with a set start (and penalty for anyone who goes early), the real estate market is ongoing and can move FAST. My number one piece of advice for buyers is to be ready on day one; you never know when you’ll find your dream property and being ready means you won’t miss out. Part of preparing may involve short-term sacrifices to make room for long-term results. Buying can be more than about finding an amazing home, it is also an opportunity to invest in your future. Here are my top tips for buyers:
Give yourself a full financial check-up, assets AND liabilities (ask for my special spreadsheet!)
Pay off debt if you can (even the small stuff)
Connect with a mortgage lender and a real estate attorney. NYC real estate really does take a Village, even if you’re buying in Gramercy. ☺ (Ask us – we know great people!)
Sort out gifting (mom & dad's help can hinder if it's too late)
Seller Prep
For sellers, it is similarly important to remain fit and ready, pacing yourself for distance. While you have more control over the start time (when you list your home), sometimes the need to sell is unexpected, and rushing to complete deferred maintenance causes extra stress and can hurt your home's sellability. Just as an injured athlete is less likely to medal, an unprepared home is unlikely to perform at its peak. From big renovations (check out this calculator to assess value) to every day repairs and maintenance, there are a variety ways to maximize value in your home before we go live. Here’s my advice for potential sellers:
Declutter, declutter, declutter (family heirlooms may hold sentimental value but hurt the price of your home)
Organize your paperwork (those papers you signed when you bought the place? We'll need those again.)
Fix the small stuff (no loose door handles)
Start thinking about price. I'll calculate an attainable market price, but it's always good to have your own goals in mind.
Do you have a price in mind that would make you sell your home tomorrow? Let me know! Compass is rolling out a new feature to include a "Make me move" price on the back end of our listing data so that if another Compass agent has a client with your budget in mind, we can connect about a potential deal.
If you are going for gold, don’t wait until the siren to start the race. It takes planned dedication and expertise. I'm ready to join your team and help you get the most out of your next real estate transaction.
All the best,
Toni Haber
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
Founder, Toni Haber Team | Private Client Advisors
TONI@compass.com | 917.543.1999
