Amy Long, The Veteran Agent - Redfin Military

10/24/2024

How to Handle a Quick Sale for a PCS Move: Expert Tips for Selling Your Home Fast

As a top-performing real estate agent specializing in military relocations, I know firsthand how stressful it can be when military orders come through with short notice. A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be exciting, but it also means needing to sell your home fast. Fortunately, with the right strategy and preparation, you can still achieve a successful sale without sacrificing the value of your home.

Here are my top expert tips for handling a quick sale during a PCS move and making the process as smooth as possible.

1. START THE PREPARATION PROCESS EARLY

One of the best ways to handle a quick sale is to start preparing your home as soon as you suspect PCS orders may come. Even if you haven’t received orders yet, getting ahead of potential relocation can save you time and stress when the orders finally arrive.

• Declutter and Depersonalize: Begin by decluttering and removing personal items from your home. Prospective buyers need to envision themselves living in the space, and a clean, neutral environment makes this easier.

• Home Maintenance: Take care of minor repairs and touch-ups, such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing worn-out light bulbs, and patching up wall cracks. A well-maintained home shows better and makes a strong first impression.

Pro Tip: Create a PCS prep checklist that includes decluttering, home repairs, and gathering important paperwork. This way, you can move quickly once you get your orders.

2. ENHANCE CURB APPEAL

First impressions matter, and curb appeal can make or break a quick sale. Buyers often decide within seconds if they want to see more of the property, so invest a little time into sprucing up your home's exterior.

• Landscaping: Ensure the lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and walkways are cleared of debris. A well-kept yard instantly signals that the home is cared for.

• Exterior Touch-Ups: Power wash the exterior, repaint the front door, and replace any worn-out house numbers or mailbox. These small improvements create an inviting entrance.

Pro Tip: Quick curb appeal fixes can be inexpensive but make a big difference in how fast your home sells. Even something as simple as fresh mulch or a new welcome mat can enhance your home’s appeal.

3. HIRE A REALTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN QUICK SALES AND MILITARY MOVES

When time is of the essence, you need an experienced realtor who knows how to handle a fast-paced sale, especially one tied to a PCS move. Military relocations come with unique challenges, and not all agents are familiar with them.

A realtor who specializes in military clients will understand the urgency and have proven strategies to market your home quickly. Look for someone who has a strong network, experience in military markets, and a track record of successful quick sales.

Pro Tip: Ask your realtor about their experience with PCS sales and their strategy for selling homes fast. A realtor who understands the military lifestyle can tailor their approach to meet your tight timeline.

4. PRICE YOUR HOME COMPETITIVELY

Pricing your home right is crucial when time is limited. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market longer than you can afford, while underpricing leaves money on the table.

Your realtor should conduct a thorough market analysis to determine the right price for your home based on comparable properties in your area. A competitively priced home attracts more buyers and can result in multiple offers, speeding up the sale process.

Pro Tip: Consider offering buyer incentives, such as covering closing costs or including appliances, to make your listing more attractive in a competitive market.

5. STAGE YOUR HOME FOR MAXIMUM APPEAL

Staging can significantly improve your chances of selling quickly, especially if you need to appeal to a wide range of buyers. A well-staged home feels warm and inviting and helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space.

• Neutralize the Decor: Opt for neutral color schemes that appeal to a broad audience. Avoid overly personal or bold design choices that may not resonate with all buyers.

• Maximize Space: Rearrange furniture to make rooms feel larger and highlight the home’s best features. Buyers should feel like the home offers plenty of space, even if it’s a smaller property.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to stage your home yourself, consider hiring a professional stager or ask your realtor for quick staging tips that won’t break the bank.

6. LEVERAGE A STRONG MARKETING STRATEGY

Selling quickly requires a robust marketing strategy. When buyers are pressed for time, as many military buyers are, they rely heavily on online listings and virtual tours to make decisions quickly. A well-marketed home will have strong visibility from the start.

• Professional Photos and Virtual Tours: High-quality photos and 3D virtual tours are essential for attracting buyers who may not have time for an in-person visit. Make sure your home is well-lit and professionally photographed to showcase it in the best light.

• Social Media Marketing: Promote your listing on social media platforms, especially within military-specific groups or communities. Your realtor should also have a strong online presence to get your listing in front of more eyes.

Pro Tip: Create a short video walkthrough of your home and share it on social media. Buyers love video content, and it’s a quick way to engage potential buyers who may be looking for homes on tight deadlines.

7. BE FLEXIBLE WITH SHOWINGS

To sell your home quickly, it’s important to be flexible with showing times. Many buyers, especially military families, may have limited windows to view homes. The more accessible you make your property, the faster it will sell.

• Consider Open Houses: If possible, host an open house to allow multiple buyers to view the property at once. This can create a sense of urgency and lead to quicker offers.

• Keep the Home Show-Ready: Maintain a clean and tidy home at all times so it’s always ready for last-minute showings.

Pro Tip: Create a grab-and-go system for tidying up before showings. Keeping things like cleaning wipes, fresh towels, and a laundry basket handy can help you prepare the house in just a few minutes.

8. OFFER FLEXIBLE CLOSING OPTIONS

Military buyers often need flexibility when it comes to closing timelines, especially if they’re juggling their own PCS move. Offering flexible closing dates, including quicker closings, can make your home more attractive to buyers.

You may also consider offering a rent-back agreement, which allows you to sell the home and temporarily rent it from the new owner if you need extra time before your PCS move.

Pro Tip: If you’re pressed for time, let your realtor know upfront about any flexibility you can offer with the closing date. This can help attract buyers who are also on tight timelines.

CONCLUSION: A QUICK SALE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL

Selling a home quickly due to a PCS move may feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and a realtor who understands the military lifestyle, it’s entirely achievable. From pricing your home right to maximizing its appeal through staging and curb appeal, these tips can help you navigate the process with confidence.

As a top-producing real estate agent with experience in quick sales for military clients, I’m here to help you through every step of the process. Whether you’ve just received orders or are preparing for a potential PCS, reach out to me for expert guidance on how to sell your home quickly and successfully!

- Amy Long
The Veteran Agents
KW Smart
The A-Team
Cell: (863)712-9827
Email: [email protected]

10/06/2024

For those needing a hurricane list, here ya go. Please share! Hopefully, we won't need all this but better safe than sorry.
And remember, shelters are also an option. They fill up quickly in a big storm and some don't allow pets.
Keep that in mind if you're in harms way!

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery backups. ( Glow sticks also provide light for a few hours. Stand them upright in a glass or jar to make a lantern.)

2. Wash trash cans, big and small, and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill them with water and store them in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.

3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill the washing machine and leave the lid up to store water.

4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep them near sinks for washing hands.

5. Fill Tupperware with water and store it in the freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.

6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in the fridge. You can store the rest on the counter and use it before opening any water bottles. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.

7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.

8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for the first day without power.

9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.

10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.

11. Toss out any expired food, clean cat litter boxes, and empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.

12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.

13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.

14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor-free environment. Store water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.

15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.

16. Make sure you have cash on hand.

17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.

18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.

19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.

****20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.

21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.

22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.

23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.

24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.

25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!

26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.

27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also, put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! Remember to pack for pets as well.

28. Check on all family members, set up emergency backup plans, and check on elderly neighbors.

29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!

30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.

31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.

32 . Use plastic cups and paper plates. 👍 You need water to wash dishes....👎

33 . Also if you run out of water tap your hot water heater it can have up to 30 gallons stored in there.

34 . Put water in balloons and store it in the freezer.

35 . If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown Flush it down!💩
If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend it!!!
I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, and place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you will know!!

Rule #7 And for those asking, that means "Don't freak out unless Denis Phillips is freaking out… we're fine". Whatever comes our way, we've got this as long as we stay informed and prepared.

09/06/2024

There have been so many changes in real estate and Buyer’s Broker compensation.
One thing remains the same… with every new regulation, each unit/lender has there own interpretation. We love to see the documatation so that we better understand. Here is the June update on VA loans. Take to your realtor and lender to find the best option for you and to confirm their interpretation of how buyers agent fees can be paid.

If you have questions feel free to DM or text me.

Here is the full circular.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/documents/circulars/26-24-14.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3FK4YxKs_ky2EUVXxgaxu9DoJcj2_XRd3wqvE6i_ikLT-eoPJBaVRKipM_aem_KKAwZPtsP_uOXRbdKiEKzA

06/24/2024

Many Home Owners choose to work with a REALTOR® to buy and sell Real Estate, but SOME will opt to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Route.
If that is you, here is a copy of my FSBO Toolkit to help you along the way.

- Amy Long
Your Veteran Realtors, Central Florida, KW Military®️
KW Smart (The A-Team)
Cell: (863) 712-9827
Email: [email protected]

Check out this design designed by Amy Long.

05/02/2024

In case you missed it…

The challenges that you might be facing in the real estate market are paving the way for your growth and success!

It’s okay to feel discouraged or frustrated with the market–we’re only human after all! As long as you keep your end goal in mind and remember that challenges are necessary for growth.

Together, we can create the road to your real estate success through strategy and market experience.

As a result, the challenges you’re currently facing will turn into opportunities!

Drop a home emoji if you found this post helpful.

04/29/2024

Future you will be SO glad you saved this.

The offer you choose might not be the highest offer.

It can be easy to feel like you have to take the highest offer with all that money on the table.

But there are other things you need to consider!

Whenever you receive an offer, ask the following questions:

- Are they asking for seller-paid closing costs?

- Are they requesting multiple warranties?

- Is there a slightly lower offer in cash and not a loan?

- Is the timeline to close extended?

- Is the pre-approval letter ready and attached to the offer?

Save this post if you’re selling your home this year!

04/26/2024

You’re welcome in advance.

If you’re looking to increase your home’s value in 2024, these ideas from home appraisers will help you get a high return on investment.

Since appraisers are the ones determining your home’s fair market value, it’s safe to say that they have a pretty good idea of which upgrades add value and which ones don’t.

- Smart home upgrades and high-speed internet: We’re more connected than ever, and buyers are looking for homes that can help them automate their lives. Homes with fiber or other high-speed internet options are also primed to sell for more money!

- Sustainable Renewable Energy Systems: Owned renewable energy sources (not just a lease!) are a huge draw for buyers. Plus, you can cut the costs of owning solar or thermal systems with tax credits.

- Creating a polished base canvas: Consider upgrading your paint, flooring, and landscaping to create the “base canvas” to get a higher sale price for your home.

Your agent will be able to provide you with specific upgrades to consider to increase your home’s value, but these insights are invaluable!

Save this if you’re looking to boost your home’s value!

Source: https://www.redfin.com/blog/how-to-boost-home-value/

04/23/2024

This might surprise you!

While your ultimate goal as a homebuyer is to find the right home that fits your lifestyle and goals, your agent is there for so much more.

There is SO MUCH that goes on behind the scenes that a top real estate professional is handling on your behalf.

Let’s start with what your agent is doing before you ever show up to a house for a showing:

- Helping you find the right loan types and connecting you with lenders so you can get pre-approved and be ready to make a fast offer on a home

- Understanding your wants and needs so they can recommend the right homes for showings

- Researching the market to see what you can get in your budget and what offer strategies you can use

- Scheduling the showing and discussing with the seller’s agent

That’s just what happens before you even see a home for the first time. You might not even know that all of that work is happening.

The real value of a real estate agent is in the work that they handle on your behalf and the knowledge and expertise they provide so you can have a smooth, easy homebuying experience.

Drop a home emoji if you found this post helpful!

04/20/2024

Hey homeowners, you need to know this!

Refinancing isn’t the only way to lower your mortgage payment.

This is a MAJOR win. Refinancing requires the payment of closing costs, which can add up, in addition to being a process you have to go through with your lender.

While refinancing is a fantastic option, it needs to be used for the right reasons, like decreasing your interest rate, to make it worth it.

If you’re just looking to decrease your monthly payment, try recasting your mortgage instead! Swipe to see how to do this.

Like this post if you are a homeowner!

04/17/2024

Ready to get off the Pinterest train and make that dream home a reality?

Let’s get into the 5 steps you need to take to bring your dream home to life:

Step 1: Consult your real estate agent to get the process started. Whether you’re looking to buy a plot of land to build your home from the ground up or you want to use the bones of a fixer-upper to make it happen, your real estate agent is your first stop.

Step 2: Select the right team of builders, interior designers, and architects. These professionals will help make your dream home happen–so you need to make sure you find the right team that you can trust! Get referrals from your agent and trusted friends and family.

Step 3: Define your vision. Now’s the time to sit down with that Pinterest board and decide what your dream home is going to look like.

Step 4: Decide the budget and your financing. This important step will determine many of the decisions you make about your home. Ask your real estate agent for different financing options to help make your home happen.

Step 5: Begin design and construction. With the expert team you selected earlier, you’ll be able to see your dream home go from just a vision to reality!

Now let’s bring that Pinterest board to life! Send a DM if you’re ready to make it happen.

04/14/2024

Tell me if this sounds like you…

1. You want a beautiful home where you can make memories that will last a lifetime.

2. You can’t wait to have the perfect space for your family to make those memories in when it comes time for:

- Easter
- Family game nights
- Summer BBQs
- Birthday parties
- Thanksgiving
- Holiday get-togethers

3. You’re ready to upgrade to a beautiful new home and make this happen!

Drop a home emoji below if you want to chat about making this into your reality!