Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty Blog

Tips for Selling Your Home-Breckenridge Real Estate

6 Tips to Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

2011 Trulia.com

1. Price your home aggressively

Setting the right price for your home is the single most important decision you will make when you decide to sell. Go too high and you risk turning off every buyer in the marketplace, go too low and you leave money on the table. One simple but powerful technique for pricing your home aggressively is to spend the day looking at your competitors' homes. By doing so you will be seeing the world through the buyers' eyes. Be tough and honest with yourself. Compared to the competition what would be a price that would position your home as the best value proposition for buyers in your marketplace?

2. Hire an aggressive listing agent

Not all listing agents are created equal. To find an aggressive full time agent, take the time to research the market, talk to friends, neighbors, and colleagues about who they recommend, and interview multiple agents before making a hiring decision. Don’t hire an agent just because they tell you what you want to hear. Make sure your agent gives you a true picture about values in your marketplace, even if you don’t want to hear it. In addition, be sure to come to an agreement about a specific, documented marketing plan before signing a long term listing agreement.

3. Stage the home & use curb appeal

Buyers won't pull the trigger unless they become emotionally invested in your home. To help build a stronger first impression, start from the outside first by working hard to improve your home's curb appeal. Remove the weeds, plant fresh flowers and spruce up your exterior paint if needed. Next move inside and stage each space by creating a focal point and a story for each room. A set dining table, a book by the bed, or a game in the kids room are all simple examples of staging.

5. Offer incentives & pre-paids

A buyer who has narrowed their search down to two or three top choices may need a little push to motivate them to take action. To encourage buyers, many sellers offer incentives like buying the interest rate down on the purchaser's loan, paying for closing costs, inspections, or repairs, or providing allowances or credits for home upgrades after closing. In addition, many sellers prepay for services like internet services for a year, taxes, homeowners association dues, or even golf club memberships.

6. Get pre-inspections

Many sellers do pre-inspections of the home to provide buyers with a clear whole home inspection or pest and dry rot inspection. (A word of caution: anything discovered during a pre-inspection will likely need to be disclosed whether you fix the issue or not). It’s often easier and cheaper to do needed repairs in advance than trying to negotiate them later with an emotional buyer.

Breckenridge real estateoffers a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the right property. Luxury homes, mountain cabins, townhomes, condos and acreage are available for homebuyers looking to settle in this wonderful mountain town. To buy or sell in the Breckenridge Real Estatearea, contact the experienced real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty.

All of the real estate agents at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty are very experienced and knowledgeable about the Breckenridge Real Estate market as well as the rest of Summit County Real Estate. Now is a great time to start your journey into the Breckenridge Real Estate market and there is no better real estate office with a great local presence to help you along the way.

Polishing the Merchandise, Brecknridge Real Estate

Attic

• Check underside of roof for leaks, stains or dampness
• Look around chimney for condensation or signs of water
• Clean and clear ventilation openings if necessary
• Clean out stored junk

Walls and Ceilings

• Check condition of paint and wallpaper
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster or wallboard

Windows and Doors

• Check for smooth operation
• Replace broken or cracked panes
• Repair glazing
• Check condition of weather stripping and caulking
• Examine paint
• Test doorbell or chimes
• Test burglar alarms
• Wash windows and even woodwork, if necessary

Floors

• Inspect for creaking boards, loose or missing tiles, worn areas
• Check baseboards and moldings
• Test the staircases for loose handrails, posts, treads

Bathrooms

• Check tile joints, grouting and caulking
• Remove mildew
• Repair leaking faucets and shower heads
• Check the condition of painted or papered walls
• Test operation of toilet

Kitchen

• Wash all appliances
• Clean ventilator or exhaust fan
• Remove accumulation of grease or dust from tiles, walls, floors

Basement

• Remove clutter
• Check for signs of dampness, cracked walls or damaged floors
• Inspect structural beams
• Check pipes for leaks

Electrical System

• Check exposed wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage
• Repair broken switches and outlets Label each circuit or fuse

Plumbing System

• Check water pressure when taps in bathroom(s) and kitchen are turned on
• Look for leaks at faucets and sink traps
• Clear slow-running or clogged drains
• Bleed air off radiators if needed, and check for leaking valves

Heating and Cooling Systems

• Change or clean furnace and air-conditioning filters
• Have equipment serviced if needed
• Clear and clean area around heating and cooling equipment

Breckenridge real estate offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the
right property. Luxury homes, mountain cabins, townhomes, condos and acreage are
available for home buyers looking to settle in this wonderful mountain town. To buy or
sell in the Breckenridge Real Estate area or any other area in Summit County, contact the
experienced real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty.

If you would like more information about buying or selling in Breckenridge or any other
area in Summit County, contact the experienced local real estate professionals at Ten
Peaks Sotheby's International Realty. For Free listing alert updates check out our website
at www.TenPeaksSothebysRealty.com

Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home - Breckenridge Real Estate

When competing with numerous homes on the market, making a mistake can lead to a delayed sale and possibly less money. These guidelines should give you insight on what not to do when selling your home.

Pricing incorrectly

Don't allow your emotional ties to influence pricing rather than market conditions. The first 2-4 weeks is when you'll see the most action. If your home is not competitively priced, you could miss an opportunity to sell.

Failing to "show case" the home

Pet and cigarette odors and cracking paint don't make for good first impressions. Your home should look, feel and smell its best. The fewer problems buyers see, the easier it is for them to picture themselves as the new owners. Buyers look for homes, not houses!

Using the "hard sell" during showings

Don't follow lookers around pointing out improvements and great features. People want to view the house on their own to see if they feel comfortable in it.

Not knowing your rights and obligations

The contract for sale and purchase is a legally binding document. An improperly written contract can cause the sale to fall through, or cost you thousands in repairs and inspections. Know which repairs and closing costs are your responsibilities.

Signing a listing contract with no way out

Even though an agent may have every intention of selling your home, unforeseen circumstances may prevent them from completing the sale. Therefore, you should have the right to terminate your contract with them at any time. Always protect yourself by getting a guarantee of performance with the right to cancel.

Limiting the marketing and exposure of the property

The two most obvious marketing tools (open houses and classified ads) are only moderately effective. Homes aren't generally sold by using these mediums - less than 1 percent for open houses; 3 percent for ads. You need a broad spectrum marketing plan.

Choosing the wrong agent

Choose a real estate professional who is familiar with your neighborhood and has excellent marketing skills. You should be contacted often with updates about your property. A good agent will tell you what you should hear, not what you want to hear.

Not asking for a marketing plan from your agent

There are many ways to market your house, and your agent will know the most effective methods. Ask for a specific plan of attack before signing on the dotted line with any agent.

Breckenridge real estateoffers a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the right property. Luxury homes, mountain cabins, townhomes, condos and acreage are available for homebuyers looking to settle in this wonderful mountain town. To buy or sell in the Breckenridge Real Estate area or any other area in Summit County, contact the experienced real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty.

If you would like more information about buying or selling in Breckenridge or any other area in Summit County, contact the experienced local real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty. For Free listing alert updates check out our website at http://tenpeakssothebysrealty.com/

Setting the Price - Breckenridge Real Estate

What is your home worth? To set the right price on a home, you should combine an objective evaluation of your property with a realistic assessment of market conditions.

In good markets and bad, you are more likely to benefit by determining a fair value and sticking close to it than you are by asking an unrealistic figure and waiting for buyer response to sift out the "right" price.

Under pricing can deprive you of money that's rightfully yours. Unless you are in a hurry, aim for full market value.

Study the Comparables

You run the risk of either overpricing or under pricing if you settle on a price based on less-than-solid information. Shop your competition. Learn the offering and selling prices of similar properties. Find out how long each took to sell.

To be comparable, a house that sold has to be close to yours in age, style, size, condition and location. Timing is all-important too. If you are offering your home when sales are brisk and demand is high, you should be able to increase the price.

Try to find at least three comparables no more than six months old. Sale prices of homes are published in local or regional sections of newspapers. If you are listing your home with an agent, this kind of market research should be prepared and presented to you.

Get an Appraisal

Real estate appraising is part art, part experience and part science. As a result, opinions are subject to honest dispute. Nonetheless, an appraisal prepared by an experienced, licensed professional comes as close to an objective evaluation as you can get.

Breckenridge real estate offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the right property. Luxury homes, mountain cabins, townhomes, condos and acreage are available for homebuyers looking to settle in this wonderful mountain town. To buy or sell in the Breckenridge Real Estate area or any other area in Summit County, contact the experienced real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty.

If you would like more information about buying or selling in Breckenridge or any other area in Summit County, contact the experienced local real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty. For Free listing alert updates check out our website at http://www.tenpeakssothebysrealty.com/

Inspection Checklist for Real Estate

It's a good idea to hire an experienced inspector to thoroughly check your potential new home. Many items will require the skilled eye of a professional to determine if there is a problem. Plus, the time you spend with the inspector can give you a wealth of important and invaluable information. This is an opportunity to learn all you can about the house; you shouldn't miss it.

Before you hire a professional to examine the house, you need to do your own inspection. The following checklist will help you determine any potential and/or existing problems with the house.

If you would like more information about buying or selling in Breckenridge or any other area in Summit County, contact the experienced local real estate professionals at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty. For Free listing alert updates check out our website at http://tenpeakssothebysrealty.com/

Luxury Homes for Sale in Breckenridge, Colorado - The Cottages at Shock Hill

The Cottages at Shock Hill. One word comes to mind when I think about the luxury homes for sale at this development. Bravo! I'll say it again, Bravo! I mean these homes have it all. They are all four bedrooms starting at $2,950,000. You can choose between the two floor plans. Cottage A, The Aspen Plan is 3,210 square feet and Cottage B, The Elk Plan which is a little bit bigger at 3,428 square feet. Let me just say if you are someone that is looking at luxury homes for sale in Breckenridge and this is in your price range, look no further!

Cottage A ~ The Aspen Plan: Features four bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

Cottage B ~ The Elk Plan: Features four bedrooms and seven bathrooms.

The interior finishes are defiantly top of the line. Everything from Wolf appliances to reclaimed red and white oaks. They spared no expense when designing and building these luxury homes for sale. And it gets even better! Everyone knows that if you own anything in the Shock Hill subdivision that you "Have Arrived". Shock Hill is one of the most prestigious areas of Summit County. Location, Location, Location! At Shock Hill you get your own private gondola stop, you are nestled in between undeveloped and protected Cucumber Gulch and one of the Nordic Trail areas. Your neighbors are the owners or Fairmont Residences at Shock Hill, which is luxury at its best. AND... being an owner at The Cottages at Shock Hill, you get special privileges to use ALL the amenities of the Fairmont. Which include, a wold class spa, and fitness facilities, year round infinity pools and hot tubs!

There are many luxury homes for sale but if you are looking for the best I say start here. You can always call any of our experienced agents at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty to help you with your property search. If you would like to view The Cottages at Shock Hill please try to call in advance so we can setup a private showing and tour of Shock Hill.

Luxury Homes for Sale in Breckenridge, Colorado - Fairmont Residences On The River

Fairmont Residences has two developments in Breckenridge, Fairmont Residences Shock Hill and Fairmont Residences On The River. These luxury homes for sale are both magnificent. You awake to memorable views. From the massive hand-hewn beams that give your home its warmth and character to the mountains that range away beyond your windows. Life looks better, lives better at the Fairmont Residences on the River. In a better location then most luxury homes for sale, your home is on the pristine Blue River, renowned for gold medal fly-fishing. Breckenridge offers you the exhilarating pleasures of one of North America's premier ski resorts. On Main Street, minutes from home, you enjoy authentic history, rich culture, fine shopping and dining. Everywhere you look, you see a great day taking shape. The Fairmont Residences on the River opens your eyes to the prospect of something even better: a great life.

Luxury homes for sale offer a range of amenities, but Fairmont Residences in Breckenridge is by far the best. When you come to the mountains you shouldn't be shoveling snow, you should be playing in it. Fairmont handles all exterior building maintenance plus landscaping and snow removal up to your front door. After a time, the music of the river becomes the soundtrack of your life. The land reveals its ageless secrets. The old pioneer town takes on the aspect of something like a second home. These are amenities you cherish. There are others, all nearby, from Breckenridge Golf Club to the renowned ski resort. And there will be still more, even closer to home. An on-site lodge. A spa. Elegant spaces for casual dining and entertainment. Gold Medal fly-fishingborders a vast and pristine open space. And the neighborhood just can't be beat. You get free shuttle service, pools, hot tubs, a world-class lodge, and it is all surrounded by dedicated Open-Space.

The inside of any of the luxury homes for sale at Fairmont Residences On The River offer you some of the best finishes and features available anywhere. Your home's perfection is revealed in details like cool granite, warm oak, brushed nickel and chiseled stone. From the Limestone and Sandstone floors to the ten foot vaulted ceilings, all the finishes are of the finest quality, enhancing all the comforts you come to expect from any luxury home for sale. These luxury homes for sale start at around $1mil and you can choose either a three or four bedroom. Depending on which residences you choose they range from 2100 to 2900 sq ft. If you are interested in viewing any of residences please contact any of our experienced real estate agents at Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty. We have one of our models that is open daily from 10:30am - 5:00pm. If you would like to schedule a private tour just call 866.453.4887. We look forward to helping you with your search for luxury homes for sale.

Luxury Condo for Sale in Breckenridge, Colorado - Fairmont Residences Shock Hill

Ten Peaks Sotheby's | Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty | tenpeaks@sothebysrealty.com | 970.453.0550 260 Shock Hill Drive #N401, Breckenridge, CO 4BR/4BA Condo offered at $4,000,000 Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 2,964 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 4 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $2,964 per month DESCRIPTION N401 is a 4bdrm + den. Fairmont Residences Shock Hill is Breckenridge's first true luxury property. Only 11 more units will be sold at pre-construction pricing. Remaining residences will be released after construction commences at a higher pricing structure. View virtual tour, floor plans and pricing by visiting the virtual tour link below. All fees and taxes are estimated. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Fireplace - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Stainless steel appliances - Washer - Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking - Covered parking - Guest parking - Business center - Clubhouse - Fitness center - Swimming pool(s) - Sauna/Spa - Elevator ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: Ten Peaks Sotheby's Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty tenpeaks@sothebysrealty.com 970.453.0550 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Nov 5, 2009, 8:25am PST

Luxury Home for Sale in Breckenridge, Colorado - Hidden Forest Estates

Ten Peaks Sotheby's | Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty | tenpeaks@sothebysrealty.com | 970.453.0550 234 Gold King Way, Breckenridge, CO 5BR/6.5BA Single Family House offered at $4,900,000 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 8,328 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 6 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 206,474 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This estate combines luxury & seclusion unparalelled by other homes currently on the market. From the imported Italian tile & custom Spanish lighting to the grand crown molding at every turn, the meticulous attention to upscale finishes& superior construction are evident througout this refined home. Too many upgrades/features to list. Nicely wooded lot backs to Nat'l Forest. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Office/Den - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: Ten Peaks Sotheby's Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty tenpeaks@sothebysrealty.com 970.453.0550 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Nov 5, 2009, 8:20am PST

Luxury Home for Sale in Breckenridge, Colorado - Timber Trail Estates

Ten Peaks | Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty | tenpeaks@sothebysrealty.com | 970.453.0550 457 Timber Trail, Breckenridge, CO 7BR/8.5BA Single Family House offered at $7,900,000 Year Built 2009 Sq Footage 9,335 Bedrooms 7 Bathrooms 8 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 4 Car garage Lot Size 21,780 sqft HOA/Maint $92 per month DESCRIPTION Breckenridge's Finest luxurious home, the premier location. 3 Master Suites with steam shower, wet bar & laundry. Features include: elevator, wine-billiard-theater-ski-fitness rooms, 5 fireplaces, custom bar, and more. This masterpiece backs to the skirun for ski in/out access. Ownership in Timber Trail entitles you to use One Ski Hill Place's Amenities. see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Office/Den - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool COMMUNITY FEATURES - Elevator ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: Ten Peaks Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty tenpeaks@sothebysrealty.com 970.453.0550 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Nov 5, 2009, 7:52am PST