Question: What kinds of technology will you use to help sell my property?
Chris’s Answer: The technology we use to represent your property will greatly depend on the property, and how we feel we can best create a complete, accurate, and visually interesting listing. We may use different equipment, including a drone, a gimbal, and a Matterport camera.
Photos and Video are the backbone of any listing. Having great, attractive, well lit photos is, of course, a must and video is crucial in walkthroughs of the property or showing the wonderful sweeping views that many properties on St. Croix have. Still photos just don’t have the same impact as video to show the beauty of the Caribbean panoramas of clouds, waves and on a clear day, the neighboring islands.
Drones are very common these days, and create wonderful photos and videos which can give buyers a better idea of the property. A sweeping video either from overhead, or at an angle, give a dramatic representation of land, homes, or a condo complexes. Sometimes land is very overgrown. A drone can give a buyer a better understanding of the terrain and view. It can show the proximity to the beach. And, if there is more than one building on the property, a drone photo or video can show where each building is located on the lot.
drone footage from our recently sold lots at 72EB and 72EC Clairmont
Gimbals stabilize a camera while walking or driving so that the video is very smooth. We use this for walking through the property, walking around the outside of the property, or driving the neighborhood. We might show a pathway to the beach, the way to the pool, what the property looks like from the street, or anything else we feel could be of interest.
Matterport Cameras create a 3D self guided tour where a potential buyer can see the entire interior – from floor to ceiling as if walking through the condo or home in person. The viewer clicks on a spot, and the video takes them to the exact spot. It also creates a “doll house” image so that the property is viewed as a whole (as in the adjoining photo).
Question: What’s the most important thing I can do to help me sell my property?
Christie’s Answer: DE-CLUTTER! As buyers search, they want to visualize themselves living in the property. The photos and videos we take should show what you are selling. It’s best that your property is as uncluttered as possible! If you already have plans to paint or make any repairs, those things should be done before the photos and videos are taken. That way, when people see your home, it will be more attractive, and ready for sale. Sometimes there are needed repairs which will not be made prior to sale. That’s OK. We can mention them in the listing, and inform buyers that either the repairs are scheduled to be done before the sale closes, or that the repairs won’t be done, and they are buying the property as is.
If you have more questions about selling your home, contact us!
Christie’s Answer: Over the past few years, we have noticed more people looking to St. Croix as a place to retire. Over the past 18 months we have certainly seen this trend accelerate. They usually have a 1 to 5 year plan. Properties are so very different here, that when people find something they like, they tend to buy it now, and not wait until right before retirement. Sometimes they purchase a home or condo, and rent it long-term or as a vacation rental until they can move here themselves.
According to Bloomberg News Article 2021-04-30, “About 2.7 million Americans age 55 or older are contemplating retirement years earlier than they’d imagined because of the pandemic, government data show . . . many cite robust retirement accounts and Covid-19 fatigue for their early exit, according to interviews with wealth managers and federal surveys.”
Chris’ Answer: Once an offer to purchase a property has been accepted, the inspection contingency ensures that the Buyer receives vital information about the property. It allows the Buyer to potentially negotiate repairs, a reduction in the sale price, or even walk away from the purchase with a refund of all of their earnest money.
The inspection contingency is contractually part of the accepted offer to purchase. Generally, that inspection period is 2 weeks long, and it begins when the offer to purchase is signed by all parties.
Some people ask if they can waive the inspection. We always recommend using a professional home inspector, and having an inspection contingency period. Waiving the inspection contingency period means you won’t be able to use the results from an inspection to negotiate remedies, price, or cancel the contract with the Seller, putting your earnest money deposit at risk.
We feel it’s important for you to know as much as possible about the property you are buying. It’s to the Buyer’s advantage to be present during inspection. This way, the Buyer can ask questions from the Inspector at the site, and learn more about their new home.
