First-time buyers get all of the attention, don't they? They get tax credits, have special programs designed especially for them and they have agents market directly to them. That doesn't seem fair, does it?
Well, first-time sellers rejoice! You are no longer being ignored. I get it. First-time buyers eventually turn into first-time sellers. What happens when you're ready to move-up or you outgrow your current digs? 
An agent was there to help you through the buying process, but what now? Do you stick a For Sale By Owner sign in the yard? Do you call the agent that helped you buy the house? Maybe you'll check out Zillow to get an idea about what your house is worth. Should you talk to more than one agent? How on Earth do you manage the details in getting your house sold while at the same time finding a new one?
It's confusing, overwhelming and frustrating, isn't it? That's why hiring an agent is your first step. But not just any agent... an agent that understands the specific needs of first-time sellers.
Agents that have experience with your particular situation are an invaluable ally to have on your side. When helping first-time sellers, I realize that you have lots of questions and need me to devote more of my time to you. I won't just list your house, stick a sign in the yard and never speak to you again. I'll return your e-mails, texts and calls. I love connecting with you on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. And when your house goes under contract, I'll be there with you step by step through financing, inspections, appraisals and closing.
By the way, I didn't mention that you might be eligible for the expanded home buyers tax credit. You could qualify for a $6,500 tax credit to purchase your next home. Cool, huh? Want details? Text, e-mail or call me anytime.
About the Author: Kristina Pratt is a REALTOR® with Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Nancy Milton help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs of Madison and St. Clair counties with special emphasis on the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville and Troy. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Kristina@GoshenRealtyGroup.com



As we zoom toward the end of the year, my Goshen Realty Group partner, Kristina, and I have been looking over our closed transactions to spot our business patterns and figure out how to build on successes for even better years in 2010 and 2011.
About the Author: Nancy Milton, GRI, is a REALTOR with the
which we call a rose by another other name would smell as sweet." from Romeo and Juliet for the headline on this post, but I couldn't resist a little literary fun this morning.
I find a lot of our buyers are excited about seeing an older refrigerator in a house they're considering purchasing. Their first reaction is, "Let's get the appliance we want for the kitchen after we move in and move this bad boy to the garage/laundry room/wherever as the "Beer Fridge!"