| Shelly and Rob Lufkin of Easthampton, MA advertised
their home with us during the summer of 2007, just as the market was
beginning to soften. We are happy to report that, after using our
recommendations, they received their full asking price and made their
move to the west coast right on schedule. Congratulations Shelly and
Rob!
The Lufkins are just some of many home sellers that have
been successful using our services since 2002. Just read some of the
many comments that our homesellers have shared with us. Many may refer
to Picket Fence Preview, our previous name: |
Bill and Mary Curran, Westfield, MA - "Hi Liz, We have accepted an offer on our home for our asking price. The closing is scheduled for Sept. 28th. We had originally priced our home by getting 2 market analysis prices from different realtors. After reading the book we received when we signed up for, and also taking your advice, we decided to have an actual appraisal from an impartial source. We were shocked that the appraisal came in at $49,000.00 less than our asking price. The appraiser said adding 5% would be acceptable. So we lowered our price by $32,000. and immediately saw a huge increase in calls and visits. It took just one month to sell once we had the right price! Thank you for all your help and support. We will definitely use your services again. Regards, Mary Curran"
Tony and Grace Leger, Sunderland, Massachusetts - "Liz: Sorry to not contact you for so long. Yes we sold our house on May 24. It has been very hectic. We had very little time to move and we have been trying to get settled here. You were a wonderful help in the entire process. It is a very tough market out there as you know and we are happy to have only one mortgage. Please feel free to mark our house sold in your online ads. Thanks for everything."
Jeanne Thompson, Ashfield, Massachusetts - "Hi Liz. The Ashfield House sold yesterday! Closing went very well. Thanks for all of your help. The slide show was a nice touch. Moving was quite an ordeal! New thought for a business service which you could team up with someone and offer -- Downsizing Before you move! We didn't do enough of it and so we moved boxes and boxes of stuff we don't want or need. Now we need have to sort through it and recycle it. Anyway put a big SOLD sign on your site next to the Ashfield house."
Luke Kettles, Chicopee, Massachusetts - Ad#H128366 "Hi Liz. Please change our listing to reflect a "Pending" status. Things have gone well. We had one open house with 14 groups of people coming through. We have gone through over 60 flyers from the sign box. We have the house under contract."
Bob
Marmor, Easthampton, Massachusetts - Ad#H1271 "HI Liz. My house went
under deposit yesterday for $295K, the sale is pending. Happy New Year,
Bob"
Truehart Builders: We have been using Picket Fence Preview to sell our
condominuims for 3 years now and love how easy it is. With everyone
going on the internet now when they want something it is best to be
there. Liz does a great job setting up your information and updating
your ads each month. HAPPY NEW YEAR from a happy customer!
Martin Moore, Southampton, Massachusetts - Ad#H1220 "For sale by owner
has worked again - my fourth sale! Thank you for teaching us how to
sell our own houses and saving us a lot of money by doing so!!!!!We
closed on the Riverdale Road house last Friday. It sold for $242,000."
Sally Cary, Chesterfield, Massachusetts - Ad#1079 "Hi, Wanted to let
you know we have taken a deposit on our house and the closing is set
for 3/7.We have also had several other serious calls and a showing. We
are keeping names and numbers--just in case. We'll let you know when it
actually happens. All the prelims, inspections, etc. have gone well.
Thank you so much."
Penny Burniske, Hatfield, Massachusetts - "We decided to do Open House
on the 8th and 9th. Had a wonderful showing Saturday and Sunday June 1
& 2 -- 39 people with 23 different showings. Have
another one tonight, Monday. Quite a few said they sawing the ad on the
Picket Fence WWW address while looking at others. Several saw the sign
by the highway saying Open House. It was interesting. One said they saw
the picture in the magazine and didn't think anything like that was in
Hatfield so came to check it out. SEVERAL said they can't believe we
are asking so little for the house. One came back with friends! Here's
hoping next weekend will be the finale" Editor's Note: It was!!
Paula and Bob Johnston, South Hadley, Massachusetts - Ad#H1123 "Dear
Liz, You were on my "to call list", as I realized that the date was
upon us for renewal---but, I think we have sold the house! We have
accepted an offer, the P&S is at hand and we have the inspection
set for Monday AM. I never feel it a done deal until after the
inspection, but we have a great buyer, who has done everything in a
very timely manner, and seems to love the house and it's location. So,
I feel that we will not request another month in your EXCELLENT
magazine and Internet spread. If anything does fall through, we will
call you back ASAP and try to make the Sept. issue. This note is by no
means what I really want to say about your services----I want to write
you a more detailed note about the experience-------we have RAVED about
how great everything has gone! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!"
Susan
Allan, Agawam, Massachusetts - "Hello Liz, I just wanted to let you
know that I did sell my home in agawam for full asking price. Also I
did receive many calls from potential buyers who saw the ad online or
in the magazine through Nov. I actually had a few that checked with me
to see if the closing went thru."
Mark Kasmin, Otis,
Massachusetts - "The house in Otis, Ma. sold on Sept. 29th. A
delightful couple from Westchester, N.Y. purchased it and will take
loving care of it. Things were very amicable throughout the entire
proceedings. Thanks for all of your help."
Linda Spencer, South Deerfield, Massachusetts - Ad#H1133 "Hi Liz -
We've sold the house! It was because of Picket Fence!!! Thanks so much.
The sale price was $411,000 and the closing date was 7/13 - we were
actually under contract 6 days after we listed with you! Thanks so
much."
Jamilah Alexander, Easthampton, Massachusetts - Ad#1099 "Just want to
say many thanks for your service. I sold my house in Easthampton in
record time. I had many calls, long ofter the contract was signed. In
fact, even before the mailer went out I had calls. I recieved my asking
price, because I had made it a fair price. I was very pleased w/ your
knowledge and expertise and the materials. Much hope for your continued
growth. Best regards."
Carolyn Charette, Westfield, Massachusetts - Ad#H1043 "I think the
house is sold. I have a signed contract and closing on September 29th.
So unless things fall through, we can take the listing off of Picket
Fence."
Jim Garb, Northampton, Massachusetts - Ad#H1141 "Hi Liz - Well, we're
on the Cape! Just wanted to let you know that we had our closing on
Sept 6. Sales price $569,500. We're very happy about it. Thanks for all
your help."
Cindy Kunz, Laurel Park, Northamton, Massachusetts - Ad#1186 "I forgot
to call you and let you know that we sold our house at 35 Laurel Park.
The offer came to us after our third open house. Most of the prospects
saw the house on your site, and thought the photos looked wonderful.
Thanks for your help. "
Ed & Shirley Fern, Pine Valley Plantation, Belchertown,
Massachusetts - Ad#H1217 "Just want to say many thanks for all your
help in selling our mobile home in Belchertown. I believe it was your
first but I know it won't be the last. With all the help and
information you gave us, everything went very smoothly. We have
informed all our friends of your expertise in marketing homes so good
luck in the future. Best regards."
Barbara
Luce, Russell, Massachusetts - "Good News. Our house in Russell is
under Deposit!!!!!!!!!! YEAH. We are looking to close within a
month. We will keep you posted. Thank you Liz ! We love FSBO!!!" Editor's Note: Barbara also sold her home through us and purchased another home advertised with us as well. Way to go, Barb.
Kate Gallo, Ashfield, Massachusetts - "We've finally signed the
purchase and sale agreement, so on to the next stage. We are due to
close on Nov 6. I will keep you posted. Thanks for all your help. "
John Ferine, West Springfield, Massachusetts - "I received A deposit on
my home last Sunday from a retired man moving from the Boston area,
back near his roots (Chicopee). His niece saw the house back in June,
and told him when he's ready she would set up an appointment to see it.
We will be signing a P&SA agreement tomorrow, with a closing on or
before Sept. 30th. How should I handle the inquiries going forward with
regards to your Picket Fences Magazine Sept. publication ??"
Sally Weinstock, Holyoke, Massachusetts - "I have been in advertising
off & on for 20 years and this is the BEST real estate ad I could
imagine for our house! You did a great job! "
Charles Ingulli, Jr., East Longmeadow, Massachusetts - Ad#H307 "Liz we
have a buyer and we are presently doing the Sales Agreement. The
closing will be sometime around the 2nd week in June. Thanks for your
services. We appreciate the Picket Fence Site. A lot of positive
comments. We did get several calls."
Lee and Mary Nelson, Buckland, Massachusetts - AD #H525 "We are writing
to thank you so very much for the valuable service you provided for us
in the selling our our home. You were always courteous and helpful and
your advice in composing our ad was appreciated. We had our buyer
within 3 weeks of running our ad with Picket Fence Preview. We had
interest in our home from Boston, New York City, Florida and many other
areas. We ran our ad a second month in case the deal had not worked out
and don't regret it. We had total control of the deal and how and when
we would show our home. In our opinion, you cannot beat Picket Fence
Preview for value. It was money well spent. Thank you very very much."
Lucie and Paul Winsky, Westhampton, Massachusetts - "Selling our house
through Picket Fence Preview saved us and our buyer over $10,000.00.
After taking the Seller's Seminar we felt that we had the information
we needed to sell and what to expect when agents called. Prospective
buyers were impressed with our knowledge about the real estate process.
The greatest thing about selling your own home though is seeing the
excited expression on your buyer's face. It can be a sentimental time
selling your "home" but knowing it will be well taken care of by
someone who loves it as you once did is very gratifying."
Eddie Ondrick, Westfield, Massachusetts - "LIZ I HAVE A SIGNED PURCHASE
AND SALE AGREEMENT. THE GENTLEMAN HAS ALSO PROVIDED HIS NON RUFUNDABLE
DOWN PAYMENT IT LOOKS LIKE THE CLOSING IS SET FOR JULY 28th. I WILL BE
IN TOUCH WHEN EVERYTHING IS DONE.."
Marcello Trolio, West Boylson, Massachusetts - "I closed on my house
last week. Its great to have it finalized. Thanks for your help. please
remove my house from your website and remove me from the email list."
Denise King, Worthington, Massachusetts - "Selling my home through
Picket Fences has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. First of all,
your helpful advice and words of encouragement eased the anxiety of
trying this on my own. Then, even before I put out my "For Sale" signs,
I got a call from a prospective buyer. They came, they fell in love,
they offered my asking price. The best part of this whole experience --
other than actually selling my home -- is having established a great
relationship with the people who will be living in my home. It's not
easy selling a home you love, but when you know the people who will be
living there will love it as much as you do, it eases the heartache
considerably. Thank you so much for all your help and your
encouragement. I just hope buying a home will be this easy."
Roland Doulliard, Longmeadow, Massachusetts - "The house is sold, only
waiting for the closing. Will not require additional exposure. There
are too many still knocking on the door without the sign being
displayed. Thank you Liz."
Joe Barone, Sunderland, Massachusetts - "Just a note that my
condominium was put under deposit today. I will continue to do showings
but thought you may want to make a note on the website for me. Thanks
for all your help in making this an "smooth sale".
Len Shuzdak, Hadley, Massachusetts - "I wanted to let you know that my
home at 9 Moody bridge Road, Hadley, sold through your service on April
2nd for $225,000. Thanks for the support. Also how can I get on your
e-mail list for VT properties?"
Jim McCauley, Sandwich, Massachusetts "Picket Fence is a truly terrific
resource. The closing was today – Wow!!! It’s amazing. Under two months
– start to finish! You provided all the information and support we
needed to make the house sale a success. Your extra help with the
website allowed a wonderful way to showcase the home through pictures
as well as provide details on room dimensions, etc. Thanks to this
great tool, people were able to get a sneak preview online as well as
get directions for a drive through the neighborhood. By the time our
Open House rolled around, several pre-approved buyers arrived and we
had 4 bids that very day. Can you tell we’re delighted? The house sold
for $7,000 more than the asking price! You’re a Wiz. Thank you, thank
you, thank you." Editor's
Note: The house was being sold as an estate with the executor living
about 2 hours away. We set it up as a weekend open house, limiting the
time he needed to be there to show it.
Hanne Burns,
Goshen, Massachusetts - "Thanks for all your help in getting me "set
up" with Picket Fence. I had my antique house listed with a local
realtor for well over 7 month without getting a single offer, but as
soon as my add appeared on the internet the calls and emails started
coming. I received calls from as far away as San Fransisco and Florida
with many other states in between. I had an offer in one week, and
completed the sale without any problems. It was a positive experience,
much more satisfying to know the potential buyers and the final buyer.
I would highly recommend your service and would use it again if I
needed to."
Deb Stuart, Southwick, Massachusetts - "Picket Fence Preview" has been
an incredible tool in marketing our home. Not only did they bring out
the very best in our home with advertising precision,
accuracy, and artful perfection, but the personal outreach to us as one
of their hundreds of clients was impressive. They called and made sure
we had everything we needed to successfully sell our home. And when we
were too far away and unable to come and get some documents and our
yard sign, they
delivered what we needed to our door! Their genuine care and concern
with our success as sellers was very refreshing in this day and age. I
would recommend their services highly."
Rayna Castro, Springfield, Massachusetts - Ad#H443 "I'm sorry my "Thank
you" is so long overdue. We did sell 124 Corona St with the excellent
help of Picket Fence Preview. Thanks again for all of your help and
your suggestions--you were always there when we needed you!" - (2nd
property sold through Picket Fence Preview)
David Chamberlin, Sr., Northfield, Massachusetts - AD#H492 "We have had
several hits and two good offers. We will not be renewing our ad. We
have been extremely satisfied with your help and service. We will be
recommending your service to others. Thanks for all your help. Thanks,"
Mike Walker, Leverett, Massachusetts - "...It was a high energy day
with calls to lawyers, advisors, high-speed cleaning, emergency Sell
You House Yourself book-reading, question answering, and decisions. We
were both fully engaged by the process. By 5:30, we’d accomplished our
short term goal of selling the Dream. I’m left with the feeling that
selling a Dream is hard, but, if it must be done, it’s nice to get full
price."
Jill Newcomb, Southampton, Massachusetts - AD#H443 "We are closing on
the house tomorrow. I found we had great exposure, more on line than
through the magazine, through Picket fence. We had over 50 inquiries
through Picket Fence, and only 9 or so through Yahoo. We did get a full
price offer, just before our open house, On May 13. We also got a lot
of exposure through drive-bys, and we must have gone through 150 or so
fliers. The flier that you made and that we had professionally copied
came out beautifully. We did get a few Realtors inquire and bait us
with selling, however, I simply explained that the house was priced for
a fair price without a Realtors fee, and to have a Realtor to list it,
would have limited our buyer potential (cost wise). As far as showing
our house, I loved it. It was hard to maintain a clean and uncluttered
look with two children under the age of 6 and two kittens, but my pride
of the design, quality,and function of our home had shown through by my
marketing. The buyers are very excited about their new home, and simply
love the design, which gives me great pleasure. We did hire a real
estate lawyer, who handled all the legal ends. We also hired our own
building inspector, along with title five, radon, water, pest, and
smoke/fire inspection so when the buyers lawyer contacted our lawyer,
we had all the paperwork all done, and simply faxed it when requested.
This made closing from start to finish with in 6 weeks. It ran very
smoothly. As far as the interactions between us and the buyers, we
could call them/us with any questions without waiting for a middle man
which made the process that much faster."
Rosemary Tarantino, Amherst, Massachusetts - AD#H442 "The sale of the
house was finalized yesterday. It took only 3 months from the time we
advertised it in Picket Fence to the closing date. The assistance you
provided with the graphics and printing alone was well worth the price!
Thanks for everything."
Aaron Loftin, Springfield, Massachusetts - AD#H432 "Picket Fence is a
wonderful business for anyone who wishes to save money when they sell a
home. The advertising of the home would of been the hardest part for me
as a twenty seven year old FSBO, but since you took care of that
problem the hardest part was just waiting for the right couple. My home
was only on the market for fifteen days before a couple put a deposit
down for the purchase of my home. After that my attorney pretty much
took it from there and had to wait for their mortgage company. In the
end I sold my home for $5000 above market value and only had to pay
$1300 in lawyer fees and marketing combined. If I had to go back and do
it again I wouldn't of changed a thing. Thanks for everything."
Laura Stamas, Greenfield, Massachusetts - AD#H483 "Picket Fence Preview
is the BEST!!! I can not believe how wonderful it was to show my own
house to prospective buyers. It was so much easier to set up
appointments and in three days I got an excellent offer!!! Thank you so
much Liz. You are fantastic. . . .I would love it if you could change
the Picket Fence ad (on-line) to say "sale pending" I have a list of at
least 15 people who are interested in looking at the house if something
falls through with my current buyer. Thanks."
Diana Beechmore, Amherst, Massachusetts - "I have a contract to buy (a
home) in Amherst. I originally found out about the house in Picket
Fence Preview last fall. I found both the right buyer and the right
house through your magazine and web service. You have been more helpful
than a realtor for much less money and no hidden agendas. Thank you
very much." Note: Diana saved twice by both buying and selling a
property through our services.
Karen Hendry, Easthampton, Massachusetts - AD#H326 "Just wanted you to
know that our home is under deposit! We took a bid on Thursday and
accepted the offer on Saturday. We had many calls and we showed it to
at least 8 couples. One couple even came from a house that their
realtor was showing them.... I'll give you details later, but could you
please make the necessary comment on the internet. I am keeping names
and numbers of people who made back up bids. You never know! Thanks a
million!"
Shana Korenewsky, Greenfield, Massachusetts - AD#H263 "I know it's been
a while since I talked to you last but, I wanted to let you know that
the closing on our house 300 wells st Greenfield is today. I can't
believe that I did this on my own with the help from you of course. I'm
glad it's over though, it was definately worth the time and effert for
the amount that I saved on not having to go through a realtor. We are
headed to South Carolina this weekend to do the closing on our new
house, so I probably won't talk to you again but, I just wanted to say
thanks this whole program was a lot of help." |
