Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent Beverley Fasth has had a long and interesting journey to the Queen City. A native of Kenilworth, England, her stops included New York and San Francisco before settling in Charlotte with her husband and twin daughters over 20 years ago.

Beverley says she loves her adopted city, and when friends and family come across the pond to visit they always comment on the beautiful homes, tree-lined streets and unique neighborhoods.

We sat down with Beverly to get her take on how buyers and sellers can best prepare for a busy spring market.

C5: What can sellers do now to get their homes ready?
BF: Make your home as appealing as possible. Paint that red wall, change that old carpet. Inexpensive updates will help your home sell faster. Clients often say they don’t want to change something because the buyers will want to do it, but most people can’t see past anything old and dated and don’t want the immediate hassle of updating themselves.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of staging. It can help potential buyers see how each room can be used most effectively. When homeowners start thinking about selling, a consultation with an agent can go a long way in knowing where sellers should put their time, money and resources.

C5: I understand you love working with buyers. What makes the process so special?
BF: I love the challenge of personalizing a search to fit their criteria. Not to mention, I love looking at houses and will often look at many homes before I refine a client search.

C5: Any advice for buyers?
BF: Develop a list of must-haves and things you are negotiable on. Your agent can preview homes for you and make the process much easier. When you know you are going to start looking, begin interviewing agents to see who has a plan and personality that will work best with you. Remember, you are going to be spending a lot of time with this person, and finding the right fit makes the experience even better!

C5: How do you handle the negotiation part of the process?
BF: I explain to my clients that the process is much like a game. Everyone likes to feel they have won without giving everything away. I try to avoid getting too personal and to keep a broader view to assist my clients in getting the best deal while having a pleasant experience.

Whether you are buying or selling, meeting with a real estate agent early in the process goes a long way in creating the type of outcome you are hoping for, adds Beverley. When you are ready to put your buying or selling list together or want to know what you can do now to get ready for the busy spring selling season, give Beverley a call.

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