Marilyn Latine sells homes
By Patricia Nugent
In the world of real estate, you’d expect multiple bidding wars in big, bustling cities like LA or New York, right? But according to Realtor magazine, Akron has seen the biggest spike in multiple-offer situations in the country. The number of homes that sell above their asking price is 20 percent, which is a 91 percent increase over the previous year.
And according to Howard Hanna Realtor Marilyn Latine, buyers and sellers need to hold on tight. The market is about to get even hotter as we move into the busiest selling season of the year during May, June and July.
“I’ve been in real estate for 20 years and now is as busy as I’ve ever been,” says Marilyn.
And that’s saying a lot. Marilyn stormed onto the real estate scene in 1999, winning Rookie of the Year, and remains to this day a Mega Million Dollar Producer.
“I feel like I’m at the top of my game. I’m still passionate about every single listing.”
Two key elements in the business today are top-notch photography, including aerial shots taken by drones, and getting those photos seen on social media. Marilyn employs a media specialist to advertise her listings on multiple platforms in an effort to put her clients’ homes in front of captive buyers via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more.
What Attracts Buyers the Most?
Marilyn is an expert at helping sellers position their home to sell quickly and for asking price or above. Much of that has to do with staging.
“You have just one chance to make a great first impression when you list your house,” she says.
During a pre-listing walk-through, she points out all of the little and big things people should do before the home goes on the market.
“In my briefcase, I carry the color wheel of paint swatches,” she says.
“Just a few cans of neutral-color paint can update a room. No matter what my clients need done, I have endless contacts to take care of it, from contractors to electricians and carpet installers.”
She says that although granite and quartz are beautiful in homes, there are more affordable laminates that mimic the look of natural stone. And instead of replacing outdated cabinetry, she recommends having them painted and opting for new hardware. Installing new light fixtures can add punch to a room, too.
“I recommend finishing touches like area rugs, decorator pillows and vases of greenery throughout,” she says.
“And you cannot minimize the importance of curb appeal. Paint your front door an appealing color, place a pot of flowers on the front porch, and make sure your landscaping and lawn look beautiful.”
Luxury Listings
Marilyn sells homes at every price range and gives all of her clients the VIP treatment. One of her newest listings is featured here, 529 Sawgrass Drive, on Rosemont Country Club in Fairlawn.
The five-bedroom, 4,562-square-foot home overlooks three enchanting ponds, complete with fountains and stocked with fish. Custom-built by Kemppel Homes, it includes an outdoor kitchen, four fireplaces, cherry wood built-ins, an additional 2,000-square-feet on the lower level with a wine cellar, full kitchen, billiards and media area, and an in-law suite as well as high-end touches such as arched doorways and French doors throughout. Adjacent to the kitchen, the morning room sports three walls of windows.
Not surprisingly, the grand abode was featured on the Bath Parade of Homes. The $750,000 home is being shown by appointment only.
Says homeowner Bob O.,
“We interviewed several local realtors and Marilyn was head-and-shoulders above the others. She came prepared, she did her research, and her presentation was phenomenal. Honesty and enthusiasm were evident.”
Best Time to Sell: Right Now
“If people are even toying with the idea of selling their home, I strongly recommend they do it,” she says.
“Who knows how long the low interest rates and hot market will continue?”
If you’re wondering what your home could sell for, so you can make a shrewd investment in another one, give Marilyn a call. At no obligation, she would be happy to sit down with you, analyze the market in your specific area, and advise you on what you can realistically expect to sell your home for.
Helping Marilyn in her growing operation is 16-year-old daughter Mia Isabella, an honors student and golfer on the Walsh Jesuit ladies golf team.
“Two decades in the business, and I still love my job,” says Marilyn.
“Clients depend on me to guide them through stressful situations that are part of the process. And at the end of the day, I love helping people find their dream homes.”
To contact Marilyn Latine, just call her directly at 330-802-8886. Headquartered in the Howard Hanna offices at 2603 W. Market Street in Akron, she is ingrained in the local community and works mostly in West Akron, Copley, Bath, Fairlawn and Richfield. Find out more and set yourself up to receive custom alerts of homes coming on the market at her site, MarilynLatine.HowardHanna.com, and check out #SheSellsHomes on Twitter.