JON DICKENS
MARX AND BENSDORF REALTORS
Cell :   (901) 496-5702
Office: (901) 682-1868 ext 363
jdickens@marx-bensdorf.com

 

As a native Memphian with a family deeply rooted in the Memphis real estate community, I've had the privilege of living all over this great city, giving me a knowledge of and appreciation for the City of Memphis. Since a young age, I've been mentored by my father, who has developed many of the finest communities in Memphis for over 35 years. As a trailblazer in the real estate industry, he has helped me to develop a keen understanding of the real estate market in which we live.

 

Shelby County :  Memphis       Germantown       Collierville       Cordova      Eads       Lakeland                   Arlington     

                                                        Fayette County:  Piperton       Eads       Rossville       Moscow    Lagrange       Williston       Oakland                                                  Somerville                     

I am ENTHUSIASTIC:

I understand that you are busy with day to day activities.I understand that you have a family to provide for. I understand that life brings enough stress as it is and buying a new home or selling your existing home is an added pressure You Don"t Need! You have limited resources and time to invest in finding a new home or properly marketing your existing home. That is why I specialize in helping you regardless of what your real estate needs are.

I am RESOURCEFUL:

Today's real estate market is ever changing. It is important to make sure you have the latest tools to market your home when selling in this market. On the other hand, it is equally important for you to be able to easily review prospective properties available in the areas and under the criteria you are looking.

I am THOROUGH:

Whether you are looking for a new home or you are trying to sell your current property,I will provide you with a seamless experience so you can focus on what is most important to you.My objective is to make your real estate investment an enjoyable and profitable experience.

                                 "Let me make your house a home"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
                                    

"Exceeding Our Clients' Expectations For Over 140 Years"

  Since 1868, Marx - Bensdorf Realtors  has served Memphis and the surrounding real estate industry. As the oldest real estate firm in the area, we know our territory, its economic climate, its markets and its people. We enjoy a position of trust in our community because we select only agents who have achieved outstanding sales records and have demonstrated unquestionable integrity. The professional expertise and pride of our agents complements the attractiveness of the homes we list and lends credibility, which translates into purchasing power to the buyers we represent.

Marx and Bensdorf is proud to be a part of the Memphis business community and to contribute to the careful and positive growth of our city. Our active participation in both professional and civic organizations allows us both to serve our community and to offer our clients the best advice on real estate market trends.

Marx and Bensdorf is a landmark firm offering a unique team of realtors who maintain one of the highest per-agent sales volumes in the area; but we believe that past performance is important to you only in that it indicates professional expertise and capabilities. We are committed to a philosophy that our agency does not serve you; our agents do. We take pride in being different from large and national franchise firms who promote the "illusion" that you somehow derive direct benefit by their sheer number of agents.

Marx and Bensdorf wants to be your realtor and we will work to earn that privilege. Our mission is to give our clients the best professional service they have ever received.

 



Marx-Bensdorf Relocation is one of Memphis' longest standing and most active relocation firms. By our continuous affiliation with major national networks,our listing are nationally exposed, and our agents are specialists at assisting transferred families. Moreover, our website www.marx-bensdorf.com and internet activity provide you with the broadest and latest range of services.
(Click the more button for more details)


Through Partnering,we are equipped to handle all aspects of a move for you. Our progam includes but is not limited to:

Home marketing assistance                       Corporate transfer buyout  

Home marketing assistance                      Home purchase buyers representation

Temporary housing                                  Spouse career assistance                        

Moving van coordination                          Comprehensive destination relocation

Home purchase buyers representation     Pet moving informationRental assistance

Group move coordination                         Airport pickup for home finding trips

Competing mortgage information            Destination area counseling and city tour 
                                                                 package

These tools allow us to provide transferring employees with the best possible service in minimimizing the trauma of moving their families, not only from the best network in the world(Leading Real Estate Companies of the World), but locally, from the oldest Real Estate company in Memphis, who has enjoyed a position of trust in the community since 1868.


                                                       

SCHOOLS
Shelby County Schools

Memphis City Schools

M.U.S.

C.B.H.S.

Briarcrest

Hutchinson Girls

St. Georges      

ECS

Harding Academy

METRO AREA
City  of Germantown

City of Collierville

City of Memphis

City of Bartlett

City of Lakeland

City of Arlington

RECREATION/FITNESS

Wolf River Conservancy and trails

Hikes Along The Wolf River

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy and Trails
Life Time Fitness
24 Hour Fitness
Anytime Fitness
YMCA Memphis and Mid-South
DAC Full-Circle Fitness
Cordova Athletic Club
Curves For Women

 TELEPHONE/CABLE
Comcast

dish network

Verizon

Att wireless

Cingular

Sprint

REAL ESTATE INFO
Realtor.com

Memphis Area Association of Realtors

Tennessee Association of Realtors

National Association of Realtors

Zillo.com Homes for Sale and Values

Trulia Real Estate Search

GOVT./BUSINESS

MLG&W

Germantown Water Services

Chickasaw Electric

Shelby County Assessor
Shelby County Register

 

Follow Marx-Bensdorf Realtors

Marx-Bensdorf has embraced social media as a method of communication and community building. In addition to choosing Facebook or Twitter as a possible communication preference, you can stay in touch with us minute by minute.

You can also follow me on Facebook through my Jon Dickens Realtor page. Here are just a few of the things you can expect to read about:

• Local Real Estate News around the Mid South
• National news that effect the Real Estate markets around the country
• New listings that have just hit the market
• Virtual tours of homes that I have listed
• Information to sellers on how to prepare your home to be ready for the market
• Step by step information on how to prepare yourself to buy that next home

If you have questions or would like to find out about more about a particular topic, email me your request. jdickens@marx-bensdorf.com

 

                                                                        

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

In today's market, it is vital to have your home running like a well oiled machine and looking like it is the winner of the beauty contest. Regardless of the price range of the home you are selling, you are competing with distress sales, foreclosures, short sales, and corporate owned properties. Gone are the days of thinking a distress sale or foreclosure is not in competition with you. We have to find a way to be the bride and not the bride's maid! The list of items below will help me help you sell your home faster and for a higher price. LETS GET STARTED!                                                          

                                                                      EXTERIOR

1) Rotten/Deteriorated Wood- Check all window frames, fascia, siding and decking on the home for any signs of rotten or deteriorated wood or siding that needs to be repaired/replaced prior to placing the home on the market.

2) Paint- To avoid having to do a complete paint job on your home, be sure to touch up any areas that are showing signs of wear and tear to the exterior of the home. This will also help prevent rotten/deteriorated wood and siding from becoming an issue (curb appeal is extremely important to getting prospective buyers inside the house).

3) Roof- Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any broken shingles or tiles. If the roof is at the end of its life and if it is cost effective to do so, go ahead and replace the roof. This is a very big selling feature of the home and will you bring a higher price at contract time (do not wait until the last minute to take care of roof issues because they will just cost you more money in the long run, especially when it comes to negotiations).

4) Gutters/Shutters/Downspouts- Remove any debris in the gutters to make sure water can flow properly. If your shutters need repair, painting, or replacing, do so before placing your home on the market. If downspouts are missing, go ahead and have them replaced.

5) Driveway/Sidewalks-Cracks in the driveway or sidewalks can easily be repaired with ready mix cement.  Any discoloration can typically be removed with a pressure washer, which can bring these surfaces back to life.

6) Fences-Fences should be repaired and painted. Again, first impressions are vital to getting buyers in the door.

7) Pool/Equipment - If the pool is open or in season, have the pool inspected and serviced. Keep a receipt of the report and work done to fix any issues. This information will be very helpful for a prospective buyer. This information will also be key when it comes to negotiating repairs.

8)Landscaping- It is always nice to have fresh seasonal flowers and ground cover done prior to going to the market. This brings a freshness to the property and gives buyers a feeling of a well maintained property.

9) Windows - Wash all windows inside and out just prior to placing the home on the market.

 

                                                                     INTERIOR

1) De-Personalize-Pack up personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can be distracted by a seller's personal items. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?"You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."

2) De-Clutter-Everyone accumulates massive amounts of junk after living in a home for any period of time. If you are not using it, get rid of it, donate it to charity, or pack it up.

Pay attention to the following areas:

• Kitchen- The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Keep the counters clean and clear of appliances. All appliances should be clean and neatly organized. An open appearance with sunlight and green plants here and there will make the room a focal point. Make it light and bright! Clean everything off your counter tops and above your cabinets. Buyers are not buying your stuff, they are buying your home.
• Bedrooms/Hallways/Living Spaces/Closets- Go through each room, closet, and bedroom in the house. If you are questioning if you have to much stuff in a room, then you definitely do (you are moving! You need to make all living spaces look as big and open as possible. If you are not using it daily or you can live without it until your house sells, take it out of the house. If you need to get a storage space, then do it).
• Garage-Everyone loves to put things in the garage to get them out of the way. Over time, this can be an issue. Buyers want to see what kind of space they are working with in a garage. It is important that this area is as open and usable as possible.
• Bathrooms-Make sure that your bathroom has as little in it as possible. All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Replace old caulking around the bathtub and sinks. Repair or replace leaky faucets. Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odors. Clean all mirrors. Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

3) Paint-Avoid repainting the whole house unless current colors are very loud and offbeat. It is very important that buyers walk into your home and feel like they can move in immediately. Neutralizing colors in a home allows buyers to see a home as their own more easily. Light pastels can make rooms look larger and are easiest for new homeowners to work with. Repair any cracks or holes in walls and do any touch up painting where needed.

4) Floors-Hardwood floors should be cleaned and polished so that they shine. Keep from having to refinish floors unless it is absolutely necessary in order to sell the home. Carpets should be cleaned and stretched if needed.  If the carpet has stains or odors that are not removable, then the carpet should be replaced.

5) Heating and Air- Have your heating and air systems inspected, serviced, and cleaned. Keep the receipt of the work done. This will be very helpful for prospective buyers to see that everything is in good working condition. This will also help during the negotiation process.

6) Plumbing/Electrical-If you know of any plumbing or electrical issues, have them taken care of before putting your house on the market. These items are sure to come up during an inspection and will have to be dealt with sooner or later, so you might as well do them now.

7) Staging Your Home -"Staging your home makes 'cents,' even in a down market." Remember four things when staging your home:

• Always stage in odd numbers
  
• Clean
• Clutter Free
• Color
  

                                                                  SHOWING YOUR HOME

• Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.
• Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.
• Open all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room .
• If you're planning to move around the same time you're selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.
• Any household or children items should be stored away. This includes toys, bikes, skateboards, etc.   
• While your home is being held open, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbor, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.
• Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.
• Try baking chocolate chip cookies or brownies just before the open house. A pleasant aroma makes buyers feel at home.
• If you're trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up unless you are asked.
• Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.
• Should a buyer stop by when you're not having an open house, refer all inquires to your agent. Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent.
• Notify your agent if you'll be out of town and how to contact you. Timing is EVERYTHING!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a home can be an exciting and challenging time for anyone. Having a real estate professional who will take the time to understand your specific needs, will make this process much smoother for all parties involved.

I pride myself in working hard for my clients to find the right home for you and your family. Once we find the right home, I take care of every last detail of the purchase process, from negotiating the terms of the deal to handing you the keys at the closing table.

 

STEP 1: Making the decision to buy

• Never a wrong time to buy the right home.
• Purchasing a home is the first step in establishing wealth for your future.
• The most important thing to remember is, "You don't have to know everything!" I will be there to walk you through every step of the way. Always remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question!

STEP 2 : Hire your agent
Before you start looking for an agent, remember that great agents put their client's best interest first.

What you should look for your agent to do:

• Find out what you want and need in your next home.
• Find out what area(s) you are most interested in living.
• Educate you about market conditions in the areas you're interested in.
• Guide you to homes that fit your criteria.
• Negotiate the sell on your behalf.
• Solve any problems that may arise during the process.

STEP 3 :Secure your Financing(get Pre-Approved/Pre-Qualified)
The lender you decide to use will pre-approve you for a certain amount of money, but you have to determine what your finances will allow you to comfortably spend each month.

Steps to follow when securing your financing:

• Choose a lender/loan officer.
• Make loan application to get pre-approved (typically, this can be done online or over the phone).
• Determine what you want to pay and choose a loan product (FHA, VA, Conventional, etc.).
• Submit the accepted or binding contract to the lender.
• Get your appraisal set up through your lender. 
• Verify your funding at closing.

Step4 :Find the right home
Now that you have been pre-approved and ready to begin your home search, where do you start? This can become overwhelming especially with all the inventory to view and the different online resources available.This is when a great agent can help alleviate the pressure and frustration. I will be able to better help you pin point which areas and homes will best fit your needs. The right home will be the house that fits all the needs of you and your family and then matches up as many of the wants as possible. Some questions you may ask yourself before and while looking are as follows:

• Am I looking for a house or a condo?
• How much yard do I want/need?
• Is the area stable and appreciating?
• Location or size, what is more important?
• How important are schools? (if children are a factor)
• Do I want a new home, a fixer-upper, or something in between?
• What features and amenities are a necessity and what are wants?
• How far do I want to be from work, shopping, grocery stores, etc.?

Don't be surprised if your opinion changes some along the way. This is normal and a part of the process of elimination!

STEP 5 :Make an Offer
Once you have found the right home (investment), the next step is making an offer. At this point I will research similar homes in the neighborhood in order to determine market value and a fair purchase price for your prospective new home (look to your agent to advise you through this process and remember to ask questions if you don't understand something). Three areas you will become familiar with when you get to this point in your journey are:

• Price-What you are willing to pay for the property. This will partially be determined by how much you have been pre-approved for, market value of the home, and most important, how much are you willing to pay!
• Terms-This covers the specifics of the offer you will submit such as what you are willing to pay, different time factors that will be in the offer, etc.
• Contingencies-These are items that are in the offer that must be met in order for the contract to be fulfilled.

STEP 6:Inspection Period
You need to have the property inspected. Now that we have found the right property and emotions are running high, we need to make sure that this is a solid investment. An inspection will make you aware of any hidden issues that you may not have noticed while you were looking at the property. This will help you make sure you know what you are getting into before you sign the closing documents.

• You want to make sure that there are no major structural, heating/air, roof, plumbing, or electrical issues that you need to know about.
• Don't get caught up in the minor issues that the inspector finds. An inspector's job is to point out every single issue they come across, no matter how big or small. A long report doesn't necessarily mean a bad report.
• If any major items are found in the report, it is smart to bring in the appropriate specialist to investigate the findings. Worst case scenario, you might want to walk away from the purchase if it is not possible to resolve the issue.

STEP 7:Close The Transaction
You are on the home stretch and only have a few more responsibilities to keep in check to make sure everything stays on track. These items could be:

• If you are considering making any large purchases from the time you are pre-approved and the closing of  your new home, STOP!!! Don't do it until after the transaction has closed. Anything you do to affect your credit or income to debt ratio during this time period can affect the lender's willingness to let you borrow the money and close on the property on time!
• Stay in close communication with your lender and your real estate agent to make sure that all the proper documents have been received and all mortgage funding steps have been completed and signed off on.
• Preform a final walk through on the property to make sure the house is in as good or better condition as when you made the offer. This is the time to check and make sure if any repairs have been made, and that they were done properly and to your satisfaction.
• If at all possible, have your closing attorney send you a copy of the pre-closing settlement statement so that there are no surprises at the closing table. Also, you will need to verify what funds and items you will need to bring to closing if any.

STEP 8 :Congratulations On Purchasing Your New Home
Remember, any time you purchase a new home, it is important to preform routine maintenance on the home. This routine maintenance will allow you to detect and solve small issues that may arise before they become big headaches.

Also, just because you have closed on your new home, don't think you have been left alone. I will be available to assist you until things get settled. A great agent establishes positive relationships with his or her clients. These relationships should last for years to come. A great agent is only a phone call away!

I look forward to working with you in the near future, whether you are buying or selling your existing home.

Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS® is the oldest real estate firm in the Memphis, Tennessee area.  Established in 1868, our company has long been recognized as a quality real estate firm with an Award Winning Relocation Department that has been recognized by its peers as having the highest of standards in the industry by achieving Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®'s RELO® Quality Certification (www.leadingre.com/RQC.aspx).  Our outstanding reputation for market knowledge and integrity has won favor from our clients.

Marx-Bensdorf is unique in that our agent's diverse background enables us to provide real estate service for Memphis and the surrounding area, including Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Eads, Fisherville, Germantown, Lakeland, Oakland, Pipertorn as well as Fayette and Tipton counties.  Our broad based coverage area coupled with residential, lot and land experience translates to expert representation for your real estate needs. The relocation department, which I manage, has assisted many clients locally as well as globally. Although we are physically located in Memphis, our service area encompasses all areas of the world, through our membership in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® (www.leadingre.com), which is the largest global network of independent real estate brokers. Our resources enable us to manage a single relocation or group move of hundreds from start to finish. With over 30 years of corporate relocation under our belt, we have become very comfortable handling pre-marketing, assigned sales, area orientations, property management, and all facets of corporation relocation.

Through partnering, we are equipped to manage all aspects of a move for you. Our program includes, but is not limited to:

Home marketing assistance Corporate transfer buyout Temporary housing assistance Spouse career assistance Cost of living comparisons Moving van coordination Comprehensive destination relocation

Home purchase buyer representation Pet moving information Rental assistance Group move coordination Airport pick up for home finding trips Competitive mortgage loan information Destination area counseling & city tour package

These tools enable us to provide transferring employees with the best possible relocation service in minimizing the trauma of moving their families, not only from the best network in the world (Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®), but locally, from the oldest Real Estate Company in Memphis, who has enjoyed a position of trust in the community for approximately 141 years.

 

Below you will see an outline for a 6 step marketing plan that will give you, the seller, an idea of what to expect when I am hired as your Realtor. This plan is an outline and can be customized to fit the needs and wants of my clients.

  STEP 1-MARKET ANALYSIS

• Thoroughly inspect your home and outline all the important features and upgrades.
• Determine the home's value by doing a detailed market analysis.
• Execute a listing agreement, giving authorization to market your property.

STEP 2 - Property Enhancement

• Recommend repairs and improvements to sell your property at the highest price.
• Make suggestions toward editing and de-personalizing the house.
• Propose Staging suggestions so the house presents itself in the best way possible.
  
• Suggest further enhancements or repairs based on buyer feedback.

STEP 3 -Sales Program

• Hire a professional photographer to take high resolution photos of the property (these photos will be used to market the property through multiple channels).
• Create a custom color photo brochure outlining the key features of the property.
• Set up your property with our call center to make sure we take advantage of every opportunity to get qualified buyers to see your home. Our call center allows us to be available to set appointments well into the evening hours.
• Install an electronic key box on the property to allow other agents to access the property with their clients.
• Install a For Sale sign on your property with a brochure box for the brochures.
• Submit the accurate information that has been collected on the property into the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) MLX system. This will allow agents who are members of MARR to see your property and present it to their buyers.
• Feature your home on the Marx-Bensdorf Realtors website along with multiple other social media channels (Realtor.com; Trulia; Zillow;Homes.com;Yahoo real estate; YouTube; Facebook pages; Twitter; Linked In; Jon Dickens Realtor website;and many others).
• Feature your home through Marx-Bensdorf Realtors Relocation services (we have the top relocation director in the country). This will feature your home on hundreds of different websites that are accessible for buyers looking to move into your area.
• Generate "Just listed" postcards to your surrounding neighbors. This increases awareness to the market.

STEP 4- Communication Program

• Email you weekly with online activity reports showing you activity through our online channels.
• Email you direct feedback from other agents on all showings.
• Keep you updated regularly on market activity in your area.
• Constantly review our marketing strategy and adjust it as needed until your property is SOLD.

STEP 5 -Structuring The Deal

• Review and present all offers made on the property.
• Help you navigate through the negotiation process.
• Help you create a strong counter offer to create a solid transaction.

STEP 6-Transaction Management

• Manage all the details of the real estate transaction.
• Stay on top of all other matters to be sure your real estate transaction closes on time and is hassle-free.

 

       Join me on FACEBOOK to see how we are marketing our clients' homes to potential customers and other real estate agents via our social media networks. We do all the work and give you the option to participate sharing the information with friends and family.

Don't sit on the sidelines, get involved!  You never know what impact you can have on selling your own home, and who knows? You may even find a new home you fall in love with.

Jon Dickens Realtor on Facebook

Marx-Bensdorf Realtors on Facebook

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