Yearly Archives 2011

Using "Feng Shui" for Balance & Broader Appeal

Using "Feng Shui" for Balance & Broader Appeal

28th September 2011 | 1 Comment

The ancient philosophy of feng shui, which translates as “the wind and the water,” is the Chinese art of correct placement. In real estate, those who prescribe to feng shui believe that home sales can be better achieved by arranging furniture and décor to establish harmony and energy. “In feng shui we evaluate a house and its property for sufficient qi (pronounced chee), the living energy of all beings, but also for the land and even a house,” says Werner Brandmaier, a consultant at the Institute of Feng Shui & Geopathology in Portland, Maine. “When there’s not enough qi, it
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Why Zillow's "Zestimates" are "Zilly"

Why Zillow's "Zestimates" are "Zilly"

9th September 2011 | Comments Off on Why Zillow's "Zestimates" are "Zilly"

I often hear sellers using the Zillow “Zestimate” when trying to ascertain the value of their home – at least when the “Zestimate” benefits them.  But the question is:  How accurate are these “Zestimates”? In a nutshell:   Not very. Zillow’s data is extrapolated from sales that have happened in the area, regardless of neighborhood and regardless of size, condition, amenities.  It does not take into account the local buyer’s preferences for “all bedrooms up” or “master down”, homes that sit on more than one lot with separate tax id’s, functionality of floor plan, school, busy street or cul-de-sac and a
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The 203k Mortgage

The 203k Mortgage

24th August 2011 | Comments Off on The 203k Mortgage

              Real estate consumers today can find ample value in distressed homes – properties that are under a foreclosure order or up for short sale. In many cases, however, “distressed” speaks more for the condition of the homes than their recent financial histories, as they’ve sat empty for extended periods and have been subject to vandalism and theft.             Those considering homes in need of repair and renovation should consider a 203k mortgage, which enables homebuyers to finance both the acquisition and rehabilitation of the property with just one loan.             “FHA 203k purchase loans are the perfect financing
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Time for an Appraisal?

Time for an Appraisal?

23rd August 2011 | Comments Off on Time for an Appraisal?

            One of the most important jobs for your real estate agent is to determine the value of your home by developing a Comparable Market Analysis, which will be used in pricing the home for the right amount.             If your property isn’t attracting serious shoppers, your agent may recommend that you invest in an appraiser to get a second pricing opinion, as the appraiser will come in with an independent, unbiased opinion to help ensure your price is correct for the market.             “An appraisal is important in today’s market especially, because it’s an objective and unbiased source of
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!!!! Make Your Offer Stand Out !!!!!

!!!! Make Your Offer Stand Out !!!!!

25th July 2011 | 1 Comment

            Real estate consumers are realizing that there has rarely been a better time to buy a home. In fact, historically low mortgage rates coupled with lower home prices have even sparked bidding competition in markets around the country. A good home in a solid location may attract ample attention only hours after being listed. Home buyers can make their offers stand out from the rest through one or more of the following strategies:             Price. Obviously, price tends to be the primary consideration for sellers. When you’re competing for a home, to get an edge, think about adding a
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Home Not Selling? It's Not Personal, It's Probably Price

Home Not Selling? It's Not Personal, It's Probably Price

16th June 2011 | Comments Off on Home Not Selling? It's Not Personal, It's Probably Price

     Home sellers face a new reality as they look to move up, down, in or out of their American dream in today’s market. Consumers, particularly those who purchased their homes within the last five years, often find their options limited by a lack of equity. Those who can sell are sometimes numbed by deflated home prices and find it difficult to justify yesterday’s valuations with today’s reality.             Many home sellers have dug in on price hoping to lose no additional ground. Others seem to have taken this market personally, letting emotions override analysis when setting price. Buyer
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Short Sales

Short Sales

3rd April 2011 | Comments Off on Short Sales

Many people have asked me, “What are short sales” and “how can that help me sell my home”?   Simply put, a short sale is selling your home for less than you owe including sales expenses and not having to bring any money to closing.  Sounds simple, right?   Not so fast.   Your mortgage company has to approve the process which could take months.  In fact, I had one sale that was signed in April 2010 and finally closed in Dec. 2010!    The good thing is that the seller was able to sell his home, the buyers were able to purchase it
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Updating your Home to SELL!!!

Updating your Home to SELL!!!

3rd April 2011 | Comments Off on Updating your Home to SELL!!!

There are so many things that you can do to update your home – where do you start?  What gives you the best bang for your buck?   Do I need a designer or permits?  Start inside or outside? Lots of good questions.   Here are your best answers: The first rule of thumb: Use the 10% rule: Ensure that your home is not too terribly different from the rest of the homes in the neighborhood.   If hardly anyone else in your neighborhood has new cabinets and granite, then adding that won’t give you as much of a return. Don’t add that
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