Lynn's LaVernia Real Estate Blog

The Value of Generational Marketing

2009-10-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

There are 48 million Baby Busters, or Generation Xers, and 80 million Echo Boomers, also known as Generation Y. These individuals accounted for 78 percent of first-time buyers in 2008, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, and will be making second and third home purchases in the coming years.

Given that members of these population segments rely on computers and cell phones, frequent social networking sites, communicate via instant messaging, turn to the Web for news, write blogs, and download music and other media, it will not be enough for real estate agents to wait until they are ready to complete transactions.

Multiple Listing Systems need to implement Web 2.0 technologies, and sales associates need to take a more active role in social networking so that they are providing information to Generations X and Y before the transaction. If they fail to engage these buyers and sellers, salespeople will lose business.
Source: RISMedia, Saul Klein (10/27/09

Number One Selling Tip

2009-04-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

You are not hiring a Realtor to put a sign on the lawn, an ad in the paper, and hold an open house. You can do this yourself. You are hiring a Realtor to provide you with maximum exposure to the greatest number of qualified buyers for your home.

Supply and Demand
You've heard of supply and demand? The more potential buyers at your supply, the higher a price you can demand.

The absolute number one tip I can give you to help you get the most money possible for your home is this: make sure you get full Multiple Listing Service (MLS) coverage.

Don't look at any offers until you are sure your home is on the MLS computer.

I will say this again...

Don't look at any offers until you are sure your home is on the MLS computer. An army of Realtors at your disposal can't be beat.

Dump any Realtor that tries to tell you to put your house on exclusive (only his/her company) or wants you to negotiate offers before it gets on MLS.
Dump any Realtor that wants to list your house on a Friday and have a public open house the following Sunday. There is not enough time to get your home on the system.
I do not care how good a Realtors marketing plan is, it is worthless compared to the value of having your home on the MLS system. Think of it this way. Realtor = home on MLS = most Realtors = most buyers = most money.

Is the first offer the best offer?
There is a saying in real estate. The first offer is usually the best one. This is only true, if everyone knows it's for sale.

Real estate surveys in my area showed the owner lost an average of $2000. when their house was sold by the same office or Realtor that listed their home. The reason...the offer was written before any one else knew it was for sale.

MLS Comes First
Ask any realtor you are contemplating dealing with, what the order of their marketing plan is. If submitting to the Multiple Listing Service is not the first thing they are going to do, look for another realtor.

If you took away every selling tool I had, and said I could only have one of them back, I would choose the MLS service. This is not a commercial for MLS. It is just the best weapon Realtors and the public have for getting maximum exposure on property.

MLS is a strong selling tool,...use it... It will make a difference on your bottom line.

by Don Sutton
Don is a Realtor working in Edmonton, Alberta - Canada

ALL ABOUT CREDIT SCORES

2009-02-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

When you apply for loans, mortgages or simply a credit card your credit scores are one of the most common things a lender will use to determine their approval decision and the interest rates they will offer you. This number might not appear very important but if the credit scores are understood and managed properly you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars very easily.

To start with, let us consider what a credit score actually means. In simple words, it is an evaluation of your credit history. Very complex mathematical formulas are used to calculate this figure. Your debts, credit history, your most current payment history and other elements of your credit report are taken into consideration for the preparation your credit score. You actually have three credit scores, one based on the Equifax report, another on Experian and the last one by TransUnion. You may see mild fluctuations with your credit score (usually 40 points up/down) depending which credit data and scoring model is used.

Mainly businesses use your credit score to make sure they are not at a risk of losing money by lending you the same. Generally credit scores stay in the range of 300 to 850. You get the best possible deals and lowest rates with a good credit score (usually more than 650). It is normal to notice fluctuations on your credit score whenever something changes in your credit report.

To take advantage of a good credit score, we must know what makes it rise or sink. To save your credit score from going low, you must not pay your bills late or have an unusual number of accounts, that is, you shouldn’t have either too many accounts or very few accounts. Other factors which can negatively impact your credit score are maxed out credit cards, short term credit or if you apply for too much credit.

On the other hand, you can increase your credit score by paying your every bill on time and have at least 3 to 6 active credit accounts. You should avoid applying for too many new credit accounts. While it’s good to have a stable record of credit use, low credit card balances help a lot. It also helps if you have 1 to 2 loans that show a consistent on time payment history.

There is also a very popular rumour which says that you can lower your credit score by checking your own credit reports. This is a myth and you are free to check your credit reports and credit scores as frequently as you please with no fear of dropping your credit scores or damaging your credit in any way. In fact, not knowing your credit score and what is on your credit report can be very damaging due to the recent rise in identity theft. Experts recommend that you check your credit reports and credit scores every 6 months to a year, and before any major purchases, for any inaccuracies and to ensure the best rates.

Written by Credit.com

Need To Sell Your Home, But It Is Not Selling?

2009-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

The current buyers market has left many home sellers wondering what they need to do in order to get their home to sell at a reasonable price.

Many home sellers don't seem to understand that the longer the spend trying to sell their home, the less money they will get for it when it finally does sell. Get the information you need to make wise decisions and make the decisions quickly.

Listen to what the Realtors who have shown you home have to say. Many times they will give you the keys to what it will take to get your home sold. While it is important to find out what their buyer thought of your home, it is much more important to get the Realtor's impression of the home. If the problems the showing Realtor cites are centered around location, reduce your price and get the home sold. If the showing Realtor cites improvements that need to be done, have them done as quickly and professionally as possible.

Talk strategy with your Realtor!

Your real estate professional may have done all he or she can do to get your home sold. Try to find that out before you sign another listing agreement with the same Realtor. Real Estate marketing is much different today than it was even five years ago. Many Realtors have not figured out how to cope with the new realities of how real estate buyers shop for a home. For example, it is vitally important, if you hope to get your home sold for a fair price, to have your home marketed well on the internet.
James Boyer Realtor, specializes in the Madison, NJ Real Estate, Chatham, NJ Real Estate and Morristown, NJ Real Estate markets.

Understanding the Pre-Approval Process

2008-12-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

Loan shopping is as intricate a process as house shopping, and the terminology is often confusing. The terms "pre-qualification" and "pre-approval" sound like the same thing, but they're not. And in fact, neither pre-qualification nor pre-approval means a bank actually has to give you the loan.
Clear as mud, right? Don't worry -- the loan approval process is fairly straightforward, as long as you understand a few key points:

Pre-qualification is the first step you can take -- but it's not mandatory. If you want a ballpark idea of how much a bank will loan you so that you can shop within your price range, pre-qualification is a quick and easy way to find out. Most banks and credit unions will do this over the phone, and your credit history will usually not be checked. A loan officer asks you about your income, assets, debts and projected down payment and then calculates what kind of loan you'd likely qualify for. The process takes just a few minutes.

Pre-approval is more involved and usually requires an appointment. In this step, the lending institution gathers all the information it requires to offer you a loan, and your credit report will be checked; you may be charged a fee for this at the time of the appointment. You'll need to bring some items with you to document your identity and your assets:

A copy of your most recent bank statements (this includes your daily checking account as well as any money market, savings or other accounts)
Your most recent W-2 (or entire tax return if you're self-employed)
Proof of IRAs or retirement accounts and their current balances
Ditto for any stocks or mutual funds you own outside of retirement accounts
Your driver's license
The most recent month's paystub(s) from your job
An application fee (this depends on the lender)
The result of the pre-approval process is the good faith estimate. At the end of the pre-approval process, if the bank looks you over and likes what it sees, you'll receive what's called a good faith estimate (GFE), which is a brief document spelling out the likely terms of the loan, including the interest rate, loan type (fixed-rate, adjustable and so on) and closing costs.

The pre-approval step may be a bit time-consuming, but you'll need to complete it with a few lenders in order to comparison-shop. Without a GFE, you can't truly compare terms among lenders. And it pays to compare -- for a loan as large as a mortgage, little things like the interest rate make a big difference. To negotiate for a great interest rate, reduced closing costs, or lender-paid private mortgage insurance, you have to make lenders compete with each other. (Lining up GFEs is also a good way to spot lenders who charge unnecessary fees.) So don't just accept the first offer you get -- make sure it's a good one by soliciting several in a short time period. Don't worry about nicking your credit score with several loan applications, because credit scoring recognizes multiple checks in quick succession as part of the loan-shopping process and does not penalize you.

Pre-approval does not mean the bank guarantees you the loan. It just means that you're approved to get loan -- unless something goes wrong. Commitment to the loan generally comes after the bank has had the house in question appraised to make sure the price you're paying isn't higher than the home's market value. This protects them in case you default on the loan, which would leave them in the red even if they evicted you and sold the property. Banks also check to make sure the home has a clear title and that you've insured it for replacement value.
(By Karin Beuerlein, FrontDoor.com | Published: 1/28/2008)

2008 Cost vs. Value Report: Still Many Happy Returns for Home Rehabs

2008-11-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

December 2008
Despite home price drops in many cities, remodeling projects are holding their own as a way for owners to add value.

Many people are wondering where their money will be safest during these uncertain economic times. When home owners turn to you for your expert advice, counsel them that some things never change: Investing in their home still pays off.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® statistics show that home prices have fallen by an average of 7 percent nationally in the past year. But the value of home owners’ investment in remodeling projects has declined only 3.86 percent on average between 2007 and 2008, according to Remodeling’s 2008–2009 Cost vs. Value Report.

Remodeling produces the Cost vs. Value Report each year in cooperation with REALTOR® magazine. REALTORS® responding to a survey in midsummer said home owners could expect to recoup a national average of 67.3 percent of their investment in 30 different home improvement projects. At the height of the housing boom in 2005, home owners could expect to recoup a national average of 86.7 percent on projects.

Remodeling remains hot in 10 cities, where, on at least some projects, home owners can recover 100 percent of their costs. In Charlotte, N.C., for example, decks, midrange kitchen remodels, vinyl siding, and window-replacement projects all would net more than they cost, in respondents’ estimation. High rates of recovery were seen in both strong real estate markets and weak ones.

Many cities with the highest rates of recovery were smaller—Jackson, Miss., and Billings, Mont., for example—which may point to lower labor and materials costs that are easier to recoup.

Seattle also made the list of cities with a cost recovery of more than 100 percent on decks and minor kitchen remodels. In fact, Pacific Coast cities recorded the best payback on remodeling by a wide margin, as they did in 2007. Although construction costs on the Pacific Coast are nearly 17 percent higher than national averages, the value of renovations at resale more than makes up for those higher prices.

The result is an average cost-recouped percentage that’s 14.8 percent higher than in the rest of the country. The toughest place to get your money back: Midwestern cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee.

Top 10 Project Paybacks

Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)
2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)
3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)
4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)
5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%)
6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)
7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)
8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)
9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%
10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)

The Real Deal: Examples from You

REALTORS® around the country helped us track down home owners who had recently completed remodeling projects. In all cases, the projects cost far less than the job cost estimates provided with the Cost vs. Value survey.

ATTIC-TO-BEDROOM
Location: Oak Park, Ill.

When Rick Nagle and Eileen Deamer of Oak Park, Ill., spent more than $35,000 to convert the attic of their 100-year-old home into a combination master bedroom and office, "resale value wasn’t our concern," says Deamer, a U.S. government employee and the married mother of two.

The transformation turned 600 square feet of makeshift office with a toilet in the middle of the room to a colonial-style bedroom/office with two walk-in closets and an adjoining sage green bath with a walk-in shower. To allow two simultaneous uses, pocket doors separate the bedroom and office spaces.

BATHROOM
Location: Fountain Hills, Ariz.

"This is such a crazy market to try to judge how much a renovation is worth, but having a refurbished kitchen and bathrooms makes almost any house more salable," says Shari Gay, ABR®, sales associate at RE/MAX Sun Properties in Fountain Hills, Ariz. The owner—Gay’s sister—added Saltillo clay floor tile throughout the 1,800-square-foot home, including the new bathroom. Bathroom finishes included a new cherry vanity cabinet, a tile shower, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and a soothing, sophisticated yellow color scheme, which all add up to a great look.

Total cost? About $5,000. "She’ll at least break even on the upgrades," predicts Gay. "If this were a boom market, she would get even more."

KITCHEN
Location: Honolulu

A kitchen is the heart of most homes. That’s why Hollywood set designer Wally White decided to spend most of his $15,000 renovation budget on upgrading the kitchen of his Honolulu studio condo. To spruce up the existing white cabinetry, which he left to save costs, the owner added bursts of color with celadon green granite countertops and walls painted in a complementary shade of light green. An undermounted white porcelain sink, a six-light halogen fixture on a dimmer, and brushed stainless steel faucet completed the look. It paid off.

White grossed $45,000 when he sold eight months later. "The unit sold for more than any other studio—and most of the one-bedroom condos in the building," says Susan Weinik, a sales associate with Realty Executives Oahu.

BASEMENT
Location: West Brighton, N.Y.

In a modest 1950s ranch in West Brighton, N.Y., a midrange basement upgrade suited Bernard Fallon’s mother-in-law, Ligaya Nocon, just fine. After purchasing her home "on the high end of the market," according to Fallon, broker at Fallon Associates Realty in Rochester, N.Y., Nocon kept basement renovation costs under $9,000.

She created a cottage feel by whitewashing the knotty pine paneling rather than replacing it. She also reupholstered the existing bar to cover wear and warmed up the room with wall-to-wall carpeting instead of wood or tile. "We just dressed it up for the personal enjoyment of my mother-in-law," says Fallon, "but I think it will help sell the property later."

The Specs

To help respondents determine the resale value of improvements, the survey provided specifications for each project:

Attic Bedroom Remodel. Convert unfinished attic space to a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Include a 15-foot shed dormer, four new windows, and closet space under the eaves. Insulate and finish ceiling and walls. Carpet floor. Extend existing HVAC to new space; provide electrical wiring and lighting to code. Retain existing stairs, but add rail and baluster around stairwell.

Minor Kitchen Remodel. In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.

Basement Remodel. Finish the lower level of a house to create a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with wet bar and a 5-by-8-foot full bathroom; construct 24 linear feet of finished partition to enclose mechanical area. Walls and ceilings are painted drywall throughout; exterior walls are insulated; painted trim throughout. Include five six-panel factory-painted hardboard doors with passage locksets. Electrical wiring to code. Main room> Include 15 recessed ceiling light fixtures and three surface-mounted light fixtures, as well as a snap-together laminate flooring system. Bathroom> Includes standard white toilet, vanity with cultured marble top, resilient vinyl flooring, two-piece fiberglass shower unit, a light/fan combination, vanity light fixture, recessed medicine cabinet, towel and paper-holder hardware. Bar area> Include 10 linear feet of raised-panel oak cabinets with laminate countertops, stainless steel bar sink, single-lever bar faucet, undercounter refrigerator, and vinyl floor tile.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel. Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate all fixtures. Include 42-by-42-inch shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body-spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub, stone countertop with two sinks, two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting, a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet, and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry includes a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.

Why Renovation Pays

Why are renovations holding their value better than home prices today? "When housing slows down, people stay put and renovate their house to make it more livable," says Paul Zuch, president of Capital Improvements, a designing, building, and remodeling company in Dallas. And by renovating before they sell, home owners get to enjoy the new space themselves, not just make the home more appealing to buyers. "It just makes sense," says Zuch.

Recent renovations also make buyers’ lives easier. "Home owners who remodel their home are providing a service to future buyers," says Eileen Nelis, a broker at Savvy and Co. in Charlotte, N.C. "When buyers purchase, they don’t want to do all that painting and remodeling, and they don’t want that price tag. They may be willing to make improvements down the line, but when they purchase, they want to open the door and have everything complete. It reduces their stress."

Making home improvements can also reduce sellers’ stress by heading off that time-honored negotiating technique—pecking away at the sales price by pointing out imperfections. "If sellers have done some improvements and dressed up their property, the improvements will help sell it," says Bernard Fallon, broker at Fallon Associates Realty in Rochester, N.Y. "If sellers don’t want to improve their property, buyers will tick off the repairs and try to take them off the price."

That doesn’t mean that every home owner should do every renovation, even in a more stable real estate market. Take Tulsa, Okla., where median home prices actually edged up slightly more than 2 percent in 2008, according to NAR. REALTORS® in Tulsa reported that, of the 30 remodeling projects surveyed, only 16 netted home owners at least 80 percent of the cost.

"Not every neighborhood will support the additional work," says Jim Hemphill, a sales associate at Coldwell Banker Select in Tulsa, "but in older, more established neighborhoods, if you redo a kitchen or bathroom or add a master bath or bedroom, you’ll get your money out."

Despite the value, the weak economy is likely to slow seller spending on remodeling, at least in the short term, predicts the most recent Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity computed by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

The LIRA for the third quarter of this year estimated that owners’ spending on home improvements will decline at an annual rate of 12 percent by the second quarter of 2009, continuing a two-year downward trend. Spending is unlikely to recover until the housing market turns around, according to the Center.

Yet, despite declines in overall remodeling dollars spent and a still shaky housing market, "people’s homes are still one of their best, most solid investments," notes Zuch. "Even though the markets have gone through some adjustments, it’s still smart to invest in your home."

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G.M. Filisko is a freelance writer for REALTOR® magazine. You can contact magazine staff at narpubs@realtors.org.

Christmas Staging

2008-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Door wreaths welcome all to your home and set the stage for celebrating. Make a simple wreath to hang on your front door with holiday colors that blend in with and dress up your home’s exterior colors. Use tree branches from your garden; attach a few gourds or pomegranates, nuts, and ribbons.
Group vines and mums or poinsettias for display impact near the front entrance. Adjust the vines to add height and movement. Add colored ribbons and fall leaves or evergreen branches.
Holiday Décor and Your Target Buyers
Do your neighbors decorate their home exteriors with Christmas decorations? If your neighborhood supports Christmas themes, then your prospective buyers will appreciate your Christmas décor.
However, if your neighborhood doesn't decorate for Christmas, then your buyers may feel more comfortable without Christmas decorations. Play down Christmas if you live in an area that promotes "politically correct" holiday and seasons greetings instead of "Christmas Cheer."
If you feel that you want to celebrate Christmas your way, go for it. Just understand that your home sale may take a little longer.
Home Staging with Christmas Decorations
Use less of your ornament collection this year. Don't over-crowd your rooms. You want your buyers to see your home’s features. Rooms filled to the brim with decorations stop the buyer’s eyes from visualizing their own furnishings in your home. Plus, crowded spaces feel smaller.
Examine your room colors and compare to your Christmas decorations. Do the reds clash? You may want to store ornaments with colors that don't add to the setting.
Home Staging for the Senses During the Holidays
Appeal to your buyer’s senses to make them feel at home.
1. Sight: Use amber-colored lights that give a rich warm golden glow to your rooms. Switch out your regular white light bulbs in a few table lamps with amber bulbs to make your home feel toasty-warm and inviting.
2. Sound: Play gentle well-known music without words. This makes buyers feel like singing along and picks up their step. Music helps buyers feel joyful in your home.
3. Smell: Use natural essential oils in a diffuser. Many people suffer from allergic reactions to artificial sprays. Simmer cider with orange slices, cinnamon and cloves.
4. Touch: Add silky and velvet fabrics to table tops that tempt the buyer to feel the softness. The brain interprets the sense of touch just by seeing softness. Also, use thick, fluffy hand towels in the bathroom and kitchen to soften the cold, hard surfaces of room typically filled with tile, granite, and porcelain.
5. Taste: Yes! The sense of smell contributes to the sense of taste. Make sure you're cooking something heavenly. Treat your prospective buyers like a guest. Invite them to share a warm drink and a sweet snack.
The more time your buyers spend in your home, the more they have invested in it. Houses do sell all year long. If you're selling your home during the frantic holiday season, taking a few extra home staging steps can make a big difference in your sale.
(Jeanette Fisher)

How to sell your home in a slow market

2008-11-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

Even though the real estate market has slowed down in recent months, there are still plenty of homebuyers eager to make a purchase. Knowing how to prepare your home for sale, when to allow access for showings, and how you can offer buyer incentives will help you find the right buyer, even in a declining market.
Before you even put your home on the market, make sure that all basic repairs are completed. Nothing can turn off a prospective buyer quicker than loose railings, torn screens or missing hardware on cupboard doors. These easy repairs do not cost a lot of money. If a homebuyer sees that the little things are not attended to, they are likely to believe that the larger things are neglected too. Let buyers know that you have pride in your home by making sure that all of the small repairs are taken care of.
Keep your home clean throughout the time it is on the market. In a slow real estate market, it is important to have your home available to show at a moment's notice. The more often your home is shown, the likelier it is that your home will sell. Keep your home available to your realtor and they will be able to show your home quickly to any buyer that shows interest.
Have your home staged by a professional. Home staging has become a booming business and a professional home stager will help you remove clutter and depersonalize your space. Prospective homebuyers want to picture their family in the home, not yours and a home full of personal clutter will not show off the potential of your home.
Keep pets contained during a real estate showing and make sure that your cat litter box is always clean. Pet owners tend to get used to the odors caused by litter boxes and it is important that you remember to clean it every day. Nothing will turn off a prospective home buyer like a home that smells. Many people are fearful of dogs, especially ones that they do not know. Make sure that you either take your dog with you for a showing or put them on a leash outside.
Be realistic in your expectations of the price you will be able to sell your home. Forget about what could have been if you had sold it last year and focus on what your home is worth now. In a buyer's market, buyers don't have to negotiate much. Buyers know that you want to sell your home and a home that is priced too high is likely to be looked over. Ask a fair price for your home to avoid the need for too much negotiation.
In a slow market, hiring a real estate agent is crucial to get your home sold in a reasonable amount of time. Yes, there are ways you can list your home for sale by owner using the internet, but nothing beats the experience that comes fro a real estate agent who is able to take care of everything in order to sell your home.
Selling your home can be a stressful time, but you can be successful in selling your home if you remain patient, reasonable and flexible. There are buyers out there and the key is to find them and get them to fall in love with your home.
(from Realestateabc.com)

Getting your home ready to sell

2008-11-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

Dress For Success
Before you put your house on the market, its best to put a shine to it.
The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference.
Without investing in expensive and time-consuming renovation and redecoration,
it's still possible to show your home to its very best advantage.

Curb Appeal
That first impression when prospective buyers drive up is very important.
If they don't find the outside appealing, they won't be interested in seeing what's inside.

The Yard
Mowed lawns, trimmed shrubbery and clean windows are a start.
Planting a few flowers or plants can do a lot to a front yard.
Fertilize and water the lawn and plants thoroughly 2-3 weeks before putting the house on the market.
Clean up oil spots on the driveway. Make sure the garage door opens easily.
Swimming pools should be clean along with the pump and filters.
Clean up and throw away any junk or items laying around the yard.
Now is a good time to have a yard sale, get rid of those items that you don't plan
to take with you. Do this before you put your house on the market to greatly reduce the "detrimental clutter look".
Start packing away little things that you don't use everyday.
Recycle magazines, newspapers, bottles, cans and so on.
Pet droppings can easily turn the buyer back to the front door.

The Exterior
If your house could use a paint job and you don't have the time or money, some times hosing it off(from the bottom up) and repainting the trim will update the entire facade.
At least paint the side facing the street.
A clean front porch with a fresh looking front door that opens smoothly is a must.
Any broken windows should be fixed now as they will most likely be before closing.
A few gallons of stain or paint can add real impact to a fence.

The Interior
Inside, everything should be spotless.
Spending $100 to have someone do heavy "spring cleaning" if needed can bring a return many times over in the sales price and time on the market.
A fresh coat of light colored paint on the walls is always recommended.
Painting only the trim and the doors will add a lot.
Check to see that all doors open and close freely. Oil any squeaky doors.
Replace any burned out light bulbs. Brighter lights enhance many rooms.
Steam clean the carpets if new carpeting is not possible and to help eliminate any pet odors. Wash and wax linolium floors. Repair or replace damaged or missing tiles.
Bathrooms should sparkle. Remove soap scum and mildew. Replace old looking toilet seats. Kitchens should be clean and bright. Clean oven and stove top. Exhaust fans should be free of grease and dust. Clear all unnecessary objects from the countertops.
Keep curtains and blinds open and interior lights on for a bright warm cozy feeling.
Store stuff and clutter under beds, not in closets.

Focus Rooms
Buyers react most strongly to kitchens, bathrooms and closets, so it pays to concentrate your efforts here.
Sometimes just switching door handles, knobs, and light switch plates is a dramatic improvement. Replacing new shower curtains and sink faucets can pay off.

Tip
Preview the competition's open houses to see what you are up against in both pricing
and condition. Potential buyers will be previewing these and more.
In General
Try to look at your house "through the buyer's eyes" as though you've never seen it before.
Lockbox is #1 Importance. "If we don't have it, agents won't show it.
(brought to you by real estate guides)

Real Estate Trends

2008-11-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

Know before you FSBO (For Sale By Owner)

2008-10-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

Faced with the prospect of forking over a hefty sales commission, you may find the FSBO route pretty tempting. Still, selling by owner isn't as easy as sticking a sign in your yard and waiting for the offers to roll in -- according to the National Association of Realtors, fewer than 10 percent of home sales are open-market FSBOs. Even so, it is possible to sell your house on your own. Before you decide to ditch the agent, learn how to steer clear of the most common snags.
Don't skimp on advertising.

When you're watching your bottom line, you may be reluctant to pony up for advertising. But the more visibility your home has, the more potential buyers you'll attract -- and that can translate into a faster sale or even a bidding war. Add directional signs around your neighborhood to lure in buyers who are visiting the competition, and design a flyer with your price, a few color photos and any standout amenities. You might even consider listing with a flat-fee MLS service, which will put your home into the local listing database for a fraction of what you'd pay a Realtor.

Do your prep work.

Getting buyers to your door is only the first step -- once they're inside, they need to fall in love. A few simple changes can get your home into market-ready condition.

Clean up as much clutter as you can; a messy house sends the message that you don't have enough storage space.
If you have time, repaint any brightly-colored rooms in a more neutral shade.
Open curtains, put out fresh flowers and keep the toilet seats down.
Take down family photos and clear off the front of the fridge. Personal mementos prevent potential buyers from envisioning the house as their own.
On the day of a showing or open house, turn on all the lights to make your home bright and cheerful.
Safeguard your stuff.

Realtors only earn commission if they sell a house, so they're not likely to waste time on showings unless their clients are serious about buying. But when your house is for sale by owner, you may attract more nosy neighbors and sketchy snoopers. When someone calls to request a showing, note their number on your Caller ID so you have a log of visitors. Before they arrive, stash prescription medicine and valuables in a safe place. And after a showing, check the windows and patio doors to make sure none have been left unlocked.

Play by the rules.

Even without a Realtor pulling the strings, it helps to keep your sale on the up-and-up. After all, knowing your real estate etiquette can help you avoid a few headaches down the road. Here's how to make your FSBO sale as foolproof as possible.

Make sure your listing complies with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination against any potential buyer. (Even describing your home as a "bachelor pad" or "family home" treads in murky waters.)
If title insurance and escrow aren't in your vocab, a real estate attorney may be a good investment. The retainer isn't cheap, but if problems arise, their help can be priceless.
Consider offering a 2-3 percent commission if a buyer's agent sells your home. If agents know they won't make a penny by showing your house, you can safely assume they'll avoid it like the plague.
If the topsy-turvy economy has you worried about a buyer's ability to close the deal, ask for a mortgage pre-approval before accepting a bid.
Selling by owner isn't always the easiest option -- impatient sellers may ultimately wind up listing with a Realtor. But if you're willing to invest the extra time, money and energy, a FSBO sale could leave you with a little more padding in your pocket.

Five ways to make friends in a new neighborhood

2008-10-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Friends can help you feel at home -- but first you need to find them. Here's how to meet a few good candidates for your social circle.
1.If you belong to a church, club, or professional organization, find a local chapter. You'll stay in your comfort zone and meet people who share the same interests.
2.If you're a sports fan, join a rec team -- or at least watch the game at a nearby sports bar instead of your couch.
3.Check the local paper for community events or festivals. These events are usually sponsored by area businesses and attended by fun-loving locals. It's win-win.
4.Go to work. You spend eight hours a day with your co-workers, so it's a natural place to form friendships. Ask them to offer restaurant recommendations; once you've broken the ice, you can always invite them to dinner at their favorite Mexican joint.
5.Go online. If you haven't found enough opportunities to meet people around town, create a profile at a networking site like MySpace or Facebook, where you can search for people with similar interests. Who knows? You may even find that an old friend is living right down the road.
( find more articles just like this on Frontdoor.com)

Wrong time to buy...I think not!

2008-10-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

With all the talk about the housing market...I find people saying......
It's the wrong time to buy!!
WRONG!....All real estate is local. For those who are financially and mentally ready to buy, there has never been a better time to be a buyer in many markets. An abundant selection of homes and historically low interest rates give buyers an edge over sellers. The recently passed $7,500 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers creates an added incentive. For someone with a long-time horizon, Yun says, there is very little worry about home values since homes have historically provided a solid foundation for wealth accumulation.
TIP: Compare the pros and cons of renting vs. buying to see what makes sense for you,
or call you local Realtor and discuss your options with a professional.
(you an find great articles just like this at frontdoor.com)

LaVernia Overview

2008-10-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

La Vernia offers something for every member of your family. The small town atmosphere of La Vernia provides a superb family oriented atmosphere, but is only 20 miles from San Antonio. This coupled with low tax rates makes it an ideal location to raise a family.La Vernia Independent School District is rated as one of the best school districts in Texas. Providing a quality education to our children, yet levying one of the lowest property tax rates in the area. A town rich in heritage, you can discover more about our history by clicking here. La Vernia is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government that ensures each citizen's voice is heard. Council meetings are open to the public. Take the short drive to the country and discover whatLa Vernia has to offer.The La Vernia Police Department, while small, provides 24 hour a day coverage for the City of La Vernia and surrounding residential areas. As a result, the La Vernia area enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the area.La Vernia is also served by a volunteer Fire Department and EMS providing quick 24 hour a day response to any emergency needs.

Real estate in progress

2008-10-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Be patient..this will be LaVernia's premier Real Estate blog spot!!!

Welcome to my blog

2008-10-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new LaVernia Real estae blog.