Keep the Peace - 02/29/08 11:29 PM
Selling or purchasing a home can be an emotional experience. When negotiating back and forth, buyers and sellers can get frustrated...tempers may flare. It is the agent's job to be the "go-between" - each agent for their respective party - to keep communication flowing, and to "smooth things over" if need
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Get the bugs out - 02/28/08 10:04 PM
When you're getting ready to sell your home, be sure you're not selling little critters with it. During this time of year, insects are looking for a warm, cozy place to survive the harshness of winter. What better place than your home? It's a good idea to have your home treated
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Why Warranty? - 02/27/08 09:16 PM
"I've noticed that some sellers offer a home waranty plan? Is this really necessary?" If you're selling an older home, this usually means that the appliances, heating/cooling system, plumbing system, etc. are all older. If you offer a home warranty with this home, buyers can have peace of mind that if something does
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Curb Appeal - 02/26/08 08:50 PM
When getting your home ready to sell, remember that the front of your home is the first thing people will see. Walk out to the curb and take a long look at the front of your house. Can you see the front door easily from the street? Are the windows covered by overgrown bushes
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Don't Overlook the Garage! - 02/25/08 08:05 PM
When preparing to sell their home, many people focus on getting the inside of the house in tip-top shape. That is great! However, some people often overlook the garage. Throw out old paint cans, newspapers, and magazines that might be accumulating. Donate extra bicycles and toys that your kids have outgrown. Make sure the
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The Best Offer - 02/24/08 06:57 PM
When you find a home that you want to purchase, the time has come to make an offer. This can sometimes make first time homebuyers nervous. "Should I make a low offer? Should I offer exactly what they're asking? What should I do?" Well, the answer depends upon you. Do you
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Choosing a Title Company - 02/23/08 03:46 PM
There are many title companies to choose from. How do you know which one is best? I tell my clients to choose 2 or 3 well-established title companies. Call them and ask for a quote. It is wise to shop around, as the price can vary significantly. Choose the one you have the most
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Sell it like it is? - 02/22/08 09:27 PM
"My husband and I are thinking of selling our home within the next three months. Our carpet is showing signs of wear. I think we should purchase new carpet. My husband thinks we should sell it like it is. What do you think?" If the pathways in your home are visible
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Buying a Pre-existing Home vs. Building a New Home - 02/21/08 07:35 PM
"Lately, we've been shopping for a new home. It seems like most of the nicer homes cost as much as having one built. Which is better?" There are some advantages to building a new home. The most obvious is that everything is brand new: water pipes, sewer lines, heating and cooling systems, etc. Nothing
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"How does my credit score affect my buying power?" - 02/20/08 10:28 PM
Typically, the lower your credit score, the higher your interest rate will be. The bottom line is - Your house payment will be higher. If you have a high credit score, lenders consider you a lower risk and offer lower interest rates. This means that you can afford more home for
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The Application Fee - 02/19/08 07:44 PM
When applying for a loan for your new home, many times your lender will charge an application fee - I know mine does. Fees can vary, but they usually charge around $200. However, it has been my experience that some lenders will actually waive this fee if asked. The key phrase here is
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"Should I put my home up for sale BEFORE I find a home I want to purchase or AFTER?" - 02/18/08 08:28 PM
The dilemma is this: If you sell your home first, before you find a home to replace it, you risk the possibility of having to move twice. This can be especially difficult and stressful for families with small children, and can force you to put some of your belongings in storage. However,
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Financing Your Home - 02/17/08 09:37 PM
One of the big decisions you will make when purchasing a home is where to get your financing. There are many choices out there, and it can get confusing. I usually tell my clients to start with their personal bank. Your personal bank already knows you - you have a history.
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Is now a good time to buy investment property? - 02/16/08 07:28 PM
In my opinion, this is a great time to buy investment property. When you go to the mall and see a large red tag on an outfit or tool set that reads "Sale - 10% Off", you say to yourself, "That's a great price. I'll save money if I buy it
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Shopping the foreclosures? Bring a flashlight... - 02/15/08 10:06 PM
It never fails. There's never a flashlight when you need one. Or if you do find one, it's one of those teeny weeny ones that light when you push on them with all your might. I've learned my lesson. After going to a few homes with no electricity (which includes no
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Selling a home with pets. - 02/14/08 09:22 PM
If you have pets when you're putting your house on the market, it is best to put them in a safe place when prospective buyers come to view your home. This not only protects the pet, but also protects the buyer. I am speaking from experience when I tell you that
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Building a Room Addition vs. Moving - 02/13/08 06:56 PM
"We're beginning to outgrow our home and are considering adding a room addition. Which is more cost effective: Adding on or moving?" There are many things to consider when you're faced with this question. Do you love your home and neighborhood? Is your home conveniently located to shopping, highways, etc.?If you
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"Should I buy a foreclosure?" - 02/12/08 09:10 PM
Everytime I turn around, there's another foreclosure on the market. At first glance, they really look like a good deal. The price is usually lower than the other homes in the subdivision, and they can be found in virtually every neighborhood and every price range. But is it really a good
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What do your front door and your mailbox have in common? - 02/11/08 10:04 PM
They both make a first impression to your prospective buyer. When he sees a lopsided, rusty mailbox in front of a house and a dirty, paint-peeling front door, what does he think the inside of the home is going to look like? A display home? Not likely. It gives a negative feeling
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"Why should I stage my home?" - 02/10/08 03:38 PM
First of all, let me explain what staging is. Staging is furnishing the home in such a way as to define each room and give it a purpose, maximizing its strong points and minimizing its flaws. This is frequently done to a vacant home. Rather than seeing an empty room, staging gives
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"Do I really need a home inspection?" - 02/08/08 02:02 PM
Honestly, I can't recommend them highly enough. When you make an offer on a home, you are making the offer based on what you can readily see. After the offer is accepted, you are given the opportunity to hire an inspector to look at the home more closely. He is a highly
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"Every time I find a house I like, somebody else gets it!" - 02/05/08 09:08 AM
Has that ever happened to you? I tell my buyers to be prepared. Before you find a house that you like, it is best to have a pre-approval letter from your banker. This tells the seller that you are serious and are qualified to make the offer that you did. It
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360 Sandra Way, Winfield, MO 63389 $144,000 - 02/04/08 03:27 PM
You will enjoy this great 3 bedroom/2 bath ranch home in Winfield, MO. It is only 2 years new! This home is ready for that special family, and it is Move-In Ready! You must come and view this cute home. The asking price is $144,000. Living room Living room looking into kitchen Kitchen area looking into living room
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9074 Bristol, St. John, MO 63114 $69,900 - 02/04/08 03:19 PM
First Time Homebuyers! This cute bungalow is awaiting someone to give it some updating. It features hardwood flooring in both bedrooms and living room, covered front porch and enclosed back porch, 2 detached garages - a small one-car and a two-car. Within walking distance to school and shopping! Arched doorway to
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2808 Ricky Dr., Foristell, MO 63348 $104,900 - 02/04/08 03:10 PM
You will enjoy this newly renovated home on almost 2/3 of an acre that backs to woods! Relax on the covered front porch which includes new vinyl railing, surrounded by fresh landscaping. This charming 3 bedroom/2 bath home features a cozy woodburning fireplace, vaulted ceilings, some new light fixtures, new a/c
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"How's the Market?" - 02/04/08 02:47 PM
Many people have been asking me, "How's the market?" Well, because of all the foreclosures, there are many homes for sale - and most of them are at a discount. This makes it a great time to buy! If you are trying to sell your home, it puts a little more
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