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Other than the biggies of price and location, have you ever wondered what other factors it takes to sell a home? Annette Sievert from Corvallis, Oregon, gives ten great factors that can make a home sell:
Via Annette Sievert - Corvallis, Oregon (CB Valley Broker):
There is no shortage of opinions on what sells a house.
Before we start let's level the playing field. Let's say all houses you look at are in a price range that is adequate, nothing completely out of whack. Pricing of course plays a part but I have too often seen other components being much more important to fall in love.
Location is paramount but I see very often that 2 or 3 locations in Corvallis, OR can be of equal benefit to a client and therefore, again, other features are more important.
These 10 points (in no particular order) in my opinion sell a house:
1. Light: When people enter a house and it is bright, they love it. If it has big windows that offset even a dreary Oregon winter day, that is a winner
2. Cleanliness and order: A house that is well cared for and tidy, uncluttered, sells much better than hastily put together piles of paper and unruly shoes. Order signals a house has been well cared for.
3. Staging: that can be done with or without seller's things and furniture, important is that furniture is well placed, not overwhelming a room, giving the buyer space to imagine his own things in the room. A fresh approach, slipcovers etc. avoid a dated impression.
4. Neutral smell: If a house smells of the scent the seller loves, it easily backfires. Curry, fish and unmade bed smell do not do well either.
5. Maintenance: dirt and rot visibly in the face when you enter, drippping gutters, a mossed over roof and dirty windows make the impression the seller does not care, so what else can lure...
6. Landscaping: the grass is mowed, leafs are raked, flowers are in full bloom and not past their prime, trees are pruned, the water hose tidily hung up... that is a winning concept. And in winter, a groomed impression can still be easily achieved.
7. Updated kitchen: With comparably small investments you can update your kitchen and make it shine. Consider color, countertops and lighting.
8. Updated baths: a new backsplash, a fresh wall color and updated fixtures are a small investment and go a long way
9. Updated floors and fixtures: new carpet or even better new wood (laminate not so much!!) and new tile/vinyl are winners. The chandelier from the 80s in the entrance should go! Show your buyer that the house was updated periodically and is not stuck in the building decade!
10. Purpose and floor plan: If you have spaces in your house that people are left to interpret their uses, show purpose, a desk, a Fussball Table, a reading nook up, eliminate "dead" space. Master suites or at least a bedroom on the first floor, a separate guest area, a family room and living room, all these can make or break a sale.
It is said that in the first 90 seconds a buyer falls in love. That might be. But my experience is that people narrow choices down and the second time they go, rationality takes over and the above listed points take over.
Off to a showing now...
Dale Samples, a Realtor from Charleston, West Virginia, writes just why the current market is such an excellent opportunity for any one thinking of buying a home.
Via Dale Samples • REALTOR • Homes for Sale Charleston, West Virginia (304.741.4705 • www.dalesamples.com ):
Much press has been devoted to the housing market and it’s seemingly bottomless free fall. Truth of the matter is, if you are financially able and considering buying a home, this market is ideal. Let’s explore three reasons why.
 Interest Rates
Mortgage rates have plummeted to lows not seen in over 50 years. A Freddie Mac survey reports that a 15 year fixed mortgage is now 3.14%. If you were to obtain a mortgage for $150,000 four years ago, the payment would have been $1277.16. That same mortgage today would save you $231.16 a month. Over the life of the loan, the savings would total $41,608.80!
Affordability
Scan the Charleston WV real estate listings for sale and you will notice that there are numerous homes of good quality that are surprisingly affordable for someone of even a modest income. Compare our average sales price to those of similar size and amenities in other states and it quickly becomes evident that they are a steal. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) confirms that Charleston WV residents have one of the most affordable markets in the country. Homeowners in the Charleston area only commit approximately 11% of their income to the monthly mortgage payment, whereas the national average is 22%.
Stability
Splashed across newspapers and websites around the United States is story after story of houses worth double digit percentage points less than when they sold a few short years prior. The Charleston WV market has proven itself to be very stable. In fact, forecastchart.com reports that the historical home appreciation has only declined 1% in the last five years.
Low mortgage rates, incredible affordability and stability are the hallmarks of the Kanawha Valley housing market. Contact me today and grab hold of a piece of the American dream for yourself in 2012.
Dale Samples is a REALTOR serving the Charleston, Teays Valley, Cross Lanes, West Virginia market. If you are looking to buy or sell a home, contact me today!
You can call/text (304) 741-4705.
  
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Thinking about buying or selling a home in Teays Valley / Cross Lanes / Charleston, WV? Then you may be interested in reading these:
Thinking of hiring a home stager to help make your home more salable? The it may be a good idea to follow Kathy Streibs tips of what to do expect from a consultation.
Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County- 4 Things To Do BEFORE Your Home Staging Consultation. (and 4 Bonus “Don’ts)
Congratulations, you are taking the right steps you need to take to help get your home sold. Investing in a Home staging consultation will give you the tools and information you need to prepare your home for sale.
To help you make the best use of your time with your professional home stager, here are 4 things YOU can do before your Home Stager arrives:
 1. Step outside the front door of your home.. take a few Yoga breaths... then open the door and step back in. Only now.. tell yourself that this is a house that you are soon going to market. From this point on you want to look at your house as something you are marketing for sale.
2. Remove all distractions... if you have young children at home that will need your attention, enlist a relative or your babysitter for the few hours that the stager is with you.
The same can be said for your pets. It’s hard to concentrate when your dog is demanding your attention.
3. Allow for time. Most staging consultations can take about 2 hours, sometimes more depending upon the size and condition of your house. Neither one of us wants to feel rushed.
4. We don’t need you to pack everything up before we come but help us see what we have to work with. Laundry that needs folding, dishes in the sink, personal papers on your desk and counter tops will only take up your consultation time as we try to see what’s under everything.
And now.... 4 Things NOT to DO
5. Put the Paint Brush DOWN! You’re hiring a Stager to give you their expertise on how you can best prepare your home. Painting everything white or painting the exterior of your house a fresh bright blue color will only add to your expense when we suggest you repaint.
6. Just for now... put the staging and design cable shows you’ve been watching on the back burner. These shows have been helpful in educating the public on the need to prepare your house to sell; but the reality show is in your home not on television.
7. DON’T give everything away.... yet. Let us see what furniture and accessories you have and what we can use. Tell your children, neighbor or relatives they’ll have to wait until after the house sells for that piece they’ve been wanting for their home.
8. If you want support during the consultation for note taking or to lend another ear.. that’s ok but make sure they understand that you want to hear what the Home Stager has to say. Every time they open their mouth to tell me what they know from watching HGTV is costing you money.
Enjoy Your Home Staging Consultation!
Sandy Shores from Melbourne FL wisely reminds all Florida new home owners that if they are making Florida their primary residence, it’s time to file for a Florida homestead exemption. This will save you a nice piece of change from your property taxes as well as cap the rise in property values when home prices start to rise again.
Via Sandy Shores - Melbourne FL Real Estate ,Realtor®, M & M Real Estate Inc. (Brevard County Real Estate/ Melbourne & Palm Bay Real Estate):
 Florida Residents - File Homestead Exemption
If you own a home in Florida, and live in it as your primary residence, then Florida law typically allows you a $25,000 tax exemption on the assessed value of the property. If you purchased the property in 2011, then it is time for you to file for homestead, as it doesn't automatically transfer to a new owner, at the start of the new year. An application must be filed. After that, the exemption automatically renews, if you remain eligible.
Homestead exemption may allow a Florida homeowner a savings of approximately $450 on their yearly tax bill. And, with the passing of Amendment 1, many homeowners may be entitled to an additional $25,000 in exemption for a total of $50,000, on the assessed value of their property. Thus, allowing approximately an additional $240 savings on their tax bill.
New homeowners may apply for homestead between January 1 and March 1, for the first time. You must have purchased your home prior to December 31, 2011. If you do not file by March 1 you may lose your rights to homestead for that year. You should complete an application (Form DR-501). It must then be submitted to the property appraisers office. The pdf form can be downloaded here.
In order to apply for homestead for the first time, an owner must have moved into the home prior to January 1, 2012 and it must be considered your primary residence. With the completed homestead application an owner must provide a
1- Florida Driver License or Florida ID card.(with your new address on it)
2- Florida Vehicle Registration
3. Brevard County Voters Registration card
4. Social security number or social security card
5. If not a US resident, a Resident Alien Card
6. A copy of the trust, if the property is in a trust
7. The recorded deed to the property.
If you would like additional information on Homestead Exemption here is the link for the Brevard County Property Appraisers office.
Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR®
M & M Real Estate, Inc.
Residential, Investment and Relocations
We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.
Melbourne Real Estate / Palm Bay Real Estate
321-253-4545 or 321-733-6080
SandyShoresMelbourne@hotmail.com
____________________________________________
Serving Brevard County Florida for 15 Years
Brevard County Resident for 36 Years
Melbourne, Palm Bay, Suntree, Viera, Rockledge,
Cocoa, Canaveral Groves, Merritt Island, Titusville, Mims,
Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach,
Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral
______________________________________________
I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
Visit me on my Google Profile Page
Visit Melbourne FL Real Estate Talk on Facebook and "Like" Us There
When buyers shop for a mortgage, they invariably ask about the interest rate. And often disregard the other costs associated with a mortgage. Here’s an excellent post from Gene Mundt with Chicagoland Mortgage Lending in Joliet, IL:
Via Gene Mundt Mortgage Lender Chicagoland Mortgage Lending (815.277.4036 www.genemundt.com):
Don't "Cut Your Nose Off and Spite Your Face"
when it comes to your Mortgage Financing
There's an old saying ...
"You're cutting your nose off and spiting your face" ...
Stretching the point just a bit, I want to use this saying to get a message across regarding interest rates ... and the intense focus that most home buyers, and those refinancing, place on them.
Now I know that sounds a bit ironic coming from me, a mortgage lender. But as much as I think the interest rates we are seeing right now are a huge HUGE advantage to those seeking mortgage financing ... I also think that the extreme attention and importance placed on rates by consumers can be rather myopic and ultimately end-up being detrimental to their long-term financial health.
Using a play on another old adage, I believe ... "man/woman cannot (and should not) live on interest rates alone". And too many times I see mortgage clients doing just that. They make decisions based SOLELY on interest rates.
Typically a lower interest rate, and the subsequent lower payment attached to it, puts a "fire out". Meets a need in their mind. They see a tangible difference in the numbers they're going to shell-out each month ... and that's obviously important. I understand that ...
No one ... NO one really WANTS a mortgage. No one WANTS to pay money out of their pocket each and every month. But the need is there, right? And call it the financial planner in me, but a home buyer or homeowner is typically talking the biggest financial "stake" and financial need they have in their lives when speaking to me about their mortgage financing.
 So I ask you ... Why not get the "biggest bang for your buck" that you can from it? Utilize it? Maximize the benefits you receive?
A wise decision on your mortgage rate and mortgage program CAN do that for you. And simply put, the lowest interest rate ... and the mortgage program/term attached to it ... may NOT be the best overall financial decision for you. And ultimately that's what you're trying to do ... pave the way to a better, more stress-free financial future, right?
But you have to be working with a mortgage lender that has the expertise, experience, and knowledge ... and will take the time ... to explain ALL options available to you. Options that may serve a better financial purpose for you in the short and long-term. Options that may leave you much healthier financially for the future.
Many times the difference in interest rates between mortgage programs can be small ... but still carry a HUGE and reverberating impact on your finances. The importance of working with a mortgage lender that can and will "paint the picture" for you regarding the short and long-term benefits of each of your mortgage options cannot be overstated.
That's why I believe making your mortgage selection based solely on interest rates can be like ... "cutting your nose off and spiting your face".
So I suggest ... don't make the decision hurredly. Take the time to do the homework necessary to find the mortgage lender that can provide you all the information, products, and services you need. Then listen intently to what they say. Take notes. Ask questions. Get ALL the facts regarding ALL the mortgage options and interest rates currently available to you. Have the mortgage lender you're speaking with "paint you the picture" in hard numbers. Consider carefully the comparisons provided you.
Then and only then, make your final financing decision. That way when you move ahead with your financing you will know for a fact that you chose the right mortgage lender. On your Closing Day, you will know for a fact that you have the best mortgage financing for YOU personally ... in the short-term AND long-term.
You'll feel .. and be ... much happier and healthier financially for it.
 * Work with a Mortgage Lender with 35 years of experience, expertise, and knowledge in mortgage lending, appraising background, and financial planning. Contact me today. Together we will discover the mortgage financing that best suit your needs, in the short-term and long-term both.
I can be contacted through any of the following:
Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com
Website: www.genemundt.com
Skype: 630.219.1316
Click Here 4 a: NO Cost NO Obligation Mortgage Consultation
I haven’t decided if I think this is really funny or too sad, but I thought it would be a good one to share. Courtesy of your ever vigilant home inspector from Nasheville, TN - Michael Thornton!
Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297 (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Just When You Think You've Seen it All…
I have been doing property inspections for over almost 11 years now and I think I had seen it all - That is until yesterday. There are those out there seem to push the boundary between creative genius and pure stupidity. And while I did have to give them an "E" for effort and "I" for ingenuity, I had to give them a "F" for utter foolishness.
The wiring used is not rated for exposed use as the insulation is soft and can be easily damaged. A protective conduit around the wiring would have been acceptable.
As far as the perforated strapping - Oye-veh! Talk about a razor blade waiting for tender skin. Makes me shudder to think about it.
Did this make it in my report? You can bet your Sweet Bippie it did...
For all your inspection needs in the Brentwood, Franklin & Nashville TN real estate markets
Call us today:
Complete Home Inspections, inc.
The guys with the hats...
615.661.0297
Brentwood, TN
Scan the QR code below for business card info
Looking to spruce up your bathroom and have a limited budget? Here’s some great examples and tips from Kristine Ginsberg, a home stager from Morris Plains, NJ:
Via Kristine Ginsberg Morris County, NJ Stager (Morris County, NJ: Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC):
5 Bathroom Budget Transformations by a Morris County Stager
This Morris County Stager shows you how small, inexpensive changes can and will transform your dated bathroom whether you are selling or looking to update to enjoy yourself.
A quality home stager/redesigner works with what you have making small, but powerful changes that look like you’ve redone your bathroom when in reality you’ve spent a fraction of the cost of hiring a decorator or contractor.
Below are 5 bathroom examples that Elite Staging and Redesign staged without any renovations or big purchases...
Bathroom #1 - the biggest problem with this bathroom was the wallpaper. It dated it even though the vanity was new. Elite Staging and Redesign removed the wallpaper and painted it in Benjamin Moore’s Bleeker Beige.
Bathroom #2 - this was so easy! All we did was let the light shine in, added white towels and a few accessories...
Bathroom #3 - painting this Yarmouth blue by Benjamin Moore really made the white molding pop and warmed up the space. We added a few accessories and the transformation was complete
Bathroom #4 - this builder grade wood vanity didn’t do anything for this otherwise pretty bathroom. We painted it white, added new hardware and found a carrara marble top at Home Depot for $120.00. Next we added some storage space with a bench and a small cabinet over the toilet – both from Home Depot.
Bathroom #5 - for this ½ bath, we painted it from stark white to Sherman Williams Kilim Beige, added some accessories and a small table with towel storage. Staging is about being creative and finding inexpensive solutions that add function and beauty...
Whether you’re selling your home or want to update a room while you still can enjoy it, call Elite Staging and Redesign of Morris County: 201-602-2562 or email me today!
Staged to Sell, Designed to Live!
If you enjoyed this post click:  Thank You!
Elite Staging and Redesign - Kristine Ginsberg - 201 602 2562
   
Home Staging Morris County - Staged to Sell, Designed to Live!
You have 90 seconds to make a great first impression once your home goes on the market. Consult a Morris County professional home stager serving Union, Essex, Sussex Counties for that competitive edge so your home stands out from the competition, selling faster and for top dollar!
Elite Staging and Redesign offers home staging services to North Jersey homeowners, real estate agents, banks, builders, and investors in preparing homes to stand out in today’s real estate market. For a consultation on vacant staging, lived in homes or interior redesign projects call Elite Staging and Redesign at 201-602-2562.
Home Staging Website: Elite Staging and Redesign
Morris County Staging Before/After pictures: Portfolio
Email: Kris@elitestagingandredesign.com
   
We all occasionally end up with a listing that has become over priced for one reason or another and the sellers are just not going to make the necessary price adjustments. Then, occasionally, we get the out of town agent, who is basically clueless about the local market and we get that offer that will work. It happens, here’s one instance from Jon Zolsky of Daytona Beach:
Via Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL. FunCoast Realty, 386-405-4408:
Do you know this feeling that the property is not moving and the Sellers are frustrated and are not willing to reduce the listing price? In a situation like this I am telling my sellers that if they want to sell their Daytona Beach condo fast, I have an investor, but he will not pay more than $60K for this condo, listed for $79,900.
The Sellers are thinking about going forward with the investor, and here comes a full price offer. Like a bolt from the blue. Great, but how could that happen? Easy… I am looking at the offer, and the Buyer’s agent is from Orlando. Not far, an hour drive. Different MLS, very different market here on Daytona's beachside.
But hey, we legally can sell anywhere in Florida, can’t we? Should we?
If it was my Buyer, I would work the middle grounds here, so that the Buyer would be happy and the Seller would be equally happy. But here there is no middle ground. The Buyer has the agent, and the agent advises the Buyer to offer full price.
So, we get the full price.
Closed in October.
P.S. The Buyer called me. He wants to sell the unit. What happened? Oh, he thought that he could do vacation rentals there, and turns out you can’t rent for less than 3 months.
Another "benefit" of having an agent who can sell anywhere in Florida, but shouldn’t…
Real estate is local. But not all agents are aware
* Image by base2wave via Flickr.com under Creative Commons license
Sometimes buyers are just amazed that their offer was rejected by the seller. But, all too often, if you look between the line, there’s a lot more to it than just the price. Here’s some reasons from Doug Rogers of Pineville, LA:
Via Doug Rogers- Your Pineville Louisiana Agent (Bayou Properties Realty):
With the confidence that comes from writing a full price offer, the buyers assumed the house was "in the bag". After all, who would turn done a full price offer in this market? The rejection came as a greater shock than a Dallas Cowboy's Super Bowl victory. Let's examine some factors other than price that can cause an offer to be rejected.
1) A truckload of closing costs--Most sellers in the Pineville Louisiana real estate market expect to pay a portion of the buyer's closing cost. Paying points or giant origination fees will typically cause sellers to pause.
2) Requesting improvements over repairs-- During the inspection it is discovered that the 300 dollar dishwasher is about to give up its ghost. In its place should go a similar style/quality appliance. Demanding a silent, stainless steel model is a great way to kill a deal.
3) Requesting repairs for items that are not broke-- The plumber says the toilet is fine, Papa thinks it is leaking. Unless Papa is writing a check don't expect a new throne prior to closing.
4) A closing date measured in geologic time-- In the Pineville market sellers expect closing 30-45 days out. Your offer to close "before South America and Africa are one again" will probably be rejected.
5) Shell game financing--Sellers like to see mortgage commitment from stable financial institutions or cash offers. Letters contingent on a certain quarter horse winning the afternoon race (or even worse a lawsuit settlement) don't carry much weight.
Though important, price is only two lines on a 6 page purchase contract. The other terms can quickly make a "strong offer" pretty puny. Ready to purchase a home in Pineville, la? Call Doug Rogers with Bayou Properties Realty (318) 613-1994.
Doug Rogers
Associate Broker
Bayou Properties Realty
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Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
Stuart,
FL
More about me…
Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales
Address: 2 N. Sewalls Point Road, Stuart, FL, 34996
Office Phone: (772) 323-6996
Cell Phone: (772) 323-6996
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