Julie Corrado's Blog

GET TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR HOME!

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:16:10 -0700

Best way to get top dollar for your home is to price it AT market value. You'll get multiple offers and often times your property will sell for OVER market value. Many times it’s hard to find a Realtor who can give you an honest value of your home. If you can trust your Realtor to price your home correctly based on the value, you'll be selling quickly and for more money than you would had you priced it too high with the hopes of just reducing the price.

A common misconception is that Realtors have the same motivation as a seller - the more money they sell the house for, the more money they make. This is not the case, and I’ll illustrate why you need to choose a Realtor with integrity, experience and who has their client's best interests at heart, not their own.

When a home is priced too high, the property sits on the market too long. The amount of time it takes to service the listing (with weekly updates to the sellers about market trends, discussions about price reductions, showings that don't turn into offers,) is in no way beneficial to the Realtor.

The lower, more realistic a Realtor prices a home, the faster it sells, which equates to less ongoing work for the Realtor to maintain the listing. This is why it is important for Sellers to choose their Realtor who is able to properly price a home. If a home is priced right, a skilled Realtor will know how to handle multiple offers and get their clients top dollar every time.

When can you get TOP DOLLAR for your home?

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:59:11 -0700

The busiest months to sell your home are March, April May and June. This is the season you can get the most traffic through your home, therefore more offers and higher prices. The month of March we have more listings than any other month since last October, the spring market starts now. Buyers want to be in a new home while their kids are not in school because many times they move out of the school district. The biggest months for closings is June through September. Best time to put your home on the market is now!

WHAT SEASON IS IT? MILD WINTER = EARLY SPRING MARKET!

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:37:46 -0800

THANKS TO ONE OF THE MOST MILD WINTERS, THE SPRING MARKET HAS DEFINITELY STARTED EARLY! THIS TIME LAST YEAR, WE WERE STILL DIGGING OUT FROM ONE OF THE HEAVIEST SNOW FALLS ON RECORD AND IT FELT LIKE WINTER WAS NEVER GOING TO END. THIS YEAR WAS THE EXACT OPPOSITE - MILD TEMPERATURES AND LITTLE TO NO SNOW. BUYERS AND SELLERS ARE CERTAINLY GETTING THE "SPRING ITCH" A FEW MONTHS EARLY. EVEN IN JANUARY, (THE TYPICAL "SLOW SEASON") MY PHONE WAS RINGING OFF THE HOOK WITH ANXIOUS BUYERS AND SELLERS LOOKING TO BEAT THE TYPICAL SPRING RUSH. DON'T MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN! INTEREST RATES ARE STILL HISTORICALLY LOW AND IT COULDN'T BE A BETTER TIME TO BUY! VISIT MY WEBSITE WWW.JULIECORRADO.COM WHERE YOU CAN VIEW 1000'S OF LISTINGS INSTANTLY!

BUILDING A NEW HOME

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:45:39 -0800

BUILDING A NEW HOME

*Despite a likely higher price tag, a home builder will say that you’re buying a better product when you buy new

*Builders typically stand by their craftsmanship through warranties

*Home designed for the way Americans live today, maximizing the usability of space and offering amenities that speak to modern wants and needs

*Today’s homebuilders are offering the latest in popular choices at up-to-the-minute design centers that allow consumers to choose from hardwood flooring to cabinetry, fixtures to lighting – and everything in between

*A new home is an opportunity to customize the home to your preferences. It isn’t just the choice of room colors or furniture placement either. With a new home, you can often have a decision in fixed features such as the floor plan, construction materials and even the placement of the house

*Custom features that would cost far more if they were added after the fact. Consider the cost of such finished spaces as game rooms or media rooms, or such extras as fireplaces and built-in microwave ovens

*Headaches and cost that come with the maintenance on an older home don’t exist yet – and won’t for a while. No initial worry about upkeep and repair or deferred maintenance

*A better Investment. New homes have a greater value 10, 15 or 30 years from now than an existing home

*No need to remodel. Anything that is an existing home has to be in worse shape. There’s a saying that when you buy a pre-owned home, you’re buying someone else’s vision of a home

*Some people covet new homes simply for their “newness” and the emotional appeal of being the original owner

*Planned communities where buyer’s can buy a brand-new home with other like minded people

*New homes also use the latest in whole-house systems, like heating and air conditioning, so they’re not likely to break down, saving consumers money

*It’s appealing to people who are concerned about energy costs in the future and the longer-term efficiency of the home. New homes are more energy-efficient, which is also good for saving lots of green

*Energy features will be worth more down the road. Buyers would choose an energy-efficient home with lower energy bills over a home that was less expensive and did not have extra energy-efficiency features

*Consider after tax credit mortgage interest and real estate taxes can be deductible on income tax returns, and there are more choices than ever when it comes to financing options

*Designing a home offers the perfect opportunity to use less and create much more for your family and the environment and to “Go Green”

*With a geothermal heat pump, you can tap the clean, renewable heat beneath your feet. Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/geothermal-cost-payback-0911#ixzz1l9nqQVqk

*Government helps with cost of GeoThermal installation in the form of an income tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of a new geothermal system, including parts and labor. The credit currently expires at the end of 2016

Advantage to marketing your property throughout the holidays…

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:39:16 -0800

Many people decide to remove their property from the market during the busy holiday season. Because it’s such a hectic time of year, the last thing sellers want to worry about is keeping their property in “showing condition.” However, there are advantages to keeping your property actively listed during this time. The buyers who are looking at this time a year, tend to be more serious. The housing market doesn’t stop because of the holidays! Regardless of the time of year, there is always going to be a need to buy or sell property. And don’t worry about selling your home with the need to vacate right away – most contracts don’t close for up to 45-60 days after the contract is written. This gives you plenty of time to still enjoy the holidays and worry about packing up after the festivities are complete!

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT COULD NET YOU THOUSANDS!

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:37:11 -0800

You may think your wallpaper is beautiful, but that’s very subjective! If you are in the market to sell your property, you have to make your home as neutral as possible.

Simply taking down wall paper and painting is sometimes the determining factor as to whether or not a property sells. Many times sellers have their house sit on the market for 6 months or more, and the listing expires with their agent. They have showings, but no offers. Buyers have a hard time envisioning the property without the wallpaper and many times, they don’t want to invest the time or money in taking it down themselves.

Here's an example. Let's say you spend $3,000 on taking down wall paper and painting walls and trim. This will probably net you easily $7,000 more in offers. If you don't spend the $3,000, you'll probably lose $9,000 or $10,000, assuming you get offers!

The reason the two numbers are different (losing $9,000-$10,000 vs. just losing the $3,000 it would actually cost) is because buyers THINK the work will cost MUCH more than it actually does. Time is money, and many buyers don’t want to put in the time, effort and money to make a property “livable” after they move in. “Move in condition” is priceless!

If you need the name of an affordable painter, call me today! With so many houses on the market, don't give buyers a reason to decide on another home!

Julie Corrado - South Windsor Real Estate Agent

Real Estate: a sound, long term investment! (And now is the time to buy…)

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:36:25 -0700

As most of you know, real estate is cyclical and home values have gone up and down over the decades. The most recent down turn has caused apprehension among buyers, while others have capitalized on the low interest rates and historically low prices. Regardless of the current state of the housing market, real estate is still the best long term investment. Those who capitalize on the American dream of home ownership are taking advantage of building equity in their property; especially now when prices are low.

Despite all the negative press, the housing market is still the best long term investment. Home values have declined, but you have to keep in mind that they WILL recover. And when they do, hopefully you will have reaped the benefits of lowest interest rates in 30 years and the unprecedented low housing prices!

LOOKING TO SELL? STAGE YOUR HOME AND GET TOP DOLLAR!

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:17:44 -0700

Other than having a knowledgeable real estate expert on your team, the #1 thing that will ensure you get the most money for your home is to have it professionally staged.

Staging your home is all about cost effective ways to portray your living space in the best light possible. Furniture placement and de-cluttering are quick fixes that make a world of difference!

Most buyers find their homes on the internet. Therefore it’s critical to have your home look great in photos online to get traffic through the front door.

As part of my listing package, I offer the best professional stager around!

The stager on our team is able to see your home through a buyer’s eyes. Once it’s staged, we have our professional photographer take the photos. Now your home is ready to go on the market.

Call me today and together we’ll make buyers fall in love with your home!

Julie Corrado

860-604-3809

WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU? BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE SALE...

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:39:39 -0700

NEWS YOU CAN USE

I am very involved in the local market, so I can provide you with up-to-date information and statistics on current market conditions. Real Estate is local - Don't get caught up in everything you hear in the media. Real estate reports are often skewed to heighten drama!

RELY ON MY LIST OF PROS

I'm always happy to be a source of referrals - whether your need is Real Estate related or not, chances are I know a competant professional who would be happy to assist you. (Lenders, counsel, home inspectors, tax advisors, general contractors, handymen, landscapers etc.)

LET'S TALK VALUE!

Want to know the current value of your home? Call me today to request a free market analysis.

ACROSS THE MAP

Coldwell Banker is an international Real Estate company! I can help you or a family member secure the services of a like-minded real estate professional in any part of the country.

LOCAL INSIGHT

I'm always happy to provide information on the community (such as parks, schools or local social events)

Call me today! 860-604-3809 or visit my website www.JulieCorrado.com

THIS YEAR FIND AN EXTRA 15K

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:26:46 -0800

These days, it seems everyone could use a few extra dollars. Did you know there might be a cache of cash in your budget?

Savings are adding up: U.S. Personal Savings reach the highest level in more than 15 years

With recent economic uncertainty, Americans are focused on spending less and saving more. The U.S. Personal Savings rate recently jumped to 6.9 pecent, the highest rate since 1993. This is a dramatic increase from recent years as teh savings rate sunk below zero at times and lingered below 1 percent from 2005 to 2007, and the skyrocketing home prices and stable market led to an inflated sense of security of future financial sustainability.

Thirty Percent of consumers failed to apply for product rebates...Twenty-one percent of those who did apply never received a rebate (turned down due to technicality or didn't follow up).

Her are some ways you can stash more cash in 2010:

Property Tax Adjustment, bundle Home and Auto Insurance, select a higher deductible for higher Home and Auto Insurance, bundle cable phone and internet, reevaluate your mobile phone plan, maintain bank account and avoid fees, put money into savings, save your loose change, use a flexible spending account, bring lunch to work, eat out two fewer times a month, pass on the beverages while dining out, bottle your own water, brew coffee at home vs. stopping at a coffee shop, buy what's on sale at the grocery store, use coupons at the grocery store and while dining out, buy at the dollar store instead of the drug store or the convenient store, carpool to work, slow down and save gas, change your own car oil, air dry clothes instead of using a dryer, lower the temperature of your water heater, lower/raise your thermostat, save water by turning off the tap, skip the pet groomer: save money and bond with Fido, buy generic vs. brand name pet food, hold off on the released flicks, skip the popcorn at the movies, exercise at home or outside instead of at the gym, mani/pedi at home vs. salon, extend hair salon visits to every eight weeks vs. six weeks, cancel magazine subscriptions, negotiate the price on a car, sell unused household items, donate household items, maximize all tax deductibles, find unclaimed money.

Julie Corrado

Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado

JulieCorrado@aol.com

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT HOUSING BOOM?

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:51:42 -0800

More wealth is created when you buy at the bottom of a real estate cycle instead of the top.

The market has shifted from its peak a few years back, and there is strong evidence that we are now at the bottom of the cycle. In looking foward the future and at certain economic indicators, you can see that now is the time to get ready for the next housing boom.

Here are some factors you should know...

Households Continue to Increase

The population in America continues to rise and with it the creation of new households with housing needs. According to conservaitve estimates, the number of households is expected to increase by 1.25 million annually over the nexte decade.

Here come the Echo Boomers

Echo boomers are entering the housing market. They are primarily the offspring of the nations largest generation, the baby boomers...and there are a lot of them. The echo boomers are entering their peak household formation years with close to 6 million more people than the baby boomers had during the 1970's. The number of echo boomers will increase and maintain a strong demand for housing in the years to come.

Julie Corrado

Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado

860-604-3809

JulieCorrado@aol.com

www.JulieCorrado.com

Tax Time

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:13:06 -0800

Don't Miss All The Great Tax Breaks That Come With Owning A Home

Homeownership provides you with more than a roof over your head and a place to call home. If you plan ahead, your home can be one of the best investments you ever make. Additionally, you can also take advantage of many tax breaks available when you buy, sell or improve your home and then file your annual tax returns. New and updated tax legislation was passed or went into effect in 2009 that can decrease your tax bill.

First Time Buyer Tax Credit

Qualified first-time home buyers can take a tax credit for principal residence purchased from April 9,2008 through April 30,2010. First-time home buyers are defined as those who have not owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the purchase closing/ settlement date.

One of two credits is available, with rules varying depending on purchase date:

1. Home purchased April 9, 1008 through December 31,2008: Credit up to 10% of the purchase price but no more than $7,500 (or 3,750 for each if married filing seperately). Repayment required over 15 years in equal installments. First payment due two years after the credit is claimed.

2. Home purchased January 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010: Credit up to 10% of purchase price but no more than $8,000 ($4,000 for each if married filing seperately). No repayment required providing the home continues to be your principal residence for at least 36 months.

Local Taxes: Real Estate Property Taxes, as well as state and local income and personal property taxes, are fully deductible. HINT: If you sold or bought property during the year, you may have paid or been refunded real estate taxes without being aware of it. See your closing statement for your prorations.

Julie Corrado

JulieCorrado@aol.com

860-604-3809

www.JulieCorrado.com

Stop- Don't get ripped off

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:49:17 -0800

With businesses focused on increasing profits, it's an everyday battle to hold onto your hard-earned

dollars.

Consider these facts:

~Banks, thrifts and credit unions take in billions each year on fees. In 2006, they took $36 million, up

from 24.4 billion in 2000.

~In 2003, credit card companies made 20.7 billion in credit card fees.

~The value of unused gift cards was estimated to be $8 billion in 2006.

~A recent study by Consumer Reports found that 25 percent of rebates never claimed.

~Approximately 78 percent of cell phone minutes paid for remain unused.

Fight back and keep your money.

Shop Around- the internet is a great place to make sure you are getting the best price and there are a

number of online sites you can use to search and compare services before you go to the store.

Some great sites include:

www.pricegrabber.com & www.shopping.com

Exercise Due Dilligence- before you purchase any kind of insurance, phone, cable or Internet service,

compare the bundled cost with the price for each service seperately. Select the company that offers the

overall best plan at the best rate.

Negotiate the Best Deal- always ask for fees to be waived; sometimes they will be, but if you don't ask,

they definetly won't be waived.

Staging

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:04:00 -0800

I am a Realtor with Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado, and am currently the #1 producing Century 21 agent in New England for 2008. One major factor that distinguishes me from my competition is that I offer staging as a service to my clients. For the past two years, I have been working with Sandi Lanigan to professionally stage all my listing, with great results.

Staging helps me to get short sales sold when there is not much time before a property forecloses. Staging ensures the house will go under contract quickly, and Sellers who are facing a foreclosure are the most willing to do what it takes!

An extremely valuable but less visible benefit, is that going through the home with Sandi gets sellers fully into the mind-set of moving. This means that sellers are more open to pricing their homes at the right price and more accepting of price reductions that might be necessary.

The bottom line is that sellers are more likely to list with me after they learn I offer a professional stager as part of my services, my listings sell more quickly and for a higher price, and I obtain more referrals. As staging is affordable and the costs are tax deductible for realtors, there is no wiser expenditure.

As you know, the real estate market has changed markedly over the last five years. For me, using staging has been a big part of successfully managing this change.

Julie Corrado

JulieCorrado@aol.com

www.JulieCorrado.com

860-604-3809

New Listing

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:18:52 -0800

NEW LISTING LOCATED AT 577 PROSPECT AVENUE IN WEST HARTFORD $189,900

TOTALLY REMODELED 2 BEDROOM CONDO, DOWN TO THE STUDS! DONE 3 YEARS AGO WITH PERFECTION. STUNNING KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, GRANITE, LAUNDRY IN UNIT, NEW BATHROOM WITH PEDESTAL SINK & TILE, GLEAMING HARDWOOD FLOORS, WOOD BURING FIREPLACE, OVERSIZED GARAGE, OFFICE NOOK, DINING ROOM! PLEASE VISIT WWW.JULIECORRADO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS ON THIS CONDO.

CALL JULIE CORRADO AT 860-604-3809 TO SEE TODAY!

ARE YOU THE NEXT TARGET OF A SCAM?

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:03:01 -0800

ARE YOU THE NEXT TARGET OF A SCAM?

Attempts to scam people out of their hard-earned money are nothing new, but with technological advancements, scammers are becoming more sophisticated. Learning how to quickly spot these scams will prevent you from becoming their next unsuspecting victim.

The Top Six Scams are Mortgage Fraud, Unauthorized Credit Card Charges, Overpayment Scams, Identity Theft, Insurance Fraud and Computer Intrusion Scams.

Stay informed to stay protected-Here are a few preventive measures and tips you need to know to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

Mortgage Debt Elimination Schemes- be aware of e-mail or web-based advertisements that promote the elimination of mortgage loans, credit cards and other debts, while requesting upfront fee to prepare documents to satisfy the debt.

Foreclosure Fraud Schemes- prepetrators mislead homeowners into believing that they can save their homes in exchange for a transfer of the deed and upfront fees. The perpetrator profits from these schemes by remortgaging the property or pocketing fees paid by the homeowner without preventing foreclosure.

Predatory Lending Schemes- beware of lenders who tell you that they are your only chance of getting a loan or owning your own home, and avoid "no money down" loans. This is a gimmick used to entice consumers to purchase property that they likely cannot afford or are not qualified to purchase.

JULIE CORRADO

CENTURY 21 ALAIMO & CORRADO

860-604-3809

JULIECORRADO@AOL.COM

WWW.JULIECORRADO.COM

$8,000 tax credit update!

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:13:56 -0800

The Senate just cleared the Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension and by next week will
be in full effect. The homebuyer tax credit, due to expire at the end of
November would be extended through April 30th of next year.

This credit will make move-up buyers eligible in addition to first time buyers!

The $8,000 maximum first-timer credit will continue and will now be available to
couples with income up to $225,000.

A new $6,500 maximum credit would also be available to move-up homeowners who
have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years.
Move-up buyers don't have to sell their existing home to qualify for the new
credit, but the money cannot be used to buy a vacation home.

For more information on how you can take advantage of this credit and what it
means to you, message me here or call me at 860-604-3809! Call me anytime!

SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE

Julie Corrado (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:54:09 -0700

I have been a highly successfull- Full Time SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE professional in the Greater Hartford market since 2003. I manage high volumes of referrals alond with existing business due to my knowledge of SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE trends, sales, contract negotiations, financing and good time management. I LOVE selling SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE and can't imagine doing anything else! Any agent can show you a home, but I can make the process easy and enjoyable for you.

Over the years, I've spent time finding the right professionals that compliment the service I give. I am proud and excited to say I now have an awesome group of professionals on my team and have a full-time licensed SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE assistant to better the quality of service to my clients. I strive to always be learning new marketing techniques to better myself an out time together. I travel to Real Estate seminars and classes that I feel have a value to you and me. I'm young, have lots of energy and grew up in the SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE business. I am a daughter of a SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE family. My mother, a SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE Paralegal and my father a SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE Realtor/Broker for over 30 years now.

I sell Real Estate in the Greater Hartford area, towns including: Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, South Windsor, East Windsor, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Manchester, Ellington, Somers, Enfield, Suffield, Farmington, Avon, Glastonbury, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield and more.

In my free time I love running in local races, going for ice cream, ballroom dancing, Birkham yoga,Uconn Basketball and spending time laughing with friends and family. I am a life long resident of Connecticut and earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Connecticut. I am looking foward to helping you with all your SOUTH WINDSOR REAL ESTATE needs.