ken courtade: Recommended Book Read: THe Millionaire Real Estate Agent
- 11/21/12 04:42 AM
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, also known as the MREA book, is already a classic. In 2004, Gary Keller, along with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, wrote the National Best Seller. With input from Mega Agents in North America, in The Millionaire Rea Estate Agent, Gary was able to distill what it takes to make a real estate agent as successful as possible in their field. Note that Gary's defninition of success is not just pure numbers, it is about quality of life for the agent, serving one's community and doing the best job possible for clients, among other things. … (1 comments)
ken courtade: Price it to Sell - Or it might Not
- 10/08/12 07:03 AM
Why price to sell at market price and not “try” for a higher price? Experience show us that the fact is the right price sells a home faster than any other factor. When the listing price is even 5% higher than the market value, the price ALONE discourages prospective byers. Why? First, an overpriced home sacres away potential buyers because they think they cannot afford your home. Secondly, if a seller can even get buyers thorugh the door at a higher than market-acceptable price, buyers realize they can get more home for their money elsewhere. So, then your home helps to sell others while not … (4 comments)
ken courtade: Real Estate Q & A: 1031 Exchange – What's a Qualified Intermediary?
- 09/27/12 03:53 AM
Real Estate Q & A: 1031 Exchange – What's a Qualified Intermediary? One of the key players in the exchange is the Qualified Intermediary. The buyer (of the old property you are selling) and the seller (of the replacement property you are buying) are not involved - their transactions are handled the same as traditional transactions are. The Qualified Intermediary is sometimes refferd to as a "facilitator" or "accomodator." He functions as a middleman between you and the buyers and sellers of the properties involved. Because you're not allowed to take "constructive receipt" (physical possession) of the proceeds of the sale … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Real Estate Q and A: Secrets Every New Home Buyer Wants to Know
- 09/24/12 05:16 AM
Real Estate Q and A: Secrets Every New Home Buyer Wants to Know - What are they? Let's start with one secret. Perhaps you haven't thought of this... The sales agent in the model home: Who does he work for? He represents the builder, not you. If you do not have a representative on your side, you are not represented. How can you be represented? The best way to be represented is to select a representative - a BUYER REPRESENTATIVE - before you go out to look. Why? You might not be able to be represented by someone you would have … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Real Estate Q and A: 1031 Exchange - What is it?
- 09/24/12 04:33 AM
Q and A: 1031 Exchange - What is it? A way to defer taxation on profits on the sale of an investment property is to exchange a qualified property for another "like-kind" property. It's named after the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 1031. You'll hear it referred to often as a tax-deferred exchange or a 1031 exchange. Contact me if you would like more information on this smart way of investing. We are ready to help!
Getting it SOLD - for YOU! Ken Courtade & The Yes I Ken! Team 703.981.4646 KenCourtade.com … (0 comments)
ken courtade: The Fall Market is Underway - Or is it?
- 09/17/12 05:41 AM
Is it time - or not?! We approach the first official day of Fall, and our buyers - and I as their agent (Because I want to do a great job for them by finding their home of choice soon.) have been watching the season's inventory come on the market. Slowly. Will more come? After months of summer slumber at the beach, in the mountains or in their backyard with a lemonade in hand and steaks on the barbie, have homeowners who've been considering putting their homes on the market done more serious thinking - and will they pull the trigger … (2 comments)
ken courtade: Do staged homes really sell faster?
- 09/07/12 07:31 AM
Homeowners that I meet with to list their houses smartly ask about the usefulness, the value, in staging a home to sell. The short answer is: Yes, it is very useful. The extended answer is: Every home should have some level of staging, some level of attention given to its presentation for sale. The longer answer is: The payoff in days on the market is a strong convincer that it is worthwile - because, in general, a home that stays on the market is less enjoyable for the seller to keep looking "top notch persentable" and homes sell for less the … (1 comments)
ken courtade: Avoid these costly mistakes when purchasing your home
- 09/06/12 06:22 AM
Here's a couple of helpful "to avoid" mistakes when buying your home. Knowing pitfalls can save you money and pain. 1) Pre-paids Make sure these are accurate by looking at your preliminary HUD1, your closing statement, a day or two in advance of closing. Some items get pro-rated at settlement;others are paid ahead several months in advance. Items include hazard insurance, taxes and homewoner association dues. 2) Lender Fees Are some charges questionable? We hear so. Avoid them by asking the lender, when you make application, what fees will be incurred. You might be able to get them waived or have … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Rent Your Own House / Add To Its Investment Potential
- 09/05/12 07:06 AM
Huh, why would I rent my own house? To consider the real vale of your home purchase as an investment, just consider conceptually that you are renting out your own property. Consider what the house is WORTH in terms of a living space. What would you pay to rent it yourself if you did not own it OR what would it cost to rent a similar space? In other words: What would you be paying in rent if you did not own? Your home already inceases in value over time. It appreciates. Add to this the cost savings from not … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Finding Funds for a downpayment - when you don't have enough.
- 09/04/12 06:27 AM
When thinking you might not have the needed funds for a downpayment, you actually may be in luck – think again! Here are some means of financing your purchase when you are low on cash now for a downpayment.1. If you are eligible for a VA loan, you need no downpayment, and may even be able to get cash back at closing.2. Check out USDA Rural Development loans. See if your purchase qualifies. There’s NO downpayment.3. FHA Loans indeed require 3.5% down – however – they are lenient on allowing gift funds. The full downpayment can come from an immediate family … (2 comments)
ken courtade: INEXPENSIVE Makeover "Secrets" that MAKE YOU MONEY!
- 01/26/12 01:46 AM
So, you wanna do something to your home that is not costly and will bring the cash to the door at sale time? Here are 5 TOP FIX-UPS! 1. Replace bathroom lighting - then clean the tile. Make your bath shine! 2. Reorganize your closets so they are tidy and efficient - and give the impression there is STILL MORE STORAGE there. 3. Power wash your siding, fence and/or deck if you have any of these. Get the moss, mold and dinginess off. 4. Do a lite touch-up on the front yard landscaping. It may take adding or sprucing up just … (3 comments)
ken courtade: 10 Things to LOVE about Arlington, VA!
- 12/02/11 06:38 AM
What's cool? There is SO much to LOVE about Arlington. You know I'm crazy about it. Are you? Add to my list! 1. It just is - in total. 2. Parks - We have a wealth of green space to enjoy. 3. Trails - Our biking, hiking, walking trails are extensive. One can, for instance, bike further than most folks would wanna bike. 4. Homes - Of course, we have incredible, older, newer and in-between houses. And many options from single family homes to condos. 5. People - Some of the most wonderful, interesting people I have ever met. 6. Companies based … (0 comments)
ken courtade: 4 Important December Home Care Items
- 12/02/11 06:00 AM
Yes I Ken's! Monthly Home Care Reminders It's December now - so time for this month's home care items. Here goes: 1 - 3. Inspect CO Detectors, Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers to be sure they are functional. More than normal electricity use during the holidays and maybe a fire burning in the fireplace or a live Christmas tree mean more need for these life-savers to be working in case of an emergency. 4. Replace the Furnace Filter. Typically, people are at home more during the holidays and in colder climates / weather, less outside fresh air is let in the … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Where to Eat / Dine in DC for Thanksgiving 2011?
- 11/21/11 07:06 AM
If you are visiting Arlington, VA, or the DC area for Thanksgiving - or simply live here and want to have someone else do the cooking this year - where can you go for Thanksgiving dinner? No problem finding somewhere! With a wealth of incredible restaurants - and many, many more than 20 years ago when I moved here (even more than 5 years ago) - there is no need to wonder too long. To help out, here is a list! Arlington - La Cote d'Or. I have not been in awhile to this sweet little gem of a restaurant. Serving … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Dining, Drinking, Entertainment in Arlington, VA - Some Recommendations
- 11/19/11 08:42 AM
Fortunately, we have a wealth of options for entertainment in Arlington on Friday night – or any night! Check out restaurants and bars along the Orange Line and off a ways too. Need some recommendations? I’ve lived here over 20 years, so I can help out. Along Metro Iota in Clarendon for live music. Some great groups play there. If ya wanna grab some chow beforehand, Whitlow’s on Wilson, Boulevard Woodgrill and BGR are just a few of the options within blocks. Whitlow’s has good, basic American food, Boulevard gets more creative (I recommend the salads.) and BGR is always consistent with … (2 comments)
ken courtade: Five Ways to Rate a Lender
- 11/16/11 02:39 PM
Of course, rates will be... No 1: 1. Rates: Ask both what the interest rate is and also what the annual percentage rate (APR) of the loan is. Remember that the lowest interest rate is not necessarily the very best loan - there can be hidden costs and fees that can really make your the true cost of your loan higher. 2. Points, Fees, oh my. A point is 1% of the loan. That can be a lot of money!Remember that discount points are tax deductible by the purchaser - even if the seller paid the points. 3. Timing. Pay attention to … (3 comments)
ken courtade: How Do I Price My Home So It Sells?
- 11/16/11 02:02 PM
You get the timing right, you get the showing it right right and then comes getting the pricing right to have your home sell.... Pricing Underpriced homes may get a lot of interest with the risk of getting less for your home than you wanted because "a lot of interest" doesn't always mean more than one party being interested in making an offer, especially making one possibly against other buyers making offers. It is very typical for a percentage of buyers to not want to engage in multiple contract situations. Overpriced homes often sit on the market and end up either … (6 comments)
ken courtade: Got Children? Strategies to Ease Their - and Your - Move
- 11/16/11 05:55 AM
It's important to focus on your children when you undertake the move to a new home. Kids require emotional support during this time of transition. I offer these strategies: 1. Be very upbeat about the process - and get them excited in some way. Maybe it's the new swing set that you have promised them for the new - and larger - yard. Listen to and address any concerns they have about moving. 2. Explain the process- the ABC's. In a simple way, explain to them what the move entails. Show them the new home and the area it is in … (0 comments)
ken courtade: Keller Williams Realty Got the Stevie! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, VA
- 12/18/07 05:47 AM
Hello again! KW continues to soar with its incredible sales organization. Excellence in organizational operations is a key goal for the company, so this is great and big news. While it continues to be the fastest-growing franchise in the US, it is also, once again, recognized as one of the best run. Big benefit for KW clients. Read on why....
Often not distinctly recognized as a benefit by buyers and sellers is the superior team and organizational force which stand behind their agents. This is of extreme importance every step of the sales process. When there are resources one's agent … (2 comments)
ken courtade: Beet Juice on the Winter Weather! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, Va
- 12/05/07 02:36 PM
Going Green (or is it red) on the frozen streets? You bet! I am fortunate to be doing my civil duty as a court juror. As I was leaving the courthouse today, a county employe and I commented on the fact there must be something other than salt to help with icy sidewalks. Voilla! Tonight, one of our local news stations reported that the DC government will be using beet juice to help with winter street conditions. Excellent! I believe this is one more confirmation that there is/might always be a means of problem-solving using non-environment-harming products. We can make our lives better without harming our environment - … (2 comments)
Yes I Ken, Yes I Ken!, Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, Keller Williams Realty, Vienna, Keller Williams Realty, DC, Keller Williams Realty, Maryland, Realty, Real Estate, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Bethesda, PG County, Green Building, Hybrid Vehicle, Kenneth Courtade, Westover, Fostoria, North Arlington, South Arlington, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ABR, Condo, Tonwnhome, Townhouse, Single Family, Detached, Coop, First-time Home Buyer, First Time Home Buyer, First-time Home Seller, First Time Home Seller, Referrals, Neighborhoods
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, also known as the MREA book, is already a classic. In 2004, Gary Keller, along with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, wrote the National Best Seller. 
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