William's Blog

Take a Pittance of Time

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Sun, 25 May 2008 23:35:10 -0500

For Memorial Day, a Canadian Song that is still appropriate - Have a Great Holiday - and remember those who allow us to celebrate it in Freedom!

Take a Moment Please

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:58:23 -0500

Memorial Day is a fun time, but also a time for reflection. To continue with my policy of avoiding double posting, please visit my other blog at Move Philly

We Gave away $21,000

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:37:25 -0500

On Friday, May 9th, Century 21 Advantage Gold held its first ever 21K Gold AdvantageAwards Breakfast at Brookside Manor in Feasterville PA.

Agents from a variety of companies who had sold qualifying 21K Listingsparticipated in a fun contest where Lorrie Scott of Prudential Fox & Roach - Jenkintown was the winner of a $21,000 check. Lorrie, who had debated attending the event was understandably elated. Lorrie told me that she plans to pay her daughter's college tuition with her award.

The next round of 21k Listings have already started toi accumulate and we are 1/3rd of the way to the next Award event.

For more information see my previous post or visit the company web site at www.c21ag.com

Philadelphia Real Estate is OK

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:19:53 -0500

I recently blogged about the Philadelphia Real Estate Market on my MovePhilly Blog and the issue of perception that so many consumers have regarding what they thing the market is and what the market actually is - Instead of restating the issue, you can either link to that blog or to my original post on agentgenius.

So Now we're going to have an e-team

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:42:17 -0500

In an effort to create a specialist agent who uses technology to communicate with the consumer, our company, Century 21 Advantage Gold is creating an "E-Team" group of agents. I wonder if any other companies have tried to do that and what success is seen from the agent perspective. I would be very interested in feedback from agents or brokers - Each member of our team will need to take specific courses and achieve certain competency levels in order to participate - Have you seen anything like that?

Our New 21K Marketing Program

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 09:10:00 -0500

The 21K Gold Advantage program gives agents a big reason to sell the 21K home: great odds at winning $21,000. The costs to you as the homeowner are minimal compared to the benefits you receive.

How It Works for Agents

Check it out at www.c21ag.com
Any agent who sells an exclusive 21K Gold Advantage Listing is eligible to win $21,000.
With every 50 21K Gold Advantage Listing homes that closes, we will host a social event to announce the winner of the $21,000.
By selling more than one 21K Gold Advantage Listing for any single drawing, you substantially increase your odds of winning.

To find all of our exclusive 21K Gold Advantage Listing homes, log onto MLS and type **21K Listing** in the Remarks search function of the Trend MLS.

I'm So Proud of My New E-Pro!

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:41:05 -0500

PHILADELPHIA, PA JULY 13, 2007-- Kimberly Schreiner of Century 21 Advantage Gold has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.^®Kimberly is a member of Century 21 Advantage Gold's "Top 21%" for sales company-wide and has recently achieved top selling agent in her base office in Bensalem, PA. Kimberly was also awarded "Rookie of the Year" for her office her first year with Century 21 Advantage Gold.

The REALTOR e-PRO^Ò certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today's buyer and seller.

"The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past several years," said Kimberly Schreiner of Century 21 Advantage Gold. "A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public."

CENTURY 21 ADVANTAGE GOLD HELPS RAISE FUNDS FOR EASTER SEALS SOUTHEASTERN PA WITH WALK WITH ME FUNDRAISER

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:39:22 -0500

PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 16, 2007 - CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold reported today that in an ongoing effort to help raise awareness and funds to support Easter Seals south eastern PA, it raised more than $4,700 for the charity by participating in the area's annual Easter Seals Walk With Me fundraising event which took place on June 16, 2007 at the Philadelphia Art Museum.

The monies raised by the members of CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold will benefit people with disabilities in the south eastern Pennsylvania area. The daylong event was one of more than 40 similar events being held in communities across the country this year.

"The Walk With Me event was a great way to engage the many families and local social organizations with Easter Seals and all of the services and resources they provide our community in an effort to empower people with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives," said William Lublin, CEO of CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold.

People of all ages gathered at the art museum to walk or run one, three or five miles. Each Walk With Me participant was partnered with an Easter Seals Honorary Team Captain, an adult or child with a disability who has directly benefited from Easter Seals programs

"Easter Seals southeastern Pennsylvania has proudly served our community for more than 70 years helping to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities live with greater independence," said Liz Graham, Director of Corporate Relations for EASTER SEALS southeastern Pennsylvania "Time and time again, CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold has answered our call for help and together with the members of this community, made our Walk With Me event a huge success."

The CENTURY 21 System has been a proud supporter of Easter Seals for more than 25 years and has since raised more than $91 million to help provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live with equality, dignity and independence.

I get to Meet General Colin Powell

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:36:57 -0500

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold CEO William Lublin met General Colin L. Powell at the 2007 CENTURY 21 International Convention held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

Powell was this year's Keynote Speaker, touching upon the topics of leadership, America, and government. Lublin was part of a select group chosen to meet General Powell after his speech. Lublin was able to speak with Powell, and pose for a photo opportunity with wife Shelia Lublin and Jimmy Dague CEO of CENTURY 21 Las Vegas.

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold is the largest CENTURY 21 firm in Philadelphia, and is listed as one of the top real estate firms in the United States. Named by the National Association of Realtors as the fastest growing real estate firm in the US in 2001, the company has 8 locations servicing Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. They can be contacted on the web at www.C21ag.com

I got to meet the Easter Seals 2007 Child Representative

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:17:06 -0500

PHILADELPHIA, PA, JUNE 2007 - CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold CEO William Lublin met Easters Seals Child Representative Victoria "Tori" Boyles at the 2007 CENTURY 21 International Convention.

At the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Victoria appeared at an exclusive event for the top fundraising companies in the CENTURY 21 system. "Meeting Easter Seals children and their families reminds us not only of the needs of the children and the importance of the program, but also the gratitude we should feel for the part we play in helping them meet their incredible challenges" says Lublin. CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold was the largest CENTURY 21 fundraiser in Philadelphia for Easter Seals , ranking 2^nd in the state.

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold Agents Attend International Convention

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:14:31 -0500

Representatives from CENTURY 21 ADVANTAGE GOLD recently attended the CENTURY 21Ò International Convention 2007 in Las Vegas where thousands of CENTURY 21 System brokers, managers and sales associates from around the world gathered at the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort to learn, share and network with their peers.

"The men and women of CENTURY 21 ADVANTAGE GOLD understand the unique opportunity that the CENTURY 21 International Convention offers each year to interact face-to-face with some of the world's best and brightest real estate minds," said Thomas R. Kunz, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC.

Convention attendees from ADVANTAGE GOLD included: Bill Lublin CRB, CRS, GRI, CEO, Anne Rubin, Philip Rosen, Brian Lanoza, Elise Lykins, and Paul Gellert. The group participated in various educational sessions that provided informative and creative ideas on how to offer increased levels of service and convenience to their clients utilize new technology and innovation and capitalize on changing market conditions in order to help grow their business.

"The information and knowledge shared and obtained during this event makes an immediate impact on the level of service and experience that we can offer our clients," said Bill Lublin, CEO with CENTURY 21 ADVANTAGE GOLD

While in Las Vegas, attendees were welcomed by executive speakers Richard Smith, vice chairman and CEO of Realogy Corporation; Alex Perriello, president and CEO, Realogy Franchise Group; Thomas R. Kunz, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC and Bev Thorne, senior vice president of marketing, Century 21 Real Estate LLC.

Former U.S. Secretary of State and retired U.S. Army General Colin L. Powell shared his insight into leadership during a keynote address. General Powell has a long and distinguished military career including 35 years in the Army where he rose to the rank of four-star general and served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Powell served as the 65th Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005.

In addition, veteran comedian, actor and host of the popular NBC television series "Deal or No Deal," Howie Mandel, provided Convention goers an exclusive evening of entertainment.

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold is the largest CENTURY 21 firm in Philadelphia and is listed as one of the top real estate firms in the United States. Named by the National Association of Realtors as the fastest growing real estate firm in the US, the company has 9 locations serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They can be contacted on the web at C21ag.com

To search for homes in the south eastern PA and NJ area visit our website at http://www.c21ag.com/.

Philadelphia's Largest CENTURY 21 Firm!

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:30:50 -0500

Today, our world is a global village. For home sellers, that means that your next buyer could be anyone from around the corner to around the world. And for those looking to buy outside of their local area, the Internet is your key. With over 100,000 brokers and sales associates in over 30 countries and territories, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation is part of the largest real estate referral network in the world - connecting potential buyers and sellers and real estate professionals around the globe!

As the Largest CENTURY 21 company in Philadelphia, the cradle of Liberty, integrity, trust, performance and service are at the core of CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold's performance. Our market presence and resources give you real advantages. Our national connections and local foundations also help to provide our clients and customers with peace of mind.

As one of the 100 Top firms in the United States , CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold combines strong core values with the latest in real estate knowledge and technology to provide "Professional Service with a Personal Touch".

Dedicated to a tradition of Service, CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold has 5 Associates who have served as Presidents of the Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS, and our CEO has served for the Past 6 years as a member of the Professional Standards Committee of the National Association of REALTORS.

THE SYMPATHETIC EAR PART I

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Wed, 02 May 2007 10:00:51 -0500

When something goes wrong in a real estate transaction, it is natural for the parties involved to look for someone to blame. Sometimes problems are caused by situations , but sometimes they are caused by the people that are involved. If the transaction was made without a real estate broker, the buyer and seller have only themselves to blame. If the transaction does involve a real estate broker, they have a handy party around to place the blame on, deserving or not.

In some instances the appropriate action is to consult with an attorney or make a complaint to the State real estate commission. If the circumstances do not warrant that type of action, there is a third course of action available to the consumer.

If a buyer or a seller have had the foresight to do business with a Realtor ( a member of the Local , State, and National Association of Realtors) they have a mechanism available to review the actions of the professional involved.

Any member of the public who has a complaint against a Realtor can always make a complaint against that party to the local Board of Realtors. Such a complaint will be reviewed by the Grievance Committee of the Board. The Grievance committee will review the complaint. Then one of three things will happen.

If a review of the actions show that the broker's actions were legal and ethical, it may be dismissed. For example a buyer who wants a broker to release escrowed funds that the seller has instructed the broker not to release. In this case, the broker would be violating the code of ethics and the state regulations regarding escrows if they released the funds. Such a case would be dismissed,and the complaining party must be told that the actions of the broker were entirely correct.

If the Grievance committee feels that the charges, if taken as true, would constitute a violation of the National Association's Code of Ethics, they will recommend that the case be reviewed by the Professional Standards Committee.

In a third scenario, the Grievance committee may find that the broker's actions constituted a violation of the code of ethics not reported by the complaining party, in which case the grievance committee may become the complaining party, and again the broker will be referred to the professional standards committee.

In either of the last two cases, the complaint will be heard by the Professional Standards Committee of the Board, and appropriate action will be taken after both parties have had a chance to make their case.

Why use this mechanism? If you have a complaint in which the broker acted legally but unethically, or in which the sums of money involved are too small to warrant obtaining legal counsel, this procedure would be an avenue to address the problem that is relatively quick and inexpensive.

What's the Job?

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:58:00 -0500

The job of the real estate salesperson is one of the most misunderstood jobs in America. Most sellers think that the job of the real estate agent is performed by placing a sign on a property and waiting for someone to come in to their office to buy the property.

In reality, the real estate agent and their firm perform a variety of jobs for the seller. These jobs are all aimed at helping to facilitate and coordinate the activities of the real estate marketplace.

This is more than just showing the property. It means the marketing efforts which are used to promote the property to other agents and their firms as well as the end user. Much of the agent's work involves these indirect marketing efforts. For example a salesperson will usually have to fill out the forms to submit the property to one or more Multiple Listing services. The agent will also usually have to design and complete a highlight sheet to be used by salespeople who are showing the property. They may design a flyer to be sent to other offices to promote the listing. The agent should schedule the property to be previewed by the agents of their firm. They will either place a sale sign, or arrange for one to be erected if the seller permits. The agent will arrange for property descriptions to be distributed to the agents in their firm, detailing the special instructions for appointments. If the property is to be marketed at an open house a more complex marketing tool is usually designed to be distributed to buyers, and additional signs and advertising is scheduled for the event.

When other agents wish to see the property, the agent will schedule the appointments at the seller's convenience, and then follow up the appointment to discern what if anything can be done to make the sale to that buyer, or to increase the marketability of the property for other prospective buyers.

If the property is not being shown, or offers are not forthcoming, the agent should recommend some adjustment in the marketing situation. Either a price adjustment or some cosmetic changes or some change in the advertising program.

When offers on the property do come to the seller, the agent will review the terms and conditions, and should advise the seller of any potential problems, or guide them through the counter offer process.

Finally the agent will assist the seller during the period between acceptance of an offer and the time of final settlement, explaining all of the documentation, obtaining inspectors or contractors, and representing the seller at the settlement table.

NEGOTIATING WITH YOUR BUYER

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:55:36 -0500

A lot of articles are written which advise the buyer how to make an offer to a seller when they want to buy a house. Very little is written about what the seller should do when they receive an offer, and want to give the offer their best consideration.

When a seller is informed that there is an offer on their property, they immediately ask ,"What's the price?", as if that is the only important consideration. In fact, an acceptable price that is packaged with unacceptable terms is as unpalatable to the seller as an offer with good terms and a low price.

When a seller reviews an offer, they must consider both the price and the terms of the offer. Both of them should be considered with equal weight. After all, you have to consider not only what you are getting, but the manner in which you will receive it.

If a seller were to be offered the asking price, a transaction might seem to be a sure thing. Upon a review of the terms, we might find out that the seller has to bear some of the buyer's closing costs, or perhaps has to hold a mortgage for the buyer at very unfavorable terms. These scenarios are certainly less inviting than a lower priced offer would be if it brought the seller all cash or secured the money more quickly.

In closing I can only suggest that when considering an offer , you try to balance the price and terms, remembering that you have to give something to gain something in most situations.

In making your reply to the offer, try to give the buyer those points that are of less importance to you, while asking only for those items that you feel are needed to make your transaction work for you. Remember that when you try to be a pig, you sometimes end up as bacon !

Protecting Your Home Investment

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:53:14 -0500

The largest single investment most people make in a lifetime probably will be the home they buy.

As an investment, it has the potential to grow in value with each passing year. During 1991, for example, the median price of the average existing single-family home rose by more than 5 percent from a year earlier.

The extent to which a home appreciates depends in large measure upon the upkeep put into it. Blight or deterioration, if allowed to take hold, can greatly reduce its value. Making your home a showplace will encourage neighbors to maintain their properties as well, with the net result that all the investments in your neighborhood will be protected.

Some evidence of blight includes:

* Deteriorating foundations

* Fireplace chimneys that bulge or settle because of defective material or deterioration

* Broken, rotted, split or buckled exterior walls or roof coverings

* Broken windows, railings, steps and outside light fixtures

* Chipped, peeling or dirty paint

* Poorly maintained lawns, shrubs and trees

* Improper disposal of waste, litter and debris

* Faulty or missing gutters and downspouts

* Cracked or missing segments of sidewalk

The list is by no means exhaustive.

Maintaining and repairing your property can be an expensive undertaking, but the failure to maintain your neighborhood can be more costly. Let your financial situation guide you determining which repairs to make, and which to delay until you are better able to afford them.

Home repair and improvement financing is available and comes in many forms. Be sure to check which are available in your area, and shop for the best terms. In general, short-term improvement loans usually are best for financing most home repairs.

A long-term loan or mortgage should be considered when financing a major home improvement, such as a room addition. Also look into the possibility of extending or refinancing your present mortgage for this purpose.

Any local financial institutions will help you with advice and information regarding a home improvement loan.

Your property and your neighborhood are far too valuable to be allowed to deteriorate for any reason. So make a start -- no matter how small -- to protect that investment today!

The Sky Isn't Falling

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:04:21 -0500

OK, I get it. For years journalists were stuck writing about how terrific the real estate market was. There were stories about huge appreciation, instant millionaires, record breaking sales year after year. Then we entered the "when will it end ?" stage. The articles changed to speculation about how it had to end someday, with endless speculation about whether it would end with a bang , and bust, or just a normalization. And finally, when the market began to return to normal they gloom and doom articles began. With all these new articles coming out everyday, the journalists finally had new ground to cover, and they began covering it with black crepe!

Over and over again consumers are now hearing how bad the market is, when it really isn't. I have seen bad markets, and while the press has created a negative impression with consumers, this is not a bad market. Interest rates are still lower then they have been during most of my 35 year career, houses are still selling in our market in well under 90 days (the historically "normal) selling time (which would make our average market time better then normal - or even "good"), and prices are not sliding (though silly price increases by sellers are not being accepted by buyers) So can we please just welcome back the normal market and go about the buying and selling of property for the best reasons that exist - we don't want to rent anymore, we need a bigger house, a niver house, a smaller house, a different style of house etc.

You don't buy houses for weeks, you buy them for years, and your purchase today will still probably be your best way to achieve financial stability and growth while housing yourself and/or your family and giving you the opportunity to get your piece of that wonderful American Dream (yeah, I know it sound hokey, but there it is- and frankly its a pretty neat thing!)

CHECKING OUT NEW TENANTS

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:47:25 -0500

A lot of landlords are anxious to rent their properties, especially if they only have one or two rental units. If a tenant approaches them that speaks well, appears clean and polite, and seems to be "a nice guy" they will sometimes forget to be prudent business people. And that is when they really get into trouble.

In the current economy, homeowners are not the only ones who feel the pinch. Many renters become bad pay when they have always had good records before. While there are no magic formulas to insure good tenants, there are some practical guidelines to follow.

When a tenant applies for any apartment, it is imperative that the landlord perform a thorough background examination before they decide to rent to them. If the tenant tells you that they just arrived in town, or that they just arrived in the country, you are probably taking a larger risk since they have created a situation where a background check is difficult if not impossible. If they tell you that they have never rented an apartment before, and that they are living with their parents (even though they have three children and have been married for 15 years), be careful. These are situations where a credit check is an absolute must! Even if you are given a current or former landlord, check to make sure that the person given as landlord is indeed the owner of the property that the tenant was supposed to have rented.

When meeting with the tenant, have a form prepared which asks them where they have lived for the past three years, where they work, what their income is, what their obligations are, and the names of several different credit references. These should be people they do business with, and not just people who will tell you that their are really nice people. If you plan on having a credit report prepared, you will need the social security numbers of all of the tenants.

Remember, it will cost you more to evict a bad tenant than it will cost you if you keep a property vacant for an extra month.

Picking Your Home: What's Right For You?

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:42:48 -0500

It's every homebuyer's nightmare. You pick out the house, close the deal, and move in. Within three weeks, you know that you've made a big mistake. This house isn't what you wanted at all.

You can easily avoid this sad scenario by planning ahead. Know what you want in a home, what's important to you, and what you can live without--whether it's the first time you're buying a house or the tenth time.

Houses aren't just buildings; they're machines for living. Where and what you buy will affect your life for as long as you own the house. So it's important to get your priorities in order before you talk to a real estate agent or even look at that first newspaper ad.

First, ask yourself why you want to move. If your employer is transferring you to another city or your house has burned down, the answer is simple: You need a place to live. But most of us have other, less pressing reasons for wanting to move.

Buying a first house marks an entry into adulthood and a financial rite of passage: You've finally accumulated the down payment and reached the income level necessary to buy a house. Since owning a house will be a new experience for you, carefully analyze what you want before you buy.

If you currently own a home, however, you know exactly what's lacking in your present home. You need another bathroom, more space for a growing family, or a good school nearby. Meeting these needs should be your number one priority in househunting.

First, decide where you want to live. Are you a dyed-in-the-wool city dweller, or would you be happier in the suburbs? Maybe you'd like rural living of even life in the exurbs--those towns located just beyond the suburbs that are not quite country villages.

A big part of your answer hinges on where and how you earn your living. If you work in a big city and hate to commute, consider living in the city or a close-in suburb with good commuter rail service. If your job requires a lot of reading or is quite stressful, a commuter train ride may be the only time you can sit quietly and think. If you work in a suburb, you can live farther out in another suburb, the exurbs, or even in the countryside--assuming that if you're in a northern climate, the country will plow the roads on snowy morning before you must drive to work.

People with children have another major consideration: schools. Some of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the country have the worst public school systems. And those charming country towns may have the most underfunded systems. If you plan to send your children to private schools, you can live where you want, assuming you can drive the children to and from school each day. On the other hand, a lavish public school system can indicate that the local real estate taxes are very high and will be a serious burden. Check them out. You might save thousands of dollars a year by moving to the next suburb or town.

Another important consideration in picking a location is lifestyle. People who frequently dine out, go dancing, and attend the theater probably belong in the city or a close-in suburb. Homebody types who enjoy barbecuing and playing badminton in the backyard would be happier in the suburbs. And vegetable and flower gardeners truly bloom on two acres of their own far from the city.

In any case, you need to give thought as to the function as well as the features of a house. Look for benefits rather than features and you will probably find your house hunting much easier!

Picking Your Home: What's Right For You?

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:42:28 -0500

It's every homebuyer's nightmare. You pick out the house, close the deal, and move in. Within three weeks, you know that you've made a big mistake. This house isn't what you wanted at all.

In any case, you need to give thought as to the function as well as the features of a house. Look for benefits rather than features and you will probably find your house hunting much easier!

GETTING YOUR HOUSE READY PART II

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:39:18 -0500

Lat Blog talked about preparing your home to show, now lets review a few more idea.

There are some improvements you can make that don't cost a thing. You can make your kitchen counter look larger by removing some of the items that are only used occasionally when you cook that are left out on the counter as part of your decor.

Try to remove unneeded clutter from all of the rooms so that the potential purchaser doesn't underestimate the size of rooms or closets. A very simple method can create some additional cash and remove some unneeded clutter. Have a garage or yard sale! Go through your house and remove for sale anything that you don't want to pack or move. Pick a weekend and have your garage sale for two days to allow for possible bad weather. After the garage sale, throw out or give away any of the items that didn't sell to create as much room in the garage as possible. Having done that , go through the house, and remove boxes and unused or little used items (including furniture) from the rooms until you have filled the garage again. As part of this procedure, you can begin packing items that are seldom used. Pay special attention to rooms that you don't use very much since they often become catchalls. By doing this you will create a more spacious feeling in the house, and you can get a head start on your packing.

As a rule of thumb remember , it is better to have a crowded garage than a crowded basement. It is better to have a crowded basement than a crowded bedroom. It is better to have a crowded bedroom than a crowded first floor.

Finally, leave your house and re-enter it like a buyer. Be critical but reasonable about the things that you see. Don't hesitate to clean out and clean up. A little sparkle never hurt any sale.

Getting Ready to Sell Part I

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:34:22 -0500

We all know that when you buy a home, you generally make one of the largest purchases you have ever made. The flip side of that coin is that when you sell your home, you are selling the largest asset you possess, and you need to maximize the return on that sale. Therefore, when preparing to sell your home, it becomes necessary to look at your home as a product to prepare for sale. You need to divorce yourself from the home emotionally and objectively analyze its advantages and disadvantages.

Your real estate agent is trained to make suggestions to help you through this process, but it helps simplify the operation if you have a basic understanding of the principles involved. The basic idea is very simple. Without being deceptive, you want to emphasize the positive features of the property.

I don't suggest that you spend thousands of dollars making repairs or decorating the property, but it may pay to make some small investments to help prepare the home for sale. You might wish to paint the front door , or at the least clean it thoroughly. Replace or clean torn or dirty window treatments. You will want to clean and manicure your lawns as much as possible, and it would be a good idea to perhaps plant a few inexpensive but colorful flowers or plants to enhance the "curb appeal" of your home.

In my Next Blog We'll talk about some other ideas to help you get ready.

VACATION HOMES

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:12:35 -0500

Whether it's a lakefront cottage or a log cabin in the woods, a vacation home often seems to be a dream that only the wealthy can afford. But these days, you don't have to be a millionaire to own one.

A nationwide survey shows the median household income of second-home owners is $46,500. And, according to recent statistics, there were 7.2 million U.S. households in 1990 that owned some kind of recreational property or second home for vacation purposes. That number is expected to at least double and possibly triple over the next 10 years. With today's continued low interest rates, the tax advantages a second home can bring, and a wide selection of areas experiencing solid home price appreciation, this is an excellent time to consider purchasing a second home as an investment - and a great getaway place.

When searching for your second home, remember to investigate the area thoroughly. Ask a Realtor^® and the local chamber of commerce to provide information packets, maps and brochures. Take time to visit the area several times - a few months prior to and during its peak season(s). Are the crowds unbearable? Is the weather unpredictable?

Speak with a local Realtor regarding current and past home prices. Knowing the area's sales history will help determine the market value of the homes and effectively predict their appreciation potential.

Once you've settled on a community, work with a Realtor and lending institution to determine how much home you can afford. Drive around the town and its neighborhoods. Experience the day-to-day activity around potential properties. Keep in mind you may decide to retire to the area one day. Will the property serve two purposes - that of vacation and retirement home? More and more Americans are purchasing vacation properties in areas where they plan to eventually retire.

Remember, vacation homes remain a good investment and provide substantial deductions on yearly tax forms if they meet certain criteria. As the laws are ever-changing, complex and detailed, consult your real estate agent, who will usually work with a tax attorney or certified accountant, to calculate the tax benefits of owning a second home.

Relaxing in your own home in that dream vacation spot is not out of your reach. More and more Americans are realizing that owning a vacation home is do-able - not to mention a good investment and a peaceful retreat for years to come.

SPOTTING A GOOD BUY

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:08:52 -0500

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another.

However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That's why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.

The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed?

Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children? Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard? Take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep.

Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.

Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.

Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you've moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called "bargain priced" home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs.

Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient.

Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you're impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or "great rooms" also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features.

Don't forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you're looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable.

Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood's value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available? How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate route? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home's pricing.

Consider the cost of living in a home. It's important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner's association? Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.

You can find a bargain! Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are "bargains" and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:07:45 -0500

The old adage that "timing is everything" especially applies to buying a new home. And trying to be at the right house at the right time and get it for the right price can be tricky. Here are some guidelines to assist you:

•· Turn to the real estate section of your Sunday newspaper. Monitor the market and tract home prices. Expect to spend 90 days watching the real estate market through advertisements. Question and investigate homes that are advertised month after month. Hard-to-sell properties could either be a warning sign or simply overpriced for the value.

•· When a real estate agent provides you with descriptions of homes currently on the market from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), ask for a list of homes that were on the market within the last six months or year in the same neighborhood. Compare asking prices to actual sales prices for the same type homes.

•· In addition to monitoring housing prices, learn to identify hot, up-and-coming neighborhoods by tracking selling prices from week to week. If one neighborhood experiences price booms while other house prices are sluggish, its' clear which community to invest in. If you're passionate about an upscale area - and on a budget - prepare to buy a fixer-upper and invest some money in renovation. Conversely, beware of buying a beautiful home in a marginal area. You may not get your money back when you sell.

•· Keep close watch on the fluctuating mortgage interest rates. Low interest rates are the most inspiring reason to buy property. Watch the rate of Untied States Treasury Bills. According to Sonny Block, well-known talk show hose and real estate author. T-bills are a sure way of predicting the rise and fall of mortgage rates.

•· Also watch the national Discount Rate, the rate at which banks can borrow money from the government. When the Discount Rate drops, banks pay less for borrowing the money and in turn reduce mortgage rates to the borrower.

Predicting when a market is ripe for home buying is not an exact science - even for real estate experts. However, by following these simple tips - and staying on top of real estate trends, sales patterns and interest fluctuations, you are sure to get the best house for your buck.