Renae's Blog

How Will You Locate Your Buyers?

2008-04-21T21:19:31Z

Considering marketing your home on your own? Before you begin consider this.....

How will you locate your buyers?

Recently I was showing clients a property, when I noticed a vehicle stopped in front and the driver yelled at my buyer, "Are you looking to buy a house?", he continued,"I'm putting mine on the market in just a few weeks..." and went on to describe the home's features.

This is not the best method, in fact depending on the real estate agent, it could prove to be quite dangerous to the fsbo! Fortunately, for this gentleman he has now become a prospect for me.........our lucky day!

So either way you go, you are still going to be talking to a real estate professional.

Renae Fulton, GRI

www.renaefulton.net

Mudbug Bash-May 3rd 2008

2008-04-21T20:48:35Z

It's that time of year.......Mudbug Bash!.........Come and eat all the Mudbugs you can......

This is a fundraiser for Palmer Home for Children, to learn more about this organization please visit their web site

http://www.palmerhome.org/hernando/HernandoHomePage.htm

Come and Enjoy ...... Food, Music and a Silent Action

All of this located on Panola Street just off the scenic Hernando Town Square in Mississippi.

For ticket reservations please call 662 249 2499

Alphabet Soup

2008-04-16T09:01:03Z

You may have noticed agents with the alphabet trailing their names. What is this and what does it mean?

This is a designation the agent has earned. Each one represents something different and the requirements to earn it may vary. So, ask your agent what kind of designation they have earned. They will be happy to share this with you.

In general, when you see agents with alphabet trailing their name they are committed to their industry of Real Estate. This is a good indication this agent has gone the extra mile to expand their education and ultimately better serve and represent the best interest of their clients.

If you are looking for an agent you may want to consider alphabet soup.

Renae Fulton

www.renaefulton.net

For Sale By Owner

2008-04-15T19:47:32Z

You've decided to market your home yourself. After all, think of the money you can save. I think it's a great idea, go for it.

And Thank You, I'll be dropping by to see you. FSBO, that is notice to me you need a professional real estate agent to achieve your goal. When it's time to save your sanity, I'll be ready.

Watch for me........I'm looking for you!

Renae Fulton,GRI

www.renaefulton.net

Tis The Season......Termite Season That Is

2008-04-15T19:13:56Z

Here in the Mid South it is the time of year to find termites swarming. This generally occurs from March to May. The swarmers have a small dark body, brownish black in color with clear wings about twice the size of it's body. While there are different kinds of termites, if you see these you have others you can't see.

Protect your investment .........call a professional exterminator to identify and effectively treat your home.

Renae Fulton, GRI

www.renaefulton.net

Tips for First Time Homebuyers. Renae Fulton, Real Estate Consultant

2007-05-01T18:47:24Z

Purchasing a home may be the largest investment of your life! While this may sound a little frightening, the transaction can be simplified and smooth if you find a real estate agent to represent you that you are comfortable working with and is knowledgeable. If your not quite ready, you can shop on line to become familiar with area's and learn about the cost of housing. Most agents will request you have secured financing before the process of showing homes begins. Many times your agent has a good working relationship with local lenders and will be glad to share this information with you should you need direction.

You and your agent should discuss the price range you would like to stay in and what features you are looking for in a home. As your agent schedules showings for you they will begin to recognize what your likes and dislikes are. When a home is located you would like to make an offer on, your agent should provide you valuable information to help you make an informed decision on making an offer and the negotiation process.

The contract will be executed, when both parties sign and agree to the terms of the offer and the buyer provides earnest money. Your agent should have a good understanding of the contract and be able to explain it to you. Always ask questions of you are unsure or uncomfortable.

On occasion multiple offers may be made on a property, the property may not appraise to the offered amount or upon inspection issues, may arise that need to be renegotiated.

Next steps, inspection, appraisal, final walk thru and closing.

For information about the next crucial steps, visit my blog at www.renaefulton.net.

Moving Across Town or Across the Country

2007-04-27T11:10:54Z

One of the reasons I decided to pursue a real estate career was I have moved so many times to so many different area's of the country. Moves can be very frustrating mixed up with excitement and potential the move presents.

The first move our family made my daughter was in second grade. Most of my growing up years as well as my married years were in Oklahoma. Friends and family were here. We transferred to Pennsylvania, while I new in general where this state was, I did have to get the map out for a specific location. The price of real estate in this area was a "cultural shock". (we experienced lots of cultural shocks) Eventually, with time a patience we did locate a home that served our purpose and spent several years enjoying the area. When you are in the grade the move can be bumpy to start but soon smoothed out to making new friends and discovering what the area offered. We became a travel destination for this beautiful area located near Washington DC, amish country, and Gettysburg. We called them"mini vacations" since we could visit many places in a day, sometimes a very long day. It was a great place to discover.

Next stop was Michigan. One of the first things I remember asking about were the fire hydrants. They were yellow and had long pole with a yellow metal flag on top of it. The flag was taller than I was. Soon I would learn that allowed the fire fighters to locate the hydrants when it snowed........ and snow it did! Any time from April thru October. A snowblower in this area would be a wise investment, however, we did not have one. Each morning we would get up about 5AM to shovel the snow from the drive so we could get out, then get ready for the day. They people here were very warm, and our neighbors many time used their snowblower to help us rookie's out. We also learned just what a "white out " is. Now if you are from this part of the world you are probably getting a little chuckle out of this, if you are from a warmer are....I'm getting to you. The Great Lake area was incredible! We hope to go back here as a vacation and visit more of the lighthouses.

From Michigan we traveled to Kansas. The Midwest. Warm and welcoming folks here. My husband made the move before us, so my daughter and I made a visit in the spring. Now you must keep in mind we were coming from Michigan. It was still cold when we left. We arrived in KS in our wool clothes with many layers, only to arrive to warm temps and spring bursting every where! (oddly enough when we returned to MI it had snowed, more, and I lost my car at the airport) By now my daughter was a Junior in high school. See how time flies! We landed in a new sub division. Many folks were new to the area, it was a great time to meet them as they moved in and learn a little about them. We still stay in touch with many of our old neighbors or our KS friends.

Final destination, Mississippi. While I never dreamed of living in MS, I must say I feel settled and home. I have had a chance to meet and make friends. This area of the country is so very beautiful. I enjoy exploring the area with the small town atmosphere and the charming town squares, it's a slower pace of life. I'm always inquiring about then next place to explore and see what it has to offer. The winters here have been much kinder than some I have experienced. Although I have to chuckle when schools and business close at the possibility of snow. If I can just survive the hot and humid summers here.....if there is a secret to it, someone needs to share it with me!

My daughter will graduate from The University of Kansas next month. Her thoughts on having moved around so much in her youth. She seems to think it makes you more diversified. Able to better adjust to situations. If you are wondering where she plans to live now that she is grown up.....she's not sure, but she is planning a move after graduation.

All this said to say to you, keep a positive attitude for yourself and it will reflect on your families attitude. After many years have gone by you will have created friendships that you have kept up with over the years. You may even have some funny stories to share with the new folks you meet.

www.renaefulton.net

Get your home ready to sale!

2007-04-26T09:37:03Z

It seems that as spring roles around people begin to think about putting their home on the market. If you are one of those folks, here are some tips to help you move your home quickly and help bring you top dollar!

Curb appeal. It is the first impression. If they don't like it from the outside, there is a good chance they won't go through the front door. Address your yard, does it need to be treated for weeds, is it green, does it need mowed?? How about the landscaping? Be sure shrubs and trees are trimmed and neat. If the plant is not looking well, remove it. Add some color by adding annuals in flowerbeds or a colorful and healthy planter of flowers near the entrance.

Now, let's step inside. It requires planning to market your home. This is why I tell my clients this is a team effort. Remember, you are competing with many other homes on the market. Remove clutter. This is a good time to clean. Give it away, throw it away, put it in plastic containers and store it. You want your home to be spacious. Do the walls need to be painted? How does the flooring look? Does it need to be cleaned? Does it need to be replaced? Check the bathroom tub area's, does the tile need grouting, or re caulked. Always be sure the kitchen and baths are sparkling clean! Make the beds and pick up clothes and put them away. The homes that have the cleanest and most organized appearance sell faster and for top dollar. Most buyers gravitate towards this type of home. They want to be able to just move in. For those who wish to take your chances and allow for carpeting or decorating allowances, there is a strong possibility you will find your home on the market for a longer period of time and at a greatly reduced price.

Need more info, just let me know. I will be happy to help!