Sandy's Blog

Online Real Estate Shopping

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:43:57 -0500

Interesting fact from the Real Estate Book:

Real Estate Online Shoppers increased to 5.1 Million from Feb 2007 to Jan 2008

Reported by 2008 comScore Networks, Inc

With the increasing number of internet shoppers, it is increasingly important to obtain a web presence. Considering the number of real estate sites and blogs that there are out there, which ones do you think are the most visited and worth the time spent?

10 Household projects with long-term benefits

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:38:29 -0500

Industry experts suggest that any changes you make to your home should be "projects with payback". Looking at your home as an investment is a smart way of protecting your future.

Project Suggestions are:

1. Improve curb appeal. Not only the landscaping but the exterior of your home. (Faded paint or shutters)

2. Windows need updating? Go for Energy-efficient glass packages with Energy Star ratings that can help reduce power bills. A great selling point in the future.

3. Evaluate your major home components, such as roofing and siding, on a yearly basis. It 's smarter and more cost-effective to replace aging items before they break down.

4. Add elegance to your home by replacing key windows in hallways, entryways and bathrooms with decorative glass windows.

5. A quiet area to enjoy at the end of the day or a special spot for a morning cup of coffee. (A small breakfast room or sunroom)

6. A garden window

7. Front porch

8. Replace cramped, old shower stall that's out-of-date and hard to clean.

9. Replace toilets with high-efficiency water saving toilets. An average home can save 4,000 gallons of water a year by installing WaterSense rated high-efficiency toilets.

10. Master Bath renovation (transform into a low-maintenance oasis in the home)

Good luck and happy updating!

Shop before Renewing Insurance

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:48:36 -0500

Saving Tip:

Don't just renew your home, health, automobile or other insurance without reviewing your policy and coverage. Add on any new purchases or improvements made to your home. Ask your agent to re-evaluate your coverage, any new ways to lower your costs and consider improving your home security and safety to qualify for better discounts.

Shop around to compare prices and services from several reputable companies. There are always new products, therefore prices are competitive.

Pay premiums one or twice a year to save 5-10% the cost of the policy.

Happy Saving!

13 Top Bathroom Remodel Trends

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:36:38 -0500

Fishing for information on the internet can be very time consuming, however you can run across things of great value!

I recently read an article describing the bathroom as the new den. I agree that the master bath is a major focus point for today's buyers. (It's the only place in this busy world that we live in that we can just "take a minute")

An upgraded bathroom helps sell a home and can be a good investment.

After polling several areas across the country the trends seem to be:

1. Large airy showers with hinged doors and heavier glass. Expanding the shower is a major plus!

2. Jucuzzi tubs are being replaced by soaking tubs. These jetless tubs are deep and insulated.

3. Allow more sun/light, people are installing sky lights or windows for a brighter natural light.

4. Steam Bath. This is definately an upgrade, however it is included as one of the new trends.

5. Change the ventilation with a remote fan (with the motor elsewhere), it is about 10 times more powerful that the standard exhaust fan

6. Separate water closet (more privacy the better)

7. Flat screen tv's

8. Vertical storage with smaller storage drawers is working well while saving space.

9. Dual vanities a must

10. Grab bars in the number one room where accidents happen.

11. Heated tile flooring

12. Move away from linoleum and glazed tile toward porcelain tile, stone tile or even glass tile.

13. On demand water heaters and other green products. All these popular trends can't compare to the environmental friendly kind. Any way to conserve energy or use less water is on the rise!

March's Tips for Maintaining your Home

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:20:09 -0500

March's tips:

1. Check and Repair window screens and screening on porches before bug season arrives.

2. Build or repair fences and arbors to get ready for planting season.

3. Repair deck boards if needed and maintain deck by removing protruding nails and replace with coated or galvanized screws, check and tighten bolts in deck supports, and clean and seal wood deck as necessary.

4. Check the operation of your garage door opener.

5. Check foundation for cracks caused by drought, if large cracks develop, call a contractor to check for settling.

Hope these are helpful! Check back monthly for more tips! Thank you for reading!

Just a reminder!

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:25:31 -0600

Just a reminder for Spring Forward!

March 9 turn your clocks ahead!

Hope all is well for everyone, and remember The Sandy Johnson Team is here for all of your real estate needs!

BEST HOME EQUITY MOVES TO MAKE IN 2008

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:32:23 -0600

WANTED TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE USING A HOME EQUITY LOAN OR HELOC IN 2008

http://www.bankrate.com/baw/news/FinancialForecast/expert_predictions_home_equity_strategies_a1.asp

NEW LISTING

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:18:31 -0600

WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU A NEW LISTING!

3BR/2BA RANCH HOME

IMMACULATE HOME WITH FRESH PAINT & WELCOMING FLOORPLAN, VAULTED GREAT RM AND BREAKFAST AREA, PRIVATE SCREENED PORCH & DECK WITH GAS GRILL HOOK UP, READY TO MOVE IN!

1829 OAKDALE RD, 1301 SQ.FT., $129,900

YORK MLS NUMBER 1049143----CHARLOTTE MLS NUMBER 751698

Still a great time to buy!

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:56:10 -0600

Chimney Care included in Regular Home Maintenance

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:47:51 -0600

Recommendation for February:

As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, you are taking part in a ritual of comfort and enjoyment handed down through the centuries. However, if you don't give some thought to the condition of your chimney before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires.

Have your solid fuel venting system inspected annually, and have it cleaned and repaired whenever needed.

Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood verses soft wood considerations). Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke. Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire.

Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed.

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that you call on certified chimney sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.

February's Tips for Maintaining your Home

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:39:40 -0600

February

1. Organize garage or shed, clean, sharpen, and lubricate yard tools. Getting ready for spring yard work is an important job now while you have time.

2. Dispose of old paint. To do so properly, add waste paint hardener, available at hardware stores and home centers, to partial cans of latex paint. Cat litter works, too. More information can be found at www.wipeoutwaste.com.

3. Clean lint from dryer exhaust ducts and vents.

4. Early spring is a good time for interior painting. It's warm enough, but also cool enough to open the windows!

ALL REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:07:48 -0600

INTERESTING EXERPTS FROM A PRESS RELEASE SENT TO OUR AREA:

First, let's talk about the real value of your house. Food, clothing, and shelter are

the necessities of life. Most necessities are consumed. But one not only maintains, but

traditionally increases its value. Historically, the real value of your house appreciates

from year to year. In fact, it has been reported that in only 1 of the last 40 years have

housing values decreased. What a record. Housing values in our region have increased

1.9% annually in the last 6 years preceding 2007. Compare this with a 15% increase in

wages nationally for the same period.

The housing market is what you make it. Mortgage money is the cheapest ever

and very available. House values, over the long term, have held their value much better

than other investment tools. Plenty of quality housing is readily available. It is your
future---make it positive! You can't focus on the negative and still prosper. Our

housing market has had stable and steady growth and is now poised to take off. Take

advantage of a "great time to buy". In conclusion, "What are you waiting for"?

-Robin Russell

How to make your home standout

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:48:51 -0600

In reading an article written by the MSN Real Estate Staff, I have come across very valid points of interest in helping "stage" your home for sale.

In this market it takes more than that warm feeling when you walk into a house that is listed for sale. Although the candles, cookies, and sparkling fresh smells are great, people are looking for more these days.

The first impression mostly likely begins in the "curb appeal". Does your yard need a good cleaning? You would be amazed at what a thought out landscape design can do for your home's appeal. Planting a few bushes & trees around the corners of the house can make it appear much larger. Also giving your house a good washing with a broom and some dishwashing liquid can brighten up any age home.

As for the interior, a DEEP clean could add value to your home. The presentation of a clean, uncluttered, as if no one lives there look is fantastic. (A tip: rent a storage building a move 70% of your belongings into it) Make sure areas around furnace and water heater are clear and clean.

Wall color advice varies for many, however we strongly recommend a neutral color throughout with bright white trim. Having some color is nice if it helps to brighten the home.

One last thing that is strongly recommend when getting your home ready for sale is information gathering! Get as much information together for a potential buyer as possible. For example: costs of your home taxes, annual heating bills, documentation of major repairs or upgrades, square footage or floorplan, and a plat or surey of your property.

Good Luck and Happy Selling!!

Rock Hill the bright spot as home sales decline in other parts of the state

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:15:25 -0600

We were given an article about the market from The (Columbia) State Newspaper and wanted to share a summary.

The columbia area had its first decline in home sales since 2000 with a 2.4% drop last year. The Rock Hill area had an 8% increase in home sales and a 1% increase in the median sales price to $161,000.

The market has definately changed, however it seems to be a hit and miss for specific areas.

Rates going down!!

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:35:22 -0600

Bernanke: Fed ready to cut interest rates again Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke pledged Thursday to slash interest rates yet again to prevent housing and credit problems from plunging the country into a recession.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22592939/from/ET/

Mortgage Lender View

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:13:16 -0600

We received an email from a lender associate with Chase Mortgage and wanted to share it:

"There is a lot of talk of more changes coming for FHA. Hopefully we will see more increases in the maximum loan amount. I will keep you posted on the changes as they come out.

Remember to tell your first time homebuyers that Down Payment Assistance is going away in April! It will be a little harder to get "100% financing" after that. This is a good time to make a move if your on the fence!

We still offer our DreamMaker, Flex programs and other programs will 100% financing but they are all more credit score driven.

January's Tips for Maintaining your Home

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:03:06 -0600

January

1. Make a list of projects you plan to complete during the year. Include small but important chores so you won't overlook them, and big projects so you can budget ahead.

2. Post important emergency info: Location of main gas valve, for instance, or contact numbers for heating and cooling service.

3. If you're planning a bath or kitchen remodeling project, visit the National Kitchen and Bath Association at www.nkba.org.

Happy New Year!

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:16:44 -0600

Happy 2008! Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, productive, and exciting New Year!

The Sandy Johnson Team

Real Estate is a Solid Long-Term Investment!

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:54:02 -0600

In order to know the stability of the market, don't listen to the media whom seems to stay very broad.

To get the proper perspective on the value of real estate, you have to go right to the source and that means talking to a Realtor in your local market.

Enjoy this article:

http://www.brokeragentnews.com/news/general/2007_12/12_15_2007_nt_1197765408.html

Article: Charlotte Housing Market Leads Nation

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:33:15 -0600

Charlotte Business Journal- by Susan Stabley

The sales price of existing single-family homes in the Charlotte region recorded the highest in growth rate in the United States in October.

The Queen City logged a 4.3 percent increase year over year while most of the country suffered declines, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index.

Charlotte, Seattle and Portland, Ore., were the only markets to show positive returns out of 20 major metropolitan areas, according to data tracked by Standard & Poor's and economist Robert J. Shiller of MacroMarkets.

This article shows that a move to or around Charlotte is still a great investment.

In Real Estate, the motto is...

IF YOU SNOOZE...YOU LOSE!

The finer right-priced properties do not last!

A recipe to share!

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:00:26 -0600

Pumpkin Pie Bread

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture alternately with water. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Holiday Thought

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:33:23 -0600

The Christmas season is one of warmth, good cheer, forgetting our normal routines for a while, spending time with our friends and loved ones, time of sharing and celebration, thankfulness and joy, hope and reflection.

During this special season, we would like to give thanks to God for the many blessings of life and to take a moment to reflect on all of those folks who have helped make our business a success --our friends and valued clients. We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for your continued business. And, just as that Christmas glow returns to us every year, we are dedicated to providing you with the best service, year after year.

Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season!!From The Sandy Johnson Team

We are honored to be part of The Allen Tate Family

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:13:42 -0600

Allen Tate, Jr., Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Allen Tate Company, has been selected to receive the 2007 Excellence in Leadership Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Charlotte and the Charlotte Business Journal.

The award was instituted in 1988 to honor high ethical standards in business and professions and serve as a measure of business excellence. Nominees are evaluated by a committee in the areas of fairness, consistency, flexibility, knowledge, perceptiveness, sharing, fostering of relationships, communication goals and commitment.

Tate founded The Allen Tate Company in 1957 as a one-man insurance and real estate company. Now in its 50th year, the company is the largest real estate organization in the Carolinas, with more than 1,600 Realtors and 400 employees in 44 offices in Charlotte, South Carolina, the Triad and Triangle regions. In 2006, the company had $6.78 billion in annual sales and ranked 5th nationally among independently owned, non-franchised brokers.

Allen Tate Company Realtors and employees contribute more than $400,000 annually to the arts, science and history, public education and the United Way, as well as countless volunteer hours.

"Allen Tate believes that great leaders find their passion and give back to their communities," said Allen Tate Company President Pat Riley.

"The Charlotte Rotary is committed to lifting up the accomplished leaders of our community," said David Zimmerman, Charlotte Rotary Club president. "Mr. Tate exemplifies everything this award was designed to emulate, and that Charlotte Rotary stands for."

*Karen Murray, Public Relations Manager, Allen Tate Realtors

Top 10 Tips for Holiday Shopping

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:35:53 -0600

The National Retail Federation released these top 10 tips for smart holiday shopping! We wanted to share them with you as part of our team wishing you a happy holiday season!

1. Shopping for sales? Shop after 6:00 pm the night before a sale is advertised to begin.

2. Prepare a list.

3. Avoid crowds by shopping during stores' early and late extended hours.

4. Shopping for specific sales? Take the complete ad with you to minimize confusion

5. Staple a gift receipt to the merchandise tag in case it needs to be returned or exchanged.

6. Remember when gift shopping you are buying for someone else's wants and needs, not your own.

7. Shop safely!

8. Free up some time. Let the charity group at the mall wrap your gifts for you.

9. When shopping online have your information handy.

10. Wear comfortable shoes!

A Real Estate Team offers more in a complex market

Sandy Johnson (Allen Tate) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:20:48 -0600

In today's complex Real Estate Market, it takes a Team to keep up to date on Real Estate happenings. My Team does the closings, paperwork, marketing, and follow-ups necessary to professionally help sellers and buyers.

The Office Staff--

Mike, our licensed Operations Manager, keeps us working steady, following our mission statement and on budget.

Reggie, our licensed Listing Specialist gathers information necessary to help our sellers get their homes SOLD.

Krista, our licensed Marketing Manager handles all aspects of our unique marketing plan and keep us on the cutting edge.

Beth, our Client Care Manager stays in touch with listing clients with every aspect that involves the sale of their home.

Carolyn, our Closing Coordinator, handles all aspects of the closing process, communicating with attorneys and handling repair issues.

The Buyer Specialists--

Jennifer, Chase, Lois and Susan specialize in helping buyers find their dream home. Since they don't have to handle all of the paperwork, marketing, or closing issues, they are able to provide expertise in the buying market!