Bankrate lists ten things you should focus on if you want to entice a homebuyer looking to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit.

1)  Dirt - Dirty = bad

2)  Odors - Stinky is not good either.

3)  Old fixtures

4)  Wallpaper - They recommend removing it all.

5)  Popcorn acoustic ceilings - They badly date your house.

6)  Too many personal items - It’s hard for someone to envision themselves living in your house if all your stuff is still there.

7)Snoopy sellers - Please don’t be there.

8)  Misrepresenting your home

9) Poor curb appeal

10)  Clutter

If you don’t want someone to buy your home, there’s one very simple thing you can do: be there. (which is a mix of #6 and #7)

So, don’t do any of the ten things Bankrate recommends you avoid and please don’t be there.

Good Luck,

Ron Stead - Valley HomeSteads

Real estate agents are often asked "What is the best way to show and sell a home?" Almost every agent can tell you a story about meeting with a prospective seller who has just completed a lot of work to prepare their home for the market. It can be difficult for a real estate agent to tell the seller that their renovations were not the best changes to effectively market their home.

If you are considering making any improvements prior to selling your home, the best advice is to consult with your agent before you make any changes. An experienced real estate agent can provide you with information that can help you decide what kind of improvements will set the stage for a sale. Whether it is paint and wallpaper, remodeling the bathrooms, or updating the kitchen, your real estate agent can guide you toward "neutral" choices which can assist the buyer's imagination.

I AM @ YOUR SERVICE

RON STEAD 540-539-1200

RSTEAD@SHENTEL.NET

Homeowners who don't need the equity from their home to purchase a new home may consider renting it instead of selling. Rental property is almost always a good investment, but you should understand the consequences of becoming a landlord.

Tenants may not share your pride of ownership and, therefore, may not maintain the property like you would. If you plan to rent your property, acquaint yourself with state or local landlord/tenant laws, including those dealing with rent control and eviction procedures. If the home you rent has been your primary residence, you could lose the benefits of a capital gains deferral when you sell it later. Get professional advice from a tax expert and a professional real estate agent before you decide to turn your home into rental property.

 I AM @ YOUR SERVICE

RON STEAD 540-539-1200

RSTEAD@SHENTEL.NET

Who represents the homebuyer in the transaction? The most common scenario is for homebuyers to purchase a home with the help of the seller's listing agent. In this case, known as "dual agent representation," the real estate agent assists both the sellers and the buyers. However, it is also possible for the buyers to ask another realtor to represent their interests exclusively, acting as the "buyer's agent," a service which is available at no additional cost to the homebuyer.

Any licensed real estate agent can act as your buyer's agent, helping you to locate and look at properties in your price range. However, if that real estate agent works for the same brokerage that is listing a particular property, dual agency or designated agent rules will then apply. The buyer's agent will advise the buyer if issues arise such as termite damage or significant material defects appearing on the home inspection report. If the home appraisal comes in at less than the asking price, the agent will represent the buyer's interest, working with the seller and the lender to negotiate a satisfactory resolution.

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Real Estate Tip:When Your House Gets Too Big

As the Baby Boomers of the 1950s send their children off to college, they join the part of the market called "empty nesters". At this point they no longer need six bedrooms and three baths, a family room and a gigantic yard. Many "empty nesters" are trading in the family home for something that is smaller, easier to maintain and has the amenities that are important to their more carefree lifestyle. If you are considering such a move, start out by consulting a good Realtor whom you like and trust. The good news is--- when you sell your primary residence, you are not taxed on your profit if (1) you have lived in the home for two out of the last five years and (2) your gain does not exceed $250,000 as a single taxpayer or $500,000 as a married couple filing jointly. These capital gain exclusions apply whether you "buy up" to a more expensive home or "buy down" to a less expensive one. If you are moving downtown from the suburbs in order to be close to cultural centers, theaters and restaurants, there may be "quality of life" issues, such as noise or parking. Your Realtor can help you find a home that has all the conveniences and amenities you desire.

I am @ your service

 Ron Stead

Ron Stead 540-539-1200 rstead@shetnel.net

An Attractive Approach
First impressions count! Do you remember your first impressions of your present home? What made you want to buy it? The features or amenities that first attracted you are probably the same ones that will sell your home.

Prospective buyers' first impression of your home is the feeling they get when approaching your property. Each home has its own unique features--trees and shrubs which soften structural lines, unusual architectural features, such as bay windows, or a beautifully landscaped entrance. Whether your home is modern or elegant traditional, the approach to your home makes a statement. Since most buyers are looking for a home that has both charm and class, it pays to keep your grounds well-maintained and attractive. If the exterior appearance of your home and yard is pleasing, buyers will want to see the interior.

I am @ your service

 Ron Stead

Ron Stead 540-539-1200 rstead@shetnel.net

Real Estate has proven to be one of the safest and most profitable types of investments available of the past 50 years.  Records statistically show long periods of steady growth With brief re-adjustment periods throughout.

 On the other hand, timing the market for quick profits can be a difficult strategy.  It becomes hard to predict when the next high or low will come,  as long as various other factors that affect property values.  Homeowners who hesitate to sell their home during a readjustment period (such as the case in today's market) because they feel the lower price is "Too" low are missing the advantage of the next home purchase which will also be at the lower prices.  You must remember that a home purchase is an overall long term investment in the real estate market as a whole, not just a single home purchase.  Once you make your first home purchase, your investment will steadily grow throughout your lifetime of home ownership.  Instead of waiting it out for the next hot market to sell your home, you would be better advised to put your energy and efforts into making your current home the best that it can be.  This allows you to get the best price for your home, regardless of what type of market we happen to be in at any given period.

For sound advice to maneuver this market or any real estate market, feel free to drop me a line and I will be happy to assist you.

I am @ your service

 Ron Stead

Ron Stead 540-539-1200 rstead@shetnel.net

Real Estate Tip:Buying Bug Free
If your house is a typical one, there is probably some kind of small, leggy creature that makes its home with you. Whether they are termites, fleas, roaches, ants, or spiders, it is a good idea to serve them with an eviction notice before you put your home on the market. If home remedies like ionized boric acid don't work, paying a professional exterminator will be money well spent.

Most standard sales agreements require that a property be inspected before the closing and treated for termite infestation, if necessary. It is a good idea to check for insect problems as soon as you sign a listing agreement, so that they don't become an issue of contention in the sale. Some insects may not physically damage the house, but may reduce its chances of selling for top dollar. Constantly having to push back spider webs while touring the house could seriously undermine a prospective buyer's ability to fully appreciate your home.

I AM @ YOUR SERVICE

Ron Stead 540-539-1200 rstead@shetnel.net

Mortgage banking organizations are in the news closing down offices or shutting down company wide. This economic downsizing is mostly due to the result of relaxed credit activity of sub-prime lenders over the past 5 or 6 years. The interest rates on these subprime loans are now adjusting to higher rates, making them unaffordable to many investors and homeowners alike, which in turn is causing mortgage delinquencies and defaults leading to foreclosures. Borrowers with good credit and documented income however are still having no difficulty in making their mortgage payments and getting new loans as well. Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac / FHA and VA mortgages remain fully available, underwriting is basically the same with not many changes, and settlement funding is as reliable as ever. Subprime loans on the other hand although still available, are difficult too find and the rates and terms have tightened up substantially.

The rising inventory of unsold and new homes are benefiting today's home buyers. They have more homes to choose from, the market is better situated for them to negotiate home prices, and mortgage financing remains historically low for those with good credit.

To discuss homes in the area or discuss buying or selling strategies in today's market give me a call or shoot me an email.

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Ron Stead  540-539-1200  rstead@shentel.net

CONGRATULATIONS to my client Allen on his recent purchase on this property in the Columbia Furnace area of Shenandoah county.  It is going to make a great home for a young family real soon.  Thanks for using me as your Realtor.  It is always a pleasure to work with all my customers as it was with you!

I AM @ YOUR SERVICE

RON STEAD 540-539-1200

RSTEAD@SHENTEL.NET