ryan vaught real estate: Top Ten Mistakes Homebuyers Make, Mistake #3: Not reading the fine print - 10/06/09 10:59 AM
 October 6, 2009
If you did your homework, you had your trustworthy real estate attorney review all your paperwork and discuss it with you so you don't get a nasty surprise at closing. Let's face it -- you won't have time to read that six-inch stack of legal documents at the closing table. Fortunately, there are a select few documents and items that are truly critical, and you can request a copy of these in advance. This gives you time to review them and ask questions before closing.Buying a home is a life-changing event that involves 3 M's: mortgage, money and … (1 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Real Estate Joke - 09/25/09 10:00 AM
September 25, 2009
A little funny for your Friday.  Happy Weekend! Next week I will be back on track with mistake #4 of the top ten home buying mistakes.
The FSBO:WHEN A real-estate agency hadn't sold our house, we decided to do it ourselves. I placed ads in the local papers, spray painted a "For Sale" message on a sign board and posted it outside.When my husband came home that evening, he told me, laughing, that my sign was the most truthful one he had ever seen. Confused, I rushed outside to take a look. In my haste I had printed … (5 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Tope Ten Home Buying Mistakes That Can Cost You: Mistake #5: Falling for love at first sight - 09/10/09 03:16 AM
September 10, 2009
Buying the first house you like is not necessarily a good idea. If you don't shop around and see what else is out there, you could miss out on a good deal or potentially regret your purchase.  While you don't need to visit every home in the neighborhood, you should compare at least three homes before you make a decision to ensure that you're getting the right house at the right price.  So, if you happen to think that the first house you view is the one you want to buy, just make sure to look around at … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes That Can Cost You, #10:Not getting pre-approved before house hunting - 08/05/09 11:00 AM
August 5, 2009
Get ready to learn a lot!  For the next 10 weeks I will be blogging on some detrimental home buying mistakes that can really cost you.  Some of them may seem obvious, but there is more to them than the superficial title so read on.  I have found most of this information from one of my favorite user-friendly sources for real estate information for the public, www.frontdoor.com. 
Over the next 10 weeks I will take one home buying mistake a week and cover it in detail.  Even if you are not looking to buy a house right now, this … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Your Selling Strategy - 07/27/09 10:35 AM
July 27, 2009
Have your housing needs expanded along with your income? Are you are thinking about selling your property and looking for a new home? The transition can be accomplished smoothly by using a systematic approach. As part of your selling strategy, it is advantageous to have your present house under contract before you begin a serious search for a new home. This will make you attractive to sellers in two ways. You won't have to include a contingency in your offer to cover the sale of your present home. You will strengthen your negotiating position by improving your financial … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: 10 Secrets to Selling Your Home: #5-#1 - 07/07/09 10:19 AM
July 7, 2009
Here are the top 5  secrets of 10 (check last weeks blog for #6-#10) to selling your home. 
They are from a recent article I found on HGTV's website under the Real Estate section: http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/10-best-kept-secrets-for-selling-your-home/index.htmlThey are some great, practical tips.  Take one idea, take a couple, take them all if you really want to make your house a "hot item"!
Selling Secret #5: Don't over-upgradeQuick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won't get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: 10 Secrets for Selling Your Home: Countdown #10-#6 - 06/30/09 09:56 AM
June 30, 2009
This is a recent article I found on HGTV's website under the Real Estate section: http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/10-best-kept-secrets-for-selling-your-home/index.htmlThey are some great, practical tips.  Take one idea, take a couple, take them all if you really want to make your house a "hot item"! Selling Secret #10: Pricing it rightFind out what your home is worth, then shave 15 to 20 percent off the price. You'll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids - even in the worst markets - and they'll bid up the price over what it's worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don't want to … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: When to Take a Walk - 06/29/09 11:28 AM
Monday, June 29Your agent calls to say he is bringing prospective buyers to see your home at 2:00 p.m. You quickly straighten up the house and run the dishwasher. What should you do then? If you have to let them into the house--then take a drive or walk the dog!Many owners think they should linger close by while their home is being shown. They are afraid that the real estate agent might miss the storage shelves in the basement or forget to point out the beautiful new floor in the kitchen. It is better for the agent to miss something than … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: What Would Mamma Think: Tips For Selling Your Home - 06/22/09 10:25 AM
June 22, 2009
There's no doubt about it--the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell.Your kitchen doesn't need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The first step toward enhancing your kitchen's appeal is a thorough cleaning. This includes scrubbing the walls, cabinets (inside and out), floors, and appliances. Keep the counter tops as clear as possible of small appliances and gadgets. Consider low-cost improvements which can make a big … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Expenses To Expect When Selling Your Home - 05/07/09 09:44 AM
 May 7, 2009
Check out this comprehensive list  I found from www.frontdoor.com to get a better idea on how much it will really cost you to sell your house.
When selling your home, it pays to look at the complete financial picture so you are ready to deal. Make a list of the costs of selling your house including:
Realtor CommissionThere's a 4 percent to 7 percent commission on the sale price of the house if you opt to go with an agent. Usually this rate is between 5 percent and 6 percent, but it can go as high as 10 … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: A Joke That Rings Some Truth - 04/29/09 09:59 AM
April 29, 2009
Here's a funny for your Wednesday from http://realestatejokes.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php
Realtor to First Time Homebuyer: First you folks tell me what you can afford, then we'll have a good laugh and go on from there.
Yeah it's funny, but I do find it to be true too!  Many times when folks are looking for their first home they have unrealistic expectations of what they can afford.  They might be able to roughly calculate what their monthly mortgage would be for houses they think they can afford, but oftentimes they are leaving out other monthly costs associated with buying a home.  … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Ryan Vaught's New Chico Home Listing: Nice Student Investment Property - 04/21/09 10:56 AM
April 21, 2009Very Cute Craftsman Style 1913 Home- Close to Campus! Very Cute-Very Clean-A Must See! Best CSUC investment property on the market! Market rent is $1100. Short walk to campus from this very cute home-approximately 1/2 mile from north side of campus. Home has been recently remodeled, has new counter tops, paint, and much more. You will not find a cleaner college rental. Great solid home, zero maintenace yard, and immaculate inside.
1210 N CEDAR ST Chico, CA 95926  $215,000

Home Features:Very Close to CampusLarge Craftsman Style PorchNew Kitchen CountertopsNew Paint on Exterior and InteriorMud Room with Indoor Washer and … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: 8 Ingredients To Successfully Selecting a Contractor For Home Remodels - 04/13/09 10:07 AM
Monday, April 13
Maybe you just found that house that's in the perfect location for you but you aren't thrilled about the kitchen.  Maybe it is a good enough price and location that you decide to buy it.  Then, a year or so later you decide to go ahead and remodel the kitchen.  Make sure if you find yourself in a similar place to read on and follow these tips for selecting a good contractor to complete the job.
1. Shop around...don't rush into choosing a contractor.
2. Get references from friends, neighbors and family who have had similar work completed.
… (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Part 2: Considering Buying A Foreclosure? Then Consider These Points - 04/09/09 06:42 AM

April 9, 2009
As promised yesterday, here are some more things you will need to know if you are considering buying a foreclosure. Make sure to check yesterdays points to condsider if you have not already read them.
HLN money expert Clark Howard says, "The key to saving money is you don't look for a house that looks perfect, you look for a house that's a perfect deal that  you can fix up for  not too much money.  You do that and you are going to save yourself a ton."
Considering Buying A Foreclosure? Then Consider These Points:
Be ready … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Considering Buying A Foreclosure? Then Consider These Points - 04/08/09 05:41 AM




April 8, 2009
HLN money expert Clark Howard says, "The key to saving money is you don't look for a house that looks perfect, you look for a house that's a perfect deal that you can fix up for not too much money.  You do that and you are going to save yourself a ton."
Foreclosures in the U.S. are up- nearly 30% from this time a year ago!  The great loss to the folks being foreclosed on brings enormous opportunity to those looking for a good deal.  But---it's not for the weak of heart of the … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: A Joke In Celebration of Monday: My Agent Always Gives 100% - 04/06/09 08:11 AM
April 6, 2009
I thought it was only appropriate to start out with a laugh at the beginning of the week.  I found this funny joke from www.realestatehumor.com :
My Agent Always Gives 100%12% Monday 23% Tuesday 40% Wednesday 20% Thursday 5% Friday------------------Total = 100%!!! Now remember, this is a joke, this is only a joke! ...Well maybe the Friday % has some truth...  
Do you have any funnies to share with us to help brighten our Monday? If so, post it as a comment
Take a look at my market report for today!http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has … (4 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Great Online Real Estate Glossary - 03/24/09 08:32 AM
March 24, 2009
I want to share with you a good real estate glossary on the web.  It has an extensive list of terms with easy to understand definiteons.  If you are a fellow realtor it might serve as a good resource for your clients that are wanting to understand some more real estate "jargon" on their own.  It also works as a good reference.  I have included the link and also the first page of "A" listings in the glossary to show you an example of what it contains.  Hope you find this helpful!
Entire Real Estate Glossary: http://www.frontdoor.com/Home-Finance/Real-Estate-Glossary-A/80
Real … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: 3 Ways to Save Your House From.... - 03/18/09 08:51 AM
 
March 18, 2009
Check Out This Video from WWW.CNN.com to hear some good advice from a  Real Estate expert on the mortgage crisis and three ways you could potentially save your house.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/business/2009/03/17/dcl.llyce.glink.save.house.intv.cnn?iref=videosearch
3 ways to save your house 8:47
Any other good ideas out there???  Please leave a comment and share with us suggestions or idea you may have for people who are risking losing their home.
 
 
Take a look at my market report for today!http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport
Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 8 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any … (0 comments)

ryan vaught real estate: Ryan's New Chico Listing- Great House-Great Location! - 03/17/09 09:12 AM
March 17, 2009
I wanted to share with you a very nice home that I just listed today.  It's a great price at $177/square foot and is in a charming newer neighborhood.  If it looks good from the outside, then you will love what it has to offer on the inside as well!  To see a virtual tour of the house please visit my website: http://www.ryanvaught.com/mls/details/200902109/5-keystone-court-chico-ca

 
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ryan vaught real estate: More Interesting House Facts - 03/12/09 10:35 AM
March 12, 2009
Check out some more interesting and possibly helpful facts as you search for your next home or consider things such as remodeling your existing home:
Most homeowners tend to stay in their homes for about six years. The average bathroom remodel costs $10,500.  They also have the highest return on investment- about 102%. The average kitchen remodel runs nearly $44,00 and can bring a return of about 90%. 13% of previously owned homes are for sale by owner. Most agents agree that the No. 1 reason homes don't sell is price. Always consider any non-negotiable costs associated with … (4 comments)