sharon: 8 Tips For Getting The New Home You Want In a Competitive Market
- 03/27/16 09:04 PM
Late last year, eager homebuyers lined up overnight at a new-home community in the Dallas suburb of McKinney, TX to get first crack at a new phase release. Shades of pre-recession days when campouts for new homes were common? In the mid 2000s, we bought a new home in a popular California suburb that became so in-demand, the builder started splitting phases in half to accommodate larger price increases per phase. The homes that sold at the tail end of the community were $150,000 more than those purchased in the first phase.
Are we headed there? Maybe not. There have been a … (1 comments)
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sharon: 5 Ways to Freshen Up Your Home For Spring
- 03/24/16 03:01 PM
It may still be snowing in some parts of the country, but spring is almost here. Before the flowers start budding outside, refresh the inside of your home to give your interior spaces that springtime glow.
Bring the outdoors inside
Adding fresh plants or flowers to an otherwise ho-hum space can spice things up in the blink of an eye. Even if you don't have a garden full of fresh flowers to choose from, greens make a lovely addition to your living room, or even an eye-catching centerpiece for your dining room table. Better Homes and Gardens suggests gathering a few fresh fern … (1 comments)
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sharon: Poor Communications Can Lead to Transaction Problems
- 03/24/16 02:58 PM
During the past few weeks I have participated in Realtor® meetings where, during open discussion, members spoke with considerable concern about a growing lack of civility among agents engaged in transactions. No one predominate cause was suggested as the source of this phenomenon, though a good deal of blame was directed to the fact that, nowadays, agents who are counterparts in the same transaction are often likely not to know each other, not to see each other, or to become acquainted during the course of the transaction. They may not even converse with each other on the phone.
To an increasingly greater … (0 comments)
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sharon: Acoustic Panels: Beautiful Sound Solutions
- 03/23/16 10:38 PM
If the "must have" list for your new home, recreational property, or office includes hardwood flooring, large windows, high ceilings, open-concept design, and lots of marble and granite, you may be shopping for trouble…sound-wise, that is.
These sought-after, high-end features can add up to noisy, distracting spaces. They look great, but are hard on the ear and, therefore, on conversation, hearing, relaxation, and sleep.
Sound design is no longer restricted to concert halls, sound studios, and restaurants. The trend to "must have" sound spaces in our homes -- theaters, media rooms, music practice space, gyms, studios -- requires professional attention beyond interior design. … (0 comments)
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sharon: Smartphones, Tablets and Hybrids: What Devices Do You Need?
- 03/23/16 09:38 PM
It can be difficult to stay on top of your game and ahead of other real estate agents when technology is constantly changing. However, updated technology makes the purchasing process more advanced and intuitive when working with your clients. Before deciding on what technology you want to purchase, consider the following points:
Should You Consolidate or Expand Your Devices?
Since devices are able to handle more and more tasks, you might think that real estate agents are consolidating the number of devices they use. However, recent trends show that professionals and consumers in mature markets are expanding the number of devices they use. … (1 comments)
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sharon: How Trulia & Zillow can ruin your business 2
- 03/05/16 06:23 AM
Travis, Simon, Connor
Friday I was told that my on line trulia would and did have my cell phone number. Instead it still has same bad number on all 25 plus mobile trulia listings. Travis, you read me the contract I signed with zillow that states zillow is not responsible for damages done by in correct information put on agent's page.
There may be an attorney who can refute this. It has been 16 days since I have been trying to get this remedied. On monday if my phone number is still going to a message saying basically I am out of Business … (1 comments)
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sharon: Change For The Better In Your HOA
- 02/28/16 06:46 AM
Boards of homeowner associations are often challenged to change the status quo for the better. A common scenario includes a newly elected board that promises to start enforcing rules or architectural policies. Problem is, there are HOA members that like it just fine the way it is and they loudly resist the board's proposed changes. If certain board members are single minded about forcing change, the resulting brouhaha will take center stage, the goals moved to the peanut gallery and little accomplished other than ruffling feathers. Flexibility is the key to success. Consider the following observation:
"What prevents human beings from successfully … (2 comments)
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sharon: 5 Front Yard Landscaping Tips That Will Wow Home Buyers
- 02/28/16 01:37 AM
Your front yard is the red carpet inviting buyers into the beauty that is your home. If it's rugged, messy and unkempt, buyers will take one look and then keep on driving to the next property on their list. Don't let that happen by making your front yard luscious and as amazing as the inside of your home.
What areas should you focus on in your front yard? Where do you start? To help you break down the revitalization of your front yard, here are the steps you should take:
1. Cut the grass.
Buyers don't want to trudge through high grass as though … (2 comments)
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sharon: How To Know If Your Home Is Making You Sick?
- 02/28/16 01:14 AM
Between flu season and spring allergies and surprise summer colds, it can be difficult to stay healthy. But what if the biggest culprits aren't high pollen counts or people who don't cover their mouths when they sneeze? It could be that your house is making you sick.
"Toxins, pesticides, gases, mites, and molds are everywhere, and the more you're exposed to them, the greater your risk for developing the health problems they can cause," said WebMD.
And the numbers are a bit staggering. According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, "More than 30 million homes have … (1 comments)
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sharon: Increase Your Living Space With A Converted Garage
- 02/17/16 04:46 AM
Out of room and looking for a way to create more usable space at home? You might not need to move or add on. Look to the garage, where the ideas for what you can create with a space you already have are endless.
"The solution to your need for more space may already be attached to your house," said Bob Vila. "Converting an existing garage is less expensive than building an addition—and it's a lot less complicated too! Remaking your garage into an extra bedroom, den, or kids' playroom can improve not only the resale value of your home but also … (0 comments)
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sharon: Is Your Furnace Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?
- 02/17/16 04:30 AM
The push to make our houses as energy-efficient as possible has, in some cases, led to unintended consequences. Because modern houses are less drafty due to tighter-fitting windows, doors and weather stripping, pollutants that were vented in the past are trapped inside. Most of the pollutants are relatively harmless, but some can be dangerous, and they all contribute to what some people call "sick house syndrome."
"Pollutants" is a broad term, and can include things like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and viruses, as well as gaseous pollutants like tobacco smoke and the off-gassing from paints, cleaning products and some building … (0 comments)
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sharon: How To Keep From Going House Poor
- 02/16/16 07:45 PM
The only thing worse than not being able to buy a home when you want to is owning a home and not being able to do anything but sit inside because after your house payment, HOA fee, taxes, and household bills, there's nothing left.
A few smart strategies can help you avoid becoming house poor.
Think hard about that preapproval amount
Just because the bank tells you that you can buy a $400,000 home doesn't mean you have to spend all $400,000. It might be that you're not comfortable with a payment that high if it means you won't have a cushion and can't … (2 comments)
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sharon: Shared Equity: Helping Family Members Buy Their House
- 02/09/16 02:46 AM
Your son and daughter-in-law want to purchase their first house, but their income will not carry the mortgage. There are a number of ways you can help them out. This column will focus only on a concept known as "shared equity".
This is an arrangement where you -- as investors -- own a portion of the property with your children. Under a shared equity arrangement, there generally are two separate entities. You (and your spouse, if applicable) would be considered the owner-investors, and your son and daughter-in-law would be considered the owner-occupants. The four of you would take title to the property. … (0 comments)
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sharon: 10 Ways To Cut Costs While Building A Pool
- 02/09/16 02:20 AM
Having a pool can be one of the most enjoyable parts of homeownership, but building it can be an expensive undertaking. "If you're planning to install a pool, be prepared to open your wallet," said US News. "PK Data reports that the average cost of a residential in-ground swimming pool was $39,084 last year."
If you want a pool without the high price, there are ways to keep costs down:
1. Get multiple bids
Talking to only one company gives you no point of reference. You'll want to compare at least three bids from three different companies while you're deciding who is going to … (1 comments)
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sharon: Open House Sign Rules Are Frequently Disobeyed
- 02/09/16 02:03 AM
Because open houses are an important part of the real estate business, it follows that open house directional signs are an important part of the real estate business. Yet, while open houses are not particularly controversial, a great deal of controversy centers around open house signs. (For purposes of this discussion open house signs refers to off-site open house directional signs.)
It may come as a surprise to many real estate agents -- especially new ones -- that many people do not like open house signs. They especially do not like forests of open house signs. The second surprise in this regard … (0 comments)
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sharon: 5 Eco-Friendly Innovations to Help You Live Green in 2016
- 01/27/16 03:22 AM
With the Paris Climate Agreement closing out 2015, 2016 promises to be a year for major acceleration of environmental policy changes and green living trends. Demand for home roof solar paneling grew 70 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting record growth in recent months, Fortune reports. The Solar Energy Industries Association expects this trend to continue into 2016, projecting growth of 25 to 50 percent across all solar markets this year.
Improved energy storage, better asset management and smarter technology will make 2016 a pivotal year for solar. Smart home energy management technology and increasing competition among electric car … (2 comments)
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sharon: How Does Foreclosure Impact On Tenants
- 01/27/16 03:11 AM
You have been renting a single family home, and have just been notified that your landlord has not been paying his mortgage, and the house will soon be foreclosed. What should you do? Will you suddenly be thrown out on the street?
Not necessarily, but there are some things which you should do -- and do immediately.
The letter you received advising you about the pending foreclosure probably came from the lender's attorney. You should call that lawyer, and ask several questions:
1. when and where will the foreclosure sale take place?
2. can you start making your rent payments to the lender, or putting … (0 comments)
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sharon: What Does Your Personality Say About Your Home buying Future?
- 01/26/16 04:43 AM
You found what you think is the right house. The bank approved you. The lender secured your loan with just five percent down. You've got your closing costs together and you've lined up your movers. But are you really making the right move?
Turns out, a simple personality test might help you figure it out.
A study titled "Real Estate and Personality" from the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics shined a light on the relationship between personality and buyer decisions, suggesting "that a person's personality traits are predictive of his or her real estate decisions" said Lakeside Real Estate Group. "Researchers gave … (0 comments)
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sharon: Capital Gains: The Stepped Up Basis
- 01/25/16 11:53 PM
If you are married, and file a joint income tax return, the tax laws allow you to exclude up to $500,000 on any gain you make on the sale of your principal residence. There are some basic rules (conditions) which must be met, the most important is that you must have owned and lived in the house for two out of the last five years before the sale. This is referred to as the "ownership and use" test.
If you are single -- or widowed -- you can only exclude up to $250,000 of your profit.
At first blush, this seems unfair -- … (2 comments)
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sharon: Does Having A Gym In Your Home Add Value To Your Home?
- 01/25/16 11:04 PM
It's that time of year of again. Seemingly everyone is dedicating the next few days, weeks, and months to getting in better shape. That being said, traditional gyms are absurdly crowded right now and will most likely be for the next few months.
So how about just building one in your home? Sounds expensive and it probably will be as exercise equipment is both pricey and difficult to move. That being said as a society we are very unhealthy and many of us are overweight. To combat this there has been a plethora of movements to help prevent obesity. One such movement … (3 comments)
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Late last year, eager homebuyers lined up overnight at a new-home community in the Dallas suburb of McKinney, TX to get first crack at a new phase release. Shades of pre-recession days when campouts for new homes were common? In the mid 2000s, we bought a new home in a popular California suburb that became so in-demand, the builder started splitting phases in half to accommodate larger price increases per phase. The homes that sold at the tail end of the community were $150,000 more than those purchased in the first phase.
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