Yes It's Been A While...

It has been a while since I have posted to this site, but honestly...I have been busy!

Call, text, fax, email, twitter, facebook me....whatever you want to do I am just one click away from helping you find your next property!!!

SHOWING YOUR HOUSE

So you have your house listed on the market...you want to sell, and at the same time you want the most money in return. When your broker calls you to set up a time to show your house...Get it ready with these tips:

1. LEAVE THE HOUSE!!! We don't need extra help in discussing your home- the buyers and sellers typically do not need extra conversation before the house is sold unless you know them personally. That is what your Realtor is for! Please take the family and enjoy your time away from home. We can do our best job and respect our clients confidentiality without the homeowner being there!



2. CLEAN! ~Potential buyers don't want to look at dirty dishes, muddy carpets, or drinks from the night before.



3. Get your pets put up! You may be an animal lover, but buyers don't like to smell or see what could be causing possible unseen damage beneath the carpet!



4. Personal Pictures & Items~ Once again, when we go to show a house we want to showcase the most positive attributes. That task becomes difficult when the clients are busy looking at the wedding pictures, and the kindergarten artwork that could be covering up ice dispenser on the refrigerator!



5. Lighting ~ If you have the opportunity to leave right before the house gets shown then leave every light on, open the curtains, and double check your tidiness! A bright house makes the rooms seem bigger.



6. SMOKERS BEWARE!!! If you are a smoker, please try to kick your habit outdoors and take care of the butts while your home is on the market. Even the strongest air freshener won't be able to hide the smell especially to a Non-Smoking Buyer!

Which room would you rather walk into?

This room has way toooo much going on! First of all people will only remember the clutter, they can't find the carpet to see the color, and the window is covered with piles of junk.

This room on the other hand is painted a calming blue color, the clothes are neatly taken care of giving the impression "If they take care of their clothes this well, they must take care of the house to this extent!" Also the lighting is bright, and there is only one small personal picture that is not distracting from the size or condition of the room!These are just a few tips to help sell your home a little faster, and hopefully get you a little more money in the long run. Remember, LESS is MORE, when trying to show your home to future buyers!

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Overall, kitchens & bathrooms should be spotless.These two rooms alone can sell a home.

• Cabinetsshould be neat and organized. Neutralize odors &clean all mold & mildew.
• Clean all appliances inside and out
• Replace all light bulbs
• Clean floors & light fixtures
• Deodorize disposal, dishwasher, & refrigerator; repair leaky faucets
• Test all electrical outlets
• Unclutter kitchen counters & cabinets
• Clean shower door or replace curtain
• Put out fresh towels on towel racks
• Remove soap residue & lime deposits from sink,shower, & bathtub
• Make sure toilet flushes properly

Get Your Lending Squared Away!

Know your lending limits is key before you even start looking at homes to buy. As the old saying goes, "Your eyes are bigger than your belly." If you start to preview properties in the $250,000 price range but you can only really afford in the area of $100,000 then you will just be teasing yourself.

Tips to do before meeting with your Realtor to view properties:
1. Talk to your lender to see what you would be pre-approved for.
2. Inquire about the types of loans, the interest rates, and paperwork needed once the offer has been submitted.
3. If you are planning on going with an FHA loan, or any other specific loan then you need to know fully what the requirements to the loan are. Some houses won't qualify for an FHA or first time homeowner loan.

So do a little homework before you begin the buying process, it will make everyone's job a little easier when the time comes around to submit an offer. Also it is usually a benefit to have a written pre-approval letter to attach with your Offer to Purchase Contract, it shows the sellers that you mean business, and want to close this deal!

First Time Home Buyers...

As a first time home buyer be sure to keep some things in mind before you find your dream property.

• Is the neighborhood or general area great?
• Is the community value appreciating?
• Does your home have the room & yard space you need for family growth?
• How is the job market in the area and how close are your favorite hot spots?

Once you find the right place, and sign all of the closing documents...unpack & enjoy! Now you have the tough decision of what colors to paint!

The Importance of Curb Appeal !

It is estimated that more than 50% of homes are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. If you stand at a distance from your home, or stop before you fully pull into the driveway think about what most buyers will be looking at. Here are some inexpensive tips that might help sell your home quicker!

Mow & water lawns
Seed bare spots in lawn
Sweep walkways
Remove toys & pick up any litter
Prune shrubs, weed flower beds, & rake leaves
Repair any broken fences, planters, trellises, or walls
Plant shrubs or install fencing to block unpleasant views

As my father always told me... "You never get a second chance to make a first impression!"

Selling Your Home Tip

Walk through your home and try to look through a buyer's eyes. Cracks in the walls, the bold paint color your daughter had to have, squeaky steps, or a torn screen door. These might be things that you overlook, but to a buyer they are thinking dollar signs! "What will that cost to repair?"

So if you take a little time, and spend a little money to fix the minor things, it will bring you a larger return in the long run!