Archive for the ‘Newsletters’ Category
Newsletter: February 2012
February 1st, 2012 | 
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Beat The Rush
Thinking about putting your home on the market this year? If so, you’ll want to start gathering information and getting market updates now. The right buyer for your home may already be looking, so if you’re ready to sell now, let’s talk.
Sizing it Right
Rooms that are shy on square footage can present a decorating challenge for homeowners, as can rooms that have square footage to spare. Here are some suggestions to help you solve either dilemma.
Buying or Just Looking?
Pricing your home competitively is the key to getting it off the market sooner — as is not wasting time and energy on the wrong kind of buyer. So who is the right kind of buyer?
Fear of Commitment
Even seasoned homebuyers can sometimes find themselves suffering a case of cold feet after signing an offer to purchase a home. Here are some strategies to help you cope with buyer’s nerves.
Projects for the Pros
Everyone likes to save a few bucks, but when it comes to home repair and renovation, it doesn’t always pay to take the do it yourself approach. below are five projects best left to the professionals.
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Newsletter: December 2011
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Who Needs an Agent?
According to the National Association of Realtors, 85 percent of homeowners are assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home, while 79 percent of buyers purchase their home through a real estate agent or broker. Most buyers and sellers know they need help with their real estate transactions, and here’s why.
Sweet Dreams
Most of us are sleep deprived and overstressed. If you consider yourself to be among the majority, here are some words of advice on how to turn your bedroom into an oasis of relaxation and get a better night’s sleep.
Showing Success
Your home is on the market and generating buyer interest. Congratulations! Now keep that success rolling by avoiding these critical mistakes some sellers make when showing their homes.
Ready for Seconds
Are you thinking about buying your second home? Or your third, fourth or even fifth property? Here are a few signs that you’re ready to make the move to a new address.
Save Your Energy
Lessening your impact on environmental damage is an admirable thing to do, but let’s face it — there’s no better incentive for making your house more energy efficient than saving money every month. Here’s how to do just that.
Read this month’s newsletter here.
Newsletter: November 2011
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Good timing
With U.S. mortgage rates lower than they have been in decades, and homes in many areas offered for sale below previous market value, many people are viewing this as the perfect time to buy real estate.
A Place For Everything
Have you just moved into a new place and are loking for room for all of your belongings? Are you having trouble accommodating all the things you’ve accumulated in your home throughout the years? Whatever your reasons for wanting more storage space are, there are plenty of ways to get it .
Holiday Shopping
If you think there’s little point to hunting for a new home during the holidays, think again. The holiday season can yield some great deals for homebuyers willing to put in the effort at that time of the year. Here’s why.
Price it Right
Pricing your home right is critical for a quicker sale. To help prevent your property from lingering on the market longer than it needs to, avoid the following mistakes many seers unfortunately make when establishing their asking price.
It’s A Lock!
Gone are the days when sellers’ keys hung on pegs in real estate offices. Today it’s sophisticated lockboxes that make your house accessible — and easier to sell.
Read this month’s newsletter here.
Newsletter: October 2011
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As One Door Closes, Another One Opens
In 2010, 37.5 million people changed residences in the U.S. Of these, an estimated 43.7 percent of the movers cited housing-related reasons, such as the desire to live in a new or better home or apartment.
Say “Ahhhh…”
As life grows increasingly stressful, people are increasingly viewing their homes as retreats–and decorating them as such. Bathrooms are often a primary focus, and the rend today is to design a space devoted to relaxing and rejuvenating.
Table Talk
Negotiating the purchase agreement is arguably the most challenging aspect of byiing a home, particularly in markets that favor sellers. To strengthen your position at the negotiating table, consider this advice.
Show Ready
How you live in your home when it’s on the market is different from how you normally live in it. If you’re serious about selling, you need to be prepared for buyers’ eyes at all times.
Stop Loss
Air leaks make your house a less comfortable place to live and a more expensive place to maintain. Here’s how to spot leaks so that you can remedy them, and prevent money from floating out your windows.
Newsletter: September 2011
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Market Down? Buy Up!
Property values are still down in many areas, causing some homeowners to feel they should just stay put until the housing market turns around. Before you resign yourself to sitting and waiting until home values rise again, remember, while your house might not sell for as much as you expect in a “normal” market, the same thing also applies to your dream home. Could now be the time to move “up” in the housing market?
A New Look For Less
It’s a new season; your tastes have changed. You and your significant other are moving in together. There are many reasons why you might want to change the look of a room–or rooms–in your home. But if budgetary concerns are keeping you from doing so, you’ll find solutions here.
Analysis Paralysis
Are you so overwhelmed by the home-buying process that you find yourself unable to move forward? If so, you may suffer from buyer’s paralysis. Luckily this condition can be cured.
Ready, Set, Move
Most buyers, especially first-time buyers, agree that finding a property in ‘move-in ready’ condition is important to them. So, sellers, it’s time to roll up you sleeves and get to work.
Weathering the Storm
From high winds to heavy rains, this country is no stranger to extreme weather. What can you do to help protect your home from storm damage?
Newsletter: August 2011
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Attention Home Shoppers
When it comes to buying a property, the “good old days” are here again! The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) announced that nationwide housing affordability during the first quarter of 2011 rose to its highest level in the more than 20 years since it started being measured.
Inviting Inspiration
Whether you’ve just moved into your very first home and you’re working with a blank canvas, or you’re redecorating your home for the fifth time, coming up with decorating ideas can be a challenge.
Going Local
You may have heard the adage that “every market is different.” But do you know why? Here’s a look at just a few of the may factors that make very real estate market unique.
Mind the Gap
Ideally, you’d always be able to coordinate your closings so that you sell one home and buy the next on the same day. But things don’t always go so smoothly. So what do you do when your closings don’t line up?
Reno Recoup
If you’re considering doing any major outdoor renovations this summer, remember: some projects are better bets than others in terms of recouping expenses when you sell your house.
Newsletter: July 2011
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The Path to Recovery
Even though recent home sales statistics reflect a somewhat irregular growth pattern, they do suggeste a promise of recovery from when sales bottomed out in July 2010.
Tread Softly
Out with the old, in the with new. Carpeting, that is. Are you redecorating? Or preparing your home for sale? Whatever your reasons for installing new carpeting, here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Setting the Stage
Have you discussed with your real estate sales representative the possibility of having your home professionally staged before it goes on the market. Here are four reasons you may consider going this route.
The Personal Touch
The internet has been a boon to both buyers and real estate professionals. But it’s no replacement for personal service. Here’s why you still need a real estate sales representative to walk you through the home-buying process.
Beat the Heat
Hot enough for you? Take these few steps to prepare your house for the hottest weather of the year, and not only will you be more comfortable when the mercury spikes, you’ll save energy and money too.
Newsletter: June 2011
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Let the Moves Begin!
While some businesses wind down in the summer, real estate tends to peak at this time of year. Much of that movement comes from families with children, who are anxious to buy, sell and get settled before the start of the new school year.
Mold Matters
Though it comes in a variety of shades — black, brown, green, and even orange and pink — you certainly don’t want to incorporate it into your decor. Not only is mold unsightly, it can compromise your indoor air quality and result in unpleasant odors and health problems.
Reserving Judgment
Just as you can’t always judge a book by its cover, you can’t always judge a property by its listing price. If you do, you may miss out on a home that is ideal for your needs.
Worth 1,00o Words
With the Internet now playing a significant role in real estates, photographs are an invaluable marketing tool for sellers. And a professional real estate sales representative is the key to getting quality photos — and getting them seen.
Pre-Flight Check List
It’s almost that time of year when many homeowners lock up the house and take off for summer vacation. But locking up isn’t all you should do to prepare your house for your absence.
Newsletter: May 2011
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Local Value
Spring traditionally brings a flurry of real estate activity, and even if you are not planning to move right now, it is always important to be aware of current home values.
A Primer of Trim
You’ve just moved and your new decor lacks that finishing touch that makes it feel like home. Or you’re selling your property and want to lend its interior some of that “wow” factor that snaps buyers to attention Whatever your reasons, adding trim to your decor is a great way to give it a facelift.
Risky Business
When considering selling their homes themselves, many homeowners focus so much on the potential rewards, they often overlook the risks. What are these risks?
The Perfect Fit
Buy too big a home and you could struggle financially; buy too small a one and you might have to move (again) sooner than you’d like So how much home do you need?
The Grass is Greener
You can have a green lawn in more ways than one. Follow these simple eco-friendly lawn care tips for a yard that not only looks great, but also is easier on the environment and your health.
Newsletter: April 2011
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Expert Direction
Is this the right time for you to move? Depending on if you’re buying, selling, or both, you’ll want to find out about the latest home prices — still down in many areas — while monitoring mortgage rates, which are predicted to rise slightly this year.
Painting Possibilities
Applying a new coat of paint to your walls is a great way to breathe new life into a room. But there’s so much more you can do with paint besides just changing colors. Below are some specialty paints you might not be aware of, as well as some ideas and tips on how to use them.
Marketing Materials
When it comes to selling your home, you are an invaluable resource to your real estate sales representative. What can you do to help? Provide these materials to help market and sell your property.
In The Offering
You’ve found the next property you want to cal home and are ready to make an offer. But how do you arrive at an offer price? Here are four key determining factors.
Eat Your Veggies
Is there a plot of earth in your backyard that’s underused? If so, think about using it to plant a vegetable garden. The benefits of growing your own veggies are numerous — and delicious!