Archive for the 'Home Owner Tips' Category
Sell Now? But….but…
Posted by June | Micky | Valerie on February 18th, 2010
I thought this was a very good article from the National Association of Realtors that addresses the issue of why to sell your home now.
4 Reasons to Sell Now
Selling a property in this tough market can seem like a challenge. Here are four factors that actually make this a good time to post a For-Sale sign.
1. Sell low and buy low. Because all property values are down, the sellers’ loss on a property is really only a paper loss because the next property they buy also will be a bargain. If they buy smartly, when prices come back up in a few years, they’ll be in better shape.
2. Down-payment help is widely available. While nothing-down loans have disappeared, it is easy to find down-payment assistance for lower-income and first-time home buyers. Programs vary all over the country, but one good way to find them is to search online for “down-payment assistance programs” and the name of your region.
3. Your uncle has money to share. Besides the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the $6,500 move-up credit, there are an array of energy tax credits that can make home improvements pay off in cash.
4. Good help is available. Really talented real estate practitioners, contractors, and designers are available and eager for business.
Source: McClatchy Tribune, Kate Forgach (02/07/2010)
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READY, SET, STAGE!
Posted by Jana Robison on February 16th, 2010
Are we headed for Broadway?
Not exactly but we are going to look into the art of staging your home.
With over 90% of home buyers searching online for a new home your home must make a great first impression. The first impression is a lasting impression! In a buyers market sellers compete with sellers. If buyers are not impressed what they see online they will move on to the next listing. Ready, Set, Stage! works with you and your Realtor to put your home on the “must see” list for today’s home buyers.
What is Home Staging?
Home Staging is the art of preparing your home to sell. It is not about decorating; Staging creates a lifestyle that buyers are looking for and helps them make an emotional connection to your home. In today’s competing market this is essential.
Why should I Stage my home?
BEFORE
When you make the decision to sell your home it becomes a product. Staging sets your home apart from competing homes on the market. Today’s buyers are looking for “move-in” ready homes. Staging is a marketing tool. When added to your Realtors marketing at plan you have homes that sells faster and for more of the asking price!
AFTER
Contact
Donna Schoby
479-236-6784
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Posted by Jana Robison on February 16th, 2010
Are we headed for Broadway?
Not exactly but we are going to look into the art of staging your home.
With over 90% of home buyers searching online for a new home your home must make a great first impression. The first impression is a lasting impression! In a buyers market sellers compete with sellers. If buyers are not impressed what they see online they will move on to the next listing. Ready, Set, Stage! works with you and your Realtor to put your home on the “must see” list for today’s home buyers.
What is Home Staging?
Home Staging is the art of preparing your home to sell. It is not about decorating; Staging creates a lifestyle that buyers are looking for and helps them make an emotional connection to your home. In today’s competing market this is essential.
Why should I Stage my home?
BEFORE
When you make the decision to sell your home it becomes a product. Staging sets your home apart from competing homes on the market. Today’s buyers are looking for “move-in” ready homes. Staging is a marketing tool. When added to your Realtors marketing at plan you have homes that sells faster and for more of the asking price!
AFTER
Contact
Donna Schoby
479-236-6784
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What New Home Buyers Are Looking For
Posted by Larry Robison on February 5th, 2010
RISMEDIA, January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and overall priorities guiding current and future home improvement projects.
In a speech at the NAHB International Builders Show, Eliot Nusbaum, Better Homes and Gardens Executive Editor Home Design, presented the results of the Next Home Survey along with reported trends from a nationwide network of field editors, the magazine’s Home Improvement Challenge and editorial coverage.
The survey of nationwide potential new home buyers and existing home owners who are planning improvements in the next few months found top priorities to include price, energy-efficiency, organization and comfort.
“Not surprisingly, we continue to see a ‘cents and sensibility’ approach when it comes to buying or improving a home, with practicality and price being top priorities,” said Nusbaum. “Today’s homeowner is also looking for a home that fits the entire family–from a multi-tasking home office, to expanding storage space needs, to a living room that can adapt to advancements in home entertainment and technology.”
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Great Idea for Homeowners At Christmas Time
Posted by Ben Roberts on November 25th, 2009
Many homes look their best at Christmas time. Between the wreaths hung on the windows, lawn Santas, and the plethora of little twinkling lights, your home shines at Christmas time. Why not capture that essence for the future… perhaps when you decide to sell. Here’s some ideas on how to take pictures of your home at Christmas for posterity sake and to put a little more cash in your wallet when it comes time to sell… Read the rest of this entry »
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List My Home During the Holidays? Are You Crazy?
Posted by June Davenport on November 9th, 2009
Most people think that listing their home during the holiday season can’t possibly be a good idea. They want to either take if off the market or wait until next spring to put it on the market. But with the new Tax Credit extension and additions, there’s no a better time to list your home than right now! Here’s 11 Great Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays…
11 Great Reasons To… LIST YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS!
- People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers.
- Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you.
- Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home. Less demand means less money for you.
- Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays.
- Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays so they are more likely to pay your price.
- Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than during regular weekdays.
- Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax purposes.
- January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you must be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market.
- You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the Holidays.
- You can sell now for more money and we will negotiate for a extended occupancy until early next year.
- By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low.
Like these tips? Visit EXIT Impact Team’s website or leave a comment!
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BAD or JUST PLAIN UGLY…..NEED ADVICE ON DECORATING?
Posted by Kim Stewart on October 14th, 2009
If this looks like a room in your house…….I would urge you to re-decorate! Now don’t get me wrong, everyone has a right to live any way they wish and people have different taste, however, if it is your wish to move, you should consider re-decorating your home in order to sell. I personally would offer a FREE consultation to anyone wanting my advice! It is amazing what a little paint and new carpet would do and a few trash bags!! You don’t have to spend a lot of money these days to re-do a room.
I suggest to first, remove all the furniture, replace the carpet with a neutral tone or better yet hardwood flooring. There are a lot of new products on the market that are extremely affordable that actually look like hardwood flooring. The mere fact that it would be easier to keep clean would be enough reason for me to change.
The next thing I would suggest is to paint and not with the cheapest paint you can find. It has been my experience that if you spend a little more up front it will save you in the long run. Lowes or Sherwin-Williams are the experts here but I would suggest again a neutral tone in the off whites or if you dare to be bold a chocolate color. Whatever color you decide, choose at least three colors in the same tone and take home a small sample of each they only cost about $3.00 each and paint an area of about two feet by three feet of each color and let it dry completely before you add a second coat.
Another tip is to paint the trim white. Whatever color you decide to paint, the trim will certainly pop! If you paint your walls white then I can only suggest that you paint the trim an off white color. Plus don’t forget the windows, two inch faux wood blinds are very popular and actually for the most part pretty affordable! If you feel you need more window dressings then check out Bed Bath & Beyond or Pier One and yes even Wal-Mart! Please don’t go over board with fancy smancy drapes, keep it simple!
My final suggestion is that you SHOP and I mean bargain SHOP ! You can find almost anything at a flea market or at an Auction, so look in the paper for the auctions and take a friend with you to keep you grounded. Also check out Wal-Mart and other department stores for sales on furniture.
I hope at least some of this information has been helpful. Watch for more upcoming BAD or JUST PLAIN UGLY pictures!
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15 Simple Open House Tips That Will You Sell Your Home
Posted by Ben Roberts on October 1st, 2009
Open houses seem to be all but dead these days… or so some people would have you think. If you’ve ever driven around Northwest Arkansas on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon you already know that the open house is alive and well. Unfortunately, most open houses don’t get the results the Realtor or the homeowner intended. Here’s 15 Simple Open House Tips That Will Help You Sell Your Home… Read the rest of this entry »
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6 Essential Things Real Estate Contracts Must Have to Be Valid and Enforceable
Posted by Ben Roberts on September 14th, 2009
Laws are complicated… really complicated, and Real Estate Law is more complicated than your average, run-of-the-mill law. Most buyers and sellers never have any training in this type of thing… why would you? Here’s a little help in understanding what makes a real estate contract valid and enforceable in the eyes of the law. It’s a good thing to know if you ever decide to buy or sell a home. Read the rest of this entry »
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Hey, Northwest Arkansas (and the World)! Are Your Online Accounts Safe?
Posted by Nathan Evans on August 27th, 2009
Hey, All,
I ran across this short and to the point article about password security and I thought you might enjoy it. Take a moment to read through common passwords illustrated and then check your own password list. Many of the article comments also contain valuable information!
Remember, having a weak password is just like leaving the door to your house unlocked. Only in order to make that analogy more accurate you must imagine your house sitting in Times Square! Afterall, there are literally billions of people who can access your computer from all over the world!
And if you are considering buying or selling a home (or any other real estate) in Northwest Arkansas give me a call or drop me an email. I can provide a secure lockbock to keep your home safe while it sells and I can access those secure lockboxes on the houses you want to view; all with my password-protected key! Just one of ways I can assist with all of your real estate needs 
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