Dress-up a home to sell.
A great way to add to the style of your home is by adding budget-friendly crown moulding. It is essential to choose the proper style of crown moulding for this do-it-yourself project. Sometimes people hesitate to try crown moulding, because the corners need to be cut at an angle, but with the right advice, it can be an easy project that will help sell your home
Deciding on what designs will compliment your house, regardless of whether they are plain or fancy is a good idea.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thinking of finishing your basement? You should consider the value it will give to your property. This will be great especially if you are thinking of selling your home in the future. Features like family rooms are attractive to buyers.
Come up with a budget. This is very important because this will play a major role in your design plan. There are projects that are cheaper than the others. However, you have to be more realistic if you want to achieve a desirable look for your basement. Bear in mind that you will not only purchase materials, you might need to buy new furniture as well. You should also include labor and unexpected expenses that you might incur during the transformation.
Plan your project. The planning stage is very important. Draw a design plan of how you want the basement to look after you are done with the project. Be as detailed-oriented as you can. What are the colors of the walls? What are the types of drapes do you want? You should also take note of the measurements of the space so that you will be able to purchase the right size of furniture.
See to it that you have a schedule too. When are you going to purchase the materials? When are you planning to start the project? Most importantly, when is it due?
Make the essential preparations. Aside from the budget and the shopping, you should also find out if you need to acquire permit for the transformation of your basement. You can call your local government to ask about this. Normally, you will be asked to secure a permit if there are major changes in the in the floor plan of the property as well as with its major systems like electrical and water lines.
After you have prepared everything, it is time to review your overall plan and make it happen. Empty the room and follow your schedule. if you have prepared everything, you should be able to carry out your plan without a problem.
Come up with a budget. This is very important because this will play a major role in your design plan. There are projects that are cheaper than the others. However, you have to be more realistic if you want to achieve a desirable look for your basement. Bear in mind that you will not only purchase materials, you might need to buy new furniture as well. You should also include labor and unexpected expenses that you might incur during the transformation.
Plan your project. The planning stage is very important. Draw a design plan of how you want the basement to look after you are done with the project. Be as detailed-oriented as you can. What are the colors of the walls? What are the types of drapes do you want? You should also take note of the measurements of the space so that you will be able to purchase the right size of furniture.
See to it that you have a schedule too. When are you going to purchase the materials? When are you planning to start the project? Most importantly, when is it due?
Make the essential preparations. Aside from the budget and the shopping, you should also find out if you need to acquire permit for the transformation of your basement. You can call your local government to ask about this. Normally, you will be asked to secure a permit if there are major changes in the in the floor plan of the property as well as with its major systems like electrical and water lines.
After you have prepared everything, it is time to review your overall plan and make it happen. Empty the room and follow your schedule. if you have prepared everything, you should be able to carry out your plan without a problem.
Sold your home and ready to move. If you decide to hire a moving company to do the moving for you, you will be rewarded with ease and comfort. You will feel relaxed in the whole process; there will be less stress and anxiety. People in the know of these things will help you do the tedious things of packing and loading and unloading. These are experts in moving, so you will not have to worry about you stuffs; they will be handled properly.
And what is more is that these people will help you in the arrangement of your stuffs once they are unloaded. This can make the setting up easier for you. The heavy stuffs can be positioned in their places according to your wish with the help of these expert movers. You will be spared of the sweats and the huffs and puffs of the activity. All you need to do is point to places where you want your stuffs to be positioned; and before you know it, you are done with your moving. Call me for a list of area movers. Scott Larson 608-214-9844
And what is more is that these people will help you in the arrangement of your stuffs once they are unloaded. This can make the setting up easier for you. The heavy stuffs can be positioned in their places according to your wish with the help of these expert movers. You will be spared of the sweats and the huffs and puffs of the activity. All you need to do is point to places where you want your stuffs to be positioned; and before you know it, you are done with your moving. Call me for a list of area movers. Scott Larson 608-214-9844
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
3 Reasons to Sell a Home Soon
What do you tell a client who asks whether to sell a house now or wait? Steve McLinden, real estate adviser with Bankrate.com, offers these three good reasons not to wait, even though the holidays are approaching:
1. The market is improving. Most markets have either turned or are close to turning.
2. All real estate is local. Homes in great locations are always in demand.
3. Spring is coming soon. Many potential buyers are starting their online searches right after the holidays, making mid- to late February a great time to start marketing.
Source: Bankrate.com, Steve McLinden
What do you tell a client who asks whether to sell a house now or wait? Steve McLinden, real estate adviser with Bankrate.com, offers these three good reasons not to wait, even though the holidays are approaching:
1. The market is improving. Most markets have either turned or are close to turning.
2. All real estate is local. Homes in great locations are always in demand.
3. Spring is coming soon. Many potential buyers are starting their online searches right after the holidays, making mid- to late February a great time to start marketing.
Source: Bankrate.com, Steve McLinden
Improve Your Credit Score
Suggestions on what you can do right now
A credit score reflects credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information. Ways to improve a credit score generally include the following:
• Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact.
• Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit." High outstanding debt can affect a credit score.
• Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed. Don’t open accounts just to have a better credit mix. It probably won’t improve your credit score.
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also, don’t close unused cards as a short-term strategy to improve your credit score. Owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your credit score.
Suggestions on what you can do right now
A credit score reflects credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information. Ways to improve a credit score generally include the following:
• Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact.
• Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit." High outstanding debt can affect a credit score.
• Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed. Don’t open accounts just to have a better credit mix. It probably won’t improve your credit score.
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also, don’t close unused cards as a short-term strategy to improve your credit score. Owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your credit score.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
How low should I make my offer? Have your realtor provide you with comps for the area so you have an accurate picture of value, then offer what you want to offer. You never know the situation of the seller or what type of motivation they are under. You hold the checkbook, so you make the call. Just make it an educated call by utilizing the expertise of your realtor.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Improve Your Credit Score
Improve Your Credit Score
Suggestions on what you can do right now
A credit score reflects credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information. Ways to improve a credit score generally include the following:
· Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact.
· Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit." High outstanding debt can affect a credit score.
· Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed. Don’t open accounts just to have a better credit mix. It probably won’t improve your credit score.
· Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also, don’t close unused cards as a short-term strategy to improve your credit score. Owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your credit score.
Know which items can improve credit scores the most
· Paying your bills on time is the single most important contributor to a good credit score. Even if the debt you owe is a small amount, it is crucial that you make payments on time.
· Minimize outstanding debt, avoid overextending yourself and refrain from applying for credit needlessly. Applications for credit show up as inquiries on your credit report, indicating to lenders that you may be taking on new debt. It may be to your advantage to use the credit you already have to prove your ongoing ability to manage credit responsibly.
· Pay your bills and wait. If you do have negative information on your credit report, such as late payments, a public record item (e.g., bankruptcy) or too many inquiries, you may want to pay your bills and wait. Time is your ally in improving your credit scores. There is no quick fix for bad credit scores.
One common question that many consumers have regarding their credit score involves understanding how very specific actions will affect it. However, it is impossible to provide a completely accurate assessment of how one specific action will affect a person’s credit score. For example, someone might ask if closing two of his or her revolving accounts would improve his or her credit score. While this question may appear to be easy to answer, there are many factors to consider. Simply closing two accounts not only lowers the number of open revolving accounts (which generally will improve credit scores), but it also decreases the total amount of available credit. That results in a higher utilization rate, also called the balance-to-limit ratio (which generally lowers scores).
How Long Does It Take to Rebuild a Credit Score?
Actually, you don’t rebuild the credit score. You rebuild your credit history, which then is reflected by your credit score. The length of time to rebuild your credit history after a negative change depends on the reasons behind the change. Most negative changes in credit scores are due to the addition of a negative element to your credit report, such as a delinquency or collection account. These new elements will continue to affect your credit scores until they reach a certain age. Delinquencies remain on your credit report for seven years. Most public record items remain on your credit report for seven years, although some bankruptcies may remain for 10 years and unpaid tax liens remain for 15 years. Inquiries remain on your report for two years.
Suggestions on what you can do right now
A credit score reflects credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information. Ways to improve a credit score generally include the following:
· Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact.
· Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit." High outstanding debt can affect a credit score.
· Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed. Don’t open accounts just to have a better credit mix. It probably won’t improve your credit score.
· Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also, don’t close unused cards as a short-term strategy to improve your credit score. Owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your credit score.
Know which items can improve credit scores the most
· Paying your bills on time is the single most important contributor to a good credit score. Even if the debt you owe is a small amount, it is crucial that you make payments on time.
· Minimize outstanding debt, avoid overextending yourself and refrain from applying for credit needlessly. Applications for credit show up as inquiries on your credit report, indicating to lenders that you may be taking on new debt. It may be to your advantage to use the credit you already have to prove your ongoing ability to manage credit responsibly.
· Pay your bills and wait. If you do have negative information on your credit report, such as late payments, a public record item (e.g., bankruptcy) or too many inquiries, you may want to pay your bills and wait. Time is your ally in improving your credit scores. There is no quick fix for bad credit scores.
One common question that many consumers have regarding their credit score involves understanding how very specific actions will affect it. However, it is impossible to provide a completely accurate assessment of how one specific action will affect a person’s credit score. For example, someone might ask if closing two of his or her revolving accounts would improve his or her credit score. While this question may appear to be easy to answer, there are many factors to consider. Simply closing two accounts not only lowers the number of open revolving accounts (which generally will improve credit scores), but it also decreases the total amount of available credit. That results in a higher utilization rate, also called the balance-to-limit ratio (which generally lowers scores).
How Long Does It Take to Rebuild a Credit Score?
Actually, you don’t rebuild the credit score. You rebuild your credit history, which then is reflected by your credit score. The length of time to rebuild your credit history after a negative change depends on the reasons behind the change. Most negative changes in credit scores are due to the addition of a negative element to your credit report, such as a delinquency or collection account. These new elements will continue to affect your credit scores until they reach a certain age. Delinquencies remain on your credit report for seven years. Most public record items remain on your credit report for seven years, although some bankruptcies may remain for 10 years and unpaid tax liens remain for 15 years. Inquiries remain on your report for two years.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Take good pictures
Why isn’t my home selling? We know, it's the economy, right? Partially, but not completely. Many homes sell within a few months, some in as little as a week. So what is the problem with the houses that don't sell? Ask any home stager, or look through the MLS ( Multiple Listing Services) pictures, and you will find the answer.
Assuming that the home is priced correctly and is in a good location, the reason it remains on the market could lie in the photos posted on the Internet. Since over 80% of potential home buyers begin their searches on line pictures of homes for sale are critical. If the photographs present the home poorly many buyers won't even consider visiting the house in person. The list below highlights just some of the problems displayed in pictures that are costing home sellers thousands of dollars. These examples are from actual listings.
• Too much furniture makes the rooms appear smaller and hides the home's features.
• Outdated or very large furniture. Clutter on kitchen and bathroom counters. (Please put the toothpaste in a drawer).
• Toilet seat left up. Dishes in sink
• A cluttered or messy office, can't even see the desk
• A bed with such huge lumps under the spread that it looked like a body was under it.
• Floral, cowboy, rooster, ivy or any wallpaper design that was from another decade.
• A big screen tv blocking a window.
• A tv left on when photographing the room. It just looks tacky.
Before listing your home look at the home thoroughly to avoid these mistakes
Assuming that the home is priced correctly and is in a good location, the reason it remains on the market could lie in the photos posted on the Internet. Since over 80% of potential home buyers begin their searches on line pictures of homes for sale are critical. If the photographs present the home poorly many buyers won't even consider visiting the house in person. The list below highlights just some of the problems displayed in pictures that are costing home sellers thousands of dollars. These examples are from actual listings.
• Too much furniture makes the rooms appear smaller and hides the home's features.
• Outdated or very large furniture. Clutter on kitchen and bathroom counters. (Please put the toothpaste in a drawer).
• Toilet seat left up. Dishes in sink
• A cluttered or messy office, can't even see the desk
• A bed with such huge lumps under the spread that it looked like a body was under it.
• Floral, cowboy, rooster, ivy or any wallpaper design that was from another decade.
• A big screen tv blocking a window.
• A tv left on when photographing the room. It just looks tacky.
Before listing your home look at the home thoroughly to avoid these mistakes
Monday, January 10, 2011
Home Selling Tip
Home Selling Tip.
Put new comforters on all of the beds.
Comforters are a lot like family heirlooms in that they tend to stick around for a really long time. Pick out some stylish, up to date comforters that fit the ambiance of each room.
Put new comforters on all of the beds.
Comforters are a lot like family heirlooms in that they tend to stick around for a really long time. Pick out some stylish, up to date comforters that fit the ambiance of each room.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I got this from an email from Dave Ramsey
"What an exciting time to be a homebuyer! There's a huge selection, prices are down, and mortgage interest rates have never been lower. Oddly enough, though, house hunters haven't been buying—mostly because they're afraid the market hasn't hit bottom. But most analysts agree that home values will only drop a few more percentage points in most areas—if that. So there's no need to wait for the "official" bottom. If you find a home you're in love with, however, don't get lured into a bidding war. There will be plenty more homes coming on the market at a good price.
"What an exciting time to be a homebuyer! There's a huge selection, prices are down, and mortgage interest rates have never been lower. Oddly enough, though, house hunters haven't been buying—mostly because they're afraid the market hasn't hit bottom. But most analysts agree that home values will only drop a few more percentage points in most areas—if that. So there's no need to wait for the "official" bottom. If you find a home you're in love with, however, don't get lured into a bidding war. There will be plenty more homes coming on the market at a good price.
Monday, January 3, 2011
6 Reasons Sellers should have their home Pre- Inspected
6 REASONS TO HAVE A PRE LISTING HOME INSPECTION!
So you are thinking of putting your home on the market. You have cleaned, decorated, painted the home and manicured the yard. But what about what you can’t see? Many sellers will opt to have a pre-sale home inspection done, prior to putting their property on the market. The benefits are many!
1. You will have a copy of the inspection to make available to buyers when viewing your home. They will feel more confident moving ahead, after reading a report and knowing the condition inside and out.
2. If repairs are needed, you can mark them on the report or include copies of invoices for those repairs. Be sure to get permits and hire qualified contractors, or the buyer will question the repairs.
3. You will save some money by knowing if there is any issue that needs attention. You can get it taken care of BEFORE going on the market. Buyers hire home inspectors after they have agreed on a price. If something comes up, you can’t factor it in to the price, like you would if you inspected prior to listing.
4. You have trust in the inspector you hire, not an inspector the buyer chooses. You have no control over who the buyer hires, and may differ with their opinion or their qualifications.
5. You have control over the contractor and price, should any repair be needed. For example, if it is determined that a new roof is needed now, you get it done on your terms! You can get a 3 tab shingle roof, and the buyer will be happy with a new roof. If the buyer is involved in the decision, they may want the more expensive option of a dimensional roof, or a certain color.
6. In the case of something that looks scary, like an older furnace, having an inspection on file that shows it has been checked and in good working order, may keep a buyer from passing on the home.
Can you see that having an inspection done prior to listing is a good idea for several reasons? The cost of home inspections run anywhere from $250-$500, depending on the size of the property.
So you are thinking of putting your home on the market. You have cleaned, decorated, painted the home and manicured the yard. But what about what you can’t see? Many sellers will opt to have a pre-sale home inspection done, prior to putting their property on the market. The benefits are many!
1. You will have a copy of the inspection to make available to buyers when viewing your home. They will feel more confident moving ahead, after reading a report and knowing the condition inside and out.
2. If repairs are needed, you can mark them on the report or include copies of invoices for those repairs. Be sure to get permits and hire qualified contractors, or the buyer will question the repairs.
3. You will save some money by knowing if there is any issue that needs attention. You can get it taken care of BEFORE going on the market. Buyers hire home inspectors after they have agreed on a price. If something comes up, you can’t factor it in to the price, like you would if you inspected prior to listing.
4. You have trust in the inspector you hire, not an inspector the buyer chooses. You have no control over who the buyer hires, and may differ with their opinion or their qualifications.
5. You have control over the contractor and price, should any repair be needed. For example, if it is determined that a new roof is needed now, you get it done on your terms! You can get a 3 tab shingle roof, and the buyer will be happy with a new roof. If the buyer is involved in the decision, they may want the more expensive option of a dimensional roof, or a certain color.
6. In the case of something that looks scary, like an older furnace, having an inspection on file that shows it has been checked and in good working order, may keep a buyer from passing on the home.
Can you see that having an inspection done prior to listing is a good idea for several reasons? The cost of home inspections run anywhere from $250-$500, depending on the size of the property.
Why write the offer today? Sometimes if you get an offer in quickly, you will be able to get it accepted quickly at a slightly lower price than if you waited and the situation became a bidding war. I've seen this often with REOs (foreclosures). I've won out on many desirable REOs because my client's offer is the first offer, gets put into the computer. "The eary bird gets the worm"
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