First impressions can often decide whether someone wants to see more of your act, or gong you before the show even starts. To ensure a Chuck Barris "Wow!" instead of a gong of rejection, run through this checklist before your open house:
Plant new flowers, especially up the walkway to your home;
Clear off your front porch;
Burn potpourri (or bake cookies in the morning, then leave them out for your visitors);
Clean! Clean! Clean! (Yes, even the baseboards.);
Place fresh flowers on the dining room table;
Remove all clutter from the house;
Leave every light on and every door open;
Hide the picture of Uncle Dave in his Speedo;
If you have a Realtor, leave the house while buyers are looking at it;
If you are representing yourself, sell the house and the neighborhood, not your astounding card tricks (even the one you filmed for YouTube)
Read 13 more tips on making your house irresistible to buyers!
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
How Much for My House?
Having a tough time selling your home? Consider offering buyers a range of prices instead of just one.
Real estate agents call this strategy Value Range Marketing. It's meant to bring in more potential buyers and prevent seller resentment of a buyer's low-ball offer. Prudential Real Estate introduced the concept to the U.S. real estate market. Its origins are in Australia.
How does Value Range Marketing work? The real estate agent comes up with a price range that encompasses the price the seller wants, the market value of the house and the price buyers might offer. A sample range might be something like $149,000 to $169,000.
The range brings in buyers who, otherwise, would not look at your house, says Joe Farry, vice president of Prudential Manor Homes in Albany, N.Y. If a buyer tells the real estate agent, "My top price is $155,000," and your house is priced at $169,000, your house wouldn't be considered. But with the value range, the potential buyer may come to look at it.
Do buyers go higher than their limit?
"All the time," Farry says. They fall in love with a house and that gives it more value in their eyes.
A price range also keeps sellers in the game who otherwise might drop out in a huff instead of making a counteroffer to a buyer who makes a low-ball offer.
"It takes the hurt feelings out of the process," says Nancy Creech, marketing director for Prudential Carolinas Realty in Raleigh, N.C. "People can be so sensitive ... 'Well, my house is worth more than that.' "
"It kind of takes the emotion out of making an offer," she says. "It opens up that negotiation."
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Real estate agents call this strategy Value Range Marketing. It's meant to bring in more potential buyers and prevent seller resentment of a buyer's low-ball offer. Prudential Real Estate introduced the concept to the U.S. real estate market. Its origins are in Australia.
How does Value Range Marketing work? The real estate agent comes up with a price range that encompasses the price the seller wants, the market value of the house and the price buyers might offer. A sample range might be something like $149,000 to $169,000.
The range brings in buyers who, otherwise, would not look at your house, says Joe Farry, vice president of Prudential Manor Homes in Albany, N.Y. If a buyer tells the real estate agent, "My top price is $155,000," and your house is priced at $169,000, your house wouldn't be considered. But with the value range, the potential buyer may come to look at it.
Do buyers go higher than their limit?
"All the time," Farry says. They fall in love with a house and that gives it more value in their eyes.
A price range also keeps sellers in the game who otherwise might drop out in a huff instead of making a counteroffer to a buyer who makes a low-ball offer.
"It takes the hurt feelings out of the process," says Nancy Creech, marketing director for Prudential Carolinas Realty in Raleigh, N.C. "People can be so sensitive ... 'Well, my house is worth more than that.' "
"It kind of takes the emotion out of making an offer," she says. "It opens up that negotiation."
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Price Is Right
One of the most important steps in the house-selling game is trickier than it appears: Pricing your house to sell. Not pricing it at what you think it's worth, but pricing it according to the current housing market. For this, you will need to think not with your heart but with your acronyms --- your CMA (comparable market analysis) and FMV (fair market value).
A CMA is a compilation of statistics on recent, nearby sales of comparable houses or "comps" (houses with a similar number of bedrooms and baths, similar square footage, etc). Your real estate agent provides the CMA to determine your FMV. In a busy market, this can be unnecessary since the agent (or you) will be able to determine the value based on knowledge of neighboring properties.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
A CMA is a compilation of statistics on recent, nearby sales of comparable houses or "comps" (houses with a similar number of bedrooms and baths, similar square footage, etc). Your real estate agent provides the CMA to determine your FMV. In a busy market, this can be unnecessary since the agent (or you) will be able to determine the value based on knowledge of neighboring properties.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Are you a property pro or a real estate rookie?
With today's real estate market, it's important to stay sharp and play it smart. Take this quiz and bone up on everything from mortgages to staging.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sharing a Vacation House
A second home has been called the ultimate discretionary purchase; it's something that many people would like to have but no one needs. People who own a place at the beach, the lake or in the mountains often are quick to express frustration at not being able to spend more time there. It hardly makes sense to have the expense of a mortgage, upkeep, insurance and taxes for a place you don't use more than a couple of weeks a year.
That's why more and more family members and friends are joining forces to buy a vacation home. It cuts down on the cost, and everyone gets to enjoy a place that's more than just a hotel room. In 1994, a new concept debuted in the United States: fractional ownership of vacation homes. Patterned after fractional ownership of private jets, the concept formalizes the idea of a group of relatives or buddies pooling their resources to buy dream getaways, including chalets with walkout skiing in the Rockies, oceanfront houses or condos, and island properties in the Caribbean and Europe, often with resort-style amenities including on-site restaurants, fitness clubs, golf courses and a concierge service.
How It Works
Ownership is usually divided into fourths, eighths, 13ths, whatever, with each owner having an equal number of days a year to use the unit. Owners buy their shares from a management company, which handles maintenance and scheduling everyone's time.The more fractions sold in a fractional ownership property, the more it resembles a time share. Both can be bought as deeded properties (some time shares are now sold as club memberships instead of time in a specific unit), and can be rented out, shared with family and friends, sold or left to someone in a will.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
That's why more and more family members and friends are joining forces to buy a vacation home. It cuts down on the cost, and everyone gets to enjoy a place that's more than just a hotel room. In 1994, a new concept debuted in the United States: fractional ownership of vacation homes. Patterned after fractional ownership of private jets, the concept formalizes the idea of a group of relatives or buddies pooling their resources to buy dream getaways, including chalets with walkout skiing in the Rockies, oceanfront houses or condos, and island properties in the Caribbean and Europe, often with resort-style amenities including on-site restaurants, fitness clubs, golf courses and a concierge service.
How It Works
Ownership is usually divided into fourths, eighths, 13ths, whatever, with each owner having an equal number of days a year to use the unit. Owners buy their shares from a management company, which handles maintenance and scheduling everyone's time.The more fractions sold in a fractional ownership property, the more it resembles a time share. Both can be bought as deeded properties (some time shares are now sold as club memberships instead of time in a specific unit), and can be rented out, shared with family and friends, sold or left to someone in a will.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Take These Pointers When Buying a Second Home
Buying a second home has become one of the fastest growing trends in the United States. In fact, more than 30 million Americans are expected to enter the second home market within the next decade. It can seem like a daunting task, but with a few essential steps you can learn how to turn buying your second home into a sane, reasonable venture.
Assess Your Lifestyle
Think about what spot you love the most and the amount of time you will be spending in your vacation home.
If this house will be for weekend getaways, anything more than two hours may seem like a long trip.
Condos have relatively low maintenance, making them a good option for those using their homes one season a year, or for those who want a place farther away from their primary home.
When considering a condo, find out whether you can live with the homeowners association rules.
With a single-family home, you will have more privacy but you'll have to handle all the maintenance.
Many hotels are now providing rooms as condominium hotel rooms. These offer all the services of a hotel, but yet you're still able to benefit from the appreciation of that property over time.
Choose a Location
The best way to spot the up-and-coming neighborhoods is to drive around the area that you like, and go farther out; the homes in these areas will likely see their value increase as well.
Find out from local people how the town has changed, what's being built and what types of people are moving to the area.
Pick up the local paper to obtain information about political issues, tax issues and more.
Visit your vacation spot during each season to get a good idea of what it's like year-round.
If you might retire in your second home one day, make sure that there is quality, accessible health care nearby and that the environment is both safe and affordable.
Find out if there are enough places to pick up part-time work if you want or need to.
It's always important to check out the weather, especially if you plan to use for all seasons.
Think beyond the price tag of the home:
Check out the area public schools.
Consider neighborhoods just off the beaten path.
Rent two or more years in a row to get the true flavor of a place.
Do a test drive to the location at peak times, look for alternate routes.
And, finally, ask yourself the following:
Do I love one spot?
Do I have enough time?
Is it close enough?
What can I afford?
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Assess Your Lifestyle
Think about what spot you love the most and the amount of time you will be spending in your vacation home.
If this house will be for weekend getaways, anything more than two hours may seem like a long trip.
Condos have relatively low maintenance, making them a good option for those using their homes one season a year, or for those who want a place farther away from their primary home.
When considering a condo, find out whether you can live with the homeowners association rules.
With a single-family home, you will have more privacy but you'll have to handle all the maintenance.
Many hotels are now providing rooms as condominium hotel rooms. These offer all the services of a hotel, but yet you're still able to benefit from the appreciation of that property over time.
Choose a Location
The best way to spot the up-and-coming neighborhoods is to drive around the area that you like, and go farther out; the homes in these areas will likely see their value increase as well.
Find out from local people how the town has changed, what's being built and what types of people are moving to the area.
Pick up the local paper to obtain information about political issues, tax issues and more.
Visit your vacation spot during each season to get a good idea of what it's like year-round.
If you might retire in your second home one day, make sure that there is quality, accessible health care nearby and that the environment is both safe and affordable.
Find out if there are enough places to pick up part-time work if you want or need to.
It's always important to check out the weather, especially if you plan to use for all seasons.
Think beyond the price tag of the home:
Check out the area public schools.
Consider neighborhoods just off the beaten path.
Rent two or more years in a row to get the true flavor of a place.
Do a test drive to the location at peak times, look for alternate routes.
And, finally, ask yourself the following:
Do I love one spot?
Do I have enough time?
Is it close enough?
What can I afford?
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Repair Everything In Your Home!
Discover the fun and the function of fixing things around your home by clicking here.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Happy Tuesday!
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Clean and Green
Here's a collection of natural cleaning formulas, concoctions and witches brews. MOST are safe and nontoxic, with a few exceptions which are clearly noted. Use the ingredients listed below when making your own alternative cleaners, most are inexpensive and you probably already have many of them in your kitchen cupboards. All can be found at your local supermarket, natural food store or drugstore.Used individually or combined, these cleaners are safe, effective and cost-efficient.
Click here :0)
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Click here :0)
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A view from the top!
One of the best things about living in Florence, is that no matter where you are, you are surrounded by beauty. (And I have the pictures to prove it!)
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Strategies for Selling a Vacant Home
As the real estate market continues to stabilize, sellers may find that their property remains on the market significantly longer than the days of “list today, sold tomorrow.” There is also more competition for buyers. So, it can be frustrating to put your home on the market, expecting a fast sale, only to find that after six months you’re still waiting for an offer. This is especially true if you need to move quickly and leave your unsold home vacant.
Besides creating a marketing challenge, a vacant home can also be a target for vandalism. Here are strategies you can use to hasten a sale and protect your property during the process.
· Instead of producing a spacious appearance, an empty room tends to look smaller than a furnished room. So, leave behind a few select pieces of furniture and keep the window treatments in place. A chair or lamp on a small table will confer a sense of scale and help potential buyers gauge whether their furniture will fit the space.
· If you decide to remove the furniture, have the house cleaned and painted. Furniture, rugs and decorations tend to hide or minimize imperfections. When furniture and artwork have been removed, every blemish and bruise becomes accentuated, faded paint and wallpaper become more noticeable and scratches and nicks stand out.
· Repaint brightly and boldly colored rooms to a neutral tone. What was an eye-popping room when fully-furnished may appear stark and small when empty.
· To thwart unwelcome visits, give the house a lived-in look. Set a couple of lamps on timers, and ask a neighbor or friend check on the house daily to collect mail, park a car in the driveway, and close and open drapes and windows. Continue using a gardening service or hire someone to cut the grass regularly. During the winter months, arrange to have snow shoveled from the walks and driveway.
· If available, consider employing a home manager or house sitter. At little or no cost to homeowners, the house is furnished and decorated for show-to-sell condition. Most companies require home managers to mow the lawn, shovel snow, even pay pool maintenance and utilities. Having someone living on site discourages vandalism, protects against deterioration and weather hazards and may even reduce insurance costs. (Check with your insurance carrier.)
· Leave the utilities connected. Depending on the season, make sure the thermostat in the house is set at a comfortable level. You don't want a potential buyer to run through the home because it is too hot or cold.
· Review your homeowner's insurance policy with your insurance agent to find out what the stipulations and coverage pertain to your vacant home.
· Find a real estate professional with experience selling vacant houses. Often, these sales professionals specialize in relocation. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with your lines of communication. If you will be residing in another town, come up with an agreement on how often your representative will check on the home and what should be done if a problem develops.
Although a vacant house presents certain challenges, it does not need to be difficult to sell.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Besides creating a marketing challenge, a vacant home can also be a target for vandalism. Here are strategies you can use to hasten a sale and protect your property during the process.
· Instead of producing a spacious appearance, an empty room tends to look smaller than a furnished room. So, leave behind a few select pieces of furniture and keep the window treatments in place. A chair or lamp on a small table will confer a sense of scale and help potential buyers gauge whether their furniture will fit the space.
· If you decide to remove the furniture, have the house cleaned and painted. Furniture, rugs and decorations tend to hide or minimize imperfections. When furniture and artwork have been removed, every blemish and bruise becomes accentuated, faded paint and wallpaper become more noticeable and scratches and nicks stand out.
· Repaint brightly and boldly colored rooms to a neutral tone. What was an eye-popping room when fully-furnished may appear stark and small when empty.
· To thwart unwelcome visits, give the house a lived-in look. Set a couple of lamps on timers, and ask a neighbor or friend check on the house daily to collect mail, park a car in the driveway, and close and open drapes and windows. Continue using a gardening service or hire someone to cut the grass regularly. During the winter months, arrange to have snow shoveled from the walks and driveway.
· If available, consider employing a home manager or house sitter. At little or no cost to homeowners, the house is furnished and decorated for show-to-sell condition. Most companies require home managers to mow the lawn, shovel snow, even pay pool maintenance and utilities. Having someone living on site discourages vandalism, protects against deterioration and weather hazards and may even reduce insurance costs. (Check with your insurance carrier.)
· Leave the utilities connected. Depending on the season, make sure the thermostat in the house is set at a comfortable level. You don't want a potential buyer to run through the home because it is too hot or cold.
· Review your homeowner's insurance policy with your insurance agent to find out what the stipulations and coverage pertain to your vacant home.
· Find a real estate professional with experience selling vacant houses. Often, these sales professionals specialize in relocation. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with your lines of communication. If you will be residing in another town, come up with an agreement on how often your representative will check on the home and what should be done if a problem develops.
Although a vacant house presents certain challenges, it does not need to be difficult to sell.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Moving With Children
Moving is an exciting time full of commotion that can be tough on everyone, including the
children. The impact the move will have on kids usually is age-related. Babies, toddlers and young children tend to deal well with moving, while adolescents may resent and resist the move. Here are a few timeless tips that may help all families on the move:
Clearly explain why you’re moving. Children like to be in the loop and talking to them about the move, what it means and what it will entail can help limit move-related anxiety.
Familiarize the children with the new location by providing them with exciting information about the area. Some useful tools include maps, news stories and pictures. Highlight some of the location’s points of interest that you think your children will appreciate, like an amusement park or nearby lake.
Make sure everyone has packed and clearly labeled their most-used items and keep these items easily accessible. For a small child, this could include a few favorite toys or a security item. Older kids may not be able to survive without certain electronics or favorite clothing items.
Moving Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers typically are easy to move, but they also can become confused or scared. Consider the following tips for them:
· Pack their rooms last and keep favorite toys and other must-haves close at hand.
· Try to stick to established routines like lunchtime and naptime.
· Once in the new house, young children may need to be reminded about which household appliances are dangerous and other safety precautions or rules they learned at the previous house.
Moving Preschoolers and School-Age Children
Kids this age can get excited about moving and may be eager to help. If you’re moving with school-age children, consider the following tips:
Let the children help pack their own rooms and once you’re in the new house, let them help decorate and arrange their new rooms.
Locate the recreational facilities and children’s group activity centers. Once you’re in the new location, enrolling your children in group activities can help them quickly make new friends.
Moving Adolescents
Adolescents are deeply involved in their social network. Child development experts suggest these kids receive news of the move as soon as possible. They will need more time to get used to idea and to say good-bye to their friends. Some other tips to consider:
Spend time together getting to know the new area by driving around and noticing what other kids are doing and wearing. Discuss how you can help your child “fit in.”
If your child is a senior in high school, some child-development experts suggest letting the child stay behind to finish the school year. These experts emphasize that this decision only makes sense if your child’s living conditions will be appropriate and safe.
Moving is an exciting time when families tend to work together to make sure the adventure goes smoothly. Your real estate professional has helped many families move and is a great resource for more information about moving with children.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
children. The impact the move will have on kids usually is age-related. Babies, toddlers and young children tend to deal well with moving, while adolescents may resent and resist the move. Here are a few timeless tips that may help all families on the move:
Clearly explain why you’re moving. Children like to be in the loop and talking to them about the move, what it means and what it will entail can help limit move-related anxiety.
Familiarize the children with the new location by providing them with exciting information about the area. Some useful tools include maps, news stories and pictures. Highlight some of the location’s points of interest that you think your children will appreciate, like an amusement park or nearby lake.
Make sure everyone has packed and clearly labeled their most-used items and keep these items easily accessible. For a small child, this could include a few favorite toys or a security item. Older kids may not be able to survive without certain electronics or favorite clothing items.
Moving Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers typically are easy to move, but they also can become confused or scared. Consider the following tips for them:
· Pack their rooms last and keep favorite toys and other must-haves close at hand.
· Try to stick to established routines like lunchtime and naptime.
· Once in the new house, young children may need to be reminded about which household appliances are dangerous and other safety precautions or rules they learned at the previous house.
Moving Preschoolers and School-Age Children
Kids this age can get excited about moving and may be eager to help. If you’re moving with school-age children, consider the following tips:
Let the children help pack their own rooms and once you’re in the new house, let them help decorate and arrange their new rooms.
Locate the recreational facilities and children’s group activity centers. Once you’re in the new location, enrolling your children in group activities can help them quickly make new friends.
Moving Adolescents
Adolescents are deeply involved in their social network. Child development experts suggest these kids receive news of the move as soon as possible. They will need more time to get used to idea and to say good-bye to their friends. Some other tips to consider:
Spend time together getting to know the new area by driving around and noticing what other kids are doing and wearing. Discuss how you can help your child “fit in.”
If your child is a senior in high school, some child-development experts suggest letting the child stay behind to finish the school year. These experts emphasize that this decision only makes sense if your child’s living conditions will be appropriate and safe.
Moving is an exciting time when families tend to work together to make sure the adventure goes smoothly. Your real estate professional has helped many families move and is a great resource for more information about moving with children.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Friday, September 5, 2008
Preparing Your Home for a Successful Open House
Buyers are drawn to homes that appeal to their senses. This is important to remember when preparing your home for an Open House. Through sight, sound and smell, buyers should leave your home with a lasting impression. Here are some tips to showcase your home in the best-possible light.
Exterior
Start outside by inspecting the front of your home from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Do the windows need cleaning? Be sure to remove oil stains from the driveway.
Next check the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Tidy around the grill area.
Interior
Now focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell and lighting are key. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum the carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Your kitchen and bathrooms should pass the white glove test. Be conscious of any lingering odors such as smoke, pets or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the Open House. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal or even baking chocolate chip cookies. And don’t forget to empty all trashcans.
Next, set the mood. You want buyers to be able to picture your home as their own. Consider rearranging the furniture so that rooms look more spacious. Add accessories from rooms with too many furnishings to those that appear bare. Look at your countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the tops of your bureaus. Do they seem cluttered? Clear away and store as much as possible. The idea is to make your home appear spacious.
Lighting is also an important factor in creating an inviting atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all the drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights. Make sure all the light sockets have working bulbs and install the maximum-wattage bulb that is safe for that fixture. For rooms that you want to have a warm, cozy feeling, use softer lights.
Don’t forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lighted candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining room table with color-coordinated table settings.
An Open House is a terrific way to show your property to many people in a short amount of time. However, keep in mind that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious and the most cheerful. So, don’t rely on buyers to use their imagination. Help them capture it. Work with your real estate professional to get more tips on creating an unforgettable home.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Exterior
Start outside by inspecting the front of your home from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Do the windows need cleaning? Be sure to remove oil stains from the driveway.
Next check the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Tidy around the grill area.
Interior
Now focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell and lighting are key. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum the carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Your kitchen and bathrooms should pass the white glove test. Be conscious of any lingering odors such as smoke, pets or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the Open House. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal or even baking chocolate chip cookies. And don’t forget to empty all trashcans.
Next, set the mood. You want buyers to be able to picture your home as their own. Consider rearranging the furniture so that rooms look more spacious. Add accessories from rooms with too many furnishings to those that appear bare. Look at your countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the tops of your bureaus. Do they seem cluttered? Clear away and store as much as possible. The idea is to make your home appear spacious.
Lighting is also an important factor in creating an inviting atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all the drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights. Make sure all the light sockets have working bulbs and install the maximum-wattage bulb that is safe for that fixture. For rooms that you want to have a warm, cozy feeling, use softer lights.
Don’t forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lighted candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining room table with color-coordinated table settings.
An Open House is a terrific way to show your property to many people in a short amount of time. However, keep in mind that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious and the most cheerful. So, don’t rely on buyers to use their imagination. Help them capture it. Work with your real estate professional to get more tips on creating an unforgettable home.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Five Tips for a Green Home
Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being “green” with these five tips:
Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.
Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.
Seal Up
Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won’t shrink or crack, creating less waste.
Use Less Water
Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.
Adjust the Thermostat
When adjusting your home’s thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a “greener” place.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.
Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.
Seal Up
Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won’t shrink or crack, creating less waste.
Use Less Water
Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.
Adjust the Thermostat
When adjusting your home’s thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a “greener” place.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Can You Afford That House?
Before you start searching for your dream home, you first need to determine a price range you can afford. According to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), depending on the consumer’s current debt ratio, most people can typically afford to pay 31 percent of their gross monthly income for mortgage payments. For example, if you earn $50,000 annually, then your monthly income is about $4,167. Thirty-one percent of that is $1,292.
There are several online tools to calculate a monthly mortgage you can afford using factors such as your current monthly expenses, down payment and the interest rate. You can also work with a lender to get pre-qualified for a loan. This estimate will help you gauge how much money you may be able to borrow and the monthly mortgage payments.
However, the amount you are able to afford for a home loan should not be your only consideration for determining your price range. With homeownership come other housing expenses.
Utilities
The most obvious of additional housing expenses are utilities—gas, electricity and water. But don't forget about telephone, trash collection, and cable or satellite bills.
Taxes
As a property owner, you are responsible for property taxes. The rate will vary from city to city. In our community, the tax rate is (insert %) percent. That means for a home with a market value of $200,000, yearly taxes will run (insert dollar amount). To get a general idea on how much the tax bill will be for a property, ask the seller for a copy of the previous year's tax assessment. Your real estate professional can help you refine these figures.
Association Dues
Another cost you may incur is homeowner association (HOA) dues. Most condominiums and some (residential developments/subdivisions/neighborhoods) have HOAs, which are legal entities, created to maintain common areas and enforce deed restrictions. As a property owner, you are required to pay the established monthly or annual homeowner association dues. Be sure you factor this cost into your budget.
Maintenance
You also need to consider the upkeep of your home. You should budget for seasonal maintenance such as lawn care, pest inspections and carpet cleaning, as well as unexpected repairs. The amount you budget will depend on the age of the home, as older homes tend to require more repairs such as installing a new roof, painting and replacing older appliances.
Insurance
Depending on the type of coverage and your area, the costs for homeowners insurance each year can be anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. And, if you live in an area that has high risks for flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., you may need supplemental insurance.
Remodeling/Upgrades
Unless the home you purchase is picture perfect, you’ll more than likely be adding your personal touch. Therefore, you need add to your housing budget the costs for remodeling and upgrades. According to “Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average for a midrange minor kitchen remodel is $21,185; a bathroom remodel averages $15,789.
Even minor cosmetic fix-ups such as light fixtures, window treatments, carpeting and decorative cabinet knobs can begin to add up.
By determining all the costs associated with homeownership, you can go into your home search with a reasonable price range that will allow you stay within your budget.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
There are several online tools to calculate a monthly mortgage you can afford using factors such as your current monthly expenses, down payment and the interest rate. You can also work with a lender to get pre-qualified for a loan. This estimate will help you gauge how much money you may be able to borrow and the monthly mortgage payments.
However, the amount you are able to afford for a home loan should not be your only consideration for determining your price range. With homeownership come other housing expenses.
Utilities
The most obvious of additional housing expenses are utilities—gas, electricity and water. But don't forget about telephone, trash collection, and cable or satellite bills.
Taxes
As a property owner, you are responsible for property taxes. The rate will vary from city to city. In our community, the tax rate is (insert %) percent. That means for a home with a market value of $200,000, yearly taxes will run (insert dollar amount). To get a general idea on how much the tax bill will be for a property, ask the seller for a copy of the previous year's tax assessment. Your real estate professional can help you refine these figures.
Association Dues
Another cost you may incur is homeowner association (HOA) dues. Most condominiums and some (residential developments/subdivisions/neighborhoods) have HOAs, which are legal entities, created to maintain common areas and enforce deed restrictions. As a property owner, you are required to pay the established monthly or annual homeowner association dues. Be sure you factor this cost into your budget.
Maintenance
You also need to consider the upkeep of your home. You should budget for seasonal maintenance such as lawn care, pest inspections and carpet cleaning, as well as unexpected repairs. The amount you budget will depend on the age of the home, as older homes tend to require more repairs such as installing a new roof, painting and replacing older appliances.
Insurance
Depending on the type of coverage and your area, the costs for homeowners insurance each year can be anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. And, if you live in an area that has high risks for flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., you may need supplemental insurance.
Remodeling/Upgrades
Unless the home you purchase is picture perfect, you’ll more than likely be adding your personal touch. Therefore, you need add to your housing budget the costs for remodeling and upgrades. According to “Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average for a midrange minor kitchen remodel is $21,185; a bathroom remodel averages $15,789.
Even minor cosmetic fix-ups such as light fixtures, window treatments, carpeting and decorative cabinet knobs can begin to add up.
By determining all the costs associated with homeownership, you can go into your home search with a reasonable price range that will allow you stay within your budget.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Home-price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are six common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not understanding the homebuying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (www.hud.gov) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home-buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home-shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional, etc. Likewise, Prudential Real Estate’s popular Web site, prudential.com/realestate, offers consumers brand-new tools for the homebuying process, such as free home environmental reports, Value Range Estimates and Property Profiles, among other resources.
2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the homebuying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don’t hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step—from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what’s going on.
3. Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too long to make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal.
4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to so get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance (PMI) and maintenance.
5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For instance, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you’ll be relocating in a few year, you’ll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double-income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments?
6. Failure to focus on location. Don’t just focus on the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well-maintained, close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it’s time to sell.
Above all, remember knowledge is key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
1. Not understanding the homebuying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (www.hud.gov) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home-buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home-shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional, etc. Likewise, Prudential Real Estate’s popular Web site, prudential.com/realestate, offers consumers brand-new tools for the homebuying process, such as free home environmental reports, Value Range Estimates and Property Profiles, among other resources.
2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the homebuying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don’t hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step—from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what’s going on.
3. Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too long to make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal.
4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to so get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance (PMI) and maintenance.
5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For instance, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you’ll be relocating in a few year, you’ll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double-income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments?
6. Failure to focus on location. Don’t just focus on the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well-maintained, close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it’s time to sell.
Above all, remember knowledge is key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
Monday, September 1, 2008
Should Buyers Use a Real Estate Professional?
With just the stroke of a few keys, you can find myriad resources on the Internet to help you in your search for a new home. Besides property listings, you can find out about specific communities, schools and mortgage options. Prudential Real Estate has made three great resources – Environmental Profile, Property Profile and Value Range Estimate – available on prudential.com/realestate that provide detailed real estate information just by keying in a U.S. property address. With this wealth of information at your disposal, do you really need a real estate professional to represent you? Absolutely. Think of it this way, when you go to an unfamiliar place, sure you could do a self-guided tour. However, your tour is much more rewarding and enriching when you have someone who is familiar with the location to guide you along because he or she has inside knowledge on the history, culture and stories that you may not have otherwise received. The same can be said about sales professionals. Their role is more than someone to drive you around from property to property. They can be a great resource, especially to homebuyers relocating from other communities. He or she knows the local area including home values, taxes, utility costs, and school data, and may even be knowledgeable about resources pertaining to your special interests or needs. For instance, should you require help relocating an aging parent with you, your real estate professional may be able to direct you to local services or organizations for the elderly. A sales professional can familiarize you with the processes involved in buying a home, alert you to potential risks, help you determine how much house you can afford, explain alternative financing strategies, as well as provide tremendous moral support. Another benefit is having a strong advocate during the negotiating process. Sales professionals can help you objectively evaluate an offer then work to negotiate a favorable contract. During the process, he or she will review the contract and obligations before you sign, explain how contingencies and release clauses work, and so on. And something easy to overlook is our familiarity with the complexity and risks inherent in the process. In the years I have been practicing I have been continually amazed at how quickly a seemingly simple transaction can grow legally complex and risky. When complex questions arise, a sales professional can help you quickly locate an attorney or other licensed professionals whose services you may require, such as home inspectors, engineers, surveyors and lenders. As your single point of contact, a sales professional can manage the entire transaction including coordinating inspections, keeping in touch with the other real estate professionals, managing the documentation for the loan process, monitoring deadlines associated with contingencies, providing applicable paperwork, estimating closing costs, and helping prepare for a smooth and uneventful closing. If you’re about to begin the process of buying or selling a home, consider involving a real estate professional. When the stakes are high, it’s comforting to have a specialist by your side.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com
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