Most people think of their pets as family. You take extra care to make moving as stress-free as possible for your kids, right? Then you need to do the same for your pets. Experts agree that pets thrive on routine. Routine and moving don't seem to go together, but there are ways to make the transition a bit easier on you and your pet.
The first step is to visit your current veterinarian. If you are moving out of the area, be sure to request your pet's medical files, this way your new vet will know of any conditions your pet has been treated for and when they'll be due for their next vaccinations. Be sure that if your pet is on any medications, that you'll have enough of the needed prescriptions to last until you visit your new vet.
Check out where the pet stores and vets are in your new area. The last thing you need is to run out of food or have an emergency as you are moving in and don't know where to go. Ask your Realtor if you are unfamiliar with the area. If you have to stay the night in a hotel, make sure you check ahead for a pet friendly environment, or you may want to board your pet until you are moved in.
Update your pet's ID tags with your new address or phone number. If you have a cell phone, use that number. That way, you can always be contacted if your pet is found.
Does your pet ever not have his/her collar and ID tag on? Then maybe it would be a good idea to have your pet micro chipped. Imagine how devastated you and your family would be if your pet wandered away from the new house and got lost! The microchip is a small device implanted just under a pet's skin. This can be read by the SPCA and vets and you can be contacted to pick up your lost pet. The Humane Society says, "Microchips provide an extra level of protection in case your pet loses his collar and tags." The cost is relatively inexpensive, especially when you consider that one chip can last up to 25 years.
When you are packing up boxes, your pet knows something is up - no matter how dumb you think they are. They begin to get stressed out and when stressed, they act in ways that are not normal for them. If you don't have a pet area that is out of the way, then create one before packing. Make sure to keep movers and extra boxes out of this area and put their food, toys, litter box (if appropriate) and bed here. Make it a "safe" zone for them by playing with them here, also. This will keep their routine going.
Once you move, set up another "safe" zone for them with the same items in this area that you had in your old house. Try to keep your routine the same - feed at the same time, walk them at the same time, play with them at the same time. Keep everything as much like the old house as possible.
Follow these steps and it will be no time at all that your pet is as settled in as your are - probably even sooner than you!
Sharon Sapp, e-Pro Realtor® and CGRN® Specialist
For Old Fashioned Service with Today's Results!
Century 21 Call First
www.YourRealtor4Pa.com
Mailto:Sharon.Sapp@Century21.com
Office: 610-898-6255 Cell: 484-955-1075; Fax: 610-921-5729
I will treat the referrals you give me just like they were family!
Clean it up! Here are 5 ways to take care of that!
Sellers always need to keep in mind that when they are selling their home, they need to pretend the house is no longer theirs and look at it as if they were going to buy it themselves. First, ask yourself "How would I feel when I walk in here and it's not my home? Would I need to clean from top to bottom, what about the floors or the windows? What about the bathrooms?" Most people forget how important the answers to those questions really are. There is just so much to do in preparation to move to a new home, that sometimes, you don't see the obvious, and that just may be the ONE thing that will get your house sold.
It's not until the home sits on the market for long periods that sellers realize something has to change. Sometimes it's the marketing, sometimes it's the price, and sometimes it's the fact that the home that's being shown isn't clean enough. Yes, a clean home shows better and there are five ways to make yours sparkle from roof to baseboards.
Hard to Reach Windows/Skylights. Sometimes if you have windows above eye-level, or skylights or a wall of windows, you forget that others look at these features. After all, weren't they part of the reason you bought your house to start with? If you can't reach them on your own with a ladder, it is an investment you are making in your future. Clean windows and skylights let in natural light and the more light that is in your home, the better it shows. If you are tackling this chore on your own, do not do it on a sunny day. The sun dries whatever you are using to clean the windows much faster than on a cloudy day and it can lead to streaks. You really don't want to have to do this chore more than once, do you?
Bathrooms. Does your toilet have hard water stains? Do you have kids that might "miss" the bowl and get on the toilet seat? Nothing turns off buyers more than a dirty bathroom or kitchen. If you've have an older toilet, give it a good inspection and be sure to check under the lid. Buyers sometimes use your toilet when they're looking at your home and nothing is worse than seeing rust stains and other unsightly marks. Double check your sink(s). Do they have dried toothpaste in the bowl? Buyers won't care if you brushed your teeth this morning, but they will care if you left them a reminder that you did. Same with the tub. Don't leave rings to show that you bathed. Buyers don't care.
Baseboards and Walls. Many articles talk about putting a fresh coat of paint on your walls, but you may not have to do that. If the paint isn't chipped or too worn, you may be able to get away with a good wipe-down instead. Using a wet, mildly soapy cloth you can scrub the baseboards and walls to make them look like they've had a fresh coat of paint, You also might want to try Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser that I think works really great on walls and baseboards. They help take the grime off nearly everything. You don't have to spray anything on the surface you're going to clean; just wet the eraser and wipe off the marks. Be sure to get the baseboards and get down to kids' level and wipe off the marks where they place their fingers while walking down the hall, around light switches or up the stairs. When buyers see homes that are scoffed and worn like that, they may think it's an indication that the home might not have gotten the care it needed for the bigger things too-such as furnace, disposal, plumbing, electrical wiring, etc. Some buyers believe that if attention to detail is lacking here, it will be lacking throughout the house.
Floor Tile. When you're showing your house, many Realtors will ask the buyers to take off their shoes but some buyers won't. Some Realtors won't ask them to, either. This, however, can lead to very dirty flooring and grout. The tile and the condition of the grout will matter to most buyers should they decide to make an offer. Keep in mind that buyers typically will submit an offer many times lower than the cost to remedy the situation. For a few $$ and some elbow grease to "spiff up" your house, any offer you get will be that much higher.
Closets, Cabinets, Computer areas. "Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Don't have so much junk stuffed inside closets and cabinets that everything comes crashing down on potential buyers when they open them to have a peek. Additionally, it gives the impression that the closets are too small and there is not enough storage room in the home.
A little cleaning and preparation before you market your home will help show buyers that you've cared for the house and that could be just the signal a buyer needs to make an offer.
Here's a hint. If you have small children, make it a contest. List all the chores you want them to do each morning; like pick up their toys, put the cap back on the toothpaste, etc. Give them a small token or coupon for each chore they do without you asking them to. Once they collect, say 10 of these, they get a treat. Maybe a McDonalds happy meal, a movie or whatever would incent them. Is it a bribe? You betch! Does it work? You betcha! Not only that, but it makes them feel like a part of something that is happening in their lives that otherwise, might be a bit intimidating.
It's exciting looking for that "perfect" home when you first start out. Then it gets frustrating. Why? There is no such thing as the "perfect" house. Most buyers will eventually get 85% of what they are looking for. The trick is to separate your "needs" from your "wants", then how can you change the home you're looking out to meet all your "needs".
Read on to see how to do that!
It used to be that internet savvy buyers would spend a few weeks looking and learning, and then once they targeted their desired area/price/style, they’d view a handful of homes, maybe 3-5, submit an offer, get into escrow and actually close escrow within about a month. Now if you’ve done your pre-homework and gone to see 10 homes, and still haven’t found what you want, it’s time to change your criteria and your expectations. This number includes homes you’ve scoped out from the outside, then found out there are multiple offers over list price. A few ideas on how to tweak your search and achieve success: 1. A huge number of people want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath. What about 1 ½ bath, or even 1 bath with a floorplan which would allow you to add a 2nd bath? Many of these homes are overlooked and therefore the competition for these is lower. 2. What about 2 bedrooms with a den, or a larger dining area which could be converted? Do you really need a 3rd bedroom or would another arrangement work just as well? 3. What is it about the neighborhood you’re looking in that you like so much? What other areas or pockets within other neighborhoods could be just as nice? 4. Can you live without a garage, or build one later? What else can you really live happily without? 5. If you’ve been asking for the seller to pay your closing costs and keep getting beat out on offers, STOP! Think of another way to get that money or spend a few months saving up. If you’re a VA buyer, we Americans appreciate your service to our country but the reality is, you’re up against cash and conventional offers who are NOT asking for closing costs. Same holds true for FHA buyers. 6. Ask yourself: do I want a deal or do I want a house? The “sale” is nearing an end in many locations and the discounts have already been taken. Be glad that prices are 50% off the high of the market! 7. How much fix-it work can you reasonably do yourself? Have you considered an FHA 203K rehab loan? That way you can start looking at many of the cash-only homes, and bypass lots of the competition. If you’re looking for the perfect home, it doesn’t exist. Ask anyone who’s built their own—they still wish they’d done a few things differently. If you can get 80-90% of what you want, that’s terrific. Happy home searching to you!Barb Fischer San Diego, CA 619.339.1396
It used to be that internet savvy buyers would spend a few weeks looking and learning, and then once they targeted their desired area/price/style, they’d view a handful of homes, maybe 3-5, submit an offer, get into escrow and actually close escrow within about a month.
Now if you’ve done your pre-homework and gone to see 10 homes, and still haven’t found what you want, it’s time to change your criteria and your expectations. This number includes homes you’ve scoped out from the outside, then found out there are multiple offers over list price.
A few ideas on how to tweak your search and achieve success:
1. A huge number of people want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath. What about 1 ½ bath, or even 1 bath with a floorplan which would allow you to add a 2nd bath? Many of these homes are overlooked and therefore the competition for these is lower.
2. What about 2 bedrooms with a den, or a larger dining area which could be converted? Do you really need a 3rd bedroom or would another arrangement work just as well?
3. What is it about the neighborhood you’re looking in that you like so much? What other areas or pockets within other neighborhoods could be just as nice?
4. Can you live without a garage, or build one later? What else can you really live happily without?
5. If you’ve been asking for the seller to pay your closing costs and keep getting beat out on offers, STOP! Think of another way to get that money or spend a few months saving up. If you’re a VA buyer, we Americans appreciate your service to our country but the reality is, you’re up against cash and conventional offers who are NOT asking for closing costs. Same holds true for FHA buyers.
6. Ask yourself: do I want a deal or do I want a house? The “sale” is nearing an end in many locations and the discounts have already been taken. Be glad that prices are 50% off the high of the market!
7. How much fix-it work can you reasonably do yourself? Have you considered an FHA 203K rehab loan? That way you can start looking at many of the cash-only homes, and bypass lots of the competition.
If you’re looking for the perfect home, it doesn’t exist. Ask anyone who’s built their own—they still wish they’d done a few things differently. If you can get 80-90% of what you want, that’s terrific. Happy home searching to you!
Barb Fischer
San Diego, CA
619.339.1396
With the changes to FHA guidelines and the tax credit deadlines, anyone thinking of buying a home this year should act now. I hate when people push me to make a decision before I'm ready, but potential buyers could end up spending thousand of dollars more if they wby waiting. Contact me to see if now could be the right time for you.
ONE THING EXPERIENCE TEACHES US IS THAT, JUST BECAUSE A PERSON IN AUTHORITY SAYS SOMETHING, DOESN'T MAKE IT TRUE. EXAMPLE: HUD Secretary Donovan, in announcing the details of the changes to FHA financing, states: "The new policies are designed to strengthen the FHA's capital reserves so we can continue to fulfill our mission of serving underserved communities." The changes include: Increase the up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to 2.25%; Update credit score and down payment requirements for new borrowers; Reduce seller concessions to three percent, from six percent; and Implement a series of significant measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement. 1. Assuming HUD/FHA employs actuaries, the actuaries had to know that, due to increased MIP payouts, the FHA insurance fund was approaching a dangerous level and the MIP needed to be increased. Why did the request for an increase in MIP wait until the fund was in default??? If the MIP had been brought up to where it was before being reduced to 2.25% or 2.75%, the fund could have been replenished over the past year or two without going into default. IN 1990, THE UPFRONT MIP WAS, I believe 3.8%. "o If this authority is granted, then the second step will be to shift some of the premium increase from the up-front MIP to the annual MIP." By shifting the upfront MIP (which can be financed) to annual MIP, which adds to each monthly mortgage payment, more home buyers will be disqualified. Mr. Donovan states further that: "In addition, we were determined that these changes should support, not disrupt, the nation's housing market recovery." 2. It defies logic that proposals to increase the cash needed by home buyers can do anything but disrupt the nation's housing market recovery by reducing the pool of qualified home buyers with money to close. Higher closing cost will = fewer buyers. 3. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to understand that reducing seller concessions from up to 6% to up to $3%, will reduce the buying pool. For every $100,000 in purchase price, the buyer's cash needs for closing may, depending on the area, increase by 1%. Further, HUD/FHA is, I believe, infringing on the home seller's right to use their assets as they please. How the seller uses their equity is, IMO, none of the government's business. If a buyer requests more than a seller is willing to pay, the real estate industry has a simple process, accept, counter or reject. The appraisal process is the logical check on inflated value to fund closing cost assistance. 4. Lender enforcement. I am interested in lender comments about proposals for lender enforcement. Mr. Donovan writes: "by continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products, FHA will support the housing market's recovery. Importantly, FHA will remain the largest source of home purchase financing for underserved communities." The new higher cash requirements will simply drive prospective home buyers out of the market. Or, make them further reliant on community/county/state programs funded by HUD/FHA designed to provide tax money to further grow government or funnel tax money to politically connected groups. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. "Honey, can't we at least look at homes for sale, our apartment is just to small and expensive". "Why Dear?? Our lender said the new FHA rules mean we need several $Thousand more to buy".
ONE THING EXPERIENCE TEACHES US IS THAT, JUST BECAUSE A PERSON IN AUTHORITY SAYS SOMETHING, DOESN'T MAKE IT TRUE.
EXAMPLE: HUD Secretary Donovan, in announcing the details of the changes to FHA financing, states:
"The new policies are designed to strengthen the FHA's capital reserves so we can continue to fulfill our mission of serving underserved communities."
The changes include:
Increase the up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to 2.25%; Update credit score and down payment requirements for new borrowers; Reduce seller concessions to three percent, from six percent; and Implement a series of significant measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement.
1. Assuming HUD/FHA employs actuaries, the actuaries had to know that, due to increased MIP payouts, the FHA insurance fund was approaching a dangerous level and the MIP needed to be increased. Why did the request for an increase in MIP wait until the fund was in default??? If the MIP had been brought up to where it was before being reduced to 2.25% or 2.75%, the fund could have been replenished over the past year or two without going into default.
IN 1990, THE UPFRONT MIP WAS, I believe 3.8%.
"o If this authority is granted, then the second step will be to shift some of the premium increase from the up-front MIP to the annual MIP."
By shifting the upfront MIP (which can be financed) to annual MIP, which adds to each monthly mortgage payment, more home buyers will be disqualified.
Mr. Donovan states further that: "In addition, we were determined that these changes should support, not disrupt, the nation's housing market recovery."
2. It defies logic that proposals to increase the cash needed by home buyers can do anything but disrupt the nation's housing market recovery by reducing the pool of qualified home buyers with money to close. Higher closing cost will = fewer buyers.
3. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to understand that reducing seller concessions from up to 6% to up to $3%, will reduce the buying pool. For every $100,000 in purchase price, the buyer's cash needs for closing may, depending on the area, increase by 1%. Further, HUD/FHA is, I believe, infringing on the home seller's right to use their assets as they please. How the seller uses their equity is, IMO, none of the government's business. If a buyer requests more than a seller is willing to pay, the real estate industry has a simple process, accept, counter or reject. The appraisal process is the logical check on inflated value to fund closing cost assistance.
4. Lender enforcement. I am interested in lender comments about proposals for lender enforcement.
Mr. Donovan writes: "by continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products, FHA will support the housing market's recovery. Importantly, FHA will remain the largest source of home purchase financing for underserved communities."
The new higher cash requirements will simply drive prospective home buyers out of the market. Or, make them further reliant on community/county/state programs funded by HUD/FHA designed to provide tax money to further grow government or funnel tax money to politically connected groups.
Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.
"Honey, can't we at least look at homes for sale, our apartment is just to small and expensive".
"Why Dear?? Our lender said the new FHA rules mean we need several $Thousand more to buy".
Learn from other's mistakes and don't repeat them if you can help it. Call an experienced Realtor for help.
This list has been written before and will be again, but it's the best advice to anyone thinking of selling their home!
The housing industry kicks into gear after the Super Bowl - there's no good reason for this except why go out in January to do anything? Realtors often say that biggest selling time is spring, which is actually the beginning of February through April/May. So if you are in the position of putting your house up for sale soon, here are some mistakes that could be costly: Pricing Your House Too High - This is the single most important reason why your home won't sell - in any market! This is where a knowledgeable and experienced realtor can help you with comparable homes for sale and sold properties. Not Staging and Repairing - unfortunatley, many of us live with the little idiosyncracies of our houses until we get ready to sell. We think if it was OK for us, it'll be OK for the buyers. Not so - this is the time to get those little things repaired, walls and trim painted, and general decluttering. Waiting for a Better Market - it you need or want to sell, do it now. Some people feel we've gone as low as we can, others feel we have not hit bottom yet. Waiting for the market to rebound is like gazing into a crystal ball - nothing is for certain in this area. Not Getting Good Quality Photos Taken - In the old days, we realtors took home photos ourselves. Guess what - some still do. At Baird & Warner we hire professional photographers for every listing and our home shows are exquisite to view. How do you want someone 1000 miles is going to view your house? Using False Advertising - If your house has 3 bedrooms and a 4th in the basement, call it a 3 bedroom home. That way the buyer will be happily surprised to find the 4th one in the basement, rather than expecting all four to be above ground. If your kitchen was updated in 1995, it's not an updated kitchen! Making Your House Hard to Show - be flexible, leave the house, stay out of the way. Don't put up any restrictions - even a sleeping baby can handle an important showing (with mom quietly in another room.) Don't make your broker accompany showings - other agents and clients are put off by this and would rather view the home alone. Being Offended by Low Ball Offers - Home buyers love to haggle over the price and many feel cheated if they can't get a good negotiation going. Don't turn your nose up at anything - many sellers who have done so have ended up with a new listing price lower than some original offers. Not Making Sure the Buyer is Qualified - again, another job a seasoned Realtor will do for you. Money is still tight and Fannie Mae is tightening qualifications - no offer is any good if the buyer is not qualified. Choosing the Wrong Realtor - how would you know? Ask about experience and local knowledge. Check for their online presence and how they present their current listings. Ask for referals and testimonials. Make sure you get along with your realtor and that you have the same vision. In this marketplace, sellers are often on their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th realtor. Don't let that happen to you. The one who gives you the highest price for your home is suspect. Good luck to you as we go headlong into 2010 (!) Please contact me for any information regarding buying or selling a home in Chicago's North Shore Suburbs of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe or Northfield. Search the MLS for all homes at: North Shore MLS Margaret Goss GRI, CRS Baird & Warner, Winnetka IL 847-977-6024 (cell) www.CallMargaret.com (website)
The housing industry kicks into gear after the Super Bowl - there's no good reason for this except why go out in January to do anything? Realtors often say that biggest selling time is spring, which is actually the beginning of February through April/May.
So if you are in the position of putting your house up for sale soon, here are some mistakes that could be costly:
Good luck to you as we go headlong into 2010 (!)
Please contact me for any information regarding buying or selling a home in Chicago's North Shore Suburbs of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe or Northfield.
Search the MLS for all homes at:
North Shore MLS
Margaret Goss GRI, CRS
Baird & Warner, Winnetka IL
847-977-6024 (cell)
www.CallMargaret.com (website)
Well, 2010 is underway. What are your new year's resolutions? Is there a new home on the list? If you've been thinking about it, now's the time to see what category you fall into. If you consider yourself a leader, you're just about out of time. Leaders rarely have to say "Gee, I wish I would have..." There are signs that the market is at or near the bottom of the price ladder. The tax credit for first time home buyers ($8,000) and existing home owners ($6,500) requires that you must be under contract by April 30th. Of course, you don't need to get money back but how many of us can afford to refuse thousands of dollars?
Tick, tock the clock is running. Inventory has started dropping meaning there are less homes on the market.
Tick, tock the clock is running. Short sales can take months to get under contract so if you have your eye set on one, you should put in your offer now.
Tick, tock the clock is running. Foreclosures also take some time.
Tick, tock the clock is running. Some sellers, because it was taking so long to sell a home, may not have looked for a new home and there may be a contingency where they need to find a home before settlement.
Ok, you decided you still don't want to make a decision yet. What do you lose out on by waiting and being a follower? (I mean, besides losing out on the tax credit?) I mentioned before that there are signs that the market is at or near the bottom of the price ladder. That means by waiting, you'll probably pay more for your new home. If you currently own a home that you're selling, you may be thinking, "Well, I'll get more for my current home so it's a wash!" Is it really? Are you trading up? If your current home is worth $150,000 now and you think by waiting that you might get $160,000, you'll make $10,000 more, right? Wrong. You'll be paying more dollars on percentage items, like transfer taxes, maybe commission, etc. But wait! Your new home is also going up. Say you were looking at a home currently valued at $200,000. If that home is also valued at 7% more in the future, like your existing home, you'll be paying $213,333 for that new home instead. Like your current home, your percentage items also go up so your closing costs are higher. Title insurance, since it's based on the purchase price, may also go up. What about mortgage rates? We are seeing them slowly creep up but they are still considered low. After April 30th, where will they be? If the economy is rebounding, they will undoubtedly go up. Let's say you mortgage 100% of that new home today at $200,000 for 30 years. An average for a credit worthy buyer is around 5% in my part of the country. That makes the mortgage payment $1,082.45 per month for 360 payments. Let's say, after April 30th, the mortgage rate goes to 6% (still a decent rate) and your mortgage the full amount of the new home of $213,333 for 30 years, your mortgage payment would be $1,206.40. That's a difference of $123.95 for 360 payments or a total of $44,622. Add the tax credit to that and just for waiting, you paid out over $50,000! I don't know about you, but I'd rather have that money in MY pocket!
Tick, tock the clock is running.
Think you can't afford to move up? Maybe, but can you really afford not to? Read this and then decide for yourself.
Have you thought about getting that bigger, better house in a better neighborhood? NOW IS THE TIME! Whether you need more space, want to upgrade your location, or for any other reason, the current real estate market presents a unique opportunity to capitalize by trading up! 5 reasons why this is the best market to trade up! 1. You will make money NOW on the trade! Here's how this works. You currently own a condo that was worth $1,000,000 three years ago, and now it's worth $700,000 (that's right, it's gone down 30%!). You may be thinking, I've lost $300,000, right? Wrong! What you do is go out and sell your condo and purchase the home of your dreams for $1,400,000. That house, three years ago, was worth $2,000,000 and you probably couldn't have afforded it. By buying it now, what you've just done is bought your new home at a $600,000 discount! Just like that, on the trade, you've made $300,000! This doesn't even take into account the money you'll save on property taxes because you're paying taxes on a $1.4M house, and not on a $2M house. 2. ... AND you will make money LATER when you sell your new home! OK you've listened to my advice, bought that new home of your dreams and traded up. YES! Fast forward five years and the real estate market has gone up 20%. Let's take a look at what has happened. Your old condo is now worth $840,000, for a $140K gain over today's value. Your new home is worth $1,680,000, or $280,000 more than when you bought it today. Just like that, you've made an extra $140,000 on the trade! 3. You can likely buy a house you otherwise could not have afforded, and may not be able to afford again! Going back to my example above, you probably couldn't have afforded that $2M house three years ago when you bought your condo. You also may not be able to afford it again in 3 - 5 years when the market rebounds. If you've been dreaming about a bigger home or one in a nicer area, now is really the time to capitalize. 4. It's much easier to trade up in a down market than in an escalating market! I've had clients say that they will trade up when the market "goes back up." Let's take a close look at that. Let's say that 5 years from now, the market is back up 20% from today's values. You then sell your condo for $840,000 and your dream home is now worth $1,680,000. You've gained $140K on your condo (from today's values) BUT your dream home is now worth $280,000 more! That means that, by waiting, you've now spent an extra $140K to buy that house! 5. You'll probably get a better house by trading up in a down market! The current market presents some very unique opportunities. In most areas, inventory is pretty high and buyers have a lot of great choices. By shopping in this market, you can really get the home of your dreams and take your pick of all the inventory available. In most cases, you can get a good deal on a great property in a terrific area. The bottom line is that if you can afford it, now is a terrific time to upgrade! Interest rates remain at historic lows and there is plenty of financing available. --------------------------------------------------- Specializing in Los Angeles area residential real estate, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana and more! Hire me or send me a referral because I have a defined and proven plan of action that I follow every day to help my clients achieve their real estate goals! --------------------------------------------------- DANIEL DIMA BATSALKIN Principal Broker | C.E.O. | Boulevard Realty 310.933.4281 | dima@blvdrealty.com www.blvdrealty.com
Have you thought about getting that bigger, better house in a better neighborhood?
NOW IS THE TIME!
Whether you need more space, want to upgrade your location, or for any other reason, the current real estate market presents a unique opportunity to capitalize by trading up!
5 reasons why this is the best market to trade up!
1. You will make money NOW on the trade!
Here's how this works. You currently own a condo that was worth $1,000,000 three years ago, and now it's worth $700,000 (that's right, it's gone down 30%!). You may be thinking, I've lost $300,000, right? Wrong!
What you do is go out and sell your condo and purchase the home of your dreams for $1,400,000. That house, three years ago, was worth $2,000,000 and you probably couldn't have afforded it. By buying it now, what you've just done is bought your new home at a $600,000 discount! Just like that, on the trade, you've made $300,000! This doesn't even take into account the money you'll save on property taxes because you're paying taxes on a $1.4M house, and not on a $2M house.
2. ... AND you will make money LATER when you sell your new home!
OK you've listened to my advice, bought that new home of your dreams and traded up. YES! Fast forward five years and the real estate market has gone up 20%. Let's take a look at what has happened. Your old condo is now worth $840,000, for a $140K gain over today's value. Your new home is worth $1,680,000, or $280,000 more than when you bought it today. Just like that, you've made an extra $140,000 on the trade!
3. You can likely buy a house you otherwise could not have afforded, and may not be able to afford again!
Going back to my example above, you probably couldn't have afforded that $2M house three years ago when you bought your condo. You also may not be able to afford it again in 3 - 5 years when the market rebounds. If you've been dreaming about a bigger home or one in a nicer area, now is really the time to capitalize.
4. It's much easier to trade up in a down market than in an escalating market!
I've had clients say that they will trade up when the market "goes back up." Let's take a close look at that. Let's say that 5 years from now, the market is back up 20% from today's values. You then sell your condo for $840,000 and your dream home is now worth $1,680,000. You've gained $140K on your condo (from today's values) BUT your dream home is now worth $280,000 more! That means that, by waiting, you've now spent an extra $140K to buy that house!
5. You'll probably get a better house by trading up in a down market!
The current market presents some very unique opportunities. In most areas, inventory is pretty high and buyers have a lot of great choices. By shopping in this market, you can really get the home of your dreams and take your pick of all the inventory available. In most cases, you can get a good deal on a great property in a terrific area.
The bottom line is that if you can afford it, now is a terrific time to upgrade! Interest rates remain at historic lows and there is plenty of financing available.
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Specializing in Los Angeles area residential real estate, including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, Studio City, Encino, Tarzana and more!
Hire me or send me a referral because I have a defined and proven plan of action that I follow every day to help my clients achieve their real estate goals!
DANIEL DIMA BATSALKIN
Principal Broker | C.E.O. | Boulevard Realty
310.933.4281 | dima@blvdrealty.com
www.blvdrealty.com
There are lots of deals in Real Estate these days, but the deals are a result of the initial lower list price - not a lowball offer from a buyer. The market is slowly changing so now is the best time for a buyer to truely get a good deal!
Now is a great time to buy real estate. I was quoted 3.75% on a 7/1 ARM today (great if you are putting a lot down and plan to move in 5 years or less), and 30 year fixed are getting deliciously close to 5%. The high inventory and low prices are all in the buyer's favor. I see homes off 25-30% from their peak in some very nice areas, and even more in some parts. Sellers want to make a deal too, and I am seeing them do things they never would have done even 2 years ago: include furniture, help with closing costs, eating the difference in low appraisals, and even agree to significant repairs. All this points to a strong buyer's market. Yet some buyers are frustrated. Why? Because all this talk in the media has them thinking that if they offer $400,000 on a gorgeous $500,000 home in a prime location that the seller will fall down and kiss their feet! Worse, when someone outbids them for that gorgeous, well appointed home in a prime location they are perplexed! Prices are down 50% in Shamokin! I should be able to get something in White Plains or Scarsdale for 25% off! Isn't a buyer's market a license to steal? Of course it isn't. A buyer's market isn't a flea market. That $500,000 house was selling for $650,000 4 years ago. That's your discount. If I am your buyer agent, you might get it for $460,000 or $475,000. And the seller may throw in the deck furniture, the snow blower and the breakfront you liked. But a market, by its very definition, is not where theft occurs. It is only a good deal if the seller goes for it. And until we are able to hypnotize the seller, their agent, their lawyer and Uncle Vinny, you aren't gonna raid the neighborhood like an invading Visigoth. Moreover, in those perplexing cases where you are outbid, you have to understand that if you adore a fantastic place that is aggressively priced, then someone else will probably love it too! Hot properties still have a larger audience. So happy househunting for you brave, smart people out there actually looking in earnest, and do remember that a buyer's market is distinct from a hold up. J. Philip Faranda, Broker-owner, J. Philip Real Estate, LLC. 2010 Vice President, Westchester Putnam MLS. Search the MLS like an agent here. Read my short sale bog here. J. Philip Serves Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton, the River Towns, Westchester County, and the bedroom counties of New York City. Reach Phil at (914) 723-8900. Subscribe to 40 Somethings Group.
Now is a great time to buy real estate. I was quoted 3.75% on a 7/1 ARM today (great if you are putting a lot down and plan to move in 5 years or less), and 30 year fixed are getting deliciously close to 5%. The high inventory and low prices are all in the buyer's favor. I see homes off 25-30% from their peak in some very nice areas, and even more in some parts. Sellers want to make a deal too, and I am seeing them do things they never would have done even 2 years ago: include furniture, help with closing costs, eating the difference in low appraisals, and even agree to significant repairs. All this points to a strong buyer's market.
Yet some buyers are frustrated. Why? Because all this talk in the media has them thinking that if they offer $400,000 on a gorgeous $500,000 home in a prime location that the seller will fall down and kiss their feet! Worse, when someone outbids them for that gorgeous, well appointed home in a prime location they are perplexed! Prices are down 50% in Shamokin! I should be able to get something in White Plains or Scarsdale for 25% off! Isn't a buyer's market a license to steal?
Of course it isn't. A buyer's market isn't a flea market. That $500,000 house was selling for $650,000 4 years ago. That's your discount. If I am your buyer agent, you might get it for $460,000 or $475,000. And the seller may throw in the deck furniture, the snow blower and the breakfront you liked. But a market, by its very definition, is not where theft occurs. It is only a good deal if the seller goes for it. And until we are able to hypnotize the seller, their agent, their lawyer and Uncle Vinny, you aren't gonna raid the neighborhood like an invading Visigoth.
Moreover, in those perplexing cases where you are outbid, you have to understand that if you adore a fantastic place that is aggressively priced, then someone else will probably love it too! Hot properties still have a larger audience. So happy househunting for you brave, smart people out there actually looking in earnest, and do remember that a buyer's market is distinct from a hold up.
When someone does something nice for me, it just really makes my day. How do you feel when someone unexpectedly does something nice for you? I try to help where I can and sometimes, those I've helped try to pay me or ask me what I want in return. My standard answer is to "Pass it forward". I believe that if we all can do something nice for someone and ask them to "Pass it forward", many, many people will then have a nice day!.
I don't know if it is a generational thing or not, but it seems to me that people are getting more rude and displaying a lack of courtesy and a lack of kindness more and more each day. When I was raised (born in 1954), I was taught to address my elders by surnames (e.g. Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith), to open doors for women and elderly (and people with strollers or hands full of shopping). I was taught to show up to an interview (whether it was for a job as dishwasher or executive), dressed in suit and tie, with my shoes polished. Maybe it is my imagination (I want to believe that), but it seems like people just don't care about anyone but themselves. I was driving on the freeway the other day and no one would let me change lanes to get around a slow truck, even though I waited with blinker on for some time. I remember another time I was waiting for a parking place and someone rushed right in and took it from me with no apology or remorse (like that scene from Fried Green Tomatoes with Kathy Bates). Sometimes the salesperson will be rude (like I am interupting them for help) with no "thank-you for shopping with us", or apology that they didnt have what you needed. Has America lost the human touch of kindness and courtesy? I personally believe, that most people are kind and courteous. I believe there are a few that show up so loud and rude it takes our breath away......we remember these and forget about the others. We forget about the person who let you go first at a stop sign, or the person that let you on to the freeway. Every so often, there is a person that just blows a hole in the view that its all going out the window. I remember another day when I was crossing a bridge and when I went to pay the toll the toll person said the guy ahead of me paid for it....I couldnt believe it....they were total strangers, I couldnt thank them......so I "played it forward".....and said, please do this for the car behind me, and here is money for the one after that! Moral of the story for me? I think the world needs more kindness and courtesy.....so......let it start with me........what can I do today that will show kindness and courtesy for someone else? Maybe let the person in line for the grocery store go ahead of me (even if they have a whole grocery cart of items), maybe open the door for someone at the store, or hold the door for someone......drop some money in the hand of a person asking for help on the sidewalk, or call a local charity to see if there is something special they need today and pick it up and drop it by......... Roger Hunt Private Mortgage Advisors (an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) Burlingame,CA 94010 650.796.0326 www.rogerhunt.com roger.m.hunt@wellsfargo.com
I don't know if it is a generational thing or not, but it seems to me that people are getting more rude and displaying a lack of courtesy and a lack of kindness more and more each day. When I was raised (born in 1954), I was taught to address my elders by surnames (e.g. Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith), to open doors for women and elderly (and people with strollers or hands full of shopping). I was taught to show up to an interview (whether it was for a job as dishwasher or executive), dressed in suit and tie, with my shoes polished. Maybe it is my imagination (I want to believe that), but it seems like people just don't care about anyone but themselves.
I was driving on the freeway the other day and no one would let me change lanes to get around a slow truck, even though I waited with blinker on for some time. I remember another time I was waiting for a parking place and someone rushed right in and took it from me with no apology or remorse (like that scene from Fried Green Tomatoes with Kathy Bates). Sometimes the salesperson will be rude (like I am interupting them for help) with no "thank-you for shopping with us", or apology that they didnt have what you needed. Has America lost the human touch of kindness and courtesy?
I personally believe, that most people are kind and courteous. I believe there are a few that show up so loud and rude it takes our breath away......we remember these and forget about the others.
We forget about the person who let you go first at a stop sign, or the person that let you on to the freeway. Every so often, there is a person that just blows a hole in the view that its all going out the window.
I remember another day when I was crossing a bridge and when I went to pay the toll the toll person said the guy ahead of me paid for it....I couldnt believe it....they were total strangers, I couldnt thank them......so I "played it forward".....and said, please do this for the car behind me, and here is money for the one after that!
Moral of the story for me? I think the world needs more kindness and courtesy.....so......let it start with me........what can I do today that will show kindness and courtesy for someone else? Maybe let the person in line for the grocery store go ahead of me (even if they have a whole grocery cart of items), maybe open the door for someone at the store, or hold the door for someone......drop some money in the hand of a person asking for help on the sidewalk, or call a local charity to see if there is something special they need today and pick it up and drop it by.........
Roger Hunt
Private Mortgage Advisors (an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.)
Burlingame,CA 94010
650.796.0326
www.rogerhunt.com
roger.m.hunt@wellsfargo.com
Although these hints for selling your home have been stated before, it's always good to be reminded. Here's a list of 10 things you can do to ready your home to put it on the market - either with a Realtor or on your own.
If you would like me to help you with this, just contact me for a free consultation.
Are you getting ready to put your home on the market and want to know what you can do to help your Realtor sell your home? Below are some ideas that will get your house looking neat and ready for potential buyers to walk through. 1. Reduce the amount of furniture you have in a room. You want the home to have a large floor area and all doorways and halls to be open and clear. 2. Get rid of clutter. The photos that you cherish and are hung throughout your home are a distraction to future buyers. They want to imagine themselves in the house and not what kind of family currently lives there. Remove knick knacks from counters and shelves and throw away or hide magazines. Begin packing and store boxes in a storage unit or in your attic or donate to a good cause. 3. Repaint those colorful walls. Create a neutral canvas for buyers, paint walls an off white or light beige color. You may have loved that bright orange in your kitchen and adorable pink in your little girls room, however, it's time to paint and create a generic look for future buyers. Paint is cheap and will make a huge difference when your home is on the market. It will look fresh and clean with a good coat of paint. 4. Organize closets. Buyers want to look in every door and sometimes the cabinets as well. Take a day or two to throw away, donate or pack items that you aren't using. Closets can get very cluttered and you want to show off your storage space as it is a great asset to your home. 5. Put valuables in a safe deposit box or in a hidden safe. Remember that strangers will be coming into your home to view. Don't put your grandma's wedding ring or your rare baseball cards in drawers or counters where people can take them. 6. Make your home sparkle. Keep your home as tidy as possible by vacuuming, dusting, keeping dishes out of the sink, hang fresh towels in the bathroom, get your windows washed, dust fan blades, replace worn out rugs, remove cobwebs. 7. Do the sniff test. If you made fish the night before you may want to open some windows and boil a pot of water with some cinnamon sticks, light a candle or bake some cookies. 8. Do some minor repairs. Fix leaky faucets, replace old grout, put some W2 on squeeky hinges, replace any burnt out bulbs, repair holes in drywall, remove wallpaper, etc. Walk into each room and really look around to see what you can do to repair anything that is visible. 9. Check your curb appeal. The first impression your buyers will have begins before they ever enter your front door. Lure them in with fresh planted flowers, neatly trimmed bushes, green and well manicured lawns, clean sidewalks and patios and clean exterior paint. Make sure your address is easy to read from a car. 10. Recruit your Realtor or best friend to do a walk through and give any advice after you have completed the previous 9 items. Everyone sees things differently and they may have some great advice on something that was overlooked. Doing these 10 things will be the best things you can do to get your home sold quickly after you have decided on a competitive listing price.
Are you getting ready to put your home on the market and want to know what you can do to help your Realtor sell your home? Below are some ideas that will get your house looking neat and ready for potential buyers to walk through.
1. Reduce the amount of furniture you have in a room. You want the home to have a large floor area and all doorways and halls to be open and clear.
2. Get rid of clutter. The photos that you cherish and are hung throughout your home are a distraction to future buyers. They want to imagine themselves in the house and not what kind of family currently lives there. Remove knick knacks from counters and shelves and throw away or hide magazines. Begin packing and store boxes in a storage unit or in your attic or donate to a good cause.
3. Repaint those colorful walls. Create a neutral canvas for buyers, paint walls an off white or light beige color. You may have loved that bright orange in your kitchen and adorable pink in your little girls room, however, it's time to paint and create a generic look for future buyers. Paint is cheap and will make a huge difference when your home is on the market. It will look fresh and clean with a good coat of paint.
4. Organize closets. Buyers want to look in every door and sometimes the cabinets as well. Take a day or two to throw away, donate or pack items that you aren't using. Closets can get very cluttered and you want to show off your storage space as it is a great asset to your home.
5. Put valuables in a safe deposit box or in a hidden safe. Remember that strangers will be coming into your home to view. Don't put your grandma's wedding ring or your rare baseball cards in drawers or counters where people can take them.
6. Make your home sparkle. Keep your home as tidy as possible by vacuuming, dusting, keeping dishes out of the sink, hang fresh towels in the bathroom, get your windows washed, dust fan blades, replace worn out rugs, remove cobwebs.
7. Do the sniff test. If you made fish the night before you may want to open some windows and boil a pot of water with some cinnamon sticks, light a candle or bake some cookies.
8. Do some minor repairs. Fix leaky faucets, replace old grout, put some W2 on squeeky hinges, replace any burnt out bulbs, repair holes in drywall, remove wallpaper, etc. Walk into each room and really look around to see what you can do to repair anything that is visible.
9. Check your curb appeal. The first impression your buyers will have begins before they ever enter your front door. Lure them in with fresh planted flowers, neatly trimmed bushes, green and well manicured lawns, clean sidewalks and patios and clean exterior paint. Make sure your address is easy to read from a car.
10. Recruit your Realtor or best friend to do a walk through and give any advice after you have completed the previous 9 items. Everyone sees things differently and they may have some great advice on something that was overlooked.
Doing these 10 things will be the best things you can do to get your home sold quickly after you have decided on a competitive listing price.