Make Your Home Senior Friendly

Here a few ways to make your home safer for all family members- always important, but even more so during the holidays when your Senior friends and family may be visiting.

Shed some light- make sure all bulbs are working and put up lights on pathways and stairs

No falling zones- fix any uneven surfaces on stairs and walkways, put in handrails if needed, mark uneven steps with something that will flag people to take notice when they are walking

Are doorways wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs?

Add bathroom grips by the tub and toilet. Add temperature controlled shower heads. Add a transfer bench for the tub. Install higher toilets.

In the kitchen, convert lower shelves to pull out drawers. Keep heavier pots and pans in the lower drawers. Have a fire extinguisher handy.

What other handy fixes have you seen or installed yourself to make your home safer?

How Can I Remember Each Home When I’ve Seen So Many?

The key to success in buying a home is similar to the key to success in anything:  planning and organizing.  The process will take you through the four steps that will help you remember the homes you’ve seen and help you choose the best one for you.

  1. Map it out.

Step one in the planning process is to find a map of the area or town where you’re looking.  Mark  the places that are important in your decision-making process –schools, parks, grocery stores, malls, or if you commute – where the train stations are or the best way to get to get to the interstate.

Then, as you visit each home, place a mark on the map, and see how it fits in with your overall plan of location, location, location.

  1. Keep the listing sheets.

For each home you visit, the real estate consultant should give you a listing sheet.  This contains vital information about each home –the address, list price, lot size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and extras.

  1. Take notes.

As you walk through the house, take notes on the back of the listing sheet about memorable things.  Make sure you note the date and time you visit.  You may want to sketch out the floor plan while you’re there.

You should also take your “wish list” with you and check off the items that are “must haves” and “nice to haves.”  This will help keep you from getting distracted by a great or horrible decorating job.

  1. Take photos.

You’re always welcome to take photos of the exterior, but make sure to ask before taking any inside – not everyone wants to “share” their personal lives with others.  Taking pictures can go a long way to reminding you what a home looks like – and how it fits into the neighborhood.  It also lets you look at it later, after your first impression, when you want to look more at the details.

5.  Go Live

If your best home advisor friends or family can’t make a showing because they are out of town, ask if you can do a live video as you walk through so they can ask questions in real time. Same rules apply about asking if it’s OK to make the video connection.

What’s your favorite way of keeping track of  features you like in a home?

What Will The Future Hold For Senior Living?

Although it’s impossible to predict the future, as baby boomers have begun to retire we’ve already seen shifts in senior living communities.

These communities, which have health-care covered, are now moving their focus to providing a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental and spiritual health while also meeting the high expectations of their baby boomer residents.

These communities are offering five-star, luxury:

  • Access to leisure and hobbies
  • Dementia and memory care
  • Dining options
  • Educational opportunities and access to higher learning institutions
  • Fitness communities, personal training and specialized physical therapies
  • Group travel options
  • Healthcare including access to primary and specialized physicians and nursing staff
  • Social activities

As baby boomers continue to weigh-in on what they need from senior living communities there’s no doubt that they will have a huge impact on the architectural style of newly built homes, the layout of suburban communities, and the way that senior living communities are built and run.

What trends do you expect to see in new home and senior living communities as builders try to meet the high expectations of the baby boomer generation?

An excerpt from : Kimberley Fowler’s Senior Living Blog

International Travel Protection Tips

Here are some tips to keep your well deserved travel time safe.

Clean your wallet- only take necessary documents with you. Use your license as an ID at local stops instead of your passport.

Place your mail on hold. Have someone keep an eye on your home. Set up automatic timers with lights that turn on and off during the evening.

Stay away from social media until you return home, including announcing your travel plans.

Bring your electronics chargers, head phones and electric current adaptors.

Scan travel documents/passport/credit card info so you have easy access if something is lost or stolen, or carry a copy of this info separate from your wallet.

Keep your wallet well protected, a deep front pocket, a cross body bag, or an undergarment travel pouch.

Contact your credit card company to let them know you are traveling internationally. Some foreign countries require a security code in addition to the chip readers, make sure you know what yours is. All credit cards should have the chip technology. Make sure the credit card companies have your phone number or email in case they need to contact you while away. Many more shops around the world accept credit cards. Check out the international exchange rates on your credit cards, some have fees, some do not.

If you do need cash, withdraw it only from bank ATMs or exchange at approved currency exchanges at the airport.

Lock up your valuables in the hotel safe.

Avoid public access computers, and unsecured internet.

If something is stolen, notify the company of the loss immediately.

Consider travel insurance if something happens along the way, or if you need to cancel in advance, it is worth the relatively small investment.

Carry snacks. You never know what an airline will serve, or if you will be delayed and unable to access a restaurant.

Stay safe. Please share any additional tips that might be helpful.

Spend A Little, Get A Lot #4

Here are some tips to stretch your dollar when preparing your home for sale.

Improve safety by ensuring that windows and doors can’t slam shut; fixing loose handrail on porches, decks, and stairways; and removing dangerous tools, sharp objects and hazardous materials from the garage.

Rent a bank safe deposit box to store cash and small valuables as long as your house is being shown.

Consider replacing hinges and springs on the garage door.  They’re relatively inexpensive and improve safety.

If you’re three or four months away from marketing your house, consider reseeding the lawn instead of laying sod.  Reseeding takes longer, but is much less expensive than sod.

Replacing a cracked and broken walkway with cement stepping stones purchased from a home improvement store is an inexpensive but attractive way to create a new path to the front door.

What’s the best bang for your buck that you’ve ever seen?

Get The Home YOU Want! Just What Is It You Want?

When building or buying a home, it helps to decide just exactly what you NEED and what you WANT.  Once you have a price in mind, THEN start looking.  If you do it the other way around, you’ll fall in love with a home that you can’t afford and none in your price range will ever measure up to it.

Location, location, location!  Don’t you wonder why people always ask about location first?  Well, it’s the hardest thing to change about a home once you buy it.  However, there are things besides the neighborhood that you need to consider.  Things like size of the lot – do you really want to mow those five acres or is it worth it to be that far from those nosy neighbors?

Dinner anyone?

Think about your lifestyle in relationship to the kitchen and dining room.

Do you actually cook?  Do you need that full gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and lots of cabinet space?  Do you need room in the kitchen for eating in – or will you always use the dining room?

What’s on TV tonight?

Do you need separate living and family rooms?  In some states, like Florida and California, lifestyles are pretty relaxed all around and rarely do we find that we need a formal living room.  Many family rooms need to be large enough to accommodate computer stations as well as the entertainment center, complete with video games and surround sound.

Nite Nite, Sleep Tight…

The thing that really draws the attention of a home buyer is the master suite.  Think about the size of your furniture; do you need extra room for a crib?  Do you need a sitting area or study?  Separate walk-in closets for you and your spouse?

Where’s MY room?

Do you need more bedrooms?  One for each kid or guest?  Do they each need their own bathroom or can they share?  Where are these rooms in relation to the master suite?  Is there a room dedicated as an office or a gym?

Having gone through this list – you’re well on your way to finding your new dream home

Take pictures as you go through Open Houses to add to your Dream Home Vision Board!

Booking Travel

Fairly soon, I will be taking a trip with my Mom to Scandinavia. While we easily booked the cruise portion, as she is a devoted fan of a particular cruise line, she had asked me to work on booking the flights and hotels for the before and after part of the cruise (which I was not keen to do). This is no small task. What used to be a simple, I’ll check a travel website, book the flights and be done with it, is no longer so easy.

And so begins the saga of sensory overload and arguing with my mother. After looking at multiple websites, trying to determine which airline has the most direct flights (as my Mom is older and I am trying to limit the travel time), who has the best travel deals, whether airlines include luggage, food, assigned seats, which size piece of luggage can fit on an interconnecting flight versus an international flight, where are the most convenient hotels located, I became overwhelmed. This research has become a second job. I finally put up my hand up to say help and told her we need a travel agent. My Mom was dead set against this thinking we could do better without any fees. Multiple arguments ensued about the usefulness of someone helping us out and the value of time versus money.

In the end, my Mom started to realize all the components that were involved, that working full time actually takes up a lot of my time, and that perhaps calling the cruise line travel agent might be useful. The result, easily booked flights at a great price, at the time we wanted to go and peace and harmony between us so that we can now look forward to the trip!

The net result of my story? While the internet can give you access to lots of information, it’s not always so easy to sort through it all. Sometimes you need an expert to cut through the abundance of information and give you the best insights into saving time and money. I believe this applies to any industry. So whether you are booking a trip, or looking for a house and trying to weigh all the possibilities, it pays to work with a professional.

Where do you sometimes wish you had help with research on the internet?

You’re Showing Your House In A Minute- Where Do I Stash The Stuff?

kidsSince we all know that the first impression is important, especially if you want to sell your home in the next decade, we have a few tips that will help you quickly hide away “stuff.”  But first, you have to know where the buyers are going to look, and ensure that these places are constantly tidy.

Places that buyers will look include the oven, any closets, kitchen drawers, laundry room, and the kitchen pantry.  Think about it; these places give them an indication, essentially, of how much storage space there is.  If they’re overflowing, the buyers will think there just isn’t enough room to store their own things, since obviously you don’t have the space.  If you need a reminder of the basics of preparing your house for sale, refer back to our book, How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast.

Don’t defeat your efforts by stashing clutter in these places at the last minute, no matter how tempting it may be!

Enough of that!  What you want to know is, at the last minute, where CAN you hide things?

Under the bed.  It’s spacious, easy to get to, and no one in their right mind would get down on their hands and knees to look there during their first visit.  In addition, kids are probably used to stashing things there anyway, and can help you.

In the washer and dryer.  Who hasn’t seen the commercial where a little kid has stashed a pet in there?  We don’t recommend putting your pets in there, but clothes and shoes and “stuff” can easily fit.  Although buyers like to look in the laundry to see the size and neatness, they won’t be looking to see if you actually have things in there.  Our caution is to let everyone in the family know that it’s a hiding place, and to never start the machines without checking the contents first.

In the refrigerator.  This is risky; you know your kids are going to be in and out of the fridge – and how embarrassing would it be to have a shoe fall out?  On the other hand, if you’ve just walked in from the grocery, you can certainly stash the entire grocery bag in there, until you’re ready to unpack it and put things away neatly.

Behind the couch.  That is, if the couch is against the wall.  We all know that things get trapped there anyway, so it could be a quick opportunity to drop a toy or wayward socks for a quick fix.

In the trunk of your car.  Your garage or carport needs to be tidy.  If it isn’t garbage day, yet you have bags lying around, drop them in.  Skateboards and roller blades are a hazard anyway, so drop them in, too.  Nobody has a right to check in your vehicle – take advantage of that fact!

Let me leave you with this quick story.  My best friend, being a naturally organized person, has clothes closets organized by color and like items, linen closets with towels and sheets stacked by size and color, and jars in her kitchen pantry with labels facing the front like a grocery store shelf.

This may seem extreme, but when she showed the house for sale, one buyer actually told her that he’d buy her home for the state of her closets alone!  He believed that if she paid that much attention to a closet, that she must have taken that kind of care with the rest of her home.

What’s the craziest spot you’ve ever hidden something in for a showing?

Spend A Little, Get A Lot #3

earnerOpt for neutral paint and carpets but add splashes of color with area rugs, napkins, flowers, pillows, curtains, drapes and towels.

Make the fireplace a focal point – polish your fireplace tools and arrange logs in the fireplace.  On cold days, light a welcoming fire.

Selling a vacant house?  Consider renting a few pieces of furniture to create a cozy atmosphere.

Just before showing your house, turn on all the lights – including closet and oven lights, and those over the stove and kitchen counters.  This makes the house look bigger and brighter.

Place a small rug in front of doors leading outside so visitors can wipe their feet, particularly if it is raining or snowing.

To give your house an inviting aroma, pour a small amount of vanilla extract on a cookie sheet and place in a warm, NOT HOT, oven.

Have you seen something that you thought was a great idea when you’ve visited an open house?

When Aging Parents Are Stubborn And Just Say No

pay-it-forwardToday we are so very lucky to live long, extended lives. However, as we age, there is often a point where the tables get turned and our Parents and Seniors that we love are in need of assistance, even while they are still able to live on their own. It is extremely hard to for them lose their independence and often will not admit they need help, or accept it when it is offered. If you can change the way you both are viewing and presenting a situation, the chances are you will have more success in getting beyond the impasse. Here are some ideas to consider:

What is the issue, and how important is it? If it regards their safety, you need to pursue a solution. If it’s something small, but irritating to you, it might be wise to decide to just let it go. Trade-offs from both sides may be the solution.

What’s the root of the issue? If you can determine the core of the problem, it may be easier to address. Are they afraid of something- how can you alleviate the fear, or is it your fear for them getting in the way? Is it about giving up independence- find a way they can retain some independence.  Are they depressed? Perhaps you need to seek out a support group or map out daily activities to help keep them occupied.

Use motivators to change the behavior. Use the following ideas as leverage. Is there an upcoming event, such as a wedding or graduation they want to attend? Can they make a change, if not for me, but for the grand kids? By putting a different spin on the behavior, such as when you don’t take your medication, it makes me constantly worried and stressed and I can’t sleep at night. If they see the behavior has larger consequences, it may change their attitude.

Find your own support. When you are angry or frustrated because your parents won’t comply, find someone to talk to, or vent to or make time to work out, take a yoga class or meditate. There are so many of us in the sandwich generation, if you’re feeling frustrated, most likely so are one of your friends. Or seek out a therapist, a geriatric care manager or even an online support group. It doesn’t help if our own personal frustration gets in the way of interacting. And sometimes, just recounting their escapades to someone else changes the mood when they point out just how funny the situation is in someone else’s eyes.

Accept Your Situation. While you can try to make changes, they are adults with decision making abilities, and you can’t win all the battles, even if their decisions aren’t always the best choice. Sometimes, you have to just stand by and watch, then jump in and bail them out. And when it comes to the time that they can no longer live on their own, we can help with a discussion on what are some of the possible options for finding a new home.

Do you have an example of an issue that you were able to switch around?

Tips For A Great Yard Sale

yardsaldA yard or tag sale can help you make some extra cash, as well as clean out some clutter,  but you’ve got to treat it like any other business venture. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your event:

  • Advertise by placing notices on the Internet and in the local newspaper. (You can also wait until someone else in your neighborhood places an ad, then holding your own yard sale the same day.)
  • Put prices on everything. When pricing items, start with the guideline of one-third of what it cost new. But that’s just a guideline. That book that cost you $15 probably won’t sell for more than $3.
  • Display the more interesting items for sale at the end of the driveway to lure people in.
  • If someone hands you a large bill and you need to give them change, leave the bill out until after you have given them their change. Otherwise, a dishonest person could claim, “I gave you a $20, not a $10,” and it would be your word against his or hers.
  • As items get sold, fill in the empty spots on your tables to look like a lot is available.
  • Put out a “FREE” box. No one is going to buy that stained T-shirt or chipped coffee cup.
  • Clean things, or at least dust them, before displaying them.

5 Tips For A Better Family Vacation

carVacations are exciting, but also stressful. Here are 5 ways to help reduce stress for both parents and kids on your next family vacation:
1. Make a three-part checklist for the trip with items to do a week before, a day before, and an hour before leaving. Give a copy to everyone in the family and make them responsible for marking each item complete. Have everyone check each other’s lists.
2. Be ready with spontaneous family games that don’t require any props. You can play them in the car, the hotel room, anytime there’s a waiting period. You can find ebooks filled with these kinds of games…download one for the trip.
3. Be ready to play airport or destination scavenger hunt or bingo. Have the kids search for certain things, like “The first person to spot an Arrival Board” or “The first person to find a taxi.” At the end of a period, add the points and offer prizes.
4. Every day at dinner, go around the table and ask everyone what their favorite thing was that day. This is an amazing way to anchor positive memories.
5. Give everyone time apart, time to do nothing, time to be independent (as appropriate for each person’s age). This can be as little as a 15-minute break to play on your separate phones, read, nap, or take a walk alone.

And remember- don’t broadcast you are going to be away on vacation to your friends and family on social media. Post after you return with your favorite photos to make sure your home stays safe and has no uninvited guests.

What Are Words Really Worth?

writingWhile an amazing picture of your home will catch a Buyer’s eye, the accompanying description must be equally as powerful. The description you create can actually increase of decrease your profitability margin.

Words can be too vague, over used or have become passé and will be a disservice to the listing if used. The goal is to appeal to something specific that the Buyer can connect with. Stay away from the following:
Fantastic = too good to be true
Charming = small and often not updated
Spacious = vast or by removing some furniture the room looks bigger than it is
Great Neighborhood = everyone views a neighborhood differently, what is important to a young family may not be important to couple that is down sizing

To increase your profitability, use words that reflect Buyer’s needs and wants today. Here are some great examples that Buyers are looking for: state of the art, granite, energy efficient, gourmet, and hardwood.

A great description will not only get Buyers in the door quickly, but it will lead to a quicker seller with higher profits as you have managed to meet today’s expectations.

sourced from By Referral Only

What are some trending words in for sale listings that make you sit up and take notice?

Retrofitting Underutilized Space

understairsHere are helpful ideas on how to retrofit underutilized space in your home.
• Not using your formal dining room? Turn your unused room into an office, craft room or play room. A formal dining room set can be beautiful, but if the room sits empty and you are in need of space, convert it into something more user friendly.
• Is the space under your stairs jumbled or a hallway a little too wide? Under the stairs and extra wide hallways can have many types of built in cabinetry installed to increase storage. Add a small desk section, or create a reading nook. Use shelves for the most basic look, or add a variety of pull out drawers.
• Bedroom too small? Convert the space into a dramatic walk in closet. Or if plumbing is nearby, build that extra bathroom you might be lacking. Join the room onto the master bedroom and create a beautiful master suite with a sitting area or office.
• Is your great room too big? Break the space into smaller, more purposeful areas. Create a TV area, a game table, a study area or craft zone. Not only will the room be more useful, it will feel cozy as well.
• .Do you have an odd shaped space in your kitchen, or a breakfast nook that isn’t being used? Turn it into a mini office/desk area to easily pay and keep track of your bills.
• Does your formal living room sit empty since your family uses the great room all the time? Create a display space for your collections, or turn it into a reading library.
There’s always a way to stretch the potential of an unused space.
Do you have a space that needs to be repurposed? What areas have you already changed to a better use and has it made your life easier?

Pros & Cons to Holiday Home Listings

christmas-lights-on-houses-3Past experience has shown that home sales have typically dropped off between Thanksgiving and the end of the year due to many distractions for buyers. We now live in a faster paced world, with changing lifestyles. Today, buyers never seem to stop looking on line. With 24 hour access, busy buyers who are working long hours and often work right up until the holidays begin, still keep their hand in the real estate game.
While inventory might be lighter as many sellers do take their homes off the market, competition is usually less. In a market where bidding wars have often taken place, this may be the opportunity to get a home that fits your price range. A tastefully holiday decorated home gives your home a warm, festive glow, enticing buyers.
On the flip side, if you don’t want interruptions to your planned holiday events or gift wrapping piles, then take your home off the market and re-list it in January. Buyers have often made their New Year’s resolutions to get serious with their home searches after the first of the year, and adding your home back in the mix in January gives you a jump on the competition.
If your home hasn’t been selling, it’s time to switch your strategy around. Lowering your price can peak interest for those that may have been interested in your home, but thought it was priced too high. Perhaps the price change places it into a pricing category that has a larger group of active buyers that weren’t aware it was on the market. Consider fixing something that has been considered an obstacle for the sale and noting the repair on the listing will re-peak interest.
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of a tighter market – it can often reap benefits at a time when you least expected it.

Spend A Little, Get A Lot #2

earnerHere are some more low cost tips to help you  showcase your home and check for repairs.

Holiday displays, including Christmas cards, should be removed and stored by the first week in January.

Use degreaser and a razor blade to make basement windows crystal-clear.

Remember to put away valuables while showing your home. Expensive jewelry belongs in a safe deposit box.

Have long-stemmed artificial flowers to pack? Ask your local florist for a couple of boxes wholesalers use to deliver fresh flowers to florists.

Even if your entire house doesn’t need to be painted, putting a fresh coat of paint in a new color on the door and trim may keep a couple thousand dollars on your sale price.

Don’t wait until the last minute to call professional painters because their schedules may be filled. Hire them as soon as you make the decision to sell.

What Is TRID?

piggybankTRID is the TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule. [TILA is the Truth in Lending Act and RESPS is the Real Estate Procedures Act.] Basically, this is a Know Before You Owe rule, and is designed to help home owners understand the terms for their home financing transaction.
There are new forms and rules that now apply to most mortgages in order to give better consumer understanding of short term and long term lending costs and to avoid last minute surprises at the closing table.
Here are the items you will need to gather to make your mortgage application process go smoothly for a purchase:
Copy of drivers’ licenses
Copies of 2013 and 2014 W-25
Your most recent one month of paystubs from all employers that are listed on your application
Complete copies of 2013 and 2014 Federal tax returns
Your most recent two months of complete bank statements for all asset accounts
Copy of the executed Offer and/or Purchase and Sale agreement, whichever is available at the time of application
Complete real estate agent contact information
Mortgage statement, tax bill, insurance binder referencing the premium amount and verification of home owner’s association fee, if applicable, for all properties owned
If this is a condominium purchase, provide the homeowner association contact information

For Refinancing, the same financial documentation is required, along with the person who will need to be contacted to set up the appraisal along with their contact phone number.

The mortgage process will take longer than it has previously, as documentation has to be sent and received by the borrower on a set time schedule in order them to be able to review documents in advance. The timing parameters have to be strictly adhered to by all the players in the mortgage process, so there are no opportunities for last minute expenses to pop up or for closing dates to change other than what has been scheduled. The better prepared borrowers are, the smoother the transaction will flow, and the happier they will be.

No-Fail Guide To Finding A Mover That Won’t Take You To The Cleaners

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We’ve all heard the horror stories about movers who didn’t deliver (literally) what they’d promised, or the priceless vase from Great Aunt Edna that got broken in a move. Here are seven things to help you find the best mover that you can.

Identify only licensed, insured, and bonded moving companies.

Think about what you’re moving. What is it worth to you to know that it will get to your new home safe and sound? Licensed, insured, and bonded companies take the extra step to ensure that your things get to your new home, because they’re held responsible if they don’t.

Ask for estimates from two to three companies.

Shop and compare prices. Invite a mover’s representative to inspect the contents of your home.

They should be able to tell you how long the move will take, what it’ll cost, and the size of the truck you’ll need. Long-distance moves can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000. This is a large investment, so treat it like you would any other – and shop around.

Be sure of what you’re buying. Typically, movers charge by weight and mileage. If you can get a flat rate, you’ll probably be better off. Get definite dates (in writing) of when the contents of your home will be picked up AND delivered.

Get extra liability protection.

Declare the value of the contents of your home with the mover before you move. Otherwise, your furnishings will be valued at $1.25 per pound as a lump sum. This means that a truckload containing the contents of your home that weight 3,000 pounds is only worth $3,750. Heaven forbid that it should happen –

How To Avoid Being Beaten Out By Other Buyers Who May Be Competing For Your Dream Home…

crystalball

You’ve found your dream home, so you’ll make an acceptable offer and live happily ever after…unless another buyer beats you to the punch!

In a competitive marketplace, this can not only happen, but can potentially have a far greater impact than any negotiating gambit the seller would hurl your way. Yet, more buyers erroneously fear the seller more than they do other competing buyers!

That’s why it’s important to make sure your offer strategy includes a strong stance against other potential buyers and their offers. There are several factors that make buyer competition a threat in today’s real estate market.

It’s a sellers’ market.

First, in a competitive market with relatively few quality properties available, “dream home” category houses will become hot properties – often as soon as the for sale is planted in the yard.

Most buyers want to purchase a home that requires very little fix-up. They comment, “I want to bring in my toothbrush and immediately set up housekeeping.” And to obtain these turnkey benefits, buyers are willing to pay a premium.

That can translate into not only a full-price offer, but one that exceeds the seller’s listed price.Timing is everything.In an active market, timing is everything.

In the good old days, you might have the luxury of viewing a home several times – even dragging your relatives to see it… before you actually made an offer.

“He/she who hesitates is lost” aptly explains buyers who dally to make a buying decision today.
And don’t forget that being pre-approved for a loan has leveled the playing field for a majority of buyers. If they’re all equally qualified financially, the best offer (as interpreted by the seller) gets the property.

So, what can you do to arm yourself to the teeth with added value to capture a seller and counteract offers from other buyers?

Get Pre-Approval.

First, make sure you’re financially pre-approved by a Lender for the loan you’ll need and be prepared to document this fact to a seller if requested.

Be Honest.

Be honest with the seller about your interest in purchasing the property. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t negotiate a fair purchase; but it also doesn’t mean that you’ll act nonchalant and noncommittal either. Sellers often choose one buyer’s offer over another based on the level of personal interest and commitment the buyer appears to have to the seller’s home.

Communicate.

Lastly, make sure you fully communicate the desired outcome to the real estate consultant you’re working with. The consultant will then evaluate the best tack to take in terms of price, purchase terms, and negotiating tactics to help you realize that goal.

The next time you’re inclined to wonder what evil trick the seller might be up to, better look behind you first…to see if other buyers are trying to pull the rug out from under your dream home!

Top Six Things To Ask Yourself When Looking At A Home

696 central st hollisgonWhen you’re looking for a home, ask yourself these six questions to ensure that it meets your basic needs.

1. Is it within the right distance to work, church, family, and friends?

One of the first things a real estate consultant will ask you is about location. Think about where you like to shop, where you work, where you worship, and where your friends and family live. Some people are willing to commute a little further to work in order to live closer to family and friends. Others, particularly those who like to sleep in, prefer to live closer to the office.

2. Does it have enough bedrooms and bathrooms?

How many children do you have, or do you plan to have others while you’re living in this home?

Do you have three teenaged daughters? If so, you probably don’t want to be sharing a bathroom with them! Do you have frequent visitors in your home? Do you need a separate guest room? A separate bath?

3. Is there enough storage space?

Do you need a basement or attic? Do you change your floral arrangements and décor with the passing of the seasons? If so, you will probably need storage space for the items currently out of season.

4. Is there parking?

Is a garage absolutely necessary? For how many cars? Could you live with a covered outdoor space or will dedicated parking space suffice?
5. Is it safe?

Are you willing to live near a toxic waste site or municipal garbage dump? Would your children be safe playing near a busy intersection? Is it in a high-crime area? Local papers and police departments can provide the crime statistics for a neighborhood.

6. Is it in the right school district?

Will your children walk to school, take a bus, or will you have to drive them? Many school districts have a reporting system that indicate the qualifications of teachers and administrators, and demonstrates the performance of students. You can contact the school district office for more details.

If the home meets these basic requirements, then start to look for how many things from your wish list it has.

For example, does it have a garden or deck, does it have an oversized tub in the master suite, does it have a separate laundry room, is there a fireplace? What’s the condition of the house?
Remember, you can paint, decorate, gut the interior, replace shingles with slate, add a deck, add a pool, pave the driveway, and even plant flowers. But, it’s rare that you want to move a home. There is some truth in that adage, “You can change everything about a home except its location.”

Seven Money-Saving Secrets You Can Use When You Buy A Home…

1. Choose a low down payment loan.piggybank

There is no law that says you MUST put 20% or even 10% down. There are some loans that require as little as 3% or even zero down. This is attractive for three reasons: It’s hard to save for a large down payment, you could earn more interest on that money than you’re paying in interest on the loan, and it’s nice (and sometimes necessary) to have cash on hand after buying a home.

2. Have someone give you money to pay closing costs.

A relative, church or nonprofit organization can give you money for closing costs. Cash gifts from wedding gifts can also be used.

3. Ask the seller to pay some of your closing costs as part of your offer.

Sellers are usually allowed to contribute to a buyer’s closing costs.

4. Do not pay too much insurance at closing!

Most Lenders require 14 months hazard insurance paid at closing, so be ready. What happens to that extra money? It sits in your escrow account until you sell the house. It’s safe there, but it often earns no interest.

5. Remember, the homes that you’re looking at don’t belong to your agent.

You must be straightforward about your likes and dislikes in order for the agent to do the best job for you. Your agent should show you everything available that meets your requirements. Don’t make a decision on a house until you feel that you’ve seen enough to pick the best one. Review the Multiple Listing printout with your agent to make sure that you are getting a COMPLETE list.

6. Shop around for your home insurance.

A little shopping might help save you money.

7. You can deduct money paid for discount points from your gross income before computing your tax.

See a CPA for more information.

I’m Ready To Buy A Home- Now What?

soldhomeforsaleFREE HOME BUYER SEMINAR

Learn the Steps to Home Ownership
Monday, May 4th, 2016, 7-8:30 PM
Norwood Civic Center, 165 Nahatan St., Norwood, MA 02062
RSVP to LegalEdgeTeam@gmail.com or through the Norwood Civic Center webpage
Presented by The Sophie and Lisa Team: Sophie Ricci and Lisa Flashenburg

 

 

Spend A Little, Get A Lot

earnerHere are some low cost tips to help you  showcase your home and check for repairs.

If you have more than two cars in your driveway, park the extra vehicles at a neighbor’s house. This will give your driveway and yard a spacious look.

Oil and rust stains can be removed from concrete with commercial driveway cleaners that are available from automotive and home improvement stores.

The basement needn’t be spotless, but change light bulbs and clear cobwebs before showing the house.

Change air conditioning and furnace filters so the units will run efficiently.

If your washer and dryer are in the basement, create a cozy laundry area by adding an area rug and shelves to store detergent bottles.

Check for termites by using a pocketknife to jab the support beams near the house foundation. If the knife penetrates the wood easily, then there could be a termite problem.

You Can’t Take It With You

The 11 Best Ways to Blow Your Money– Here are some ways you can have it all, and end up with nothing when it comes to retirement. 1. Drive a super hot car. 2. Buy a gigantic home in an exclusive neighborhood. 3. Decorate on a grand scale. 4. Stay out of the kitchen (eat out A Lot!). 5. Try new stuff constantly. 6. Dress to impress, stay out of the discount stores. 7. Build a brand new you and maintain (great new clothes, personal trainer, plastic surgery, etc. 8. Be and early adopter – try the latest technology when it first becomes available. 9. Indulge your children – give them lots of expensive toys and gadgets. 10. Indulge yourself- don’t deny yourself anything.11. Get away from it all- take lots of expensive vacations.

Now that you know how to have a great time, it’s time to reconsider and be reasonable. It’s better to invest your money wisely, let your real estate agent help you select a home that is affordable, that will last you for many years and can give you a better life, rather than being house poor.  In the long run, you will have a comfortable retirement and still be able to have fun along the way.

Excerpts from an article by Donna Freedman, courtesy of Alan Lury, the Financial Handyman

#3 Agent in Suffolk County

Congratulation22Chestnut St Boston - 1s to agent Lisa Flashenburg for being #3 in  total sales within Suffolk County, one of the top 20 agents in the region[per www.bostontop20.com]. She had a phenomenal month with $9,200.000.00 in sales! This includes the purchase of an magnificent multi million dollar  mansion located on historic Beacon Hill. Whether high end, mid range, or first time home buyer, Lisa will find you the exact location that is perfect for you.

Coloring Contest

Sophie and LColoring Contestisa spent last Saturday at Norwood Day, getting to meet lots of our neighbors. We ran a coloring contest inside our booth. Here is the link to the entries  Legal Edge Coloring Contest. The winner will recieve a $25 Visa gift card. We are still waiting for a few more entries to get sent in. Each participant received their very own box of crayons. We were very busy handing out information about buying and selling homes in Norwood, discussing the limited supply of homes on the market and why it is an excellent opportunity for sellers. We were also able to help make some connections for buyers looking for mortgage connections. It was a great day, with fantastic weather.

Visit our facebook page and tell us which one of the pictures is your favorite!

 

The Art of the Walk Through

magnifyingglassOne of the last crucial steps to take before you go to the closing table to sign your mortgage documents should be the walk through of your new home. This gives you the opportunity to see that everything is in good working order, and get an opportunity to deal with any last minute problems that might arise.

The walk through should be scheduled within 24 hours of your closing. It will take about 30 minutes to compete.

Now, what are you actually doing when you do the walk through?

Check that the appliances and plumbing are working- you can turn on the dishwasher, turn on light switches, run the faucets to see that everything is operational.

You can also ask for owner manuals for appliances and warranties on any items that may exist.

Double check that any repairs that were supposed to been done have actually happened.

Make sure personal belongings have been removed, or items that should be left behind per your contract are still in place.

Make sure mother nature hasn’t done any damage to the property since the purchase and sale has been signed.

If you do identify some problems, let your real estate agent get involved. They can negotiate a repair that hasn’t happened, get items removed that are still in place, or arrange for funds to be held back until the situation is corrected. Don’t panic if something is out of place. There is always a solution, whether it is a postponement of the document signing or a renegotiation of an item. You have legal recourse as protections and most often times, a mutual agreement can be reached.

We have had situations where flooding has occurred due to a storm, or Sellers have refused to remove their belongings. In each case, a short negotiation remedied the repairs. It is also not uncommon to find that Sellers will ask to leave items that may be useful to you, such as gardening tools that they no longer need, at no additional charges.

The walk through can give you that additional sense of confidence that you have made a great decision with your home purchase.

Once the walk through is complete, you are on your way to signing your documents and receiving the keys to your new home.

What’s the biggest surprise you have come across while doing a walk through?

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Budget Friendly Makeover Ideas

lightbulb

Great Ideas

Would you like to give a fresh look to your house without breaking the bank? Try these extremely low-cost makeovers to give your house a face lift.

• Wash instead of paint: If you can’t afford to paint the home, how about giving it a good wash? Don’t forget to scrub the screens, windows, and gutters, as well as the sidewalk and driveway while you’re at it.

• Paint the trim and front door: Your home’s exterior will look crisper with fresh trim and front door color.

• Freshen the floors: Consider cleaning the grout on tile floors. If you have stained or worn carpet, consider replacing it with a remnant (left over carpet from larger jobs).

• Re-caulk plumbing fixtures: Over time the caulk that prevents water seepage around plumbing fixtures can mold, discolor, tear, or degrade. Stripping this material out and replacing it with a fresh bead of silicon is an inexpensive way to improve the look of bathrooms and kitchens. Also pour bleach on mold that has grown under caulk and grout.

• Take care of the small things: Look around. Notice all the little items that need repair. Make a list and work on it as often as you can, one item at a time. Replace light bulbs, fix holes in doors or walls, grease squeaky hinges, clean gutters, fix leaking plumbing fixtures, change the air filter, wash the curtains, paint dingy entry ways, and so on.

• Update lighting fixtures: You can spend a fortune on lighting fixtures but you don’t have to. Consider selectively changing lighting fixtures that date the home. Even inexpensive, but new fixtures can make a difference.

 What’s the best budget saver home improvement that you’ve ever done?

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The Trouble with Termites

termiteWhether you are a new home owner, a potential seller or have been living in your home for a long time, termites do not play favorites. Ideal conditions that allow them to take up residence in your home include a good deal of moisture, usually near the ground and close to your foundation, plants growing up against the house and cracks in the foundation.

Subterranean termites live underground, build large nests with mud tubes through which they travel and stay connected to the moisture. Besides burrowing in, they can also fly in through cracks in the foundation or windows. They love to eat wood and thrive in warm humid spaces. If left unchecked, they can create severe damage in your home.

 While it is often hard for a home owner to spot, some tell tale signs are the following: if you see them swarming near your home in the spring during mating season; Other signs can include evidence of the mud tubes, piles of sawdust coming off of wood, exit holes in drywall, soft baseboards or window moldings, wall paper bubbling, and tiles falling off of walls.

 If you see evidence of these items, call your local pest control to come and investigate, and have them do a treatment as required.

 To keep your home termite free, here are some anti termite treatments:

  • Keep your home dry, repair leaky faucets, properly vent bathrooms, kitchens and basements where moisture can build up
  • .Keep bushes and plants trimmed back at least 8” from your foundation. Make sure window wells do not have sitting water in them.
  • Fill any cracks in the foundation, along window frames, dryer vents, or any other potential entry points.
  • Get a yearly termite inspection from a certified pest control company, even if you think you do not live in an area that is known for termite infestation.

When you stay on top of basic home maintenance, you should stay termite free.

What’s the craziest termite home invasion you’ve ever heard about?

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Summer Energy $aving Tips

thermostat

Summer has arrived and it’s hot outside. Here are 10 energy saving tips courtesy of the Alliance for Energy that can save you money and keep you cool.

1. Cleaning or changing your furnace or AC filers keeps your system from working harder and slowing down the air flow.

2. Using low flow faucets and shower heads save on water bills.

3. Washing your clothes in cold water saves on your annual utility bills.

4. Reduce your water heater temperature to 130 degrees to save energy and money on heating the water. Wrapping the storage tank with a special water tank blanker retains heat as well.

5. Seal all the air leaks and increase your home insulation. This can keep cool air in and the hot air out!

6. Use your window shades and curtains during the day to keep the heat out in the summer [but open them up in the winter to take advantage of the sun].

7. Turn off lights, any appliances or electric items that are not in use. Some appliances continue to draw power even when not in use.

8. Install a programmable thermostat to save 10% on your cooling and heating bill. Keep the home a little warmer in the summer when you are not at home, and cool it down when you come back from being out. Do the reverse for the winter]

9. Change to new energy efficient light bulbs, using about 1/3 of the energy of a traditional light bulb.

10. Use energy star appliances, and you can save up to 30% on electric bills.

 

What energy change have you made and how much has it saved?

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Cool Shade Ideas

gliderswingA deck can be a beautiful way to enjoy your yard or condo outdoor space, but not in the blazing hot sun. Here are a few easy ways to ramp up the shade and expand your outdoor living for both day and evening.

Plant some fruit trees in pots. The trees will cast a diffused shade and you’ll get some delicious fruit down the road.

Add a glider swing with a canopy. You will have a fun place to relax, the thrill of the ride, and a bonus breeze.

Pop up a folding gazebo. This can be opened as required, and creates a fun design space on the deck.

Retractable screens. Using either a manual pull across screen, or one that is motorized lets you beat the heat during the day and still star gaze at night.

Build a trellis and use planters with vines to fill in the gaps and provide both shade from above and privacy from the sides.

Rig up a sail cloth. This can be any size or shape, partially covering the deck, pulled taut by wires.

Set up some island flair. Hang decorative grass mats to create a tropical feel while casting shade.

Most of all, make sure you enjoy your great outdoor space! What’s the most interesting shade idea that you have seen?

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Retrofit Your Under Used Space

Here are helpful ideas on how to retrofit underutilized space in your home.

·         Not using your formal dining room? Turn your unused room into an office, craft room or play room. A formal dining room set can be beautiful, but if the room sits empty and you are in need of space, convert it into something more user friendly

·         .Is the space under your stairs jumbled or a hallway a little too wide? Under the stairs and extra wide hallways can have many types of built in cabinetry installed to increase storage. Add a small desk section, or create a reading nook. Use shelves for the most basic look, or add a variety of pull out drawers.

·         Bedroom too small? Convert the space into a dramatic walk in closet. Or if plumbing is nearby, build that extra bathroom you might be lacking. Join the room onto the master bedroom and create a beautiful master suite with a sitting area or office.

·         Is your great room too big? Break the space into smaller, more purposeful areas. Create a TV area, a game table, a study area or craft zone. Not only will the room be more useful, it will feel cozy as well.

·         .Do you have an odd shaped space in your kitchen, or a breakfast nook that isn’t being used? Turn it into a mini office/desk area to easily pay and keep track of your bills.

·         Does your formal living room sit empty since your family uses the great room all the time? Create a display space for your collections, or turn it into a reading library.

There’s always a way to stretch the potential of an unused space.

Do you have a space that needs to be re-purposed? What areas have you already changed to a better use and has it made your life easier?

Excerpts from Tara-Nicholle Nelson of Trulia

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Boston Senior Home Repair

Home Repair Assistance

The City of Boston has a great opportunity for Seniors that own homes and live in the South End, Roxbury, Back Bay, Downtown and the Fenway. Take a look at the United South End Settlements’ Senior Home Repair program  www.uses.org . It is designed to assist Seniors 62 years of age and older, any disabled person of any age. Applicants must meet the HUD income requirements and be owner-occupant residents within the previously mentioned neighborhoods.

There are two types of repair assistance available:

Minor Repairs including installing grab bars and handrails, repair of interior stairs, installing door bells for the hard of hearing, fixing exterior door locks, and repairing broken windows, toilets, faucets and drains.

Major Rehabilitation includes repair or replace roofs, replace furnaces that are not functioning, replace exterior windows, update electric panels and wiring, and rebuild porches.

This program lets you receive assistance by experienced contractors, and allows access to 0% interest deferred home loans.

Many cities and towns offer helpful programs for home owners that people are not often aware of. Please check with your local town hall for options that may be available.

What type of home repairs have you been putting off?

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What to do about Asbestos

Asbestos Magnified

When you are purchasing a home or getting ready to sell your home, the topic of Asbestos can pop up during a home inspection. Here are some common questions and answers that can arise.

What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a natural occurring fibrous mineral that may contain silicates. It is resistant to heat, fire and many chemicals and has been used for fireproofing, insulation and also as a decorative element.

Unfortunately, the very qualities that make asbestos great for use can cause adverse effects on people. Asbestos can break into microscopic fibers when disturbed which remain in the air for long periods of time and easily penetrate the human body when inhaled. The fibers can remain in the body tissues for many years and have been known to cause lung cancer and asbestosis.

When does it need to be removed? If asbestos is in good condition and has not been disturbed, there are no laws of regulations that require its removal. However, building owners are required to keep the asbestos in good shape to prevent the release of asbestos particulates. If a renovation or a demolition is going to cause damage to material containing asbestos, then it must be removed before the project begins.

Where is asbestos found? Asbestos is most commonly found in heating system insulation, floor tiles [typically 9”x9” squares] and vinyl sheet flooring, wallboard, mastics, joint compound, decorative plasters, and some siding and roofing products.

What is the removal process?  Choose a licensed DOS certified asbestos abatement contractor to do the removal. They will come in and test the items and can also do an air monitoring test to see if there are particulates in the air. For more specific information on Massachusetts regulations, visit the  MassDEPwebsite.Not all asbestos needs to be removed. If the material is in good shape, it can also be encapsulated, which is less costly than removal.

The abatement contractor will obtain the proper permits, encapsulate the area they will be working in, wear protective gear to do the removal, remove the asbestos, than test the area to make sure all asbestos particulates have been removed.  A large portion of the costs are related to permitting and preparing the area for asbestos removal. A small area can be similar in price to a larger area that needs to be taken care of since it is the preparation and removal costs that are costly, as opposed to the removal of square footage.

Your home inspector will be able to point out if there is a potential for asbestos in your home. The inspector will recommend whether you should call in an inspector for further testing.

Information obtained from the Mass DEP asbestos guide

Boston Home Center Housing Expo 2013

The key to your new home

The Sophie and Lisa Team attended  the Boston Home Center Housing Expo on March 23, 2013, located at the BCYF Perkins Community Center in Dorchester. They provided expertise on the art of home buying. Attendees at the expo learned about different types of mortgages available for first time home buyers, including: conventional, FHA, VA, Boston home financing, and soft second mortgages. There was also be information on the 3D Program, designed to revitalize triple deckers throughout Boston. Some great tips were picked up for Landlords and Tenants, as well as requirements for construction and rehab projects. Hours were from 9 AM- 2PM. For more information, visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/dnd/bhc/

 

The Tide is Turning

The Tide is Turning

Just a short time ago, all the real estate activity taking place was all a Buyer’s Market. Now, within a very short time of the economic downturn, the tide has shifted. We are entering the realm of the Seller’s market.

What determines the Seller’s market?  Significantly fewer homes available for sale at higher prices than the previous year, create the Seller’s advantage. Right now, there are more Buyers competing for fewer homes, causing a shortage of inventory.

Why are there fewer homes? Many Sellers lost equity in their homes with the down turn of the market. Rather than losing the value, they have decided to wait it out with hopes that the market will bounce back and their equity will increase.  With Sellers holding onto their homes and building starts having been down, the end result is a lack of inventory.

The good news for Sellers, the price of homes is increasing as Buyers compete for a limited supply. Now would be a great time to see what your home is worth to consider adding it to the mix. Due to the short inventory, the competition is fierce and homes are going under agreement in some areas of Massachusetts within hours of being listed. Contact your real estate agent to see what the current value of your home is , and perhaps you too, can make a big splash in the market!

The down side for Buyers is that they have to really compete when making an offer. However, rates are still great for mortgages making it a great time to buy. It’s worth jumping into the fray and placing your offer.

Buying Land to Build a Home

Building a new home

Sometimes it pays to consider purchasing land to build your new home, rather than finding an existing building. Here are the basics to consider as you contemplate the process.

Location:  This is the most important factor. Are you close to work, school, shopping, health care, and local amenities? How much privacy and tranquility will you have- how close are your neighbors?  Don’t forget to check out what the schools are rated, if you need them, and which one your child will be attending. What’s the lot’s orientation like- does it get a lot of sun? Once your home is built, what direction will the sun be rising from?

Lot Size: How big is the land and what are the boundaries? Will it be large enough to build the home you desire? What are the local setbacks and building codes?  Each town has their own set of standards for maximum coverage allowed which includes the home, any structures, driveways and walkways. Will there be enough space for a yard after construction? Are there any building code restrictions that will dictate how you can use the land?

Utilities: Are the utilities (water, gas, electric, sewer connection) already located on the property? If not, find out the cost to bring them onto the land. If there is no sewer connection available and you will need to install a septic system, have a percolation test done to see how fast the property can drain water and what type of septic system will be require.

Topography & Elevation: Is the lot already flat, do trees need to be removed? What is the cost to prepare the land for construction? Are there any drainage issues? Does it abut conservation land? Do you have any building restrictions or easements on the property?

Pricing: The cost of the land is typically 30% of the final cost of the finished home, although in some markets it can be less.

Financing: Is the builder supplying a construction package that allows you to finance both the land and the construction of the home? Some lenders will not subordinate a home loan if there is a loan on the land first, so make sure you check with your lender.

Vacant Lot: An empty lot is far easier and less expensive to build on, rather than demolishing an existing home and clearing the debris away. Make sure the land is buildable, doesn’t have poor soil and doesn’t have any flooding issues.

While there are many details to consider, when you find the right piece of property, you will be able to build a home that truly suits your tastes.

Does An Open House Help Sell Your Home?

Legal Edge For Sale Sign

Welcome to the Open House

In the fast paced world of the internet, where everything regarding a potential home purchase can be viewed on line, why would a Seller want to have an open house? Here are a few great reasons why you should schedule an open house.

First, this is a great opportunity to properly clean up and simplify what’s in your home. Just think that for every single item you give away or pack away during the staging process, it is one step closer to the actual move out date and one item less to pack later on. This cleaning process now gives you the best opportunity to showcase your house to the world.

Both scheduling an open house and the for sale sign on your lawn let friends and neighbors know what’s happening. You want them to come in and take a look. What better form of advertising is there then word of mouth? If your neighbors know of friends that are looking to move into the area, they can give them a great incentive to come take a look.

There are many first time home buyers that will want to take a look. If they see what they like, the Buyers will be encouraged to take a second look and schedule a private showing. Or, in some areas where home inventories are still low, offers may be made right on the spot.

At your open house, it’s a great idea to have a booklet with information about the neighborhood, a plot plan or blue prints for the home, a map showing where the local schools are and any local amenities.

Finally, try creating some excitement. By having a short time frame for your open house (for example, one hour only), it brings in all the potential Buyers at the same time. This creates a sense of buzz about the home since many people are viewing it at once. A home that everyone wants, creates better offers.

When you schedule your open house, make sure you take into consideration holidays, sporting events or any local activities that could keep potential Buyers away.

Winning Winter Ways

Tips for Winter Home Sales

Winter can be a spectacular time to showcase your house. In some locations with great winter amenities like skiing and snow shoeing, this can be the busy season. For the rest of us in winter climates, take advantage and cozy up your home to wow those Buyers! Here are some ideas to put into play:

Focus on the chimney. Keep the mantle and hearth clutter free. If you have a gas fire, turn it on just before a showing. If there’s a wood fire place, have it stacked and ready to go with wood, or fill it with candles of different heights and light them just before a showing to cast a warm glow.

Turn of up the temperature. While it’s important to conserve on heat, nudge up the thermostat just before your Buyers come in to make the house feel warm and inviting.

Keep the walk ways and landings free of snow and ice making it easy and safe for Buyers to make thier way in.

Brighten up your doorway- use a seasonal dried flower wreath once the Christmas decoration season has gone by.

Set up a coat rack and a basket of shoe booties in the entry way. This makes it easy to keep the floors clean no matter what the weather.

Arrange for showings during the day time to take advantage of the strong winter sun (and make sure the windows are clean!).

Put out a bright, new welcome mat.

Leave a booklet listing local winter amenities, or features that are helpful in the winter (how close the nearest train or bus stop is; any local cross country ski courses, etc).

Scent your home with something subtle- fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are always number one on anyone’s list of favorite items to smell.

Let there be light. Since it get’s darker earlier in the winter, use timers to automatically turn on lights. This makes it easier to have the house ready for a showing as well as casts a warm glow from the outside when a Buyer is driving by for their very first look.

The bottom line- your home can sell quickly when it feels warm and cozy on a raw, blustery day.

 

What Are Words Really Worth?

Great descriptions sell your home!

While an amazing picture of your home will catch a Buyer’s eye, the accompanying description must be equally as powerful. The description you create can actually increase of decrease your profitability margin.

Words can be too vague, over used or have become passé and will be a disservice to the listing if used. The goal is to appeal to something specific that the Buyer can connect with. Stay away from the following:

Fantastic = too good to be true

Charming = small and often not updated

Spacious = vast or by removing some furniture the room looks bigger than it is

Great Neighborhood = everyone views a neighborhood differently, what is important to a young family may not be important to couple that is down sizing.

To increase your profitability, use words that reflect Buyer’s needs and wants today. Here are some great examples that Buyers are looking for: state of the art, granite, energy efficient, gourmet, and hardwood.

A great description will not only get Buyers in the door quickly, but it will lead to a quicker seller with higher profits as you have managed to meet today’s expectations.

DIY Transformations

Cabinet and Counter Transformed

There are some new products on the market for those Do It Yourselfers that can completely transform the look of your kitchen, bathroom or furniture. RUST-OLEUM® has come out with several new items that can change the look of cabinets, furniture or tile. While I have not used them myself, I have spoken to several home owners and contractors that have. They can revitalize a surface for short money when compared to pulling down tile and cabinets and replacing them with new product. Keep this in mind when either searching for a home that does not fit your expectations; or when considering putting your home on the market to give it a face lift, and you have to really consider your budget.  The image included is an example of the RUST-OLEUM® products.  I just love to find new ways to create beautiful spaces.  If you have any suggestions for products that help transform you home, let us know.

Eco-friendly Design for the Back Yard

Back Yard Fire Pit

Here are three great design tips to take advantage of your out of doors areas. Exterior design can both  increase your living space and be eco-friendly.

1. Create outdoor rooms. Take an unused patio space and add family friendly furniture along with a BBQ.  Now you have an outdoor entertainment space everyone will enjoy. Or take a wide expanse of your yard  and break it up into more useful spaces: an open area for the kids to run around in; a play area with  swing set and toys; and an outdoor living room for entertaining.

2. Use permeable pavers. When creating a new patio space, or upgrading an existing patio that needs  refurbishing, use permeable pavers. The pavers will reduce storm run off and are better for the environment.

3. Day and evening use. The great outdoors is not just for use during the day. Add a cozy fire pit into your    outdoor living room and spend some time roasting marshmallows and looking at the stars.

Home Selling Photo Tips


Every home needs to be enticing in order to catch a Buyer’s interest and have them step in the door to take a look. Here are 4 tips to think about when getting ready to photograph your home.
1. Have great lighting. Too many images end up dark and hard to see. Bring in an extra lamp or spot light to illuminate the room and show the full potential.
2. Don’t leave out important rooms. Buyers want to see all the main rooms: kitchen, dining, living areas, bedrooms, great rooms, and dens. If a bathroom is spectacular, include that. When a room is left out of the mix, it implies there might be something wrong. If your pictures didn’t come out the first time, retake them, or use a wide angle lens to capture the full view.
3. Have more than one picture. If a listing only shows one image, there is an assumption that the house needs a lot of work. For someone that doesn’t want a handyman special, it will knock the house off the list- all the while being that the home owner simply didn’t get around to staging the house and taking photos. Don’t sell yoursef short.
4. Declutter- this can not be said enough times. A messy, cluttered room hides fabulous details or creates the look of a small room. Perhaps there is just too much furniture in a room and by removing some it, the spacious qualities of the home get revealed.
Unlock your home’s potential with beautiful photos!

Underwater Home Upgrades

 The mortgage for your house is underwater and you need to put it up for sale. What are some the most   economical home improvements you can make to increase the value without going over board?

1. Increase curb appeal with simple cosmetic changes. A little paint, general cleaning, sprucing up the yard, or planting some flowers go a long way.

2. Create more space economically. Finish off or redo the basement or convert a garage to create more living area.

3. Green is Good. Increase the home’s efficiency with energy efficient lighting, adding solar panels, wrapping pipes, upgrading insulation or converting to a tankless water heater.

4. Expand the interior. If you have a variety or small rooms, combine rooms by knocking out shared walls to create a larger, more useful space, and the feel of a much greater, modern expanse.

5. Use Every Inch. Take a good look around and see if there are any areas that are wasted space that could benefit from built ins [under stair closets, corners between cabinets that are not being used for anything, garage walls, etc.]. Maximum storage is always a great selling point.

Best Buyer Incentives

How does a Seller make their property more attractive so that it will sell quickly and attract more offers?

Try offering these sure fire incentives…

1. Offer a home warranty policy. Warranties cover repair and replacement costs for appliances and other systems associated with a home and offer a security blanket to cap potential home repairs for the first year a Buyer owns their new home.

2. Offer assistance with closing costs. Homes that offer financial incentives historically sell faster and are generally more appealing when compared to similar homes located  in the same neighborhood.

3. Offer a Remodeling or Repair Credit. If your home is in need of some TLC, adding on a remodeling incentive may just turn the tide for a Buyer that is willing to do the work, but already feeling stretched by the process of purchasing a home. The less a Buyer has to spend to get the home of their dreams, the quicker a Buyer will make the offer.

How to Avoid 5 of the Most Expensive Mistakes Home Buyers Make

 Mistake #1: Not knowing how much they can afford before they make an offer.
The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get pre-approved for a mortgage by a Lender so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford. Most pre-approvals are free and it will give you a basis to  make a more informed purchasing decision when you find the house you like.

Mistake #2: Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in needless interest and taxes. Check with your accountant before you make your final decision on which mortgage you’re going to choose. Your CPA can tell you what the long-term effects will be on your income, your taxes, and the equity you build in your home over time. Most people aren’t aware that with a standard 30-year mortgage they’ll be paying two-and-a-half times the amount of the mortgage in payments. With some advance planning and a simple strategy, they can cut the amount of interest they pay dramatically and own their homes sooner.

Mistake #3: Not realizing in advance whom the real estate consultant represents.

Most people think that the agent they’re working with is working for them. But unless they’re working as your buyer representative, they represent the seller.  There are different types of agency relationships you can have with a Realtor, so make sure you’re clear on your options.

Mistake #4: Not discovering hidden defects before they buy a home.

One of the most expensive mistakes is also one of the easiest to avoid, by having a professional pre-purchase home inspection.  Don’t get stuck with a money pit. The cost of a professional home inspection is usually a few hundred dollars, but the peace of mind it can give you and the expense you can avoid are worth thousands of dollars.

Mistake #5: Not knowing how much their credit can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home.

Before you buy a home, many of the clouds on your credit history can be cleared up or even eliminated. Your mortgage professional can help you review and prepare your credit file in advance.

an exerpt from by referral only

What help do you need to get our home buying process started?

A Modern Day Mystery in the Making

Sometimes what seems to be a simple real estate request can unfold into an ongoing mystery.

Last month a client came into our office searching for a property in Canton to establish a business on Route 138. All the   visible and listed properties were approached, but none were the right size or the right price range. So I did a little homework to see who owned any other locations that either had not been built up or had no active business located there. First, several of us made inquiries local land owners that might have some potential property deals up their sleeve, but no dice.

The next approach was with the town assessor’s department to see who owned what. In Canton the properties are not listed numerically in order by address on an easy access website. This meant a trip to the assessing department where I was graciously helped to look up each section of the map of Canton listing parcels on Rt. 138  to determine what properties were potentially available. Now came a little letter writing to the owners to see if anyone was interested in selling. While it was a shot in the dark, one owner did get back to me, and there is a potential for some build out. However, the property that my client really was interested in seemed to have some back taxes owed on it, and the letter came back addressee unknown.

I visited the adjacent businesses to get some background on what appeared to be an abandoned property and got the low down that the owner had passed away years ago. I also heard there might be a chemical spill on the property. I got in touch with the tax collector, and taxes are owed all the way back into the 1980’s plus there had been some testing done on the property for an oil or gas spill. The town was in the process to begin a tax taking on the property, but wasn’t sure who owned it. The town did give me the last known owner, which was the address that had come back to me. They are also in the process of doing a title search to see who currently owns it, but seem stalled as to who is the owner.

Meanwhile, I tried to see if a will was probated with the local probate court, but have not had success. Our office did locate someone with the same name who used to live in Canton but now lives out of state [and is the wrong age], and I have written him a letter to see if he can help. I have had no response as of yet. I also found information on the chemical testing through the state which referenced another name as a possible owner-although this has led to another dead end. . At this point, I am still hot on the trail for the owner.

So you can see, here at Legal Edge, we really do use all types of resources to get our clients what they are looking for. You should also never be afraid to ask about a property that might seem unavailable, because someone just might be willing to sell.

What would you do next to track the owner down?

 

Sensory Solutions- Using Your Senses to Locate Problem Areas

When preparing your home for the real estate market, one needs a fresh and honest perspective about the total effect of the house – and not just your own.  Prospective buyers notice everything because walking through your house is a totally new experience for them.  They feel the air temperature, notice cleanliness and colors, hear noises and smell odors.  As a seller, you need to create a similar experience for yourself in order to locate all problem areas that need to be corrected.  So, you think your home is ready to show?

Give your house a sensory test by changing your perspective.  Walk through and analyze your house twice – once during the day and once at night.  You’ll notice those dirty windows more during the day but may miss the debris clouding the overhead kitchen light that’s more noticeable at night.  Also, try crawling across a room on your hands and knees – you’re more likely to come across those grimy baseboards or unsightly bare electrical outlets when you’re closer to the ground.  Lying on your back will provide a better look at ceiling fans, lighting, spots on the ceiling, cobwebs in corners or cracks at the top of walls.  Fix what you find and then give the home one more test:  Recruit a trusted friend to put it through the same scrutiny.  Be sure that you and your friend each use your senses to analyze the house – sight, smell, hearing, and touch.

Sight is the most obvious sense to use when searching for problem areas.  Before analyzing each room, make sure light bulbs are the appropriate wattage and work properly.  Then, look closely at the walls for scratches, marks, cobwebs, missing or broken light switch plates, and mold or mildew.  Are wall clocks dusted and set properly?  Check ceilings for brown spots, water stains, dirt, cob webs and dusty fans.  Analyzing the floor may seem ridiculous since you walk on it all the time, but often defects are overlooked during the course of the day.  Search for uneven floors, worn or soiled carpet, and water stains.  Do area rugs need to be cleaned or replaced?  Does the wood floor need refinishing?  In the kitchen and bathrooms, test faucets for leaks and replace if necessary.  Also check the walls, shower, tub and sink for mold.  Scrub with a mixture of bleach and water to eliminate mold and mildew.  Everything should look clean and sparkling.

Often odor is a more accurate indicator of a problem than sight.  A carpet may look clean but after crawling across it you might detect odors from pets, smoke and ground-in food.  A peculiar smell is often caused by mold especially in bathrooms, though unnoticed water damage my cause this problem in other areas of the house, too.  Like other odor sources, mold can usually be removed but will return if the cause is not addressed.  Do you need better ventilation in the bathroom?

Is there a leak in the bedroom ceiling or windows causing mold and mildew?  Often banishing odors takes little more than identifying the cause – cigarette smoke and butts, old tennis shoes, pets, dead critters in the attic or basement, dirty litter boxes – then cleaning and freshening the area.  Ban smoking in the house while it’s on the market, send pets to live elsewhere, clean drapes and carpets, and empty ashes from the fireplace.  Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to come in, and replace odors with lightly scented candles or potpourri.

Just as one gets used to looking at certain problems – such as the stain your son made on the carpet when he spilled his barbecue chicken last summer – it’s natural to stop hearing minor sounds after awhile.  Be certain, though, that the buyer will hear them.  Most likely your trusted friend will point them out, too.  Is there a chorus of squeaks throughout the house?

Perhaps it’s time to have the air conditioner and heater checked for dirty filters or loose fan belts.  Or is one of the squeaks coming from a lose door hinge?  Squeaky doors and windows can be silenced with a good spray of WD-40 applied to their tracks.  Does it sound like an intruder is trying to break a window?  It could be the tree that scrapes the dining room window when the wind blows.  A quick trim would alleviate the problem.

Bathrooms have their own set of noises – does the toilet keep running after it’s been flushed?  Does the tub faucet drip when not in use?  These are often silenced inexpensively by replacing the float mechanism in the toilet tank and washers in the faucet.  Often taking care of noises will also reduce costs in electricity and water.

How does one experience the sense of touch – or feeling – in a house? Certainly the temperature plays a part.  You don’t want a buyer to shiver while walking through your house, nor do you want her sweating bullets, either

If you prefer extreme temperatures in your home, look to your trusted friend for guidance in the temperature department.  Buyers will also touch doorknobs and mini-blind levers, so make sure they all turn easily.  The same goes for knobs and levers on any appliances and cabinets.  Repair or replace those that require extra pressure to turn or open.  And don’t forget that fingers also find hidden dirt, so while the white glove test may seem a bit trite, this may be a good time to use it.  Buyers don’t want to feel dust and grime on their hands after using the banister, opening a cabinet or leaning across a window sill.

Now you know what you should experience during your sensory home tour.  Take a few moments to prepare your mind for the experience:  Go outside for a few minutes, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths – a home selling equivalent to cleansing your palate between dinner courses.  Enter your home, close the door and tour your home the sensory way.

an exerpt from by referral only

What It Helps To Know About Interest Rates, Points, And The “Mysterious” APR

When you get a mortgage, there are three important terms for you to remember.

  • Interest      Rates
  • Points
  • APR

I’ve combined these three terms here because they’re related, and you’ll understand them better if I explain them together.

Interest Rate:  “Interest Rates” are the price that Lenders charge for the use of their money.  So, when interest rates are high, it’s because Lenders are charging you more to use their money right now.

Again, it’s a trade-off between now and later.  Lenders are only going to give you so much money to use over the next 15 to 30 years (the life of your mortgage).  They work backwards from that figure using interest rates.

If you have a higher interest rate, you have less money to spend now.  If you have a lower interest rate, you have more money to spend now.

Points:  I want to tell you about a funny word – it’s one of those words that doesn’t mean what you might think it means when you hear it.  (Like when the waiter at the restaurant asks you if you would like your “check,” and somehow you know that what they really mean is your bill, but you say, “Oh yes, thank you.”)

When you hear the word “points,” what do you think of?  Maybe points in a football game?  Maybe a test score?

Well, some smart person in the mortgage industry started using the word “points” to mean 1% of your entire loan amount, that you get to pay up front, as a fee for certain things.

So let’s say your mortgage is for $200,000.  One “point” would mean $2,000.

Now I’ll tell you about the third term and how it relates to the first two.

APR:  “APR” stands for “Annual Percentage Rate.”  That sounds friendly, too, doesn’t it?

The APR is what you get when you add the interest rate, the points, and all of the other fees together and then calculate what the loan will cost you each year, based on all of the fees added together.

an excerpt from by referral only

 

No-Fail Guide To Finding A Mover That Won’t Take You To The Cleaners

We’ve all heard the horror stories about movers who didn’t deliver (literally) what they’d promised, or the priceless vase from Great Aunt Edna that got broken in a move.  Here are seven things to help you find the best mover that you can.

Identify only licensed, insured, and bonded moving companies.
Think about what you’re moving.  What is it worth to you to know that it will get to your new home safe and sound?  Licensed, insured, and bonded companies take the extra step to ensure that your things get to your new home, because they’re held responsible if they don’t.

Ask for estimates from two to three companies.
Shop and compare prices.  Invite a mover’s representative to inspect the contents of your home. They should be able to tell you how long the move will take, what it’ll cost, and the size of the truck you’ll need.  Long-distance moves can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000.  This is a large investment, so treat it like you would any other – and shop around. Be sure of what you’re buying. Typically, movers charge by weight and mileage.  If you can get a flat rate, you’ll probably be better off.  Get definite dates (in writing) of when the contents of your home will be picked up AND delivered.

Get extra liability protection.
Declare the value of the contents of your home with the mover before you move.  Otherwise, your furnishings will be valued at $1.25 per pound as a lump sum.  This means that a truckload containing the contents of your home that weight 3,000 pounds is only worth $3,750.  Heaven forbid that it should happen

an exerpt from by referral only

 

Hiding Places Buyers Never Look

What do you do when your Realtor calls and wants to show your home in say, half an hour?  Jump for joy first, since someone wants to look at YOUR home, right?  Then, panic.  As you hang up the phone, you notice that your teenagers have been at it again…your house is CLEAN, it’s just not TIDY.  Now, what do you do?

Since we all know that the first impression is important, especially if you want to sell your home in the next decade, we have a few tips that will help you quickly hide away “stuff.”  But first, you have to know where the buyers are going to look, and ensure that these places are constantly tidy.

Places that buyers will look include the oven, any closets, kitchen drawers, laundry room, and the kitchen pantry.  Think about it; these places give them an indication, essentially, of how much storage space there is.  If they’re overflowing, the buyers will think there just isn’t enough room to store their own things, since obviously you don’t have the space.  If you need a reminder of the basics of preparing your house for sale, refer back to our book, How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast.

Don’t defeat your efforts by stashing clutter in these places at the last minute, no matter how tempting it may be!

Enough of that!  What you want to know is, at the last minute, where CAN you hide things?

Under the bed.  It’s spacious, easy to get to, and no one in their right mind would get down on their hands and knees to look there during their first visit.  In addition, kids are probably used to stashing things there anyway, and can help you.

In the washer and dryer.  Who hasn’t seen the commercial where a little kid has stashed a pet in there?  We don’t recommend putting your pets in there, but clothes and shoes and “stuff” can easily fit.  Although buyers like to look in the laundry to see the size and neatness, they won’t be looking to see if you actually have things in there.  Our caution is to let everyone in the family know that it’s a hiding place, and to never start the machines without checking the contents first.

In the refrigerator.  This is risky; you know your kids are going to be in and out of the fridge – and how embarrassing would it be to have a shoe fall out?  On the other hand, if you’ve just walked in from the grocery, you can certainly stash the entire grocery bag in there, until you’re ready to unpack it and put things away neatly.

Behind the couch.  That is, if the couch is against the wall.  We all know that things get trapped there anyway, so it could be a quick opportunity to drop a toy or wayward socks for a quick fix.

In the trunk of your car.  Your garage or carport needs to be tidy.  If it isn’t garbage day, yet you have bags lying around, drop them in.  Skateboards and roller blades are a hazard anyway, so drop them in, too.  Nobody has a right to check in your vehicle – take advantage of that fact!

Let me leave you with this quick story.  My best friend, being a naturally organized person, has clothes closets organized by color and like items, linen closets with towels and sheets stacked by size and color, and jars in her kitchen pantry with labels facing the front like a grocery store shelf.

This may seem extreme, but when she showed the house for sale, one buyer actually told her that he’d buy her home for the state of her closets alone!  He believed that if she paid that much attention to a closet, that she must have taken that kind of care with the rest of her home.

an exerpt from by referral only 

 

 

Our New Location

We’re growing and have expanded into new office space. Come visit us at our new location at 905 Turnpike St., Suite A-1 in Canton, right on Route 138. We’re always happy to see you.

4 Ways to Beat the Stress of Buying a Home

1.  Begin with the end in mind. Have an ultimate scenario of where you’re trying to be.  What will life be like when you get there?  How will it be better than where you are now?  Dwell on that picture and write it out, fill up at least a page about how it feels in the new place.  This is imperative. Having the goal in front of you at all times energizes you to achieve it, in spite of setbacks and frustrations.  Emotions will run high and you need an anchor.  You must focus on that future goal when anxiety threatens to get the better of you.

2.   Be flexible. In your monetary calculations, overestimate by a thousand dollars.  In this market, anything can happen between contract acceptance and closing.  It could be the inspections reveal areas of concern that the seller is unwilling to fix or the repair costs are higher than the amount limited in the contract. Or the interest rate changes which affects the necessary down payment and closing costs you’ll need to come up with.  As your real estate team, we’ll strive to tie up loose ends as quickly as possible, but remember there is no perfect world.  Most buyers feel a bit overwhelmed when taking on a new mortgage and the responsibilities of a new home. We’ve seen many buyers get angry when it seems like the cost just keeps going up.  Anger is caused when reality doesn’t match up with the expectations you had in your mind.  If you anticipate this happening in advance, you won’t get angry.  In fact, it’ll probably go better than you expected.

3.  Trust in the process. There’s just so much to do, it’s easy to panic.  You wonder if it will ever work out.  In fact, when we bought our house, we couldn’t eat for a day, we felt so sick to our stomachs!  You think you’re taking a big chance, but the truth is you’re giving yourself a big chance. Even though you can’t see every step of the way, as you move towards your goals, the way opens up.  We know that you haven’t moved in a long time and it’s a major upheaval in your life.  But we’ve been there many times before, and we’ll be looking out for you.  Trust that we know the way to get you there.

4.  Get knowledge. One thing you’ll probably feel during this transition time is being out of control.  It feels like everyone else has taken over your life.  The seller, your Lender, the appraiser, the inspectors, all have the power to say yes or no to your moving plans. We’ll try our best to let you know ahead of time what your expenses will be, and what the unknowns are.  We’ll tie down the loose ends as soon as possible.  We’ll try to get your loan approved within a reasonable time frame.  We’ll educate you as best we can and let you in “behind the scenes” so you won’t ever feel stupid or out of control.

an exerpt from by referral only 

The Three Things That Scare You Most About Buying A House

Buying a home must up there with public speaking and the remake of The Exorcist for frightful experiences, but many of us will buy a home, speak publicly and watch that movie again and again in our lifetimes. By giving you a few of the “behind-the-scenes” secrets, we hope to help you deal with the three things that scare you most about buying a home.

The Cost 

The greatest fear that people have about buying a home is being able to afford it.  This is what keeps us awake at night – calculating and recalculating how many lunches we have to pack instead of going out with the gang, to be able to make the mortgage payment. The behind-the-scenes secret to dealing with this fear is working with a great Lender and getting pre-approved BEFORE you start looking at homes, and being realistic about what you’re willing and able to spend. The Lender will give you a range of loan options available and if asked, will give you a realistic projection of what you can REALLY afford, considering your budget and lifestyle.

The Commitment

Women like to stereotype men as having a fear of commitment – but when it comes to buying a home, we’re all susceptible.  Buying a home usually means committing money and time (at least a year – usually more like five years) to being in one spot.If you’re just finishing a degree or training, or you’re not sure that you’ll be in the same position for awhile, you may consider waiting until your life is a little more stable. The behind-the-scenes secret to dealing with the fear of commitment is in buying a home that will resell easily – that has features that other people will want.  In addition, you can get a two-step mortgage that allows you to pay a fixed rate for a certain period of time, and a flexible rate later on – so you can get out of the loan easily after the first step.

The People

Who can you trust in this home-buying process?  This is a big investment we’re talking about.  And it seems that everyone is out to make as much money as possible OFF of you!  There are sellers, real estate consultants, lenders, builders, movers, and attorneys, all of whom may be strangers, and have a vested interest when you buy a home.  It’s easy to be afraid they’ll take you to the cleaners. The behind-the-scenes secret is to check their references.  Really.  Many lenders and real estate consultants operate on a “By Referral Only” basis – in which they ask clients to refer them to others they know are buying a home.  Those who offer “lifetime relationships” and other services (like free reports and seminars on buying or selling homes) are already striving to meet your needs. In reality, they are NOT all out to get you – because in the long run, the BEST business strategy is to make sure that you get what you need and want in a home.

exerpt from By Referral Only

 

Should I Stay or Go? info for Sellers

When agents are showing your home to a prospective buyer, sellers often wonder should they stay or should they go? Some reasons sellers want to stay are because they think agents and buyers won’t be able to find everything, that they must be there to point out important features. Truthfully, most just want to be present to see buyer reaction firsthand.

Perhaps You Should Go…

Sellers should be aware that at the very least buyers feel uncomfortable when they are present, and that it can actually kill a sale. Buyers often won’t even open closet or cabinet doors when the seller is home, and when they cannot view a house comfortably, they’ll hurry up and move on to the next one.

Sellers want to talk, and not just about the house. You never know when a buyer will be turned off by the mood of the seller, or by a statement the seller makes. Buyers are there to look at the house, not chit chat about hobbies or the weather or worse–politics and other controversial topics.

If you (the seller) must be home during a showing, perhaps just go outside, take the dog for a walk or stay put in one location, do not wander around with the agent and buyers.

Boston Home Center Offers Great Investment Options

Last weekend Sophie and I partipated in the Boston Home Center’s Housing Expo. What an excellent opportunity for home buying in the city of Boston! There are great financing options available to help with both single and multi family homes, deleading programs, first time home buyer down payment options, and both FHA home loan and soft second home loan information readily available. We have just helped out one of the attendees just put an offer on a single family home in Mattapan. We can help guide you to the right connections, or check out their website for information and let us help find you that perfect first home or investment property. www.bostonhomecenter.com

A Good First Impression Helps Sell Your House

It can’t be overstated—when it comes to buying a house, the first impression is everything. If you’re selling or getting ready to sell in the coming months, one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to enhance that first impression is through paint.

Fresh paint makes your house look clean, bright, and inviting.

Painting your house’s exterior and interior before you put it on the market give the biggest bang for your fix-up buck.

Agents agree that sellers shouldn’t take curb appeal lightly, especially when so many buyers are doing their homework and looking at the exterior of houses before they even contact an agent.

If nothing else, paint at least the door, door frame, and foyer or first room the would-be buyers will see.

  • Use fresh,  neutral colors. If you’re painting the exterior, make sure the color blends in with the neighborhood. Opt for whites, creams or neutrals. The PQI says these colors appeal to the greatest number of people.
  • Whether you paint yourself or hire someone, make sure all the prep work is done—washing all dirt away, and patching and repairing any necessary areas  on the surface before it is painted.
  • Paint railings, window frames, trim, and other accents to freshen up the exterior.
  • Promote any recent painting in your ads, flyers and online descriptions of your house. Homeowners and buyers place a high value on the painted appearance of a  home. Include the date the paint job was completed and the quality of paint that was used.

                                                                                                                                                                                       an exerpt from By Referral Only

 

Making the Move Easy On the Kids

Most often, a move represents an important step forward for the adults in the family because of a new job, promotion, transfer to a different office, or financial success has allowed them to buy a more comfortable house in a different neighborhood.

Moving from one house to another is seldom easy and enjoyable for adults (who chose to move), and can be especially troubling for children (who prefer to stay where they are). But if parents are mindful of their children’s concerns and needs, they can minimize distress and discomfort.

A Move Affects Children and Adults Differently

People typically live in a house for about five years and then move on as their jobs and incomes allow. Five years is a small percentage of an adult’s life, but it’s half the lifetime of a 10-year old: It includes almost all the years he or she can remember. It may be the only home the child’s ever known, and the place s/he feels most safe and comfortable.

A house is much more than a place to live to children. It’s the center of their world, associated with familiar activities, sights, and sounds. A move threatens a child’s security and leaves something unknown in its place. Their friends, and the familiar streets, schools, shops, trees and parks are gone. The new neighborhood is someone else’s world.

The impact of a move on a child starts about the time he or she first hears about it, and often continues until the new house becomes home. It’s not necessary to tell young children about this big change immediately, although they must hear about it from their parents before someone else tells them.

Expect that your children may be even more distressed after the move. The new house will not be comfortable or beautiful the night the moving van leaves, or for months after. The furniture won’t fit the rooms, and the floor will be covered with half-unpacked boxes. The children won’t know anyone at school and, if you move during the summer, they may have little opportunity to meet others their age. They’ll need your help: Plan ahead to support and comfort them and ease the stress of the move.

Easing the Stress of the Move

Young Children Have Special Needs

Describe the move in a truthful, positive way. Tell upbeat stories about the benefits of the new house and location. Plan together to make the new setting feel like home:

  • Ask about their favorite activities (e.g., soccer), and plan to investigate youth programs in the new community.
  • Ask what they like best about the present house (e.g., the swimming pool) and assure them that you’ll find a place for them to swim in the new town.
  • Ask what they like best about the neighborhood (e.g., their friends), and make plans to invite the children on the block to a Welcome To the Neighborhood Party once you’ve settled in.
  • Ask what they like the most about their school (e.g., their teacher), and let them know that you’ll request a tour of their new school and a chance to meet their teacher beforehand.
  • Ask what they like most about their community (e.g., the video game parlor), and assure them that those activities will be available in the new location.
  • Use children’s literature. Books can help children prepare for and understand difficult situations. Story characters who model successful coping strategies are an excellent resource for children.
  • If the new home is too far away for the entire family to visit, show the children pictures of the house, yard, and neighborhood. Videotape it if you can. Include pictures of each child’s new room.
  • Ask the children to name the house with an inviting description, like “Oak Hill,” for the big trees and sloping lawn.

Young children need protection from fear of the unknown. Listen carefully to their concerns and respond quickly to relieve their apprehensions. It’s normal, for instance, for a young child to worry that his or her toy box and shelf of stuffed animals might be left behind. Uncover those anxieties by actively involving your children in the process.

  • Don’t just promise to let them decorate their own rooms – take them to the paint store and let them bring home color swatches. Shop together for bedspreads and towels and carpets.
  • They must leave old friends behind. Plan a going-away party and let them invite their own guests to bring closure to that parting.
  • Take pictures of everyone and make a photo album. If a child is old enough, send him or her out with a roll of film in the camera and the assignment to photograph the scenes he’ll want to remember.
  • Give each of them a long-distance telephone call allowance so they can keep in touch with people who are important to them.
  • Buy a stack of picture postcards that show positive views of your new community and encourage them to write messages to the friends and relatives they left behind.
  • Try to pack children’s things last and include them in the packing process.
  • Keep security objects such as a favorite teddy bear or blanket close by. Keep your routine as normal as possible. Regular eating and nap times are important.

Encourage children to get outside and get to know the people and the neighborhood. Encourage older children to distribute fliers for babysitting, lawn care, or car washing. Encourage them to participate in school activities that appeal to them. Get them on sports teams and into clubs. Throw a housewarming party for yourselves and invite all the adults and children on the block.

Teenagers

Most teenagers see themselves as adult members of the family, and may feel disrespected if they don’t hear about the move early in the process. Also, they’ll need time to work through the ordeal of leaving their friends. Ending relationships and saying goodbyes takes time, and is best done before the move. Some relationships will be extremely difficult to bring to an end, and these will require thoughtful, personalized planning. How, for instance, do you move a 17-year-old a thousand miles from her steady boyfriend?

Even though teens seem more advanced in their social skills, they may worry a lot about making friends and fitting in. Visit their new school and check out local activities and employment opportunities for young people.

Communities have their own culture and way of doing things, and this is often reflected in the way teens dress. How they look is really important to teens. Before spending money on a new school wardrobe, your teen may want to observe what’s “in.” Purchasing a few new outfits can often help a teen feel more comfortable.

It’s particularly important to let teens known that you want to hear about, and respect, their concerns. Blanket assurances may seem to your teen like you’re dismissing his or her feelings. It may help to explain that the move is a type of rehearsal for future changes, like college or a new job.

At any age, get help if emotional problems arise. Ask a teacher for assistance. Consider professional counseling. Don’t let a serious problem slide.

Eventually, the strangeness and temporary discomforts should diminish. New friends will become good friends. The new house may become the family gathering place that your grandchildren will visit on holidays. In the long run, everything will work out fine.

an exerpt from By Referral Only

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You Or Someone You Know?

An economics professor once said, “Capitalism works best in an economy of creeping inflation.” If you’ve ever wondered why prices keep rising, well, that’s capitalism doing its job. But that’s not what this report is all about – it’s about reverse mortgages.

So what do the two have in common? I probably don’t have to tell you that prices are constantly on the rise, and if you’re on a fixed income, such as retirement earnings, you just can’t keep up. You start looking for other sources of income. Do you go back to work? Do you borrow money? Do you cut back on the things you love to do?

Or…what if you didn’t have a house payment at all? Instead, what if your house was paying you!

This is where a reverse mortgage comes into play – and it might be right for you or someone you know. Basically, a reverse mortgage pays you money based upon how much equity you have in your house. It’s a way to convert some of that hard-earned equity you have into cash you can use every month. The safety of a reverse mortgage means you will never owe more than what your house is worth and the appreciation of your house will offset most of what you owe.

A reverse mortgage lets you stay in control of your money. You decide if you want a lump sum, monthly payments, an equity line, or a combination of these payment methods. Better yet, your income from this is still considered tax free.

The great thing about a reverse mortgage is that your age qualifies you, not your income or credit. The borrower and co-borrower must be 62 years of age or older, and must receive consumer education from an approved counselor before the loan will fund. This last point is very important because it offers you some protection against the people out there who will try to sell you something you don’t need or want. There are additional requirements, but those are a place to start.

Something else to think about is how much the property is worth and your remaining balance. When you get a reverse mortgage, you have to pay off the balance of the loan before you do anything else. For example, if you owe $100,000 on your home and the reverse mortgage would pay you $125,000, why get the loan? Even though your net gain would only be $25,000, minus any closing costs…you will never have to make a mortgage payment again – that’s an incredible plus to your lifestyle!

Because this is your money, once you’ve paid off the existing mortgage, you may spend it any way you wish. You can pay off debts. You can add to your monthly income with a guaranteed payment for life. You can pay for maintenance and repairs on your home or buy a new car. You can create an emergency cash fund or work with your financial advisor to enhance your financial plan. You can help family members or loved ones by setting up a college fund or helping them buy a new home, or you can use the money for travel, to pursue a hobby, or maybe buy a recreational vehicle – it’s ENTIRELY up to you…and remember, because this is money you already have, you will never have to repay a penny as long as one of you continues to live in your home.

Most reverse mortgage professionals will meet with you personally in your home or at their office to go over the details with you, your family or your advisors, and they will help you complete the paperwork quickly and without pressure.

There are some other things to consider. Reverse mortgages take time and patience, and it’s best if everyone in your family remains informed. You may encounter resistance from your children or other inheritors, because using the equity from your home will reduce their inheritance when you pass on. When they understand that you will improve the quality of your life, that you will never lose your home, that you will never have to make another mortgage payment, and they’ll have the option of purchasing the property when the time comes, they’ll probably support your decision for a reverse mortgage.

If you or someone you know is entertaining the thought of getting a reverse mortgage, your first step is to speak with your trusted mortgage consultant, and from there, with a counselor. The two of them will help you understand all the facts so you can decide whether a reverse mortgage is right for you.

                                                                                                                                                                                     an exerpt from By Referral Only