It's April ~ Rainy Day Home Maintenance ~

10 Things to Do When April Showers Are Falling

1.  Watch the Waterworks ~ Check the state of your gutters by safely observing their function during a steady rain.  Are the gutters properly connected and functioning?  When water leaves the downspouts, where does it go?  Check to see that the grade is directed away from the foundation, properly sending water away from the home.

2.  Address Indoor Safety ~ Too damp to work safely outside?  Turn your attention to keeping the interior of your home safe and secure.  Test smoke detectors, alarms, and carbon monoxide meters for proper function and replace batteries.

3.  Clean Dryer Vents ~ Did you know that fires can occur when lint builds up in a dryer or in the exhaust duct?  Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.  So, clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up, and disconnect the duct to remove any build-up.  Be sure to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again!

4.  Look for Leaks ~ A rainy day is a great time to look for leaks and areas where your home needs protection from water penetration.  Look for water drips or water stains in the attic.  If you locate a water drop, trace it to its source.  Also, look carefully to be sure you cannot see daylight anywhere through your roof.  repair as necessary.

5.  Fix Drips ~ The only droplets you should hear today are outside your home.  Check faucets and valves for drips or leaks.  Replace washers in dripping faucets and address other leaks as necessary.

6.  Check Grout and Caulk ~ One way to extend the life of your bathroom is to regularly check tile joints, tub grout and caulking.  replace and repair the areas as necessary.  Consider replacing old caulk with mildew resistant caulk.

7.  Maintain your Refrigerator ~ Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.  Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill.  If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced.  In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year.  Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils.  And, stock up!  A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.

8.  Get Organized ~ Locate all appliance manuals, review the warranties and note the suggested maintenance.  Take the day to address some of those items or to come up with a maintenance schedule.

9.  Take Inventory ~ In the event of a fire of other disaster, an itemized list of your valuable belongings will be vital.  Try inventory software.  It makes it easy to update your list over time and many will allow you to store your information online for safe keeping.

10.  Test GFCI Outlets ~ Do you know if your ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are functioning properly?  Press the "Test" button and that should cut the power to any device that is plugged into the outlet receptacle and any additional outlet receptacles that are wired downstream on the same circuit.  When you press the "Reset" button the power should be restored.

Curb Appeal

Even in hot housing markets, the old saw holds true:  "If people drive by your home and are not impressed they're not going to walk inside."

If you're going to spend money on a property, I would really work on making sure the curb appeal is strong.  Adding a front porch to create interest to the exterior of a flat house for instance.  "You really want to convey a sense of Welcome."   "If all your remodeling is on the inside but the outside of the house is challenging, you'll never have a chance to even show the inside."

Curb appeal is a major reason that siding replacement ranks so highly on the Cost ve. Value report.  Replacement siding also offers the added calue of being low maintenance, and important issue for cost-conscious buyers.

 

Which Home Improvements Pay Off?

In the first year my husband and I lived in our house, we spent almost $20,000 on home improvements.  When we set that money aside at the beginning of the year, we dreamed about granite counters and steam showers; what we ended up with was a new furnace, new gutters, a drainage system to keep the basement dry, new landscaping and lots of new paint.  At the end of that year as I wiped down my tacky Formica countertops and bathed in my 1950s seafoam green tub, I wondered if we had spent that money wisely.  If we had put our house up for sale, would potential buyers have really cared about the dry basement and reliable furnace?

After talking to a slew of Realtors, contractors and architects, the consensus was yes. "If the roof is leaking, buyers won't get beyond that.  I don't care how awesome the kitchen is."

You're less likely to recoup your investment in a major kitchen or bathroom remodel than you are to get back what you spend on basic home maintenance such as new siding.  Siding replacement recouped 92.8 percent of its cost, according to the study.  The only home improvement likely to return more at resale was a minor (roughly $15,000) kitchen remodel, which returned 92.9 percent.  Replacing roofs and windows were also high on the list, returning 80 percent or more at resale.

"Buyers want to take the basic systems for granted."  "They assume the roof doesn't leak and the air conditioning and plumbing work."  Maintenance can chew up a lot of cash quickly, and people are afraid of that.

That's not to say that granite counters and steam showers don't pay off; kitchen and bathroom remodels continue to be two of the best investments you can make in your house. "They're always right up there at the top of the list,"  "They're the big, sexy rooms that new home builders splurge on, so when buyers are shopping around that's what they want in an existing home, too."

If you're thinking about sinking some money into home improvement projects this year, keep a few things in mind.  What you'll get back on your investment depends on the value of your house, the value of houses in your immediate neighborhood, the housing market where you live, how soon you sell after making improvements, and the quality of the project itself.  Installing a $10,000 stove in a $200,000 house, for example, "just doesn't compute."  Nor does it make sense to update your kitchen if your house is the only house in the neighborhood with just one bathroom.  Here, the scoop on home improvements that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

In the hottest housing markets, springing for a kitchen or bath remodel is a sure-fire investment, often returning more than 100 percent of the cost.

Kitchens and baths are the areas in a home "where you can tell if money has been well spent or not."  "They're the most expensive areas of the home in terms of construction.  And they're where people spend time in their homes."

So exactly what should you improve when you redo your kitchen or bathroom?  Think traditional:  all-wood cabinets, commercial-look appliances, natural wood or stone floors, and stone countertops.  Walk-in showers have replaced whirlpool tubs as the must-have cleaning machine in bathrooms.  "Forgo the tub to have a big walk-in shower" If they don't have room for both "Most people don't have time to take a bath."  "So a lot of time you're giving away all that square footage for a tub that rarely gets used."  Floor-to-ceiling steam showers are also hot (so to speak).  Two key points to consider, however. First, don't spend money remodeling the bathroom if it's the only one you've got.  Your money is better spent adding a second bath.  Many people love "the charm of older homes."  So if you've got a four-bedroom, one-bath home, it's certainly going to pay to add a second bathroom.  Adding a bathroom increased the sale price of a home by 8.7 percent, more than twice the rate for adding a bedroom.

Staging Ideas for the Cooler Months Ahead

3 Great Staging Ideas for the Cooler Months Ahead

On December 3, 2012, in Staging Tips, by Melissa Tracey ....More Sharing ServicesShare
Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on printWhen trying to sell a home during the cooler months, it’s important to warm up the interiors and give the home a “homey” cozy look, agents say.

AOL Real Estate recently highlighted some tips for warming up your listings this fall and winter. Here are a few ideas:
1. Offer up some cozy smells: “We take some big old pots and dump cider in them, then warm it up and the whole house smells good,” Idaho real estate professional Gail Hartnett told AOL Real Estate. “It’s just a warm, homey smell that makes people feel good when they enter.”

2. Leave a few leaves: Keep the home’s lawn tidy but don’t sweat picking up every single leaf. “Leaves actually look nice as long as they have some color to them,” Harnett says. “But you need to make sure that your walkways are swept clear for safety purposes.”

3. Display photos from warmer days: Display spring and summer photos of the home’s exterior online as well as have photos at the home during showings. This will allow potential buyers to see what the beautiful flower beds and garden around your property looks on warmer days.

Real Estate Q & A > Making Offers & Related Issues

Is there a percentage a seller will mark up the price of a home? For example, if the asking price is $114,000 is an initial offer of $95,000 too low?


Although you can always offer whatever you want, yes, $95,000 is generally too low too offer for a home priced at $114,000.

It's like buying a car. You want to dicker with the salesman a little, but there is more room to dicker on a more expensive car than if you were going in and buying the least expensive car.

Sellers usually mark up the price a little because they realize most buyers aren't going to make a full price offer (though in different markets you can get offers ABOVE the listing price). In your example above, you were offering almost 15% below the listing price. They don't mark it up that much, just a few percent.

Before you make an offer, get your Realtor to go over the comparable sales of other similar homes in the same neighborhood. That is the same data the seller looked at when he priced his house, too. Make certain allowance for whether houses are selling briskly or slowly, and make an offer based on that data.

Note: When you look at comparable sales, you don't know for sure if the seller paid closing costs for the buyer or provided some other financing incentive, so keep that in mind.

I am looking at putting an offer in on a house listed for $134,900. The house is vacant and I believe it has been on the market for over 6 months. My realtor is saying is should bid 134,00 with the seller paying my closing cost and paying for a 2/1 buy down. I want to try and offer less. What do you think?

Your closing costs should be approximately $4000 or so (depending on what type loan you get, how many points, etc.). The 2/1 buydown (assuming it is an annual buydown) will cost the seller about $4000, too. By paying for these costs, if you offer a price of $134,000, the seller is netting the same as he would on if he accepted an offer of $126,000 and paid no costs.

If you think the house is worth less that $126,000, then make a lower offer. If you think it is worth more than $126,000, then you would be getting a deal with your Realtor's suggestion.

Your Realtor provides advice. You decide what to offer based on that advice.

If you make an offer on a house and the owner comes back with a counter offer and you agree to it can the owner still change his mind and sell to someone else?

A seller is free to withdraw the counter-offer any time prior to your acceptance of it. The communication method for acceptance is usually described in the contract. If your acceptance was communicated to the seller in the method required by the contract (prior to the seller withdrawing the offer), the seller should honor the contract with you and not entertain other offers.

But people don't always do what they should.

The problem then becomes whether you try to enforce your contract or not, which requires legal advice and expenses. For that, you have to consult an attorney.

Although you could probably technically enforce the contract, you have to reach a decision on whether it makes sense to expend the time and money to do so. Or does it make more sense to realize the seller is unethical and just move on to buy something different?

Can you negotiate when making an offer on a new home?

Making an offer on new construction is not the same as making an offer on a resale. Most of the time, the margin for profit is so small on new construction (per unit) that there is basically little or no negotiating. You can try, of course, because "everything in real estate is negotiable," but do not expect too much.

Can you negotiate the price of a bank owned home

Everything in real estate is negotiable. However, banks are more sophisticated about pricing than they were years ago. So those "Get a great deal on a foreclosure!" days aren't what they used to be. Lowball offers generally don't go very far.

Despite Rising Home Prices, a Third of Homeowners Still Underwater

Home prices have been rising on a national level for several months now, but surprisingly the number of homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages has also continued to increase, according to real estate data company Zillow.

During the first quarter of this year, 31.4 percent of all U.S. homeowners owed more on their mortgages than their homes were worth, up from 31.1 percent during the previous quarter. The current rate is down slightly from one year ago though when 32.4 percent of all borrowers were underwater.

Curiously, during the same three months of this year, national home prices rose 0.6 percent, the first gain since 2007, according to a report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The discrepancy seems to lie in the backup of foreclosure processing kicked off by the robo-signing scandal. Many delinquent borrowers have been hanging on the balance sheets, as banks have not yet had time to repossess the homes. Once the banks have taken back those foreclosed homes, those borrowers will no longer count in the negative equity totals.

Having such a large share of the population underwater has been a serious obstacle to the housing recovery. Borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth are unable to sell when new job opportunities arise elsewhere or when personal or medical emergencies strike. If they have a lot of negative equity, they are also much more likely to walk away from their homes, fearing they will never recoup the losses in the future.

However, Zillow said that as this point nine out of 10 borrowers with negative equity are still making their payments and are current on their mortgages. It is just the remaining 10 percent that are seriously behind on payments by 90 days or more.

"Negative equity does not necessarily equal foreclosure," said Stan Humphries, Zillow's chief economist. "Most people are holding in place and paying their mortgages."

That's likely because many borrowers are just barely underwater, with great hopes that they will recover the equity within the next few years. Zillow reported that about 40 percent of underwater borrowers owe between 1 percent and 20 percent more than their homes are worth. Others may not even know they are underwater if they haven't tried to refinance or sell recently.

Still, there are plenty of people who are seriously underwater. Roughly 15 percent—or 2.4 million people—of borrowers with negative equity owe more than twice the current market value of their properties.

The worst hit real estate area is Las Vegas. There, a whopping 71 percent of homeowners are underwater on their loans, with a quarter of them owing double what their homes would sell for. Home prices have fallen 62 percent from their housing bubble peak, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index.

Those at Zillow are confident though, that the problem will soon start to dissipate on a national level.

"[It's] important to note that negative equity remains only a paper loss for the vast majority of underwater homeowners,"Humphries said. "As home values slowly increase and these homeowners continue to pay down their principal, they will surface again."

Home Sales Continue to Climb

Metro Detroit Home Sales Continue to Climb over 2011 & Median Sale Prices Continue to Rise

* Average Days On-Market (DOM) for the entire MLS decreased from last year by 14 days, from 91 to 77.
* Overall, YTD sales are up by 9.0% compared to last year.
* Of the 7,041 sales closed in August of this year, 11.1% (784) were identified as short sales.
* 43.8% of all sales this month were identified as cash sales.
* The median sale price for all MLS sales increased to $89,500 - this is up 9.1% over last year.
* The on-market inventory declined by 16.1% from 31,457 in August 2011 to 26,404 in August 2012.
* Approximately 11.8% of the on-market inventory (3,106) is comprised of properties identified as foreclosures.
* Approximately 21.3% of the on-market inventory (5,629) is comprised of properties identified as short sale.

How closings work

On closing day of your home purchase, all parties will sign the papers officially sealing the deal, and ownership of the property will be transferred to you. It's your opportunity to make any last-minute changes to the transaction.


The day before closing, be sure to gather all the paperwork you have received throughout the homebuying process. This includes the good-faith estimate; contract; proof of title search and insurance, if necessary; flood certification; proof of homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance; home appraisal; and inspection reports. You might need to refer to these documents at closing.

Most home-sale contracts entitle you to a walkthrough inspection of the property 24 hours before closing. This is to ensure that the seller has vacated the property and left it in the condition specified in the sale contract.

If there are any major problems, you can ask to delay the closing or request that the seller deposit money into an escrow account to cover the necessary repairs.

At closing, your participation will involve a couple steps:

1. Sign legal documents. There are two agreements to sign: the one between you and your lender regarding the terms and conditions of the mortgage and the one between you and the seller transferring ownership of the property. Be sure to read all documents carefully before signing them and do not sign forms with blank lines or spaces.

2. Pay closing costs and escrow items. Borrowers handle the numerous fees associated with obtaining a mortgage and transferring property ownership in one of two ways. They either roll them into the principal balance of the new loan or agree to pay higher interest rates and have their lender foot the bill. Some buyers may have to pay these fees out-of-pocket.


 Bing Search:

First Time Homebuyer First Time Homebuyer

Common Questions from First-time Homebuyers - HUDCommon Questions from First-time Homebuyers ... First Time Homebuyer

More results from Bing:web
videos images - Who is at closing?

Closing procedures vary from state to state and even from county to county. But generally, these parties will be at the closing or settlement meeting:

Closing agent, who might work for the lender or the title company.

Attorney: The closing agent might be an attorney representing you or the lender. Both sides may have attorneys. It's always a good idea to have an attorney present who represents you only.

Title-company representative, to provide written evidence of the ownership of the property.

Home seller.

Seller's real-estate agent.

You, also known as the mortgagor.

Lender, also known as the mortgagee.

The closing agent conducts the settlement meeting and ensures that all documents are signed and recorded and that closing fees and escrow payments are paid and distributed properly.

Closing documents


You will receive the following important documents:

HUD-1 settlement statement: This Department of Housing and Urban Development document is a detailed list of all costs related to the home sale. It is similar to the good-faith estimate you received weeks earlier, but the HUD-1 is not an estimate; it is a precise record of the settlement costs. You and the seller sign it. Compare the HUD-1 statement to the good-faith estimate to see if the actual closing costs differ significantly. By law, you have the right to review the HUD-1 24 hours before closing. Do so. Clear up any mistakes and resolve problems.

Final Truth in Lending Act statement: You received the first version of this statement after applying for your mortgage. This final version outlines the cost of your loan and the annual percentage rate, and it accounts for any modifications to your rate and points between application and closing. Make sure that everything is in order.

Mortgage note: This document states your promise to repay the mortgage. It indicates the amount and terms of the loan and what the lender can do if you don't pay.

Mortgage or deed of trust: This document secures the note and gives your lender a claim against the home if you fail to live up to the terms of the mortgage note.

Certificate of occupancy: If you are buying a newly constructed house, you need this legal document to move in.

Once you've reviewed and signed all closing documents, the house keys are yours — and you will have successfully purchased your new home.

Housing Turns the Corner

* Housing Starts for June increased by 6.9 percent to a 760,000 unit annual rate.
* June Permits for new residential construction decreased by 3.7 percent to a 755,000 unit rate.
* Mortgage Applications for the week ending July 13 jumped by 16.9 percent on strong refi activity.
* Beige Book indicated modest-to-moderate expansion in June and early July for most of the U.S.

Residential real estate indicators continue to show improvement, with gains visible in sales, prices and construction.  Housing starts for June increased by 6.9 percent to a 760,000 unit rate.  This is still weak by historical standards, but it is the strongest building rate since October 2008.  June permits for new construction fell by 3.7 percent to a 755,000 unit rate, giving back some of the large gain in May; however, the trend still looks good.  A key question about housing is....are recent gains durable?  The self-sustaining housing cycle starts with easing credit, which allows wealth-generating buyers to purchase cheap existing homes that are appreciating in value at very low interest rates.  Real estate and financial services workers are employed and home owners circulate cash back into the economy with fix-up and move-in purchases.  Growing confidence in the existing home market increases confidence in new home sales.  New home sales spur construction, which demands materials and employs workers, adding two more positive feedback mechanisms.  What could derail the train?  Given the fundamental tightening in housing markets that is occurring because the rate of new home construction is far below the rate of household formation, only a significant decrease in household wealth, coming as a result of a moderate-to-strong recession would shift demand.  Housing demand at this point is likely durable through a weakly growing economy, or through a mild recession.  Lack of credit availability could also derail the train.  A global financial market crisis could dry up credit availability, but that is looking less likely as Europe muddles through its financial, political and economic restructuring.  barring a hard recession in the U.S., a possibility increased by the approaching Fiscal Cliff and a melt-down in Europe, the positive trends in residential real estate look durable for now.

Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers

Sellers don't always disclose the whole truth to potential homebuyers, especially if they're eager to sell (or "motivated" in real estate lingo). But you can't afford to get a professional inspection of every house you tour. So before you spring for the pro, narrow down your choices by doing your own pre-inspection to spot potential problems.


1.Mass Exodus From the Neighborhood

Don't let a home's curb appeal keep you from glancing down the street. Are there several other homes for sale? Are nearby businesses boarded up or vandalized? Get the scoop from the neighbors. If everyone else wants to leave the street, maybe you should, too. Just do it before you're stuck with a bad investment.

How to choose a neighborhood

2.Mediocre Maintenance

Three layers of roofing and gutters with plants growing in them are signs the owners aren't big on maintaining their home. What else did they neglect?

Signs of poor home maintenance

3.Foundation Failures

Check out the yard grading. If the yard slopes toward the house, it could cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement, which will be costly to repair. Scour the foundation for damage. Bulges or cracks bigger than one-third inch can mean the house has serious structural issues.

Get your home inspected

4.Bad Smells (Inside or Outside)

Take a big whiff of the air inside and outside the house. Do you smell anything funky? If you can't smell anything but the huge baskets of potpourri all over the house, this could be a red flag.

Smells to be aware of when house hunting

5.Faulty or Old Wiring

While you're probably not an electrician, make sure all the switches and outlets in the house function properly. Flickering lights, circuits that don't work and warm or hot outlets or faceplates are all symptoms of wiring problems.

Look out for old home wiring

6.Fresh Paint on One Wall

New paint can really spruce up drab walls, but it can also hide bigger problems, like water damage, mildew or mold. If the room smells strange or if you see stains or saggy walls or ceilings, have an inspector look for mold and leaks.

Finding a good home inspector

7.Locked Doors and Blockades


Ask about any rooms that are "off limits" during your home tour, and arrange to see them later if you're interested in the house.

Be sure to tour the entire house

8.Foggy or Nonfunctioning Windows

Check for water in between double-paned windows and make sure all the windows are functional.

What to look for in windows

9.Structural Walls or Floors Have Been Removed

Sure you love the open floor plan, but was the house always open or did the homeowners renovate? If they removed a load-bearing wall without adjusting the framing, it can shift weight to other parts of the house. Hire a structural engineer if you think any renovations are questionable.

Explore backout contingencies

10.Bugs!

No one wants a house with a pest problem, be it roaches, mice or, worst of all, termites. Be on the lookout for unwelcome creatures as you tour the house. Even if no foes pop out while you're there, consider a separate termite inspection if you're thinking of purchasing the property.

BOTTOM LINE: Always get a professional inspection

Yeah, it's a little expensive, but it's worth every penny. Skipping a home inspection is not a good way to cut homebuying costs. You'll end up paying more in the long run when problems inevitably arise.

Listing your home?

Say the right thing: 6 things your home listing should include

Particular phrases and specific information can help your home sell more quickly — and for a better price.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the right turn of phrase in a home listing can make a big difference in how fast a home sells and how much a seller can get for it. (Bing: What has sold recently in your area?)

The right description can get your home a second look; the wrong one can sour buyers on the property in a matter of seconds. So choose those words wisely, agents say.

"It's all about capturing an audience," says Cheryl Bare of Century 21 Comstock Earnest in Waldorf, Md. "I try to create something that will just get [buyers or agents] to take a look at it."

MSN Real Estate asked Bare and other top agents to pinpoint the six elements of a good listing, as well as the things that are better left unsaid. Here, in no particular order, are their tips:

What's your home worth?

1. Highlight unseen amenities. The data fields on a listing can tell you how many bedrooms and bathrooms a house has, but they won't tell you the whole story. Neither will the photos, agents say.

"The description is the place for things that aren't obviously seen in the property details," says Jessica Edwards of Sea Coast Realty in Wilmington, N.C.
Important amenities such as an oversized garage or great views should be played up in the write-up. If you can see a picturesque vista from almost every room in the house, say so. Likewise, if a house is private because it backs up to an open space rather than a neighbor's property, that belongs in the description too, agents say.

Read: Is it ethical to alter listing photos?

2. Be specific. You don't just want to just say "beautiful remodeled kitchen" in a property description. Instead, point out features and brands that prospective buyers covet, says Don Moore of Better Homes & Gardens Tech Valley in Albany, N.Y.

Slide show: 10 home remodels that turn off buyers

Drop brand names such as Viking, Sub-Zero and Bosch. Identify granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Mention appealing features such as those pullout shelves in the kitchen cabinets or the walk-in pantry.

On our blog, 'Listed': Don't call it a comeback: Will white appliances surpass steel?

"I try to hit [buyers'] hot buttons," says Julie Johnson of BHG David Winans & Associates in Dallas. "I give as many details or facts about a property as I can."

That could include updates such as a new roof, separate his-and-hers closets, a finished basement or a master bedroom downstairs.

A saltwater pool, or a pool that has been recently resurfaced or updated, is also worth distinguishing from its traditional counterparts.

3. Use the right adjectives. Too much fluff can be off-putting, Johnson says, so use descriptors sparingly. And choose the words that pack the most punch.

A Canadian study conducted more than a decade ago – but to which agents still refer — found that homes described as "beautiful" sold for 5% more than those in "move-in condition." Likewise, homes that were described as "beautiful" or "gorgeous" sold 15% faster.

Images that doesn't mean that every house or room deserves that descriptor, but if it fits the bill, by all means use it, agents say. "Beautiful landscaping" is a good combination.
But don't exaggerate. The worst thing, agents say, is building buyers' expectations with a grand description of something only to have it fall far short in real life. Remember, "spacious" is a relative term. "Open floor plan" on the other hand, works for everyone.

Here's Johnson's makeover on a listing that went overboard with the adjectives:
Before: "Splendid, Sweet, and no other Equal! This one hits the sweet spot! Tons of hardwoods, gorgeous granite countertops, plantation shutters, 2 covered patios, crown molding, stone fireplace and fantastic fixtures. You will love the updated style Highland Home floor plan with the California kitchen. Both master and secondary bedroom downstairs. Massive master suite! Don't forget an awesome gameroom and fully wired media room. Exemplary Frisco ISD!"

After: "Highland home with ideal open floor plan including master and extra bedroom down, game & media room wired for surround sound, hand-scraped wood extended thru 1st floor including study, kitchen open to family room with granite, stainless appliances, double ovens, 5-burner gas cooktop, oversized master, larger than average secondary bedrooms, plantation shutters, sink in 3 car garage, pool-sized yard with covered patio, established neighborhood feeds to Exemplary Frisco ISD with quick access to major highways."

MSN Living: Affordable ways to refresh a dated kitchen

Johnson asks of the before, "What is a California kitchen anyway?" It's a good bet those reading it won't know either.

4. Good grammar is mandatory. Bad spelling and grammar can be as big a deterrent as hokey copy. It sends the message that a seller doesn't have good agent representation. If an agent can't take the time to spell-check the listing, what other corners is that agent going to cut?

Here's a good example of how bad spelling and ill-conceived content can put buyers off, followed by Moore's fix for it.

Before: "Seeing is beleiving! Foundation has new concrete/foam insluation skirting and all joints have foam insulation and are caulked. Owner will be painting exterior in the spring.'

After: "This distinctive ranch is located on a picturesque 1.4-acre lot in the heart of Slingerlands. There's a massive stone fireplace and wall of windows in the LR overlooking the private wooded lot. You'll feel like you are in the Adirondacks! The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining. It's sure to be a treasure once updated with your personal touch."

Sounds more compelling than the "before" right? (Side note: While good insulation is important, it might not be the thing that gets buyers out in droves.)

Moreover, be careful with abbreviations that people might not understand. While agents might use "WBF" as an abbreviation for wood-burning fireplace, many home shoppers would have no idea what that meant and therefore can't be swayed by it, Johnson says.

5. Provide motivation. A psychology major in college, Johnson says that sometimes stating something is enough to make a large number of people believe it's true. And that goes for pronouncements on pricing.

MSN Money: The psychology of pricing your home

The phrase "priced to sell" or "Great Deal!" can be more of a call to action for buyers, even if the home in question is priced on par with others in the area.

Home affordability calculator

Combined annual income $

Other monthly obligations $

Cash for down payment $

Bare has used "Better Run!" and "Best Buy," but only if the home is priced relatively low.


6. Tout lifestyle. Buyers are also motivated by emotion. A home is a place where they will create memories. So give them a hint about what those memories might be. How will they enjoy the home and its features? Edwards suggests: "Relax with a glass of wine on the custom deck overlooking the well landscaped backyard" or "entertain friends in the gourmet kitchen." Does it have a front porch? How about "relax with a glass of lemonade on the front porch," Bare suggests.

If a community has great amenities such as a neighborhood pool or nearby walking or biking trails, mention them. If the elementary school is a short walk away, that should be featured prominently as well. Ditto for perks such as short commutes or proximity to highly desirable restaurants and shops.

Just remember to deliver the biggest selling points of a house in the first couple of lines, whether it's "tons of storage space" or "beautifully landscaped front yard."

• Friday Five: Tax Season Reminds Us of the Benefits of Home Ownership

  Find out why real estate is poised for a comeback this spring and why the mortgage interest deduction is important to the economy as a whole. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

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  Deck Addition: Return on Investment

  A high return on investment makes a deck addition a worthwhile home improvement project. Read

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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

• 13,000 Tankless Water Heaters Recalled

  Carbon monoxide poisoning threat prompts recall of certain tankless water heaters. Read

• Space Heater Safety: Make Sure Yours Hasn’t Been Recalled

  Check your space heater to make sure it’s not one of 2.5 million recently recalled. Read

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Copyright 2012 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

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  Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart

  After finding a buyer, all you have to do to make it to closing is to avoid these five traps. Read

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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

What Foreclosures Cost the Community

By Jennifer Dixon

The effects of a home foreclosure extend beyond the family losing its property. The costs—emotional and financial—extend to neighbors, communities and others, though estimates vary.

Lender: The Joint Economic Committee of Congress wrote in 2007 that foreclosures carry an average cost of about $78,000, while preventing a foreclosure costs about $3,300. Most of the expense ($50,000) is borne by the lender, which takes title to the home and must find a buyer.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said costs to lenders include lost principal and interest payments, tax and insurance on the property, maintenance and real estate commissions when a home is sold.

Homeowners: The congressional report put the average cost to homeowners at $7,200 for lost equity, moving expenses, legal fees and the like. They will likely take a hit to their credit score, which can affect jobs because some employers check credit scores before hiring or promoting workers. Lose a home, and you also lose the tax advantages of owning a home.

Local government: Communities can lose anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $30,000 on foreclosed homes, according to a study by the Urban Institute. That includes lost property taxes, unpaid utilities and costs for upkeep or demolition of a property. Vacant properties also can mean lower property values, cutbacks in government services and a rise in crime and blight.

Neighbors: Particularly for close neighbors, studies show a single foreclosure can lower home value anywhere from 0.6 percent to 1.8 percent. The Center for Responsible Lending put the average neighbor dollar loss at $5,800 to $8,700.

3600 Meadow View, Dexter $225,000

3600 Meadow View, Dexter $225,000, a photo by realestateonedexter on Flickr.

BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED & MOVE IN READY! Fantastic home in desirable sub. Lovely kitchen w/granite counters, backsplash, snack bar, w/updated ceramic tile flooring. Spacious great room w/fireplace, plus a formal Dining/Living room. Master suite w/walk-in closet & cathedral ceilings. Finished basement for additional living space, w/nice lighting & good storage. Back yard w/gorgeous stamped patio and deck. Nicely maintained yard & landscape w/inground sprinkler sys & invisible fence. Convenient to schools, downtown, Ann Arbor, I-94...

The Real Estate Market is improving at last. Something to smile about...

Relay For Life Event in Dexter

Real Estate One Dexter will be participating at the Relay for Life Event on May 14 & 15. This event will take place at the Monument Park downtown Dexter. We love for you to join us on our efforts. If you would like to help support our efforts, click on the link and donate or join us. Every one is welcome and every penny counts.

Thank you.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11GL?team_id=914078&pg=team&fr_id=30160

Home for Sale

 1475 Kirtland, Ann Arbor

Three bedroom brick ranch with hardwood flooring throughout all of the home except the kitchen and bath. Living room with large picture window and a wood burning fireplace with slate tile surround and built in bookshelves. Original tile in updated bath with new fixtures and storage. Partially finished basement with fireplace, bar area and half bath.

Give us a call for detail! 734-426-1487