Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal - Repairing Walkways and Driveways

The curb appeal of your home is important if you're desiring to sell your home.  If the outside of your home is not welcoming, buyers won't be interested in seeing the inside.  Repairing the Driveway and Walkways dramatically improves the entry to your home and makes it more inviting to buyers.

The best way to repair the joints in  a walkway is with a sand-topping mortar mix, which is stronger than regular mortar and can handle wider joints. Mix it with an acrylic fortifier so that the joints will be less susceptible to water penetration.

The hardest part of this job is chipping out the crumbly old mortar without damaging the stones. Once the old stuff is out, filling the joints is as easy as decorating a cake. Just keep in mind that while the new mortar won't match the existing mortar color, it will lighten and blend in over time. The only way to get the same shade would be to replace all the old mortar, crumbling or not.  Click here for more on this project, and others, to improve the curb appeal of your home, and get it ready for sale. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20471893,00.html

13 Top Bathroom Remodel Trends

Odds are you have a room in your home you don't enjoy spending time in. Of all the rooms that are renovated each year, the bath is probably the most difficult to plan for. What's in style? How do I keep it pretty but up to code? How do I inject a sense of style but keep it functional? Click here for the 13 top bathroom remodel trends - MSN Real Estate

And Now For Something Totally Different

Our blog is usually something about homeowning, home decorating, ideas for busy families but today, we're wandering off the beaten path.

Earlier this week, I celebrated a milestone.  Two years ago, on February 17, 2010, I broke free from an abusive marriage.  As most people do, I had always thought of women who stayed as weak and needy.

How can a woman wake up every morning and take that?  Why doesn't she leave?  Doesn't she love her children, or herself, enough to get out?  I can tell you now, it's not that simple.  Women stay because there is a real danger in leaving.  Sometimes the danger of leaving is more terrifying than the reality she lives with everyday. Most women who die at the hands of their spouse are trying to leave.

SC is eighth in the nation statistically for domestic violence related homicides. After dealing with some of the legal web, I now know why. SC legistlators who had anything to do with the laws on the books should be charged as conspirators. Don't assume that because someone is walking around free that they are innocent. This place is a mess.

You can do a thorough background check as a civilian for $50. Don't overlook warning signs or expect that just because he's a smooth talker you're safe. We had many of these warning signs in front of us and it never occurred to me there would be a problem.

WARNING SIGNS

Many of the signs women are taught to Interpret as caring, attentive, and romantic are actually early warning signs for future abuse. Some examples Include:

INTRUSION: Constantly asks you where you are going, who you are with, etc.

ISOLATION: Insists that you spend all or most of your time together, cutting you off from friends and family.

POSSESSION AND JEALOUSY: Accuses you of flirting/having sexual relationships with others; monitors your clothing/make-up.

NEED FOR CONTROL: Displays extreme anger when things do not go his way; attempts to make all of your decisions.

UNKNOWN PASTS / NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN: Secretive about past relationships; refers to women with negative remarks, etc.

MORE WARNING SIGNS
1. Was or is abused by a parent.

2. Grew up in a home where an adult was abused by another adult.

3. Gets very serious with boyfriends/girlfriends very quickly – saying “I love you” very early in the relationship, wanting to move in together or get engaged after only a few months, or pressuring partner for a serious commitment.

4. Comes on very strong, is extremely charming and an overly smooth talker.

5. Is extremely jealous.

6. Isolates partner from support systems – wants partner all to themselves, and tries to keep partner from friends, family or outside activities.

7. Attempts to control what partner wears, what she/he does or who she/he sees.

8. Is abusive toward other people, especially mother or sisters if he is a male.

9. Blames others for one’s own misbehavior or failures.

10. Has unrealistic expectations, like expecting partner to meet all of ones needs and be the perfect partner.

11. Is overly sensitive – acts ‘hurt’ when not getting one’s way, takes offense when others disagree with an opinion, gets very upset at small inconveniences that are just a normal part of life.

12. Has ever been cruel to animals.

13. Has ever abused children.

14. Has ever hit a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past.

15. Has ever threatened violence, even if it wasn’t a serious threat.

16. Calls partner names, puts him/her down or curses at him/her.

17. Is extremely moody, and switches quickly from being very nice to exploding in anger.

18. If a male, believes women are inferior to men and should obey them.

19. Is intimidating, for example using threatening body language, punching walls or breaking objects.

20. Holds partner against his/her will to keep him/her from walking away or leaving the room.
21. Stories about past relationships don't reconcile with the way he/she REALLY deals with conflict.

22. His/her idea of discipline is ALL physical and overboard. The thought of it brings a smile to their face....

23. Anybody they've ever dated/married has "done them wrong", with no provocation.

24. Constant "white lies" are a clue to dishonesty in bigger issues. Honesty = safety

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or you suspect that someone is, be their way out.  Ask questions and offer an escape route.  You'll never get yesterday back, but you can reclaim your today.

Kitchen Tips: Improve the Appeal Of Your Home to Buyers

Does your kitchen feel cramped?  Even a small kitchen has value, you really don't need an expansive space to cook, but who wants to spend time in a kitchen they feel is closing in on them?  Remove the doors on upper cabinets to make a cramped kitchen feel more spacious. For a finished look, paint the interiors to match the base cabinets. Here, white enamel matches the subway tile backsplash and countertop for a sophisticated monochromatic look.

Going A Little Coastal: Peeling Mirror Redo

I am so doing this!  Ever come across an awesome frame with an old mirror in it?  This is the easiest DIY project ever......

Hop on over to Going A Little Coastal and find out how.....

Going A Little Coastal: Peeling Mirror Redo

Money Saving Energy Tips That Won't Break The Bank

EASY ENERGY-SAVING HABITS (Free!)
Don't forget the basics. This simple stuff will save energy -- and money -- right now.
• Unplug seldom-used appliances, like an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage that contains just a few items. You may save around $10 every month on your utility bill.
• Unplug your chargers when you're not charging. Every house is full of little plastic power supplies to charge cell phones, PDA's, digital cameras, cordless tools and other personal gadgets. Keep them unplugged until you need them.
• Use power strips to switch off televisions, home theater equipment, and stereos when you're not using them. Even when you think these products are off, together, their "standby" consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.Enable the "sleep mode" feature on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity. In Windows, the power management settings are found under control panel.Configure your computer to "hibernate" automatically after 30 minutes or so of inactivity. The "hibernate mode" turns the computer off in a way that doesn't require you to reload everything when you switch it back on. Allowing your computer to hibernate saves energy and is more time-efficient than shutting down and restarting your computer from scratch. When you're done for the day, shut down.
• Set your thermostat in winter to 68 degrees or less during the daytime, and 55 degrees before going to sleep (or when you're away for the day). During the summer, set thermostats to 78 degrees or more.
• Use sunlight wisely. During the heating season, leave shades and blinds open on sunny days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. Close shades and blinds during the summer or when the air conditioner is in use or will be in use later in the day.
• Set the thermostat on your water heater between 120 and 130 degrees. Lower temperatures can save more energy, but you might run out of hot water or end up using extra electricity to boost the hot water temperature in your dishwasher

Looking for a way to liven up your dull decor?  After the Christmas Tree is gone, you may be looking at your home and thinking "Was it this bland before?".  Refresh your dark wood or white cabinets by painting them a spiffy hue like a pale sage green.  For added oomph balance the the room with an intense red painted floor.  Don't be timid, it's your home, make it reflect your style.

How Can I Incorporate a Coastal Vibe in my Non-Coastal Home?

Summer is my favorite season, the coast my favorite place.  Living in Upstate SC, however, I have to take daytrips whenever I can and incorporate simple ideas into my décor and routine that may let me take a short braintrip when a trip on the road is just not on the calendar.  These are cute, quick, and make me think of Charleston, with it’s crabhouses and pluff mud.  Make these little cuties and you may take a braintrip of your own…….

Stenciled Tea Towels

It’s in the details….. place these in a guest bath for a simple nod to your favorite place? I love them! Anita shares how to stencil a tea towel over at Going Coastal!

Picking Great Colors For Your Home

Picking out paint colors always left me frustrated.  When you walk into a paint store they'll display thousands of shades of color on several walls, how are you supposed to make a decision with so many choices?  Trying to figure out which of those colors will complement your furniture and home style drives many to simply opt for some shade of white.

One way to go, however, is to use a complementary color scheme. Paula Abdul was right! There really is a rule that opposites attract, these pairings can always be found at opposite ends from each other on a paint color wheel. When put together, they bring out the best in each other, making both colors look cleaner and brighter.

An essential tool for artists, painters and interior designers everywhere, the color wheel is constructed to help you see the relationships between different hues. The bases are three primary colors: red, blue and yellow. These are then combined to make the three secondary colors: orange, green, and purple. Finally, the remaining six colors on the wheel are known as tertiary colors and are mixes of the secondary colors, including such hues as red-orange and blue-green.

Familiarizing yourself with the color wheel can help you understand how to best mix and match a cool color with a warm one, for a naturally balanced room.  Don't be afraid!  Many chain home improvement stores now offer small "pots" of paint that you can have tinted to whatever you want a trial of.  When you get home, make sure you not only try a small block of color on one wall, but on each wall to see how the color reacts to light.  Leave it on the walls for a few days (a big blob of color on the walls makes for a great conversation piece for visitors!) and see how it looks throughout the day.  You Can Do This!

Why Should I Look For Listings Over My Price Range?

If a home doesn't sell, there must be something wrong with it, right? True, but maybe not the “something” you suspect. It's not always location or condition.

The number one reason why a home does not sell is price. Homes that are grossly overpriced often never sell at all. Why? Because home buyers don't make offers on them. You should be looking at homes listed over your price range for one simple reason........ The listing price is not always indicative of the market value.

Why Don't Home Buyers Make Offers on Overpriced Listings?

· They don't want to offend the seller. It goes against human nature to offer substantially less than asking price to a seller.

· Buyers erroneously believe that the seller knows the home is overpriced. They believe that if a seller would be willing to sell for less, the seller would simply lower her price. Many times the Realtor has tried to reality check the seller, but it takes a buyer offering market value, sometimes, to drive the truth home.

· Buyers also assume that the seller must have turned down lower offers from other buyers because surely someone, somewhere along the line, had offered a reasonable price to the seller. But many times, there are no offers at all. You’ll never know until you try!

How Do You Find an Overpriced Listing?

The easiest way is to ask your Realtor about the average days on market (DOM) for your area. Multiple listing systems are designed so it's fairly easy to compute the DOM. Then ask your Realtor to sort through the listings and find the homes that have been on the market longer than average.

If your Realtor is local it is likely she has toured these homes and has intimate knowledge of condition and layout of these homes. Ask her to share this information with you. You can also ask your Realtor which of the homes she thinks are overpriced as well. You will be amazed to learn that often agents don't tell listing agents whether their listings are overpriced because agents don't want to offend anyone either! But listing agents aren't infallible. Sometimes they make mistakes when estimating market value prices for a seller. Ultimately, however, remember that it is ALWAYS the seller's responsibility to select the sales price. If a Realtor advises a client on a listing price, it’s still the seller’s responsibility to put the final number on the contract.

Why Would a Seller Lower the Price?

Not every home that is overpriced will ultimately sell for less than listed price, but many homes that are listed at unrealistic prices are owned by sellers who are motivated and who are willing to listen to reasons why they should sell at a reduced price to you. If you find out that a seller has turned down multiple offers for less money, it might mean that it's just a matter of timing. Eventually the light bulb will go on and a seller will say yes.

There are overpriced gems hiding among the inventory of homes for sale every day. Don't just pass them by. You could be passing up an opportunity to buy your dream home.

Galvanized Countertop Weekend Project

How Can I Update My Kitchen Countertops?

GALVANIZED METAL COUNTERS
This is such an awesome project. Stainless steel counters for less! You can do this! I love that this is a semi – DIY project, you can have someone do the hard work FOR you so inexpensively! Check it out at http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/02/galvanized-countertop/

Should I Purchase Or Ask For A Home Warranty?

The last thing a home buyer wants to worry about after closing is what could possibly break or malfunction in her new home. Since that can cover a multitude of items and systems, for peace of mind, it's a good idea to get a home protection plan. It's especially a good idea to obtain a home warranty if you're a first time homebuyer. A point to keep in mind, the purchase of a Home Warranty does not negate the need for a thorough home inspection before closing. There are certain items that can be caught in an inspection that may be covered under a Home Warranty.

Who Pays for the Home Warranty?

Now, whether the seller pays for the home protection plan and home warranty coverage or whether the buyer pays for it, will depend on your local customs. It varies. In many locales, it's normal for a seller to pay for the coverage because it's a seller benefit. Why? It’s a good selling point and covers them in case something wasn’t covered in disclosures.
How Much does a Home Warranty Cost?
They are fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250 to $400, depending on coverage. Home warranty companies sometimes run special sales and either discount policy prices or offer additional coverage for the same price. The policies are prepaid for a year in advance, at which time they expire or can be renewed.

How Do They Operate?

Although specific plans provide for specific types of coverage, most operate the same way.
•If a home system or appliance breaks or stops working, the home owner calls the home warranty company.
•The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has a contract.
•The provider calls the home owner to make an appointment.
•The provider fixes the problem. If an appliance is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired, depending on contract coverage, the home warranty company will pay to replace and install the appliance.
•The home owner pays a small service fee.

Types of Coverage

Because all plans differ, you will want to ask specifically what is covered. Ask your real estate agent if upgrades are available. Pay close attention to whether the home warranty company will pay for repairs to make certain types of systems or appliances compliant with new regulations.
What If I Disagree With the Diagnosis?
Sometimes a service provider will deny a claim. If that happens or if you are unhappy with the service provided, call your real estate agent and complain. Your real estate agent, if she has a good working relationship with the representative from the home warranty company that is covering your home, well, she can seek resolution for you. Agents all over the country are going to be very upset at this suggestion, but it works. If my client calls me with a problem, I call my rep, and she eventually finds a way to work out a solution acceptable to all the parties involved.
In short, don't take "no" for an answer unless you feel the “no” is reasonable.

What is Not Covered?

•Outdoor items such as sprinklers
•Faucet repairs are not covered under all plans
•Not all plans pay for refrigerators, washers & dryers or garage door openers
•Spa or pools, unless specific coverage requested
•Permit fees
•Haul aways

What Can Cause Denial of Payment?

•Improper maintenance
•Code violations
•Unusual wear and tear
•Improper installation

General Coverage
•Air conditioning
•Dishwashers
•Doorbells
•Furnace / heating
•Water heater
•Ductwork
•Garbage disposal
•Inside plumbing clogs
•Ceiling fans
•Electrical systems
•Range and oven
•Telephone wiring

Because coverages vary from state to state and from policy to policy, ask to see a sample copy of a policy before you commit.

Looking for a rental? Renter Beware!

If you are looking for a home to rent, be careful! Many homeowners are getting desperate and sometimes desperate people do desperate things. Many rentals are going into foreclosure and the renter doesn't know until they receive eviction notices. There are also listings on websites like Craigslist placed there by people who don't own the homes they're advertising. Don't send deposits by mail, meet face-to-face and ask questions. You can determine who owns a home by looking in county tax records online. If you feel uncomfortable, don't do it!

How To Improve Your Chances of Selling Your Home

The real estate market is quite volatile these days.  There is much more supply than there is demand. Buyers are picky, and market conditions allow them to be.  How can you improve your chances of a sale?  Follow these simple tips, and you’ll gain a leg up on the competition…..

·         Be realistic about your home’s value.  Your Realtor is trained to determine what your home is worth.  Listen to his/her opinion and allow it to carry more weight than any other factor. 

·         Keep your home “showable”.  Those last minute callers wanting to look at your home are the most likely of candidates to put in an offer.  They are in a hurry to see it, they’ll probably be quicker to put in an offer.  Putting your Realtor off until tomorrow, or the weekend, may put your home out of the running.

·         Make sure your chosen Realtor is making the most of his/her marketing tools.  Ask to see a list of places your home will appear.  If buyers can’t see your home, they can’t buy your home.

·         Consider neutralizing your home.  Colors, scents and large collections of items placed in your home may overpower the marketable points of your home.  Allergies to air fresheners can overpower a buyer as they walk through your home.  Bright purple rooms can leave an impression that you may not want.  Your son’s bug collection covering the walls in his room may turn buyers off.  These are easily changed after the sale, but if the home next door is also for sale without obstacles, it will sell first.

·         Keep your curb appeal consistent.  Buyers often drive by before they request a showing.  If your home looks unkempt, cluttered, dark and dreary from the outside, no one will want to overlook those issues to see the inside.

·         Know when to fight for that extra dollar.  If a buyer submits an offer, know that once you give them a counteroffer, they are off the hook.  They are no longer contractually obligated to you.  Fighting for that extra little bit that you could really do without may cost you the sale.  Pick your battles.

In the end, your Realtor should give you competent, relevant information to make sure your property has the best chance of getting to the closing table.  Choose your Realtor wisely and let them guide you through the selling process.  Make them earn that commission.

Do I Need My Own Agent To Buy Property?

In challenging economic climates such as ours, we often say that it’s a “buyer’s market”.  This is true in theory, but as sellers become more desperate to sell their homes, does an unrepresented buyer looking for a home have all the information needed to properly protect him in the home buying process?

Consider this……

·         Do you know what price range you should be looking at, or if the homes you are viewing are really worth the price being asked?

·         Are you giving information to the seller’s agent that can be used against you at the negotiating table?  Would the seller go lower if he didn't know your financial situation?

·         Is the loan package you’ve chosen the best fit for the property you’re submitting an offer on?  Could you get a better deal with a different loan program or structuring your offer in a different way?

·         Do you know the rights you have as a buyer, or the responsibilities your seller has to you?  Are all the disclosures that you've been given truthful and the proper questions being asked?

·         Have you worded your offer or counteroffer to your best advantage?  If your purchase is dependent on financing or an inspection and that financing falls through or inspection goes bad, has your realtor worded your contract so that you are not held liable?

To obtain legal representation in the buying process, a Buyer’s Agency Disclosure Form must be signed by you and your agent.  If you haven’t signed an agent to legally represent you in the transaction, you have no representation.  If you, as the buyer, don’t have representation, the seller’s agent is required to do very little FOR you and legally can do much AGAINST your best interest.  The listing agreement the seller's agent has signed REQUIRES that agent to do EVERYTHING in his power to get the asking price for the home. 

In South Carolina, licensed real estate agents are required by law to provide you information on what responsibilities he has to you as a customer (working with you without legally representing you) and a client (working with you as a signed buyer’s agent).  If he does not diclose this information to you upon the first substantive meeting, ask the agent for the brochure on Agency Relationships.

A Realtor who has a signed contract with you to represent you as a buyer has certain responsibilities to you.  They include:

·         Obedience – Submitting All Offers, Acting On Your Wishes

·         Loyalty – Do Everything Legally Possible to Gain Advantage for You

·         Disclosure – Full Transparency To You in The Transaction – Beyond Material Facts

·         Confidentiality – Keeping All Matters Concerning Finances, Lifestyle, etc, Confidential

·         Accounting – Account for all Monies/Documents

If you don’t have a signed agent, the seller’s agent doesn’t work for you and does not have to provide all of the above.  A good Realtor will bring expertise to the table and help you find the right home for you and your family, provide the proper documentation to protect you from legal issues, and see your transaction through to the closing table with minimal stress to you and your family.  If you are considering the purchase of any real estate, call a local licensed Realtor and ask what their brokerage is willing to do to for you BEFORE you start calling for property showings.  A Realtor can proactively cover the bases of a transaction making sure YOU get the best deal possible on the property that is right for you.  Best of all, a Buyer's Agent's Commission comes from the sale of the property, not your pocket!

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right For Me?

Reverse Mortgage?  The TRUTH You Can Use To Protect Yourself

Have you seen distinguished actors Fred Thompson and Henry Winkler marketing reverse mortgages on TV recently?  While we love The Fonz and Thompson’s Law & Order DA was a straight shooter, don’t fall for the hype, know the facts before you call that number that’s scrolling across the bottom of your screen. 

Certain facts are indisputable.  What is a REVERSE MORTGAGE?

·         You own your home

·         You have a significant amount of equity

·         You want either a lump sum, an equity line, or a monthly payment

·         You don’t make monthly payments

·         A company specializing in reverse mortgages is willing to comply with your wants and desires

Financing your retirement with debt is a huge mistake! Debt is NEVER a winning decision - especially later in life when your future, let’s be honest, is less certain than it has ever been.

You still pay for property taxes, insurance and the costs of maintaining the home. The lender can foreclose if you don’t.

Interest accrues over the life of the loan, your debt can ultimately exceed the value of your home. If you sign for a reverse mortgage at 62 and live to 102, you’ll have FORTY YEARS of accrued interest that you’ll leave to your heirs, which will EASILY exceed the value of your home.  Your children, your grandchildren, will be left with this bill. 

You don’t make monthly payments, but if you sell the house or move out for more than a year, the loan is due and the income stops. If the house is sold upon your death, proceeds go to pay the loan, and any outstanding debt owed will then go to your estate.  Your children.

End of life expenses.  I know, we don’t want to think about those things, but what happens when you sell the rights to what you’ve worked for, and then you need the proceeds of the sale of your home to pay for a hospital stay, a retirement home expense, or other medical need?  Chances are you’ll need that equity you’ve built, don’t sell it for short term gain and end of life slavery to debt.

Fees!  These companies don’t work for free!

• Origination fee
• Standard closing costs
• Mortgage insurance premiums for coverage to make up the difference if your home doesn’t sell for enough to pay the loan
• A monthly mortgage insurance servicing fee
• Fees for mandatory credit counseling, which you pay whether or not you get the reverse mortgage

Interest rates on a reverse mortgage are adjustable unless you take your money in a lump sum. You are also required to take a loan for the maximum amount you qualify for.

Finally, the misleading advertising is easily debunked…….

• Lifetime income – Income from a reverse mortgage stops if you sell your house or move (even to a retirement home, nursing home, extended hospital stay, etc.)
• Never lose your home – You can lose your home if you can’t afford to pay taxes, insurance, or maintain the home.
• Never owe more than the value of your home – If your loan exceeds the value of your home, you or your heirs will have to make up the difference if the home isn’t sold when the loan is due.
• False implications that a reverse mortgage is a government benefit rather than a loan – Some lenders even use government logos to convince you to buy.

Be safe.  Read the fine print.  Talk to someone who is in the mortgage industry who DOESN”T sell reverse mortgages before you make a decision. 

Why Should I Consider Buying My Own Home?

The more information you have about this scary milestone, the more relaxed and better equipped you will be to handle the process.  Here are some good reasons why you should buy a home.

Pride in Ownership

Pride in ownership is the number one reason why people yearn to own their home. It means you can paint the walls any color you desire, turn up the volume on your CD player, attach permanent fixtures and decorate your home according to your own taste. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It's making an investment in your future.

Appreciation

Although real estate moves in cycles, sometimes up, sometimes down, over the years, real estate has consistently appreciated over time.  If nothing else, home prices in the short term (over the past 6 years) have declined, you’re considering a purchase while prices are low, the only direction we have to go from here is UP!

Mortgage Interest Deductions

Home ownership is an awesome tax shelter and US tax rates favor homeowners. Mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return. Interest is the largest component of your mortgage payment for the first half of your loan term.

Property Tax Deductions

Real estate property taxes paid for a first home and a vacation home are fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Paying Your Mortgage Payment = Equity

Each month, part of your monthly payment is applied to the principal balance of your loan, which reduces your obligation. The way amortization works, the principal portion of your principal and interest payment increases slightly every month. It is lowest on your first payment and highest on your last payment.  Paying rent, you’ll never get ANY part of that rent check back.

Equity Loans

Consumers who carry credit card balances cannot deduct the interest paid, which can cost as much as 18% to 22%. Equity loan interest is often much less and it is deductible. For many home owners, it makes sense to pay off this kind of debt with a home equity loan. Consumers can borrow against a home's equity for a variety of reasons such as home improvement, college, medical or starting a new business. Some state laws restrict home equity loans.

How Do I Choose A Good Realtor?

The real estate market is sensitive in a tough economy.  There is much more supply than there is demand. Buyers are picky, and market conditions allow them to be.  When the market becomes challenging, many real estate professionals fail to rise to the occasion.  How can you ensure that you’ve signed with the right realtor?  Follow these simple tips, and you’ll gain a leg up on the competition…..

·         Make sure your chosen Realtor is making the most of his/her marketing tools.  Ask to see a list of places your home will appear.  If buyers can’t see your home, they can’t buy your home.

·         Look at the Realtor’s listings.  Are the pictures showcasing the home, or the furniture?  It’s easy to take a picture of a sofa or well-made bed, can you see the portion of the room that will matter once those pieces of furniture are removed?  Do they give details about the home that would be relevant to buyers?

·         Call the Realtor multiple times before you sign.  Do they answer or return phone calls?

·         Ask the Realtor what they do to earn their commission?  If they can’t tell you, they probably aren’t doing much.

In the end, your Realtor should give you competent, relevant information and be able to do a thorough search of the market to find you a suitable buyer or a great home to call your own .  Choose your Realtor wisely and let them guide you through the process.  Make them earn that commission.

Taking advantage of a Down Market – Part I: Rehab of Distressed Property

No doubt you’ve noticed, the housing market is in a slump.  Prices continue to fall over much of the country.  Financing is a challenge.  Sellers are desperate.  It seems like a hopeless situation.  But what if it isn’t?  In this series of posts, we’ll explore how YOU can take advantage of a down market and make it work for you. 

Properties in Need of Repair

Look around you, and there is probably a home that has been on the market for a while.  It may be empty and in many cases, it’s either been vandalized or was in disrepair to start with.  There is opportunity in this property!  A 203(k) mortgage may be the start of your own personal economic recovery. 

The Section 203(k) program is the Federal Housing Association (FHA) department's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties.  With this type loan, you can buy a home in need of repair and roll the expense of rehabilitation into the mortgage loan.   Still, even after the purchase price and rehab expense, you’re looking at a bargain in most cases.  Take this example:

·         Home is purchased for a bargain price of $110,000

·         The appraiser indicates that, if suggested repairs are made, the home could be worth $160,000

·         Repair by licensed contractor is expensed at $15,000

·         You have a home worth approximately $160,000 with a $125,000 mortgage

·         Instant Equity = $35,000

How can you find these properties?  Call your local neighborhood realtor and ask for distressed properties.  Getting preapproved and making sure your realtor and mortgage broker are aware of your goal is key.

Would you like more detailed information on this program?  Visit http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k.

This blog is written by Niki Davis, a licensed Realtor with Baron Agency in Anderson, SC

Property listings can be found at http://nikidavis.postlets.com

There many benefits related to the installation of an irrigation system in your residential or commercial landscape. Over the last few years we have seen an increase in the importance of conserving water, many states have seen the effects of drought.  By installing an automatic irrigation system that suits your needs, you will be saving time and money. When you water by hand more than 50 % of the water is wasted in evaporation. The system can be programmed to run at night when evaporation rate is lower. Irrigation systems encourage your plantings to flourish, lending to curb appeal, which most people look for when buying a home, whether it's a conscious decision or not. Research has shown that homes with an eye popping and healthy landscape seems to sell homes quicker and bring up the astetic value of the home, which in turn, improves value.

If you are looking to improve the value or appeal of your home, the installation of an irrigation system on your property may be the best investment to make.  Call Nathan or Dara at Morning Mist Irrigation in Easley, SC.   (864) 293-9594