Coldwell Banker DeSloover Realty Blog

It’s the time of year to make plans and set a few goals. However, despite the best of intentions the majority of resolutions fail to germinate. Following are three ways to make sure you stick to your resolutions:

Be Sincere: Sometimes it is difficult to determine what is – and isn’t – really important. Peer pressure, expectations of family and friends, and even your own fears all tend to inhibit the ability to admit what you really want. Audit your emotional state by writing down the most important people, events and feelings you have experienced in the past year and what you would do differently next year. Make it meaningful.

Take Small Steps: Rather than trying to tackle all of life’s little challenges at once, take small steps instead. Make a list of things that are incomplete for 2010 that could be finalized during 2011. Next, make a list of things you would at least like to begin next year, including any assets or special information that will be needed. It’s a great way to build on success, rather than becoming frustrated with failure, which comes from an “all or nothing” mentality.

Eliminate Negativity and Naysayers: Let’s face it, trying to reach a new goal is tough enough even without the influence of naysayers and other negative influences. Trying to climb to new heights with a boulder of negativity on your shoulders is a burden you don’t need. Eliminating negative people, actions and activities from your life not only increases the odds of reaching your goals, but more importantly it enhances your enjoyment of the entire process.

Thinking of selling your home? Before you place the “For Sale” sign in front of your house, there are a few things you should consider in order to maximize your home value and make the sales process smooth and efficient.  Be prepared to discuss the following subjects with your real estate agent when you’re ready to sell your home and you’ll be one step ahead in the market.

1) Best Time of Year to Put Your House on the Market

Conventional wisdom dictates that spring is the best time for selling a home.  The weather is getting warmer, the school year is coming to an end, and people who have just received their tax refunds may now have extra cash to use for a down payment on a home.  However, since not everyone can sell a home in the spring, here are some other seasonal factors to consider. According to annual home sale data from the National Association of Realtors, the slowest selling months of the year are typically January and February, since fewer home sales occur during the holidays.  In spite of this, with less competition in the marketplace, you may be able to ask for a higher price for your home, or a quicker closing.  Additionally, temperate locations like Florida and California don’t see the seasonal fluctuations in the housing market, where house-hunters are almost always looking.  And a late winter or early spring in the Northeast may extend the typical “selling season.”  These seasonal variations, as well as a variety of local factors, will all influence the housing market in your area.  Be sure to talk to your real estate agent regarding the current state of the market and how it will affect the sale of your home.

2) Open House Strategy and How to De-Clutter

At an open house, first impressions count, so you’ll want to enhance your home’s perceived value. Make your home inviting by taking care of bothersome minor repairs; clean bathroom and kitchen counters and clear them of dishes and clutter. Arrange storage areas neatly and put unused items in a closet. If you have pets, consider having a neighbor watch them for the duration of the open house. It’s a good idea for you to be absent during the open house, also. If you must be present, let your agent do the talking.

Decorate your home to sell by arranging the furniture to look as spacious as possible. Add color and fragrance to any room with fresh flowers. Lastly, don’t forget the outside of your home. Put away all gardening equipment and neatly arrange outdoor items like firewood or furniture. Even take a hard look at your mailbox and make sure it reflects the value and character of your home.

3) Features to Accentuate

While you may have long determined which aspects of your home you love, having a fresh set of eyes assess its best features is a smart idea. If you’re considering selling your home, take the time to walk through it methodically with your real estate agent. Together you can determine which features of the home should be accentuated.  Does your home have a wonderful view? Make the most of it by sprucing up window treatments and arranging furniture to draw the eye toward the windows. Perhaps the location of your house is truly incredible. Your real estate agent can help accentuate this feature in sales and marketing materials.

4) Desired Price and Bottom Line Price

It’s great to shoot high, but when determining your home value, it’s also important to identify your bottom line. By assessing recent home sale statistics in your area, your real estate agent can recommend an appropriate target price range. Working with your agent, you can set an initial asking price, as well as privately determine the absolute lowest price you would comfortably accept for selling your home. By crunching the numbers and setting parameters early on, you can avoid emotional rollercoasters during the process of receiving, countering and accepting offers.

5) Disclosures

When selling your home, you may be obligated to disclose problems that could affect the property’s value or desirability. In most states, it is illegal to fraudulently conceal major physical defects in your property, such as a basement that floods in heavy rains. And many states now require sellers to take a proactive role by making written disclosures on the condition of the property. Ask your real estate agent for the particular laws of your state.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

When a new year starts, many people resolve to lose weight, give up smoking and spend more time with the family. Others add selling the house to their list of resolutions. Following are eight tips to help you decide whether or not to sell, and how to go about it:

1. Take a good hard look at your home. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Make a list.

2. Watch for sale signs in your neighborhood and go to open houses. Start thinking about how your home compares.

3. What have other similar houses in the area sold for? Most homeowners are a bit unrealistic about what their house is worth. You want to be on the same wavelength as your real estate agent when the time comes to set a price.

4. Research the market. How long do houses stay on the market in your neighborhood? Is it a hot market for sellers right now?

5. Know what it will cost to sell your house. Will you pay for a home inspection, legal costs or renovations?

6. Spruce up the house. You know you’ll have to do it eventually, so why not present your house in its best light now? De-clutter and finish uncompleted do-it-yourself projects. Outside, tidy up the property, sweep the steps and change the light bulbs. It will allow others to see your house in a new light.

7. Select a real estate agent who is familiar with your neighborhood and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is the best way to source a realtor with a proven track record.

8. Take your time. Selling your home for the best price may take longer than you anticipate. Don’t add to the pressure by setting unrealistic time limits.

The list of things that can be wrong with a new home is endless, so don’t sign on the dotted line until a reputable home inspector gives you the all clear.

The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It’s also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs if you don’t have a home inspection.

Most houses have defects or need repairs, and many problems can be serious. A home inspection will point out any safety hazards and alert you to major repairs that will be necessary.

A home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades who is familiar with everything from structures and electrical and plumbing systems to insulation, heating and cooling systems, and roofs.

During an inspection, the inspector will make an intensive visual examination of your home, concentrating on areas such as the foundation; exterior walls and roof; attic, basement and garage; electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and the home’s interior.

The inspector should then present a written report that details findings and suggests repairs. It’s always advisable that you attend the inspection, which may take two to three hours. But don’t expect the home inspector to provide cost estimates. Your best bet is to contact two or three contractors.

When looking for a qualified home inspector, don’t overlook recommendations from friends or your real estate agent, but be aware that there are other resources to help you.

The National Association of Home Inspectors Inc. (NAHI) provides standards of practice and a code of ethics, as well as training courses for potential members. Some states now license home inspectors, but many do not. In states that don’t, it’s important to establish that the inspector is qualified and is a member in good standing of an organization such as NAHI. The Better Business Bureau can also help you.

Remember that the inspection report won’t guarantee you’re set forever once the suggested repairs are completed. Houses still need regular maintenance and repair, and as the homeowner, that’s your job.

Unless you’re new to the workforce, chances are you’ve experienced at least one uncomfortable office party and its associated gift-giving.

Here are some etiquette insights to help you survive:

Group Gifts Are In: Show your appreciation to the big boss by teaming up with others in the office to purchase an appropriate gift. Group giving reduces the perception of kissing up while sending a strong message of support and solidarity.

For Sentimental Reasons: Close friends or that special someone you might work with deserve a little extra attention, but be sure to set aside time away from the workplace to exchange gifts. It preserves the integrity of the relationship without subjecting it to gossip, rumors or even envy.

Give Great Gifts: Gift giving is not about how much is spent. In fact, it’s a bad idea to spend a lot of money since it often makes the recipient feel obligated to respond in kind or feel ashamed at his or her gift. Instead, search for something that emphasizes respect and charity. Making a donation to a favorite charity or selecting a small but unique item is always in style. To really mix things up, consider a fun theme or something that reflects the corporate culture in a unique way.

Other Useful Tips: Always remember to send thank-you notes. Also, watch your words and even sense of humor to avoid inadvertently hurting the feelings of a well-intentioned but gift-challenged co-worker. Finally, it is a good idea to avoid religious, political or other hot-topic themes both when selecting a gift and during the office party.

Commemorate this year’s holiday celebration with picture-perfect photos that everyone will enjoy. Following are some tips to help you achieve photography success:

Quick Clicks: Capture the moment when you can. Rather than risk the dreaded fake smiles and stiff poses, simply keep clicking. Some of the best pictures are those that are taken before or after the main event.

Stick to Solids: Ask participants to wear solid colors. Plaid, paisley and other heavy designs tend to detract from the full impact rather than enhance it.

Lighten Up: Good lighting can transform an ordinary picture into an extraordinary photograph, so take time to cultivate an area that compliments subjects and their surroundings. Early mornings or late afternoons create a warm glow for outdoor shots, while candles or seasonal lights add interest and warmth to indoor settings.

Move Around: Static photos tend to look boring. Good photographers understand the need to take photos in a variety of settings and from different angles. Mix it up and keep your eyes open for those fun moments when people don’t realize they are being photographed. It’s the stuff memories are really made of.

Young at Heart: Most holiday celebrations have a lead photographer, but impromptu shots add to the fun and tell the rest of the story. Hand out disposable cameras to the kids and other party participants to create an atmosphere of fun and discovery.

Wondering why your home hasn’t sold yet? Is it due to bad marketing or the economic crisis? Probably not. According to experts, the real reason your home hasn’t sold is probably a lot less complex – and easier to fix – than you might imagine.

Price: The number one reason most homes do not sell is that they aren’t priced competitively. It’s important to price the home right when first putting it on the market. The right price attracts attention. Once buyers see a home on the listings month after month, they assume something is wrong.

Bad Impression: Clutter, grime and lack of cleanliness are three huge reasons why your home might not sit well with potential buyers. Ask your agent for an honest appraisal of the property, and then take action before listing.

Taxes, Insurance and Homeowner Association (HOA) Fees: High property taxes, inability to obtain affordable insurance and escalating HOA fees can dramatically impact the desirability of a given property. Take time to shop around for the best insurance rates, provide a complete breakdown of services and other benefits derived from the HOA fees, and consider petitioning for an evaluation of property taxes if appropriate.

Showing Restrictions: Don’t become your own worst enemy. Try to remain as flexible as possible when showing the home. It might take a bit more effort, but it is well worth the reward when trying to sell a home quickly.

The media is filled these days with news about distressed properties. Following is a tutorial on distressed properties to help you separate some of the fact from fiction:

Distressed Properties Defined: Contrary to popular opinion, distressed properties are not always in bad shape. In fact, the term “distressed” has less to do with the condition of the house than it does with the status of the mortgage. Basically a distressed property is one that the bank has foreclosed or for which the current mortgage is worth more than what the owners are able to ask when selling.

How to Find a Distressed Property: Finding a distressed property is actually a simple process these days. Research indicates that approximately 25% to 45% of all properties recently sold may be considered distressed. With an estimated 300,000 more of these properties entering the market each month, it’s a trend likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

Benefits of Buying a Distressed Property: One of the benefits of purchasing a distressed property is the ability to save a substantial sum over the previous selling price. Combined with historically low interest rates and other possible incentives, distressed properties offer a unique buying opportunity. Lower sales prices often mean decreased closing costs, reduced private mortgage insurance and even lower insurance and taxes.

Cautionary Considerations: Buying a distressed property isn’t without drawbacks. They are often sold as-is and may require substantial repairs or maintenance. Likewise, purchasing a distressed property may require more time, especially in the case of a short sale. Waiting for bank approval may result in missed opportunities for other prospective properties. It’s essential to perform due diligence and understand the total cost of purchasing a distressed home, including condo or homeowners association fees. Working with a qualified agent is one way to save money and protect yourself against the pitfalls associated with distressed properties.