Life is ever changing isn't it? You can change your name, marital status, profession, where you live, and the list goes on and on. Now, I am changing real estate company. Remax Gold is being laid to rest. Born in its place is Exit Gold Realty. Everything has changed, except me. New logos, signs, forms, look, and color. Even my email address.
Actually I'm very excited about this opportunity to provide better service to my clients, fellow agents, vendors, etc.
There is nothing like a challenge to liven things up a bit. I can't wait for someone to ask why EXIT??? That is such a dumb name!!! Well, I am ready for you.
EXIT is illuminated above every corporate door in North America.
Millions of EXIT signs across North America point to the way.
You see EXIT everywhere you go.
EXIT Realty was ranked among the TOP 10 TRENDSETTERS FOR 2007 and continues to grow with great momentum.
Every EXIT leads to a new beginning...
and I could go on.
Call or email me and I'll tell you more. Even how YOU can be a part of this exciting opportunity.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Landscaping
A lot have been written about landscaping yards for curb appeal because buyers see the outside first when they drive up to a home. So it makes sense to make this area as attractive and inviting as possible. I realize it's February, cold and dull right now, but let's think ahead. Investing money in your landscape could make a huge difference to a buyer. In fact, curb appeal can be the sole reason prospective buyers ever end up entering a home. That's why listing agents often give the sellers tips to help them fix up their homes. So, here are a few ideas to improve your landscaping.
1. An attractive landscape usually has color. Colors that grab the most attention are red, orange, and yellow. Cooler colors such as blues and purples helps you to relax. So, if you have a meditation garden, these should be included.
2. Use colorful mulch. Rubber mulch uses recycled ground rubber that comes in several different colors including green, brown, blue, and cypress. An added benefit is that if your home has a backyard playground and you have mulch underneath it instead of wood chips, you can a higher level of protection and an additional selling point to feature.
Oh, and another area many do not consider to be landscaping is the driveway. If you have been a do-it-yourselfer with you vehicles (oil changes,etc) maybe it shows on your driveway.Clean up any spills and move the parked cars to give buyers a chance to take in the entire residence.
For more information on improving value through landscaping, visit http://realtytimes.com
1. An attractive landscape usually has color. Colors that grab the most attention are red, orange, and yellow. Cooler colors such as blues and purples helps you to relax. So, if you have a meditation garden, these should be included.
2. Use colorful mulch. Rubber mulch uses recycled ground rubber that comes in several different colors including green, brown, blue, and cypress. An added benefit is that if your home has a backyard playground and you have mulch underneath it instead of wood chips, you can a higher level of protection and an additional selling point to feature.
Oh, and another area many do not consider to be landscaping is the driveway. If you have been a do-it-yourselfer with you vehicles (oil changes,etc) maybe it shows on your driveway.Clean up any spills and move the parked cars to give buyers a chance to take in the entire residence.
For more information on improving value through landscaping, visit http://realtytimes.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Should I Consider A Home Auction?
If you've had a "For Sale" sign in front of your house for months, you want something to happen and you want it to happen yesterday. Why not consider an auction? I know. When we think of auctions, we tend to think of auctions strictly for distressed properties. However, this is not true any longer. Selling premium homes via auction has become somewhat commonplace in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. Now the trend has gained momentum in the Baltimore and surrounding areas.
The idea makes good marketing sense for sellers who missed the real estate boom over the last few years. What are some seller benefits?
It significantly lowers your commission as seller
You have a quicker sale ( 5 weeks from signing agreement to auction date)
Maximum buyer participation
Maximizes dollars
No contingencies
Buyer pays ALL transfer taxes and recordation fees.
These are just a few benefits.
Now suppose you are the buyer? What benefits to you?
Auctions are fun
Open, fair bidding process
Simple and transparent (Since you receive all information needed prior to auction; thus no surprises)
Buyers buy at their price
The decision to bid is reinforced by the immediately preceding bid
6% buyers premium is financeable.
So, auctions are good. Auctions can maximize the value of a property because of the competitive bidding process.
Buyers are eager to bid for a chance at a bargain. This is the only time you can go and buy something at your price.
If you want any more information on the process involved or a list of homes in the area that are offered through auctions, contact me.
The idea makes good marketing sense for sellers who missed the real estate boom over the last few years. What are some seller benefits?
It significantly lowers your commission as seller
You have a quicker sale ( 5 weeks from signing agreement to auction date)
Maximum buyer participation
Maximizes dollars
No contingencies
Buyer pays ALL transfer taxes and recordation fees.
These are just a few benefits.
Now suppose you are the buyer? What benefits to you?
Auctions are fun
Open, fair bidding process
Simple and transparent (Since you receive all information needed prior to auction; thus no surprises)
Buyers buy at their price
The decision to bid is reinforced by the immediately preceding bid
6% buyers premium is financeable.
So, auctions are good. Auctions can maximize the value of a property because of the competitive bidding process.
Buyers are eager to bid for a chance at a bargain. This is the only time you can go and buy something at your price.
If you want any more information on the process involved or a list of homes in the area that are offered through auctions, contact me.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Why Wait??? The Hazard Of Timing The Market
Buyers who choose to wait until prices come down are also gambling that interest rates will hold steady or drop. What is not widely understood is the impact interest rates can have on the monthly costs of home ownership. Even a 10% drop in home prices is immediately nullified by a mere 1% point increase in interest rates on a 30-year mortgage loan.
Friday, November 14, 2008
How to Bring Out Home's WOW Factor
Home prices have fallen and many homeowners are mortgaged to the hilt. This makes it difficult for some sellers to justify spending a penny to get their home ready for the market. However, when buyers have a choice, they pick the best. They want a home at a good price, in a good location, and one that they can move right into without having to do any work.
If you're a seller who's selling in a market where there is competition from distressed sale foreclosures or from other sellers who offering their homes in top condition you will be at a disadvantage if you don't fix up your home before selling. It will take longer for you to sell and you could sell for a lot less than if you had invested time and money in properly preparing your home for sale.
There is a lot you could do to get your home ready that doesn't cost much money- it takes time and hard work. For instance, most people have too many personal possessions in their homes, particularly if they have lived there for years. Decluttering benefits you in a couple of ways. You won't pay to move things you no longer need or want. More importantly, buyers will be better able to see what your home has to offer instead of focusing on your things.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: It's worthwhile to consider hiring a home staging decorator. Some sellers need only a consultation of one to two hours. Ask the stager what you should keep and what should be moved out before you start showing the house. Also, get recommendations for furniture and artwork arrangement. The way you live in your house is not necessarily the best way to show it off to prospective buyers.
Today's buyers have alot to think about when they buy a home. Are they buying at the right price and time? Will the house work for the long term? Can they qualify for and afford the financing they need? It helps the process along if you can create an ambiance that enables a buyer to fall in love on the first visit.
THE CLOSING: You need to create the WOW factor so that when buyers walk in they say, "I better act quickly. This house won't be on the market for long".
If you're a seller who's selling in a market where there is competition from distressed sale foreclosures or from other sellers who offering their homes in top condition you will be at a disadvantage if you don't fix up your home before selling. It will take longer for you to sell and you could sell for a lot less than if you had invested time and money in properly preparing your home for sale.
There is a lot you could do to get your home ready that doesn't cost much money- it takes time and hard work. For instance, most people have too many personal possessions in their homes, particularly if they have lived there for years. Decluttering benefits you in a couple of ways. You won't pay to move things you no longer need or want. More importantly, buyers will be better able to see what your home has to offer instead of focusing on your things.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: It's worthwhile to consider hiring a home staging decorator. Some sellers need only a consultation of one to two hours. Ask the stager what you should keep and what should be moved out before you start showing the house. Also, get recommendations for furniture and artwork arrangement. The way you live in your house is not necessarily the best way to show it off to prospective buyers.
Today's buyers have alot to think about when they buy a home. Are they buying at the right price and time? Will the house work for the long term? Can they qualify for and afford the financing they need? It helps the process along if you can create an ambiance that enables a buyer to fall in love on the first visit.
THE CLOSING: You need to create the WOW factor so that when buyers walk in they say, "I better act quickly. This house won't be on the market for long".
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
There Are Agents, And Then There Are Agents.
Yes, it sounds confusing. That's because the term "agent" is often used in a casual manner, referring to any real estate practitioner.
But agent also refers to someone with whom you've established a formal agency relationship-someone who represents your best interests in a real estate transaction and owes you fiduciary responsibilities, and requires:
loyalty
obedience
disclosure
confidentiality
reasonable care and diligence
accounting
For many years, real estate was practiced in such a way that agency relationships were only extended to sellers. This all began to change in the 1980's, when buyer agency started to gain momentum in residential transactions. That's why it is very important to talk to the agent or broker early in your working relationship about his/her agency status. You may find yourself working with someone who is actually negotiating for the seller, not you the buyer. So, the best way to be certain your interests are being considered and protected is to sign a buyer agency agreement with a trained buyer's representative, which clearly establishes client-level services and spells out what services you can depend upon.
If you have any other questions regarding agency relationships, I will be glad to assist you.
But agent also refers to someone with whom you've established a formal agency relationship-someone who represents your best interests in a real estate transaction and owes you fiduciary responsibilities, and requires:
loyalty
obedience
disclosure
confidentiality
reasonable care and diligence
accounting
For many years, real estate was practiced in such a way that agency relationships were only extended to sellers. This all began to change in the 1980's, when buyer agency started to gain momentum in residential transactions. That's why it is very important to talk to the agent or broker early in your working relationship about his/her agency status. You may find yourself working with someone who is actually negotiating for the seller, not you the buyer. So, the best way to be certain your interests are being considered and protected is to sign a buyer agency agreement with a trained buyer's representative, which clearly establishes client-level services and spells out what services you can depend upon.
If you have any other questions regarding agency relationships, I will be glad to assist you.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a home on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. Here is basic information about the tax credit. I strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional with specific questions pertaining to your unique situation.
Q. Who is eligible to claim the $7500 tax credit?
A. First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home-new or resale.
Q. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
A. The law defines that buyer as one who has not owned a principle residence during the 3 year period prior to the purchase.Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principle residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
Q. How do I claim the tax credit?
A. It's easy. You claim the credit on your federal income tax return. No other applications or forms are required. No pre-approval is necessary; however, prospective home buyers will want to make sure they qualify for the credit under the income limits and the first-time buyer tests.
This is just a few questions that are answered. For a more complete list of questions and answers, please go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
I specialize in working with first-time home buyers. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding purchasing a home or qualifying for a loan to purchase your first home.
Q. Who is eligible to claim the $7500 tax credit?
A. First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home-new or resale.
Q. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
A. The law defines that buyer as one who has not owned a principle residence during the 3 year period prior to the purchase.Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principle residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.
Q. How do I claim the tax credit?
A. It's easy. You claim the credit on your federal income tax return. No other applications or forms are required. No pre-approval is necessary; however, prospective home buyers will want to make sure they qualify for the credit under the income limits and the first-time buyer tests.
This is just a few questions that are answered. For a more complete list of questions and answers, please go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
I specialize in working with first-time home buyers. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding purchasing a home or qualifying for a loan to purchase your first home.
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