Saturday, June 24, 2017

You need a Realtor who is in your corner! Buying or Selling

Why We All Need a

‘Phil Dunphy’ on Our Side

by The KCM Crew on September 28, 2016 in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers,Move-Up Buyer



www.PattiLee.Properties   Patti Lee, Realtor ... Results that Move You!
Whether or not you’ve ever seen an episode of Modern Family, or know who Phil Dunphy’s character is, the concept of knowing that you have someone in your corner who is looking out for your best interests is something we all want.
When it comes to buying a home, whether you are a rookie homebuyer or have gone through the process many times, having a local real estate expert who is well versed in the neighborhood you are looking to move into, and the trends of the area, should be your goal.
For those who aren’t familiar, the character Phil Dunphy is a Realtor with a huge heart who always strives to do the best for his family and his clients.
In one recent episode, Phil even shared the oath that he created and holds himself to:
"On my honor, I promise to aid in man's quest for shelter, to recognize I'm not just in the business of houses -- I'm in the business of dreams in the shape of houses. To disclose all illegal additions, shoddy construction, murders, and ghosts. And to put my clients' needs before my own." 
While this might seem silly, and it was definitely written with humor in mind, the themes of helping someone achieve the American Dream and putting a client's needs above your own are not to be taken lightly.

Bottom Line

When you make the decision to enter the housing market, as either a buyer or a seller, make sure you look for an agent who exemplifies these values and will help you through every step of the process.


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Friday, June 23, 2017

Think You Should FSBO? 5 Reasons to Think Again!

Think You Should FSBO? 5 Reasons to Think Again!

by The KCM Crew on October 3, 2016 in For Sellers, FSBOs
www.PattiLee.Properties   PattiLee, Realtor ... Results that Move You!


In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.
Here are the top five reasons:

1. Exposure to Prospective Buyers

Recent studies have shown that 88% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 21% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you? 

2. Results Come from the Internet

Where did buyers find the home they actually purchased?
  • 44% on the internet
  • 33% from a Real Estate Agent
  • 9% from a yard sign
  • 1% from newspapers
The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial. 

3. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner:
  • The buyer who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
  • The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
  • The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
  • The appraiser if there is a question of value

4. FSBOing Has Become More And More Difficult

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.

The 8% share represents the lowest recorded figure since NAR began collecting data in 1981.

5. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.
Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $210,000, while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $249,000. This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $39,000 more for your home, as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with a real estate professional in your marketplace and see what they have to offer.

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Thursday, June 22, 2017

Selling or Upgrading? How to Add Value to your Home!


-A+A

Decor that Adds Value to Homes

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017
A home's price is based on many factors that can’t be changed, such as location, square footage, and age. While these fixed factors may seem like an end-all-be-all, you can present your client’s home in other ways that may add perceived value for buyers. A full overhaul or shiny new kitchen are not the only options — choosing the right home decor can go a long way in bringing buyers.
Here's a look at some top accessories and decor choices that are easy to snag and that just might help your clients reach that perfect selling price.
Storage
Ask any designer: Decluttering a home is one of the most effective ways to get it off the market and into the hands of a buyer. A cluttered, messy, cramped space can instantly detract potential home buyers. After all, how can they visualize their family in this new home when all they can picture are piles of junk and countertops filled with toiletries? Clutter may also send the message that the home does not provide enough room for the buyer’s needs.
Show buyers that your client’s home offers plenty of space for all of their belongings. External storage, like a pretty chest, a shelving unit, or an armoire is a great way to add a decorative element while allowing more room to store paperwork, movies, linens, desk supplies and other unattractive items that don’t add to the space. Internal storage, like decorative metal bins or wicker baskets, are perfect for decluttering bathroom cabinets and closets where buyers may sneak a peek. Now you can present a more airy feel and cleaner sight lines in the home.
Window treatments
Whether it was in our first college apartment or an old family vacation rental, we’ve all experienced just how uncomfortable it is to be in a space with dusty, weathered, outdated window treatments. Next to decluttering, window treatments can make a big difference in breathing new life into a home. The right window treatments can highlight and complement the home’s best features — from its natural light to backyard views — and can offer the top selling points of built-in privacy and improved energy efficiency (high on the list of many potential buyers).
Advise your client to replace broken and outdated blinds with new blinds, cellular shades or roman shades. They’re easy to install, and with a wide variety of finishes available, they’re a versatile and functional choice. Drapes are also a quick fix, especially in living and dining rooms. They add vertical interest and cohesiveness to a room, showing buyers a refined space.
Accessories
It’s important to make the home appealing and cozy to visitors, but with a polished look that gives buyers something to aspire to. Replace any well-loved duvet covers, bath towels, rugs, pillows or throws with fresh ones. Swap out overstuffed bookcases with carefully placed books, baubles, and a piece of art or two. Tuck away stacks of old magazines and remotes, and adorn tables with a chic tray and a few coffee table books.
It’s all about introducing fun yet neutral accessories that add to the overall theme of the house without filling the space with too much clutter. Show buyers how their new home could be a showpiece, and it’s sure to add to their perceived value.
Source: Katie Laird is the Director of Social Marketing for Blinds.com and a passionate home decorator with a love of Mid-Century Modern decor, streamlined window treatments and blue.
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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Buying or Selling? Moving? Purge Your Home of These 9 Things Before You Move

Purge Your Home of These 9 Things Before You Move

By Jamie Wiebe | Sep 30, 2016

www.PattiLee.Properties   Patti Lee, Realtor   Results that Move You!
A new home means a fresh start: new paint, a new bedroom, even a fresh take on arranging your old furniture.

But your new space won't feel so wonderful if it's weighed down with junk you didn't bother ditching during the move. Now's the time to purge your home—and we're not talking about just sifting through stacks of magazines while you binge on Netflix.
"Your possessions should have three purposes: function, aesthetic purpose, or sentimental value," says Christina Giaquinto, a professional organizer in Franklin Lakes, NJ. "Pick up each item in your home, and ask yourself, 'Why do I have this item? What does this item do for me?'"
From doodads you picked up at the flea market to jewelry you never wear to a pile of untouched cat toys, there are a lot of things you should toss or donate before packing up the truck. But here are nine of the most common offenders.

1. Old towels and linens

When's the last time you bought new towels? If it's the last time you moved, turn those suckers into rags and buy something new. After years of use and hundreds of washings, there's no denying your fluffy bath towels have lost some of their plushness.
Ditch old bed sheets, too. Fitted sheets lose their elasticity over time, and exposure to sweat and oil can cause unpleasant stains.

2. Your juicer

We all have goals. Running three times a week. Cleaning every Sunday. And starting each morning with a glass of cold juice pressed from spinach, kale, ginger, and pineapple.
Don't give up on achieving your dreams—but if you've tried to make a change and found it didn't work with your lifestyle, don't hang on to the dregs of disappointment. Maybe getting up a half-hour early every morning to juice isn't for you. Assess your achievements at moving time, and donate everything that didn't work out. At least you'll have room for your next wild aspiration. Perhaps a set of dumbbells?

3. Unworn clothes

Organizing a closet before a move should be simple. A keep pile, a toss pile, and a donate pile—right? But we all have those jeans we keep around just in case we finally lose 15 pounds. Or a dress tucked deep in your closet in case you ever go clubbing again. (Never mind that the last time you were out of the house after 10 p.m. was the night your first child was born.)
Watch out for clothing you're keeping "just in case," which take up precious room in your closet. And even if you do lose the weight, or get an invitation to a bachelorette party in Vegas, you can always buy (or rent) something new—and we bet you'll love it even more.

4. Duplicates and souvenirs

Clutter accrues in the strangest places—like your mug tree or your dining hutch. You might have started out with two novelty mugs, but now you own a coffee cup from every place you've visited. Ever.
"Try to keep only one from your favorite vacation," Giaquinto says.
Look for duplicates throughout your kitchen. Do you really need three bread pans? Or more than one cake platter?
"You should only hold on to what can fit neatly in your space,"  Giaquinto says.

5. Collections you've outgrown

One day, many moons ago, you told your mom you liked elephants. You were 12.
Your next birthday: an elephant necklace. Your graduation gift: a porcelain elephant statuette. Your housewarming gift from your aunt: an Etsy elephant print.
It's too late to convince everyone you're not a loxodonta-phile, but it's not too late to trim down your collection. And when Mom stops by and looks confused, just say, "I had to. I couldn't fit it into our new space."

6. Cosmetics and toiletries

Like most things in life, skin and beauty products don't last forever. So before you move, ditch the pile of half-used products you've amassed under your bathroom sink; that goes for skin creams, sunscreens, shaving cream, beard oils, deodorant, and even soap.
Ladies—make sure to toss the nail polish.That stuff has a shelf life of only two years, meaning you'll likely never finish a bottle before the polish gets gunky and hard to apply.
Same goes for cosmetics: For example, you should replace your favorite mascara every three months. Otherwise, you risk exposing your eye to contaminants and air particles.

7. Space fillers

Sometimes, when moving into a new home, we buy stuff just to fill the emptiness. Ugly side tables, a TV stand three shades darker than the rest of your furniture, or that annoying inspirational wall art that's long past being cool (if it ever was).
Your next home doesn't need to be a blank slate, but do yourself a favor before moving in by ditching furniture and decor you're "meh" on. And next time, buy slowly and ponder exactly what you want before plunking down cash.

8. Cords and cables

You don't know how it happened, but suddenly you have 34 micro-USB cables and seven random charging cables that seemingly belong to nothing and everything at the same time.
Save yourself from future headaches, and get rid of duplicates now—as well as anything that doesn't have a match. And take advantage of the move to sort the remaining cords and cables into an organized system.

9. Paperwork

Go through all your old paperwork, setting aside documents you should keep (tax records, closing documents, recent bank statements) and ditching everything that's no longer necessary—like old insurance policies. Create a filing system you'll stick to, since that paperwork's gonna keep coming, and promise yourself you'll go back through everything once a year.


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Tuesday, June 20, 2017

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Dream Home

by The KCM Crew on October 10, 2016 in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates,Move-Up Buyers, Pricing
www.PattiLee.Properties   Patti Lee, Realtor ... Results that Move You!
If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.
Ask yourself the following 3 questions to help determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?

This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with money.
For example, a recent survey by Braun showed that over 75% of parents say “their child’s education is an important part of the search for a new home.”
This survey supports a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University which revealed that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money. They are:
  • A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
  • A place where you and your family feel safe
  • More space for you and your family
  • Control of that space
What does owning a home mean to you? What non-financial benefits will you and your family gain from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

According to the latest Home Price Index from CoreLogic, home values are projected to increase by 5.3% over the next 12 months.

What does that mean to you?

Simply put, if you are planning on buying a home that costs $250,000 today, that same home will cost you an additional $13,250 if you wait until next year. Your down payment will need to be higher as well to account for the higher home price.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by even a small increase in mortgage rates.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase over the next twelve months as you can see in the chart below:

Bottom Line

Only you and your family will know for certain if now is the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.

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Monday, June 19, 2017

Buying a Home? What to Expect When Home Inspecting

What to Expect When Home Inspecting

by The KCM Crew on October 26, 2016 in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers



www.PattiLee.Properties    Patti Lee, Realtor ... Results that Move You!

So you made an offer, it was accepted, and now your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. More often than not, your agent may have made your offer contingent on a clean home inspection.
This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price paid for the home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or even, in some cases, walk away. Your agent can advise you on the best course of action once the report is filed.

How to Choose an Inspector

Your agent will most likely have a short list of inspectors that they have worked with in the past that they can recommend to you. Realtor.com suggests that you consider the following 5 areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:
  1. Qualifications – find out what’s included in your inspection & if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.
  2. Sample Reports – ask for a sample inspection report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your dream home. The more detailed the report the better in most cases.
  3. References – do your homework – ask for phone numbers and names of past clients that you can call to ask about their experience.
  4. Memberships – Not all inspectors belong to a national or state association of home inspectors, and membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice. Often membership in one of these organizations means that there is continued training and education provided.
  5. Errors & Omission Insurance – Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human after all, and it is possible that they might miss something they should have seen.
Ask your inspector if it’s ok for you to tag along during the inspection. That way they can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed.
Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof, crawling around in the attic, and on the floors. The job of the inspector is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the fireplace & chimney, the foundation and so much more!

Bottom Line

They say ‘ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your hard-earned money in a home of your own. Work with a professional you can trust to give you the most information possible about your new home so that you can make the most educated decision about your purchase.

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