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Archive for the 'Sellers' Category
Selling Your Madison MS Home 5 Helpful Steps
SELLING YOUR MADISON MS HOME IN A BUYERS MARKET
Its a buyers market just in case you haven’t noticed. What that means is more houses listed for sale that there are home buyers qualified to buy. The number of homes on the market thoughout the U.S. is at an all time high. The result of this is that buyers know they can negotiate hard over the price and terms of the contract. Buyers knowing we are in a buyers market puts the seller at a disadvantage. So what are the steps I can take as a seller in a buyers market to help get my home sold. Here are a few tips to help you in todays market.
First Step: Clean, repair, repaint and get your home into tip-top condition. Pretend your are a buyer looking to purchase your home. Walk through your front door and look at your home and ask yourself, would I be willing to accept the rotten wood, peeling paint, dirty carpet, etc…. I’m sure you would not!!! So do what is necessary to address these issues.
Second Step: If needed call a homestager that knows what it takes to get your home sold. Your decor might not be impressive to someone else. Remember it’s the appearance and location of the home that sells. A professional homestager can give you a list of things that need to be removed/ replaced to make your home more attactive. A good homestager can make a trememdous difference on how long a home stays on the market. One of the best homestagers I know is Vicky Turk, she will access your home at a very reasonable price. Contact Vicky Turk @ 601.317.2994. Read the rest of this entry »
Five Tips for Selling Your Madison MS Home
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The Herrington Realty Team can help you with the entire selling process to get you
the best price possible for your home. We can help you by finding the market value of your home, preparing the home for sale, marketing, and bringing all
the resources needed to make your home sale a success.
If you’re a seller and are thinking about selling your home yourself, give it some
serious consideration. Will the money you save compare to the money you lose by
pricing your home incorrectly, not having the negotiation skills needed or not
doing the proper marketing to quickly sell your home?
Contact us today and find out how we can help you with the sale of your home. Listed
below are some home selling tips to consider.
Five Tips Every Seller Should Know Prior to Selling Their Home
- Conduct a Pre-listing Inspection – Having your
home inspected by a third party will give you a “new set of eyes” to help
you objectively price your home and prepare you for the home inspection
the buyers will conduct. This allows you to make repairs ahead of time and
allows you or your chosen contractor to handle the repairs. It may also
alert you to immediate concerns such as termites, radon gas, or electrical
problems. Plus, the repair receipts and inspection report will help
support any maintenance claims you have made on the home. Don’t forget to
select an inspector that is licensed and insured. - Clean up outside the home – Keep the grass cut
and the area neat to make a strong first impression. Nothing says un-kept
and lower value than a messy lawn. Keep the windows clean inside and out,
wash the exterior of the house and paint where necessary. Make sure the
chimney and gutters are clean. - Fix up the interior – Applying a fresh coat of
paint can make a big improvement in the appearance of a room at very
little cost. New paint can clean up scuffmarks and discoloration. If
you’re working with wallpaper, wash it to give it a new clean look. Wash
all floors, shampoo dirty carpets, and eliminate clutter. Clean out the
garage, basement, attic and closets. Consider staging your home before
showing it to prospective buyers. Staging can make your home more
attractive by rearranging furniture and household objects that allows
buyers to picture themselves in your home. Also make sure you replace the
air filters to minimize dust in the house. - Replace fixtures that are worn or leaking -
Clean under the sinks and make any necessary repairs to fixtures. Give
your bathroom or kitchen a new look by replacing the fixtures that are
leaky or worn. Paint damaged areas if necessary. - Eliminate bad odors in your home – Pay special
attention to smoke and pet odors. Consider an air sanitizer that will
clean the air, eliminate odors and provide natural clean air without
chemicals.
GET A FREE MARKET ANALYIS
If you are considering selling your current
home, you will want to obtain a FREE Market Analysis of your home so
that you can accurately price your home for sale.
Ready to make your
next move? Contact Herrington Realty today. Our Team of Experts are
waiting to assist you. We have several Homes for Sale in Madison MS, Brandon MS, and Ridgeland MS.
Search the local MLS for 1000’s of homes in the Jackson, MS Metro
area.
If you’re relocating to the Metro Jackson area or already live in this area and
would like to view some of the homes currently listed on the market call
Herrington Realty Co. today at 601-977-1114.
Looking for a home on the Reservoir? You will find everything you want in the Brandon MS area. The City of Brandon MS is a great place to live and is served by the Rankin County School District.
Selling Your Madison MS Home in a Slow Market
Despite the
current real esate market, there are still plenty of homebuyers eager to make a
purchase. Knowing
how to prepare your home for sale, when to allow access for showings, and how
you can offer buyer incentives will help you find the right buyer, even in a
declining market.
Before you even
put your home on the market, make sure that all basic
repairs are completed. Nothing can turn off a prospective buyer quicker than
loose railings, torn screens or missing hardware on cupboard doors. These easy
repairs do not cost a lot of money. If a homebuyer sees that the little things
are not attended to, they are likely to believe that the larger things are
neglected too. Let buyers know that you have pride in your home by making sure
that all of the small repairs are taken care of.
Keep your home
clean throughout the time it is on the market. In a slow real estate market, it
is important to have your home available to show at a moment’s notice. The more
often your home is shown, the likelier it is that your home will sell. Keep your
home available to your realtor and they will be able to show your home quickly
to any buyer that shows interest.
Have your home
staged by a professional. Home staging has become a booming business and a
professional home stager will help you remove clutter
and depersonalize your space. Prospective homebuyers want to picture their
family in the home, not yours and a home full of personal clutter will not show
off the potential of your home.
Keep pets
contained during a real estate showing and make sure that your cat litter box is
always clean. Pet owners tend to get used to the odors caused by litter boxes
and it is important that you remember to clean it every day. Nothing will turn
off a prospective home buyer like a home that smells. Many people are fearful of
dogs, especially ones that they do not know. Make sure that you either take your
dog with you for a showing or put them on a leash outside.
Be realistic in
your expectations of the price you will be able to sell your home. Forget about
what could have been if you had sold it last year and focus on what your home is
worth now. In a buyer’s market, buyers don’t have to negotiate much. Buyers
know that you want to sell your home and a home that is priced too high is
likely to be looked over. Ask a fair price for your home to avoid the need for
too much negotiation.
In a slow market,
hiring a real estate
agent is crucial to get your home sold in a reasonable amount of time. Yes,
there are ways you can list your home for sale by owner using the internet, but
nothing beats the experience that comes fro a real estate agent who is able to
take care of everything in order to sell your home.
Selling your home
can be a stressful time, but you can be successful in selling your home if you
remain patient, reasonable and flexible. There are buyers
out there and the key is to find them and get them to fall in love with your
home.
The Herrington Realty Company realizes
that buying a home is big responsibility and we are committed to providing
others in our communities with information concerning homeownership.
If we can assist
you with your current property or help you select your next home, please
contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Our team of experts
specializes in making dreams come true Brandon MS, Ridgeland MS
and Madison MS The Herrington Realty Company has
several listingsBrandon MS, Ridgeland MS and
the Madison MS area. We would love to assist you with your
next move.
available in the
WHAT IS HOME STAGING AND HOW CAN IT HELP SELL YOUR HOME?
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Home staging is NOT decorating. Home staging is preparing a private
residence prior to going up for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal
of staging is to sell a home quickly, and for the most money possible by
attracting the highest amount of potential buyers. Staging focuses on improving
a property to make it appeal to the largest number of buyers by transforming it
into a welcoming, appealing, and attractive product for sale. Staging often
raises the value of a property by way of reducing the home’s flaws,
depersonalizing, decluttering, cleaning, improving condition items, and
landscaping. For vacant homes, rental furniture is used to create a living
space the buyer could “see” themselves in. When properly executed
staging leads the eye to attractive features while minimizing flaws.
Many techniques are used to stage a property. De-cluttering,
depersonalizing, updating old or unattractive fixtures, painting, furniture
rearrangement, rental furniture and accessorizing are just some of the changes
used to make a home more inviting to potential buyers. Homes containing furniture and accessories
will probabaly sell more quickly than vacant homes, because the potential
buyers realize what can actually be done with the place. They may realize that
the room is actually a lot larger than it would look without furnishings.
Rental of furniture and decorative accessories is a common solution when
selling brand new properties that have never been occupied, or those where
homeowners have already vacated the property.
12 Reasons to Use a Realtor
When it’s time to put the house on the market, many
people wonder if they are better off selling as a “by
owner” or using the services of a realtor. The following are 12 steps why you should use a qualifed realtor when selling your home.
1. Establishing the right price. When selling your home, a realtor can
give current information on the marketplace and the price, financing,
terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the
best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
2. Providing objectivity. When selling a realtor can provide an unemotional view
of the home and what needs to be added or subtracted to make it more
appealing for buyers.
3. When, where and how to market your property. Marketing that attracts offers, not
just lookers. A coordinated
marketing campaign using the right combination of print advertising,
direct mail and Internet ensures your home receives maximum exposure. An experienced realtor can advise you
on cost-effective strategies for ensuring your home looks its best to
potential buyers.
4. Identifying qualified buyers. A realtor is able to pre-screen
prospects to determine their qualifications before bringing them to you.
5. Knowing your market. As trained professionals who may have seen hundreds of homes
similar to yours and know their features and selling prices, a realtor is
well qualified to set a price that can bring the maximum number of offers
for your home.
6. Bringing
buyers and sellers together. A
realtor may already have a buyer for your home! Successful realtors are
continually replenishing their rosters of potential buyers, as well as
networking with other real estate professionals who may have the prefect
buyer for your home.
7. Stress reduction.
Are you prepared to show your home in the middle of the
day? Every weekend? Realtors have the time to show your
home whenever it is convenient for a potential buyer. It’s their job. And they are available to respond
quickly and courteously to inquiries by phone call, email and fax. Think of a realtor as your personal
home sales assistant.
8. Assistance with property inspections. Depending on the area and property,
this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty
structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a
few. A realtor can assist you in
finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these
investigations and provide you with written reports.
9. Evaluating proposals. A realtor can help you
objectively evaluate every buyers’ proposal without compromising your
marketing position.
10. Preparing binding contracts. A realtor can help you write a
legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it
through the process.
11. Financing options. A realtor knows a lot about the different financing
options available to you.
12. Negotiating and closing assistance. A realtor can guide you through the
closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.
The Herrington Realty Company
realizes that selling your home is a big responsibility and we are committed to
providing others in our communities with information concerning the sale of
their home.
If for any
reason you are unable to sell your own home, please keep the Herrington Realty Team
in mind. If we can assist you further with your current property or even
help you select your next
home, please contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may
have.
The Herrington Realty Company
has several listings available in the Brandon MS,
Ridgeland MS and the Madison MS area. We
would love to assist you with your next move.
Madison MS Real Estate – FSBO
If you wish to sell by owner and
save money get used to graciously accepting buyers’ comments, feelings, and
quirks. Always be businesslike and
pleasant. Let them know you are willing
to discuss their concerns as buyers. Work
on creating a negotiated win-win transaction with everything in writing.
Selling your home can be a very
exciting event. Selling can also be
complex, confusing, and frustrating, not to mention one the Biggest financial
decisions you’ll ever make. The most
important thing to remember is, DON’T OVERPRICE! Pay for an appraisal. If
you don’t like it, you don’t have to use it, but if you like it and anyone
offers you less, you can wave it in their face. You can also ask agents for a Competitive
Market Analysis.
Disclose every defect known
whether major or minor and when in doubt, disclose it anyway. Disclose any work done without permits. As-is sales do not relieve sellers from disclosure
obligations. Find out what disclosures,
inspections, and forms are required for your state and city. Use an escrow company. There are countless books available covering
the ins and outs of selling your own home; and even if you don’t read one cover
to cover, have it on hand as a reference.
Consulting with a real estate attorney for advice as needed may be well
worth the price of peace of mind.
Things to Remember:
- Price your come competitively.
- Market your home with advertising. (newspaper &
Internet) - Ask your prospective buyer if they’ve be qualified
with a mortgage company. - Negotiate a price and get it in writing. You and your buyer need a signed
contract. - Closing costs can be expensive. Negotiate all fees as part of the
deal. (You may agree to pay most,
some or none of the closing cost.) - Instead of lowing your sales price you may consider
paying some of the closing cost for the buyer. This will lower the cash needed for the buyer to close your
deal and their loan.
Safety Reminders:
For your own safety, the
following are very important:
- Never allow people to looking at your home to be
alone. Always go with them room to
room. - Be certain that all jewelry and other small valuable
items are out of sight - Keep all credit cards out of sight
- If you have items of value in the garage, be certain
to lock it from the inside. - Take all prescription drugs out the medicine cabinet
and put them in a safe place. - Be certain that you know the location of your keys at
all times. Should one turn up
missing, change the locks as soon as possible. - If there are two or more parties being shown the
home, be certain they stay together. - Do not show your house alone if possible.
- Never tell anyone your schedule. Do not tell anyone you cannot show
your home because you won’t be home.
Simply you say you won’t be available at that time. - Be alert.
When you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out.
Be aware that while many people sell homes without any
problems every day, you will need to be cautious of time-wasters, aggressive
investors and possible scam artists.
The Herrington Realty Company realizes that selling your home is big responsibility and we are committed to providing others in our communities with information concerning the sale of their home.
If for any reason you are unable to sell your own home, please keep the Herrington Realty Team in mind. If we can assist you further with your current property or even help you select your next home, please contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Our team of experts specializes in making dreams come true in the Brandon MS and Madison MS area.
Getting Ready to Sell Your Madison MS Real Estate Home
When you live in a home, your
first concern is for your own comfort.
When you sell your home, your first concern is how buyers view your
home. First impressions are critical;
you want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Preparation is the key to making a dramatic
difference in how quickly you sell your home and what price you will obtain.
TO GET READY, CONSIDER THESE
THINGS:
- Clean up & fix up. Property with “curb appeal” sells quickly and commands a
higher price than property without.
If you are selling a lot, have underbrush cleared out so that
potential buyers can walk the property with no problem.
- Manicure the front lawn, mowing at least once a week
while the property is on the market.
Edge the lawn up the driveway & along the sidewalks in both
front & back for a finished appearance. Keep sidewalks and driveway swept clean.
- Trim all shrubbery & low-lying branches on
trees. Trim trees on shrubs that
obscure light from the interior of your home.
- Replace damaged shutters, gutters, and downspouts
& remove debris from gutters & downspouts. Paint any trim that is blistering.
- Clean, stain or paint the front door. The door and hardware should sparkle.
- Install higher wattage light bulbs throughout the
house to make rooms warmer & brighter. Turn on all lights & open the drapes and blinds for
every showing.
- Brighten interiors with a fresh coat of light-toned
paint, especially in areas that look fingerprinted, worn or faded.
- Fix any dripping faucets.
- Polish tubs, toilets, sinks & mirrors so they
sparkle.
- Replace old caulking around bathtubs.
- Clean kitchen cabinets & pantry to make them look
neat & spacious. Plug in air
fresheners in kitchen and bathrooms.
- Clear kitchen counters, including small appliances.
- Store out of season clothing so that closets do not
have a cluttered appearance.
Remove items from the floors of walk-in closets
- Pre-pack items that may clutter your home. Extra toys in the children’s rooms
& nick-knacks may actually make rooms appear smaller than they
are.
- Organize the garage so it looks clean and roomy. Stack all items against the walls to
show maximum space.
- Vacuum the garage, rafters and all floors
You may even want to consider a
professional cleaning service to clean your home from top to bottom while it’s
on the market. Let them do the hard
jobs so all you need to do is keep things going.
Remember that everyday will
present an opportunity for a showing to a prospective buyer. Before leaving home make sure everything is
in it’s proper place, open a few drapes/blinds and turn your sound
system to an easy listening station to help set the home buying mood.
Selling your
Madison MS property? Make sure you have it marketed for all eyes to see!
YOUR MADISON MS REAL
ESTATE TEAM markets and lists your home FOR THE WORLD TO SEE!!! Not just
those looking here in MADISON MS, but people all over the country will see your
home for sale.
SELLING YOUR MADISON MS REAL ESTATE HOME
HOW TO UNCLUTTER AND ORGANIZE YOUR
MADISON MS REAL ESTATE HOMES
STEP #1 DEFINE CLUTTER
I know this step may seem a bit
elementary but as the old saying goes “one person’s junk may be another
person’s treasure”. So how do
you define clutter? Some possible definitions
are: things you no longer use, things
that are completely disorganized, anything that is unfinished and you know you
have not intentions of finishing. If you
have things that fit into any of these categories proceed to STEP #2.
STEP #2 DON’T PROCRASTINATE – DO IT NOW!
I challenge you to get out your calendar right now and
“pencil in” a date to un-clutter and organize.
Once you’ve set the date DON”T RESCHEDULE IT! Proceed to STEP # 3.
STEP #3 CREATE A SCHEDULE AND STICK
TO IT
I’m a firm believer that people are more likely to complete
a task when working from a schedule.
Create a schedule that works best for you and one that will allow little
or no distractions. Be Realistic! Once you’ve set your schedule STICK TO
IT! Proceed to STEP # 4.
STEP #4 SET A GOAL FOR EACH AREA
The key to reaching any goal is making the goal a realistic
one. For example, if you know you need to un-clutter the closet, dresser
bureaus and the desk in your bedroom, determine how much time you’ll need for
each task; this way you’ll know exactly what needs to be done and you can work
towards that goal while sticking to the schedule you’ve already created. You are not ready to proceed to STEP # 5
STEP #5 SEPARATE OR CATEGORIZE YOUR CLUTTER
Categorizing is the key to organization. Decide what you
want to keep, what you want to get rid of and what you want to donate. Categorizing will help you move through the
clutter quickly and efficiently. Be sure to keep things in each category
together. You are now ready to organize. Proceed to Step #6
STEP #6 TRASH UNWANTED ITEMS
The first step to organizing is
getting rid of unwanted items. Trash all of the items you categorized as
unwanted and put them out to the curb for pick up. Proceed to Step #7
STEP #7 DONATE ITEMS THAT CAN BE USED BY OTHERS
If you’ve decided to donate items,
place those items in a box or other storage container. It would be wise to go ahead and load these
items in your vehicle or arrange for pick-up to prevent re-cluttering. Proceed to Step #8
STEP #8 CATEGORIZE ITEMS YOU’VE DECIDED TO KEEP
Categorize/separate the items
you’re keeping. Categories might include
seasonal clothing items, bathroom items, closest items, etc. This will help you decide where the items should
be stored. Proceed to Step #9
STEP #9 STORE ITEMS WHERE THEY BELONG
You are now ready to organize the
items you want to keep. Make things convenient and accessible by storing items
where they belong. If you have items
that don’t have a “home” find unused space to neatly store them. You can also rearrange things to make better
use of space. Proceed to Step #10
STEP #10 ENJOY YOUR UN-CLUTTERED HOME OR OFFICE
Now that you’ve un-cluttered, it’s time to sit back, relax
and enjoy the rewards of a clutter free, organized life. You will now have more time to spend with
your loved ones, more energy to do the things you want to do and a home or
office you can be proud of.
HOPE THIS ARTICLE HELPS YOU TO BETTER ORGANIZE YOUR HOME. IF YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING IN THE NEAR FUTURE, HERRINGTON REALTY WOULD LOVE TO ASSIST YOU.
CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW OUR LISTINGS.
Your Home Tips
Alarm Systems:
One of the best investments a homeowner can make…
Few industries enjoy a high positive customer relationship like that of alarm companies. According to a study done by Dr. Simon Hakim, director of the Center for Competitive Government at Temple University, 94 percent of alarm owners are satisfied with their systems. With one in five homes currently electronically protected, that?s a pretty amazing statistic….
Alarm Systems: Home Security for Renters…
Owning a home may be the American Dream, but the American reality is that most people’s first home is a rental. And the number of people who choose to rent as a permanent housing arrangement is on the rise, according to national statistics….
Alarm Systems: Keep Kids in and Bad Guys Out with Home Security System…
Millions of American kids come home to or leave an empty house every day. Yet many don’t fit the stereotype of a “latchkey kid” – a child in a single parent household whose custodial parent is at work when the school day ends or begins….
Carpet: Choose your style…
Carpet has become one of the nation?s most popular floor coverings because it provides additional insulation, reduces sound and gives off an appearance of comfort and warmth. Today, carpet is made from a variety of products and is easier to care for with most lines offering soil, stain, odor and static resistant options….
Carpet: Finding Great Rugs Easier and at a Discount…
Many elements must work together to create a remarkable room. There is the color scheme, furniture, decorations, and of course, the rug on the floor. Don?t overlook the significance of the one thing that could tie the whole room together! Shopping for a rug can be time consuming and frustrating. Going to stores with limited inventory just to flip through heavy rugs to return empty-handed is disappointing….
Easing Into A Move: One of life’s greatest stresses…
Moving is considered one of life?s greatest stresses, especially given that it involves leaving behind the comfort of familiar surroundings, friends and routines. While the emotional challenges associated with a move are inevitable, planning out a careful move can alleviate some of the discomfort. If possible, try to make a moving plan at least six to eight weeks prior to your actual moving day….
Moving Service: Takes a Load Off and Delivers…
You finally got that big job offer and have to move to another state. Relocating requires packing up all your worldly possessions and finding a new place to live. It?s a difficult thing to do by yourself so where do you begin? There are so many moving companies, how do you know the right one for you? There is so much to do, what if you forget something? To save yourself time and money, try going to one place first and let them do all the footwork for you….
Moving: Rent the Right Truck for your Move…
Moving should be an exciting time ? you?re off to a new apartment, your first home, maybe moving up to a larger home. But for many people, moving turns into a stressful, aggravating experience. It doesn?t have to be that way. Some advance planning, a little research and the right attitude can combine to make your next move the best one ever….
Energy Efficient: Make Your Home Energy-Efficient…
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend an average of $1400 a year on energy bills, 45 percent of that comes from the heating and cooling of their home. Increasing the efficiency of your heating and cooling appliances can substantially reduce your annual costs up to 30 percent per year. Even more importantly, making your home energy-efficient helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improves the quality of our air….
Fencing: Designing your landscape…
Fencing can play a key role in the landscape of one?s home. Its purpose can be as simple as keeping the family dog in or as important as keeping young children out, especially from hidden dangers like a pool. The U.S. fencing industry is a billion dollar market which continues to grow more than five percent a year. What once was limited to chain link and wood products has grown to include PVC and vinyl fencing….
Furniture Style: Be uncompromising…
Shopping for furniture can be as daunting as shopping for the right car and nearly as expensive. The shopping process often entails lying on dozens of beds, reclining on hundreds of overstuffed chairs and upholstered sofas, pulling out numerous dresser drawers or sitting on an abundance of decorative wood dining chairs. Choosing the right furniture piece or room suit is a quest, but the adventure should be as exciting for you as the day your new piece of furniture is delivered….
Home Electronics: Are you ready for a home theater?…
Few shoppers can pass by the big-screen television display at their local electronics store without stepping back and imagining one in their own home. Package that television together with four speakers, a subwoofer for bass projection, and a DVD/CD/MP3 player and you?ve constructed your own home theater system….
Home Exteriors: New options & traditional favorites…
You need only look back at the story of The Three Little Pigs to know that a home’s exterior not only adds to its’ beauty but is a factor in determining its? strength and durability against inclement winds and storms. In fact, a study released in 2004 by the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University states that “homes built with brick offer dramatically more protection from wind-blown debris than homes built with vinyl or fiber-cement siding.”…
Home Inspections: One of the best investments you can make…
Whether you?re purchasing a new or existing home, consider the benefits of a home inspection performed by a certified or licensed inspector. The purchase of a home is the biggest investment people make. It not only involves acquiring a significant asset, it may also mean taking on additional problems as well. While home inspectors are limited in their scope, they can offer peace of mind to a new homeowner by assessing some of a home?s major componenets….
Home Theater: Transforming home entertainment…
Over the years, the world of home entertainment has radically changed. Twenty-five years ago, only a small percentage of households in the U.S. had cable television, and VCRs were merely a luxury item. Today, most U.S. households get at least 50 channels and have a good-sized TV accompanied by a variety of electronic components. Many people are opting to create their own home theater systems, a combination of electronic components designed to recreate the experience of watching a movie in a theater….
Insuring Your Home: Lowering Your Premium…
When purchasing a home, most mortgage companies require the buyer to have homeowners insurance as a condition for receiving the loan. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per year for a standard homeowners policy in 2004 was $608. While standard homeowners policies will cover the structure of the home and its contents against fire, theft, and some natural disasters, (excluding floods, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides or sinkholes), the amount of coverage varies. Even if you?re not in the market for a new home, it’s a good idea to review your policy to make sure your coverage is in line with your home?s current appraised value….
Inventory: Now A Concern…
If you want to see a business owner cringe, ask them about their inventory. They will begin talking in a language only a few souls on the planet will understand. They will mention industry buzz words like: Inventory Turns, FIFO, LIFO, Cycle Counting and on, and on, and on. If you are still standing there by the time they get to COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) I admire your resolve….
Kitchen Upgrades: Stainless is back…
According to a poll commissioned by PBS? well known This Old House series, nearly a third of respondents (32%) cited a high-end kitchen as their dream renovation. The kitchen is no longer the place where mom retires to cook the family dinner. Today, kitchens serve as the heart of the home, and many Americans are looking for ways to make it more comfortable….
Landscaping: Turning your vision into plan…
A nice yard not only makes for a good neighbor, it helps to enhance property values as well. A high quality landscape design can actually improve the appearance of a building or home by adding warmth and character….
Landscaping: Grass that Stays Green, Even When Mother Nature Goes Dry…
Up to 80 percent of water used around the home during the summer is for outdoor use — primarily to irrigate gardens and lawns. To keep lawns green and lush during the long, hot summer, most people pull out the hoses, turn on the sprinklers and pour on the water. Household water consumption has increased drastically in the past 30 years, and the combination of increased water demands, rising water bills and drought-induced watering restrictions has prompted many homeowners to rethink their approach to lawn care….
Landscaping: Grass That’s Great for Your Lawn and the Environment…
If you?re concerned about the effect of weed killers and fertilizers on your children, pets and the environment, you should know that a natural way to obtain a lush, green lawn is to plant zoysia grass. Zoysia is a durable, spreading turf grass that grows into a permanent, perennial lawn that naturally resists insects and diseases. Zoysia’s deep, vigorous root system rarely needs watering, staying green even in the heat of summer….
Landscaping: Want to Save Money on Your Spring Plantings…
There’s a spring frenzy going on at garden centers nationwide. If you’re already dreading the idea of dealing with crowds, and the disappointment of not being able to find what you want, make this the year you get a head-start on everyone else….
Landscaping: Seven Steps to a Spectacular Lawn this Spring…
Spring is the time for renewal; think of it as similar to getting your body ready for beach season. If you want washboard abs come July, you better start working out a lot earlier than that. If you want a lush, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood, you’ve got to be its personal trainer and break a little sweat on these seven steps to a spectacular lawn this season….
Mortgages: Which one is right for you?…
So you?re ready to buy a home. Finding that perfect home can be a great adventure. Seeking out the mortgage that?s right for you can be difficult. There are a dozen or more options available for financing a home, and it?s important to consider the pros and cons of each. Before looking into more complicated choices, consider the most common….
Buying: Tips for buying a home…
Buying a home can be a rewarding life experience, as well as a great investment. But having a successful purchase requires some education and research. For first time homebuyers especially, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration–and maybe even money–if you start with a few simple steps….
Loans: Introduction to Loans…
With so many financing choices available today, it’s easier than ever to find a home loan that meets both your budget and future plans. But before you sign on the dotted line, it pays to be familiar with some of the most common types of loans. You should also get advice from your real estate agent and speak with several lenders about your options….
Neighborhoods: Choosing the Right Neighborhood…
To find the right neighborhood, focus on areas that meet your needs, budget and personal taste. You should also spend time talking with your real estate agent and researching different neighborhoods before making a final decision….
New Homes: What You Should Look for in New Homes…
Communities, neighborhoods and modern conveniences are just a few of the reasons homebuyers choose new homes. But before deciding on your new dream house, make sure to do your homework and find the right builder for your needs and budget….
Online Listing: What to Look for in an Online Listing…
View this article Online real estate listings have revolutionized the way buyers locate property, compare prices and find real estate professionals. But before you log on, make sure you have all the tools to get the most from your search….
Renting: 9 Things Every Renter Should Know…
Before you even begin looking for an apartment, make a list of what you absolutely need vs. extras you’d like to have. Important considerations include access to employment, shopping, schools, parking and recreation. Don’t forget to keep your budget in mind, and make sure you have adequate funds to cover deposits, utility hookups and other service fees….
Selling: Tips for Selling Your Home…
With a little preparation and the guidance of a professional real estate agent, you can help make the sale of your home go much more smoothly. Key factors include setting the proper price, effective marketing, and making your home sparkle inside and out….
