Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. In addition to providing hours of enjoyment, your landscaping may also add up to 14% to the resale value of your home.*
Whether you’re thinking of updating your landscape before you list your home or you just want to do something new, this month’s information will help you improve your outdoor spaces with the help of the latest design trends. These tips could improve the look of your yard, make it more livable, reduce its overall maintenance and may even improve your health.
For additional information on landscaping click here: Landscape to Sell
Pass this information on to your family and friends to help them boost the look and feel of their landscapes, too.
Did you know that 80% of household clutter is due to disorganization, not space issues?* It’s true; the more organized your space is, the more spacious it seems, and the easier it is to find items.
Last month, I posted information intended to help you organize a garage sale to sell the items that have been cluttering up your closets. This month I’m posting information that will help you get motivated to stay organized and design the closet of your dreams. These eight tips will help you think outside of the box and work with what you have to create storage spaces that not only fit your needs, but improve the look and feel of your home as well: Closet Ideas
Should you need help getting organized, click here for some additional ideas: Organizing Tips
Pass this helpful information on to your family and friends to help them organize their closets and storage spaces.
With spring around the corner, many of us have begun to turn our attention to spring cleaning, specifically clearing out the clutter in our homes. The items that contribute to most of the clutter are ones that we no longer need or use. If an item no longer serves a purpose, why not sell it?
This month, I’m sending information that will help you plan and organize a successful garage sale. Garage sales are a popular way to clear the clutter and make a few dollars at the same time. While page one outlines the steps to plan your next garage sale, page two offers timeless suggestions that will help you boost sales as well as important safety tips. Access this information here: Garage Sale Ideas
As a Bonus, check out this article for ideas to help you sell your stuff online: Helpful Sites
Pass this helpful information on to your family and friends who may be planning a garage sale in the future.
Home renovations are growing more popular than ever as many owners seek to maintain their investments or improve the resale value of their homes before they sell.
If you’re planning to remodel your home this year, the information I’m sending this month will help you get the most out of it, regardless of the scale. Page one reveals the three renovations that will provide the biggest return on investment, while page two provides tips to help you establish a budget for your home renovation, whether you’re planning a full remodel or a minor update.
Share this information with family and friends who may be thinking about a home improvement project this year.
Oh, by the way … if you know someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
Just in case you have nothing to do this summer here are some tips to make your home special!
You don’t have to be interested in putting your home on the market right now to make it the envy of the neighborhood. A few seemingly small changes can have a large impact and grab the attention of neighbors and potential buyers who pass by.
This month I’m sending information to help you revitalize the curb appeal of your home. Page one outlines simple tips to improve the appearance of your landscaping and your home’s exterior. If you are interested in putting your home on the market, page two puts you in the shoes of potential buyers, helping you to maximize the best parts of your home and minimize or renovate areas that need improvement.
No plans for Summer? What about a simple bathroom remodel?
Bathroom renovations don’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you’re updating your current bathroom to include water-saving fixtures or you plan to create a spa-like oasis, the information I’m sending this month offers tips for a stress-free bathroom renovation.
The first page provides great renovation tips, from choosing paint colors to easy ways to save money on cabinetry. Did you know that the bathroom accounts for over half of indoor water use?* Since water rates are increasing in many areas, page two gives an overview of high-efficiency bathroom fixtures that are designed to conserve water and help you save money on your monthly water bill. Download the pdf here.
In this light we are at the beginning stages of our own remodel on a home in the College area. Watch for updates on that.
As some of you know this is a small area of expertise for me and if you eed some great referrals to architects, engineers, contractors etc. or just want to bounce some ideas off me as to what is expected in the market please call me. Do not just assume that the market will like what you like, I can guide you.
Feel free to share this great information with your family or friends who may be thinking of a bathroom renovation this year.
And don’t forget, I am NEVER too busy for your referrals.
Synopsis:The best thing to do is to work with a professional who can help you make sure your picture is good before you apply and work with you over time to fix any problems. In other words, work with a real person who has been referred to you by someone you trust, not the latest bait and switch sales pitch on-line. Contact me if you need the name of a local professional who cares about their clients
From: The New York Times
After a rejection
Some borrowers think that because their mortgage application is turned down the
first time, they won’t ever be approved. In reality, some borrowers
succeed on the second or third attempt, usually with a different mortgage
professional, and often several months later, after they have saved more money
for a larger down payment or improved their credit score.
Making sense of the
story
Before reapplying for a
mortgage, borrowers are advised to look at the reasons they were initially
rejected.
The Equal Credit
Opportunities Act requires lenders to give loan applicants specific
reasons in writing within 30 days of their decision. If it’s based
on a problem in the borrower’s credit report, the lender must tell the
borrower the name and address of the credit agency that provided the
information.
Talking to the loan officer
who denied the application to see how close the borrower was to being
approved also can be helpful. Sometimes the gap is small and could
be bridged with a larger down payment or another home appraisal, for
example.
It also may be worthwhile to
shop around for other lenders. Borrowers can work with a mortgage
broker or an online network like LendingTree or Zillow’s Mortgage
Marketplace.
A credit union also might be
a better bet for some applicants. Credit union loan committees may
permit better deals for longtime members; they might also modify loan
terms for borrowers they already know.
However, first-time buyers
may need to scale back their aspirations. One reason people get
turned down for a mortgage is because they try to buy more property than
they can afford based on current incomes.
Applicants also should look at ways to
strengthen their financial picture. If a borrower’s credit is poor,
paying down credit-card balances can help to increase a FICO score.
The short answer is 68.7% (Source: National Association of Realtors 2010-2011
Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report)
The kitchen remains the most popular room in the house to remodel. Homeowners renovate to
modernize the space with the latest appliances, to accommodate changing needs
or to add value to the home in anticipation of a home sale. Although it’s
tempting to spend thousands on the latest trends and brands, it is possible to
revamp the kitchen without breaking the bank.
This month I’ve sent valuable information about conducting a cost-effective kitchen remodel.
The first page outlines cost-saving alternatives of the most common elements of
a kitchen remodel. Page two offers valuable tips for a pre-sale kitchen
renovation. Feel free to share this information with family and friends who may
be interested in remodeling their kitchens.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or for a referral to a great kitchen designer, contractor or for my input on what you should or should not do in your home to make it the most cost effective remodel. I’ve done this few times myself and for clients. It’s worth the cost (free) to get another opinion.
Also please remember that I work by referral and I am never too busy to help your friends and colleagues meet or exceed their real estate goals. Please contact me if you know anyone who could use my help.
