Other than the fact we are in a difficult market here in the Columbus area as with much of the country there often are other factors that can prevent homes from selling. Believe it or not there are a couple of quick and easy fixes that can be done to enhance your homes sellability.
Often times when folks think of selling they may do a little research online and determine that it is cheaper to go it alone and make the decision to stick a sign in the yard and post their home on a few sites. They fail to fully understand that in this market it is often imperative to partner with a professional who can help you with the right help to help sell your home. A couple of easy fixes include:
Spruce Up
Spruce up and keep it neat and clean are the first tips most agents will share with you. Noting will derail a real estate transaction quicker than a messy unkempt home. It can be difficult and inconvenient to live in a property and sell at the same time, especially when there are children involved. However, dollar for dollar nothing you can do will compare to the return that a little elbow grease and extra effort do for your bottom line. There are tips that you can use that will help you to learn ways to clean your home quickly for those unexpected times that you will get the call to show your home in 30 minutes or less.
Good Images are Key
Newspapers and print materials used to be the primary place folks went when they wanted to began their home search. Cost and space limitation generally limit newspaper and magazines listings to one photo. The photo is usually small and may not highlight some of the best features of the home.
Today most folks began that search online. A full 80% of today’s buyers start their online. Research shows that the average buyers expect to see an abundance of online images. The more the better and virtual tours are a plus. There are lots of tips to help you if you aren't experienced at getting good room images that can highlight your home’s assets but if necessary work with your agent to bring in a professional that can capture your home in a way that will enhance its marketability. Basically, it is imperative that for your home to get maximum exposure, to the greatest number of buyers, your home needs to be online in as many places as possible.
In this market there are lots of potholes in the sales process. You need to partner with a Realtor® who can help you maneuver around the potholes and assist you through a smooth transaction from start to finish. Call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.
LINKS:
Help to help sell your home: http://www.statefarm.com/learning/life_stages/learning_lifestages_sellinghome.asp
Ways to clean your home fast: http://www.ehow.com/how_2312344_clean-house-faster.html
Room Images: http://www.ehow.com/how_4516889_take-photos-house-sale.html
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Affordable Housing Super Sunday
Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House will occur Sunday April 19th, 2009.
This event is sponsored by the Columbus Board of Realtors and will feature over 200 affordibalby priced ($125,000) homes all over the central Ohio area. If you spot by to visit any participation home on 4/19/2009 you can register to win one of the following exciting prizes:
Whirlpool Stainless Steel Smooth Top Electric Range & 25 cu ft Side-by-Side Refrigerator with water & ice Dispenser courtesy Dominion Homes & Whirlpool
Wii Gaming Systems courtesy Perma View(ANDERSON Replacement Windows) & Tim Moffitt & Nancy Garrabrant, National City Bank now a part of PNC
Wii Fit System courtesy First AmericanTitle Insurance Company
This has become an annual event for the Columbus Board and gives the community an opportunity to see some great affordable homes. Mark your calendars for Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House Sunday April 19th, 2009. A full listing of the homes that will be featured will be available in the Sunday April 19th, Columbus Dispatch and Columbusdispatch.com
If you need additional information or have any Columbus area real estate needs please call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.
Other upcoming events: April is Fair Housing Month
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Declutter While Having the Best Garage/Tag Sale Ever
One of the surest signs of spring right up there with the time change and warmer weather is the return of Garage/Tag Sales. Here are a few tips to help insure that you declutter while having the best sale ever just remember: HOM AD.
· Have everything clearly priced and affordable. Garage/Tag sale shoppers are looking for a bargain keep that in mind as you determine prices. Label items individually or decide on an easy pricing system. Some chose to color code with stickers i.e..Blue items .25, Red .50 or Yellow items $1.00.
· Organize early. Its best begin organizing weeks prior to your sell. Start boxing up items for the sale. Use the 1 year rule and ask yourself: Have I used it, worn it or looked for it in the past 12 months. It the answer is no it goes. Provide original packing and instructions if possible. Pricing items early as you identify and pack them away will only help save time later.
· Make plenty of signs leading traffic to your Columbus area sale. If they cannot find you they will not come. Be mindful of rules but where possible post signs and attach balloons, streamers or what every will make your sign eye catching to passing motorist.
· Advertise your sale in local newspapers and online. Advertising is the key element to whether or not you have a successful sale. Ideally you want to have your ad run in local papers in the morning of your sale to catch those who start their day with a look through the paper. There are numerous sites that where you can advertise your sale for free, one such site is Garage Sale Tracker and Craig’s List. Contact me if you would like to advertise your sale on my blog or website.
· Donate leftovers. Make yourself a promise that no unsold items will be returned to your house. After your sale, box up all items and take them to a drop off box for charity. You will be doing a good deed for others and keeping your commitment to declutter.
With these tips, you're well on your way to having your best garage sale ever.
Want more money saving ideas like this one? See:
Drab Kitchen Make-Over…On a Budget
Your House Smells!!!
Quick-N -Easy Fix for Beat Up Woodwork....
Ready to buy or sell your Columbus area home call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
· Have everything clearly priced and affordable. Garage/Tag sale shoppers are looking for a bargain keep that in mind as you determine prices. Label items individually or decide on an easy pricing system. Some chose to color code with stickers i.e..Blue items .25, Red .50 or Yellow items $1.00.
· Organize early. Its best begin organizing weeks prior to your sell. Start boxing up items for the sale. Use the 1 year rule and ask yourself: Have I used it, worn it or looked for it in the past 12 months. It the answer is no it goes. Provide original packing and instructions if possible. Pricing items early as you identify and pack them away will only help save time later.
· Make plenty of signs leading traffic to your Columbus area sale. If they cannot find you they will not come. Be mindful of rules but where possible post signs and attach balloons, streamers or what every will make your sign eye catching to passing motorist.
· Advertise your sale in local newspapers and online. Advertising is the key element to whether or not you have a successful sale. Ideally you want to have your ad run in local papers in the morning of your sale to catch those who start their day with a look through the paper. There are numerous sites that where you can advertise your sale for free, one such site is Garage Sale Tracker and Craig’s List. Contact me if you would like to advertise your sale on my blog or website.
· Donate leftovers. Make yourself a promise that no unsold items will be returned to your house. After your sale, box up all items and take them to a drop off box for charity. You will be doing a good deed for others and keeping your commitment to declutter.
With these tips, you're well on your way to having your best garage sale ever.
Want more money saving ideas like this one? See:
Drab Kitchen Make-Over…On a Budget
Your House Smells!!!
Quick-N -Easy Fix for Beat Up Woodwork....
Ready to buy or sell your Columbus area home call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
New Construction Still Needs Attention
With the recent rise in new constructions it is a great time to review some new construction basics regarding warranty. Contractor Problems are one of the largest numbers of complaints received by the Better Business Bureau. These types of stats makes it important that you are knowledgeable and informed about how to insure that your Columbus area home remains the dream that you fell in love with, and does not become your worst nightmare. Listed below are a few things to pay attention to in order to make sure your contractor doesn't end up as your complaint:
Understand what your Warranty Covers
Basically there are two types of warranties. The first is called an express warranty, and is given to the buyer by the contractor. The usual time frame for this warranty lasts between one to ten years, with one year being standard and the most common. Everything from minor cosmetic flows to major defects is generally covered.
An implied warranty that lasts seven to ten years and basically states that the residence has to be habitable. This is the second type of warranty and the specifics can varies depending on the state you live in. To have your defect covered by this warranty, you have to be able to prove that it's a health or safety hazard. If you have concerns in this area it is advised that you seek an attorney that can interpret the legal process and remedy...
Not All Defects are ‘Defects'
Not all defects are reasons to sound the alarm. There are specific rules that determine whether or not a defect qualifies as something that must be addressed. An example would be a small crack in the interior of your new Columbus area would be considered to be a normal defect. Cracks that would need to be repaired are those longer than 3/16 of an inch, according to the National Association of Home Builders'® guidelines for performance. Although pesky, hammer marks or nail pops only count if you can see them from more than six feet away.
Document Document Document
After a real defect has been identified, document everything. Keep a log and take photos. Ideally this will be smoothly worked out by your builder but if it is not you will need your documentation should you decide to pursue other actions. For added peace of mind, you may want to hire an independent inspector or structural engineer, to give your house a full examination prior to closing and moving in.
Buying Brand New Columbus Area Home can be enjoyable when you work with a REALTOR® like me who has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. Call me today at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
LINKS:
Implied warranty - http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/implied-warranty-real-estate-contract-lawyers.html
National Association of Home Builders - http://www.nahb.org/
Contractor - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_contractor
For More Home Buying Tips See:
First Time Buyer... Please Read...
Understand what your Warranty Covers
Basically there are two types of warranties. The first is called an express warranty, and is given to the buyer by the contractor. The usual time frame for this warranty lasts between one to ten years, with one year being standard and the most common. Everything from minor cosmetic flows to major defects is generally covered.
An implied warranty that lasts seven to ten years and basically states that the residence has to be habitable. This is the second type of warranty and the specifics can varies depending on the state you live in. To have your defect covered by this warranty, you have to be able to prove that it's a health or safety hazard. If you have concerns in this area it is advised that you seek an attorney that can interpret the legal process and remedy...
Not All Defects are ‘Defects'
Not all defects are reasons to sound the alarm. There are specific rules that determine whether or not a defect qualifies as something that must be addressed. An example would be a small crack in the interior of your new Columbus area would be considered to be a normal defect. Cracks that would need to be repaired are those longer than 3/16 of an inch, according to the National Association of Home Builders'® guidelines for performance. Although pesky, hammer marks or nail pops only count if you can see them from more than six feet away.
Document Document Document
After a real defect has been identified, document everything. Keep a log and take photos. Ideally this will be smoothly worked out by your builder but if it is not you will need your documentation should you decide to pursue other actions. For added peace of mind, you may want to hire an independent inspector or structural engineer, to give your house a full examination prior to closing and moving in.
Buying Brand New Columbus Area Home can be enjoyable when you work with a REALTOR® like me who has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. Call me today at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
LINKS:
Implied warranty - http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/implied-warranty-real-estate-contract-lawyers.html
National Association of Home Builders - http://www.nahb.org/
Contractor - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_contractor
For More Home Buying Tips See:
First Time Buyer... Please Read...
Friday, March 27, 2009
Why the Stimulus Makes this a Fantastic Time to buy Real Estate
There are great incentives for first-time Columbus area real estate buyers. Big tax incentives and money put into the banking and financing industries to give buyers more availability to loans makes now the best time to move when looking for a home. This environment won't last—exactly. Some of the elements put in place are geared toward a strong future for the housing market, but many of the advantages are only good for now.
Tax Relief
First-time Columbus Area real estate buyers, meaning those who have not owned a home in the past three years, are eligible for a big tax break on income taxes. Next year at tax time all buyers have to do is report the new home purchase to get $8,000 dollars back. That's a big incentive. The drawback is it’s only good for this year. It is retroactive to the beginning of 2009 so even if you have already bought that home you can still claim it, but if you drag your feet hoping for better mortgage financing, or just a better time for your family to get a new home, you will miss out after December 31, 2009.
OHFA
The Ohio Finance Authority has decided that as of March 30th, 2009 buyers who qualify can use their $8000 stimulus tax incentive to help with down payment and closing costs. This will allow more Columbus area buyers the opportunity to take advantage of the outstanding inventory of homes available. This program is scheduled to run through November 2009, however, funds are limited so don’t miss out.
Affordable Housing
Right now is the time to buy because of prices, too. Thanks to the failings of the housing market, there are tons of homes for sale at prices they would not normally be listed at. If the stimulus plan improves the economy the way it is hoped it will, that won't last. This week there has already been signs that home sales are on the rise. That's great news for homeowners, but not great for those who wait to take advantage of the greatly reduced home prices.
Columbus area real estate buyers need to take advantages of all that 2009 and the current real estate market have to offer. There are great deals that may never happen again—Do not miss this golden opportunity to grow your personal net value.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of the 2009 stimulus plan or have any other real estate concerns, I can help. Call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com for more information.
LINKS:
Big tax break on income taxes: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home#taxcredit
Mortgage financing: http://mortgage.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/18/obama-mortgage-rescue-promises-75-billion-in-aid/6767/
Ohio Finance Authority: http://www.centralohiorealestatecafe.com/post/1002788/-8000-dollar-tax-credit-down-payment-assistance-hurry-limited-funds
Stimulus plan: http://centralohiorealestateinformation.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-stimulus-bill-can-help-you-get-your.html
Tax Relief
First-time Columbus Area real estate buyers, meaning those who have not owned a home in the past three years, are eligible for a big tax break on income taxes. Next year at tax time all buyers have to do is report the new home purchase to get $8,000 dollars back. That's a big incentive. The drawback is it’s only good for this year. It is retroactive to the beginning of 2009 so even if you have already bought that home you can still claim it, but if you drag your feet hoping for better mortgage financing, or just a better time for your family to get a new home, you will miss out after December 31, 2009.
OHFA
The Ohio Finance Authority has decided that as of March 30th, 2009 buyers who qualify can use their $8000 stimulus tax incentive to help with down payment and closing costs. This will allow more Columbus area buyers the opportunity to take advantage of the outstanding inventory of homes available. This program is scheduled to run through November 2009, however, funds are limited so don’t miss out.
Affordable Housing
Right now is the time to buy because of prices, too. Thanks to the failings of the housing market, there are tons of homes for sale at prices they would not normally be listed at. If the stimulus plan improves the economy the way it is hoped it will, that won't last. This week there has already been signs that home sales are on the rise. That's great news for homeowners, but not great for those who wait to take advantage of the greatly reduced home prices.
Columbus area real estate buyers need to take advantages of all that 2009 and the current real estate market have to offer. There are great deals that may never happen again—Do not miss this golden opportunity to grow your personal net value.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of the 2009 stimulus plan or have any other real estate concerns, I can help. Call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com for more information.
LINKS:
Big tax break on income taxes: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home#taxcredit
Mortgage financing: http://mortgage.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/18/obama-mortgage-rescue-promises-75-billion-in-aid/6767/
Ohio Finance Authority: http://www.centralohiorealestatecafe.com/post/1002788/-8000-dollar-tax-credit-down-payment-assistance-hurry-limited-funds
Stimulus plan: http://centralohiorealestateinformation.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-stimulus-bill-can-help-you-get-your.html
Thursday, March 26, 2009
$8000 Dollar Tax Credit = Down Payment Assistance Hurry Limited Funds!!!
The following information was obtained from a Countrywide Loan Officer. I have confirmed this with several lenders. This is One of Two New OHFA Programs that offers Columbus, Central Ohio and the rest of Ohio options for down payment assistance and incentives to help folks get excited about home ownership in 2009....
Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program Effective Date: March 30, 2009The Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program offers a second mortgage to borrowers who obtain a first mortgage through the OHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program.
In order to encourage first-time homebuyers to enter the market in 2009, the program will allow OHFA first-time homebuyers to leverage the benefit of the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit for down payment and/or closing costs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 amended and extended the first-time homebuyer credit to include purchases closing between January 1 through November 30, 2009. For qualified first-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009, the maximum credit is $8,000 and can be claimed on a buyer's 2008 or 2009 federal tax return.
The loan may be up to three percent of the purchase price.
No cash back may be issued to the borrower.
Principal and interest payments are deferred until July 1, 2010 after which, loans will amortize over 15 years at an interest rate 1% above the first mortgage rate.
The OHFA application fee will be $300 and can be paid by the buyer, seller or financed in the loan.There is an incentive for early repayment of the loan.
If the loan is paid in full prior to July 1, 2010, OHFA will forgive $300 of principal.
Lenders may charge a special processing fee of $75.All loans must be recorded as second mortgages using OHFA note and mortgage documents.Borrowers must have a minimum 600 credit score.
Borrowers must complete homebuyer education through a HUD approved counseling agency or through OHFA's streamlined program.
Program will run until 11/2009 or until funds are exhausted.
OHFA website: http://www.ohiohome.org/
Call me for more details or if you are ready to take advantage of this exciting NEW program for Columbus and Central Ohio Buyers. (614)273-6406 or email vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program Effective Date: March 30, 2009The Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program offers a second mortgage to borrowers who obtain a first mortgage through the OHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program.
In order to encourage first-time homebuyers to enter the market in 2009, the program will allow OHFA first-time homebuyers to leverage the benefit of the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit for down payment and/or closing costs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 amended and extended the first-time homebuyer credit to include purchases closing between January 1 through November 30, 2009. For qualified first-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009, the maximum credit is $8,000 and can be claimed on a buyer's 2008 or 2009 federal tax return.
The loan may be up to three percent of the purchase price.
No cash back may be issued to the borrower.
Principal and interest payments are deferred until July 1, 2010 after which, loans will amortize over 15 years at an interest rate 1% above the first mortgage rate.
The OHFA application fee will be $300 and can be paid by the buyer, seller or financed in the loan.There is an incentive for early repayment of the loan.
If the loan is paid in full prior to July 1, 2010, OHFA will forgive $300 of principal.
Lenders may charge a special processing fee of $75.All loans must be recorded as second mortgages using OHFA note and mortgage documents.Borrowers must have a minimum 600 credit score.
Borrowers must complete homebuyer education through a HUD approved counseling agency or through OHFA's streamlined program.
Program will run until 11/2009 or until funds are exhausted.
OHFA website: http://www.ohiohome.org/
Call me for more details or if you are ready to take advantage of this exciting NEW program for Columbus and Central Ohio Buyers. (614)273-6406 or email vanessa.simmons@realliving.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sweet 16...The Ohio State Universtity Lady Buckeyes
If you missed the Lady Bucks Last night you missed quite a game. It was a small crowd of only 4824 in Downtown Columbus's Nationwide Arena (Home of the Columbus Blue Jackets), the arena's capacity for basketball is 19,500.
Never the less it was a game to remember. In this round two of the NCAA Tournament the Bucks played awesome defense and was able to break away from Mississippi State, in the closing minutes to pull out a 64-58 victory. Now the Lady Buckeyes are in the Sweet 16 for the second time in the the 7 years Coach` Jim Foster has been with OSU.
California Bound..... Game day will be Saturday at either 9 or 11:30 p.m.
Go BUCKS!!!!
Girls Basketball... Like Watching Paint Dry.....
Never the less it was a game to remember. In this round two of the NCAA Tournament the Bucks played awesome defense and was able to break away from Mississippi State, in the closing minutes to pull out a 64-58 victory. Now the Lady Buckeyes are in the Sweet 16 for the second time in the the 7 years Coach` Jim Foster has been with OSU.
California Bound..... Game day will be Saturday at either 9 or 11:30 p.m.
Go BUCKS!!!!
Girls Basketball... Like Watching Paint Dry.....
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