Top 10 Tips For Selling Your Home in Winter

Selling your home is challenging enough without all the added dreariness of winter. If you're living in an area that even resembles Omaha at this time, you know why winter is not the ideal time to put your house on the market. However, there are steps you can take to brighten your home and make the showing pleasant and enjoyable for buyers. I read this great article on About.com with tips to selling your house in winter, their top 10 tips are:

1. Clear a path - Make sure your walkways are constantly clear and clean from snow. Footprints on fresh snow will turn into ice, so make sure to scrape the walk. It's important to have a path from the street to your house as well so visitors don't have to crawl over a snow mound. It it's snowing or raining, make sure to put out a mat by the front door or a vase to hold wet umbrellas.
2. Let in the light - Open the blinds, shutters and drapes in every window (unless there is an undesirable scene outside, such as a close building or dilapidated fence). Use the lighting in your house, especially in darker rooms with few windows. Turn off the TV!
3. Turn on the heat - Pump up the thermostat. It's better to heat the house a degree or two warmer than usual and then set the temperature at normal. This prevents the heat from kicking on when the buyer is present, because some HVAC systems can be loud. If the temperature is comfortable, people will be likely to linger longer, and if you have a fireplace use it! It will add warmth to the house.
4. Create a mood - One of best things about winter is cuddling up inside under a warm blanket with your loved ones, so take advantage of that emotion people will be feeling at this time. Make your living room romantic with two champagne glasses near a champagne bucket on the coffee table. Toss afghans over the sofa or chair arm. Turn your bathroom into a spa. Set up vases with winter flowers, or try dressing your dining room table for a dinner for two.
5. Turn on the music - Something soothing to set the mood for those walking through your house. Jazz or classical are good choices.
6. Ease up on the scents - Many people are irritated or sensitive to certain scents and candles, so avoid perfuming the house up too much. Try baking winter cookies or sweets instead, but make sure you leave some out for your guests! Don't tease them with the smell and disappoint them when there is nothing.
7. Make it visually pleasing - Staging is important no matter what time of the year you're selling so make sure to follow the basic rules. Two important rules are to declutter the house and clean it up! Dust, wash, wax, vacuum, sweep, mop, polish - anything you notice, buyers definitely will.
8. Serve winter foods - Try setting out some hot soup, chili or stew, and make sure you leave a place for the disposal of paper bowls and plastic spoons. Hot apple cider or cocoa make great beverages, too. Whatever you serve, keep it clean and try to make it complex - you want buyers to stay for a while and eat while they notice elements they might have otherwise missed.
9. Provide specific information - Attach a printed card to items and in rooms that provide further information the buyer might miss or might not know. If your stairs are steep, place a card on the railing letting them know. Have an antique chandelier? Set out a card with its age and other important details.
10. User timers and technology to your advantage - Have outdoor lamps on motion sensor for when when a buyer approaches, and put indoor lamps or a crock pot on a timer so they will be ready when the buyer arrives.

** Check out the original article: Selling in Winter - Top 10 Tips to Home Selling in Winter

It's Not All Bad News

Good economic news can be a little sparse right now and selling your home in today’s market can be intimidating if you are not working with a REALTOR® who has experience and market knowledge. Many homeowners are scared they will be selling their home for a discount in today’s market, and if you listen to the national news, this will only feed the hysteria.

Don’t base your decisions on what you read in the paper and hear on T.V. because not all markets are the same. The first step would be to request a comparative market analysis from a REALTOR® to determine if it’s the right time to sell or not.

Keep in mind, if you are selling your house for possibly less than your purchase price, you may be able to more-than offset this by your next purchase. Many homeowners are taking advantage of this with low interest rates to move up to their dream home!

I'm Busy

Last week I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and she said to me, “I’ve been so busy that I didn’t have time to call you” which would not have been a big deal except I was waiting on her to finish a home project I was working on. When she told me that, my first thought was that I was not important enough for her to make time to do what she said she would do. The words, “I’ve been busy” bothered me so much that I began listening to others, and myself, in conversations to see how often we all say this and what impact those words have on others.

I heard a tech at Landmark Group apologize to a tenant for not being at their house at a desired time due to “being busy." I listened as a sales rep told their client, “I’ve been busy which is why I didn’t get back to you” and I even told my own children that I didn’t get something done that they asked me to do because “I was too busy”. In each of these situations, as I listened to the words spoken and then the expression or response from the person they were spoken to, I realized that in each case the person being told this had a feeling or look of unimportance. The wrong message had been sent. What these individuals heard was you are not as important as whatever else I have going on.

My point is that we are all very busy individuals, but I believe that we are sending the wrong message when we say “I’m too busy”. What the underlying message that is being sent is that I am too important to deal with you and your problems. It is vital in life to understand that our time and experience is worth something and that managing an agenda is a hard thing to do, especially under extreme time pressure, but that we have to respect other's time and experiences as well and send a message that says you are important to me.

So the next time we feel like saying “I’m busy” instead try to rephrase your comments to make the other individual feel important. Try something like, “I’m realize I haven’t finished the task but it’s on my schedule to get done.”

"Valuations: The Price Puzzle"

I read this great article in REALTOR® Magazine and wanted to share it with you, because if working behind the scenes in real estate has taught me anything, it's that valuation is one of the most important and tricky steps in the home selling process. So for those of you who are new to this whole process, there are several things you'll want to keep in mind when determining the right price for your home.

PRICE v. VALUE
First, you have to understand the difference between price and value. Two homes might have identical prices and similar specifications, but there are a number of factors that could make one home sell faster than another.

The best way to assess the value of your home is to be familiar with the competition. Your REALTOR® should provide you with a CMA (comparable market analysis). This report gives you a better idea of the value of your home based off things such as: other listings in the area, your home's features, location and more and allows you to compare those to similar listings in the area.

It's your REALTOR®'s job to help you price your house correctly. This person is the industry expert, so although you may have one price in mind, make sure to listen to the professional advice you're receiving. You hired a REALTOR® for a reason, after all - to help you sell your house. Being stubborn about price after your agent recommends a reduction is only delaying the process and keeping him or her from performing their duties to the best of their ability.

REPRICE, EARLY AND OFTEN

The ideal goal is to have your house priced correctly when it first comes on the market. However, this isn't a one-time task, especially in a changing market. You'll need to stay abreast of changes - new listings, recent transactions, price adjustments, etc. - that could affect the perceived value of your house. Make sure you and your REALTOR® review your listing at least every 30 days - more often if there's a lot of transaction activity. 

Don't let a listing languish at the wrong price! Chances are when your starting price is optimistically high, you'll receive less interest on your home, and it will stay on the market for as long as it takes to find an attractive price for buyers (costing you more money to keep your home for a longer period of time). Buyer's agents know when they see an overpriced listing and will advise their client to lay low for a few weeks until the price is lowered. BUT if you price correctly from the get-go, your listing won't get skipped over by buyer's agents and you'll get the excitement you wanted and hopefully, an offer to buy. Remember, your best change for a full-price offer comes in the first three weeks.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine - "Valuations: The Price Puzzle"

Deferred Maintenance

According to Wikipedia, DEFERRED MAINTENANCE is the practice of postponing maintenance activities such as repairs on both real property (i.e. infrastructure) and personal property (i.e. machinery) in order to save costs, meet budget funding levels, or realign available budget monies. The failure to perform needed repairs could lead to asset deterioration and ultimately asset impairment. Generally, a policy of continued deferred maintenance may result in higher costs, asset failure, and in some cases, health and safety implications.

As a Realtor, I see this all the time with properties that I'm getting ready to list. It's those list of things that "you've been meaning to get to, but never did." There are several problems with deferred maintenance.

First of all, deferred maintenance can end up costing you more money. Example, You've been "meaning to" clean the leaves out of the gutter. But each time it rains, and we've had a lot of rain lately, you watch from you window as the water spills over the gutters because the gutters are clogged with leaves. What seems like an innocent thing that you'll eventually get around to ends up being more expensive than you had expected. Now the eaves of your house are suffering from dry rot because of the water over flowing on to the eaves. Over time, that causes the wood to rot and become unstable. Not only it is unsightly, it's not safe. So instead of simply cleaning out your gutters, now you have to replace sections of your eaves.

Secondly, by deferring maintenance of your property, you don't get to enjoy the benefits of the repair. I've listed so many "I've been meaning to do that" homes where, for example, your kitchen vinyl floor is ripped and outdated. "Let's put in a beautiful new tile floor", you say. It looks outstanding! "Why didn't we do this before?" I hear it all the time. You don't get much of a chance to enjoy it. You say it wasn't in the budget? Well in order to sell your house, it has to be in the budget now.

Thirdly, if you go into a contract on your house to sell, 9 times out of 10, the Buyer will hire a professional home inspector to inspect your property - from the attic to the basement - everything from electrical, plumbing, structural, roof, etc. (not cosmetic). Now the Buyer is requesting a long list of repairs to be made and they want you to hire a licensed plumber or a licensed electrician to make some of those repairs. Cha-ching! $$$$$ That gets very expensive. Why not take care of them before this happens. Maybe you will have to hire a plumber, etc. or maybe you could have fixed them yourself if you're a handy person. Also, by having a long list of repairs, the Buyers start to become uncomfortable with the idea of buying your home because it would appear you haven't taken care of it.

Don't put off for tomorrow what can be done today. Something as easy as cleaning out the bathroom fan can cause your fan to run more efficiently and keep the fan from burning out....not to mention it looks so much better and more sanitary! Start making your list today. Walk your property and write down the things that "you've been meaning to get to" and get started. Check them off one by one. Not only will YOU feel better, but when it's time to sell your house, you'll be ready!

Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

It's no secret that the economy isn't the strongest it's ever been or that the housing market is still trying to come back from its dip a few years back. But what may be a secret to some is that, despite the state of our economy, trying to cut costs and sell a home yourself (For Sale By Owner/FSBO) may not be the best route to take.

Hiring a REALTOR®, a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, will mean paying REALTOR® commissions but will also mean saving yourself from a humongous headache. Here are nine reasons why you should choose to work with a REALTOR® during the home selling process:

1. You'll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools and more. They'll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? And second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will even take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishing or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn't sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales come as a result of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers in your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Real estate has its own language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the jargon.
7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell a home only a few times in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you've done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is crucial.
8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest and security - it's not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation, and they're required to complete a refresher course every four years.

Still think you are down for the FSBO challenge? Clearly, having a REALTOR® on your side will help you navigate through the complex process that is home buying and selling. Pick a professional you trust to help you through this time. You won't regret it.

(Article comes from REALTOR® Magazine: "Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®")

Texas Man Buys House for $16

This is a story taken from The Consumerist.

"That unappealing smell could be the stench of jealousy, after a man uses the law to his advantage and snags a $300,000 house in Texas for a mere $16. Now his high-falutin' neighbors are all cranky that he might get away with such a steal.

KHOU.com out of Texas brings us the story of the man who moved into a foreclosed home and filed some paperwork, along with a $16 fee, in the town of Flower Mound, and could end up with his McMansion if he lives in it for three years.

Kenneth Robinson's new neighbors say he's a squatter, but he says he is just using the law to his advantage. After the previous owners walked away from the house when it was in foreclosure, the mortgage company went out of business. So Robinson moved in after researching 'adverse possession,' a little-known Texas law.

He printed out an online form and filed it at Denton County courthouse for $16 and was granted rights to the house. The home has no electricity or running water, but Robinson just set up camp anyway. The law says he gets exclusive negotiating rights with the original owner. If they want him out, they have to pay off the mortgage debt and the bank would have to file a lawsuit.

Robinson doesn't think that's likely, and after three years, he can ask the court for the title to the home. In the meantime, he posted 'No Trespassing' signs after his neighbors tried to get him arrested for squatting. Cops can't remove him because home ownership is a civil, not criminal matter.

'If he wants the house, buy the house like everyone else had to,' says one neighbor. 'Get the money, buy the house.'

Or, just pay $16 and still get the house."

Bad Owners

I toured a house yesterday that the bank had foreclosed. The owner in-protest took all the copper, the air conditioner, the appliances, the water heater, the fixtures and some electrical items. The toilet and sink were even removed out of one of the bathrooms.

From what I understand, it is very difficult for a bank to actually evict a person from the home. The process may take months while the tenant is still allowed to live in the house, mortgage free. I think banks should be allowed to foreclose more swiftly in order to protect their only asset.

“Flipping”

This is a common phrase. Some people find it to be a cheesy way to turn a profit and others seem to think it’s easy. I believe or better yet - know - it is neither. The ones who say it is easy probably only watch the TV shows.

If it was as easy as the shows on TV, then everybody would do it. In “flipping” you must move fast and know a good deal when you see one. You must have the right people in place. This means a REALTOR® willing to tell you when it’s a great deal and when the margins are too tight to make this worthwhile.

The idea is to get the house ready to sell ASAP. This doesn’t mean fix the house to the bare minimum causing problems for the buyer down the road. If you go a little further in the renovation, typically the buyer will recognize this and will pursue purchasing the home. Going the extra step may mean making $15,000 instead of $20,000. But if the property sells in the first two weeks instead of a month or two later, you may actually save some of the $5,000 difference. It will also allow you to sleep better at night. The idea is to sell a quality house quickly and move on to the next one. If you can sell it faster and allows you to duplicate the process, the $5,000 can easily be made up for.


Thank you,

Chris Bauer
Real Estate Investment Advisor
Landmark Group
Cell: 402-510-1300
Fax: 402-916-4051

Go to www.Chris-Bauer.com for real estate tips and information!

Pets on Moving Day

As I headed out the door for work this morning, I made sure to pet each one of my dogs goodbye. I have two Saint Bernards, Milo and Moses, and one of the biggest Golden Retrievers you will ever see, Sparky. These boys are a huge part of my life, as I can imagine is the same with many of you.

This brings me to a great article I found today called "10 Tips for Moving With Pets" from REALTOR® Magazine, which discusses some big issues for animal lovers like me about to have their big moving day. Here are the tips they suggest:

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.
4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.
5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.
6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.
7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air,check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size, but you’ll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.
8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.
9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.
10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

Article source: The Pet Realty Network

Staging Your Home to Sell in a Competitive Market

The phrase, "Staging Your Home" has become a hot phrase in the real estate market. In this ever increasingly competitive market - whether it be Omaha or anywhere in the nation - staging has almost become a necessary step in getting your home ready to sell.

What do I mean by staging? Staging is a process where someone with an eye for interior design comes into your home, either brings in items to your home to enhance your home or uses items you already have in a different way. Often I will walk into a home and the first thing I will do is to start rearranging the furniture to give that particular room an illusion of warmth and roominess. Taking items from other rooms in the house, they will be brought to the room you're focusing on and be re-purposed in a way perhaps you'd never thought of and yet it will give that room the "pop" it needs to look put together.

Why staging? Often when a buyer is looking for their next home, their real estate agent will show them sometimes ten homes in one day. You want your home to be the one they remember, because trust me, after looking at 10 homes, you start to get them all confused. You want them to think, "I liked that house that......had the amazing living room....or the cozy kitchen with all that counter space...or....you fill in the blank. It works! It really does!

Lastly, the idea is to spend as little money as possible to stage a home. Often, as a real estate agent, I will shop for my sellers at Goodwill....yes, Goodwill... to find items for their home for the purpose of staging. Another GREAT place to shop is Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. It is filled with everything from doors to windows to appliances to lamps to lighting to......use your imagination......and at a fraction of the cost. Example: I just had a seller completely replace their worn out vinyl flooring in the kitchen for beautiful new tile floors purchased at the ReStore. I've also been shopping for a light fixture for the dining room of another home I'll be listing. I found one for $20 at the Restore. All I need to do is to spray paint it brushed nickel and add some small lamp shades and we have a dining room light for a fraction of the cost.

Landmark Group is sponsoring Landmark Group's Race 2 Re:Cycle to benefit Habitat for Humanity. (Check out the website and sign up to be a part of this awesome event at www.omaharace2recycle.com ). Shopping at the ReStore is another way to benefit Habitat for Humanity while fulfilling a need you might have for your own home....whether it is for your own home improvement or for getting your home ready to sell.

Staging is a service we can offer you, as a seller, if you list your home with Landmark Group. We have proven results. So consider staging AND the Landmark Group when you get ready to sell your home.

"You only get one chance to make a good first impression."

Jennifer Murdoch
Realtor
Landmark Group

Negotiating Real Estate

In the art of negotiating the price down or finding a property with a great price, keep this in mind:

If the property isn't priced correctly and you know it, the seller's realtor and the seller for that matter will most likely know. (The seller is most likely just being stubborn and the realtor is hiding their true opinion.)

Don't wait until they lower the price because everyone will jump on it. Don't be afraid to go after the correct price/great deal ahead of time. I have had multiple clients wait until the price is lowered, only to have every Tom, Dick and Harry offer on the property. This can drive up the price and add to frustration. Don't be afraid, they can only say "NO".