http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/creating-curb-appeal.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/creating-curb-appeal.html Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
To start, take a quick walk down the street and have a good look at the exterior of your home. What catches your eye? Try to put yourself in the place of a prospective buyer seeing your home for the first time. This is a great chance to pick out any negative aspects of your property and correct them. Make a quick list of the things that stand out, positive and negative and prioritize the necessary improvements.

In thinking about curb appeal, why not start at the curb itself? How does the driveway look? If it is weathered and gray, it might be a good idea to re-pave with an asphalt sealer. This gives the front of the home a new and attractive entrance. Remember, this is likely the first thing that prospective buyers will see so its important to make your entranceway as attractive as possible. When revamping the facade of the yard remember to trim up all the edges on the lawn and the shrubbery. This creates a great impression of care and attention and will impress buyers. An attractive yard alone can turn a casual shopper into an interested buyer.

Gardens and planting areas can be one of the most attractive features of a home and should not be overlooked. It is not difficult to create beautiful gardens with just a little bit of time and expense. Mulch is an attractive way to spruce up any garden. Not only does it help to control weeds, making it easier to maintain, but it creates a desirable contrast when using a combination of light and dark mulches. Take note that color can be an inviting element to your homes facade so try to coordinate the colors appropriately.

Now that your yard is in order, let's consider the home itself. A new coat of paint will always give a home a greater appeal. You may wish to tailor the colors of your home to your own ideals, but remember that not everyone has the same taste, and what you think is "individual," others may see as undesirable. When selling a home it is good to make your home stand out, but still remain within the essence and theme of the neighborhood. This is a fantastic opportunity to take care of any little cosmetic issues that are outstanding. Get rid of any mold or discoloration around the eaves and doorways, don't simply paint over these imperfections. Take some time and correct anything that you might find. A good inspector will pick up on "cosmetic cures" and it is well worth the time and effort to correct these minor problems, you will reap the rewards at closing.

One thing that always brings great value to a home sale is a new roof. If your roof is relatively new, clean it up and clear the gutters. A new roof with a warranty is one of the strongest selling tools a person has when marketing their home. The longer the warranty, the better. Another great visual element of your home is the fences that separate your yard from neighboring lots. If the fences are run down and rickety it will reflect poorly on your home. The nice thing about fixing the fence is that it is not a cost that you must bear alone. This will also improve the appeal of the neighboring yard so the cost can be shared.

With all of these elements considered, your yard and home should be in pretty good shape. Now is the perfect time to have the listing photos taken. Remember, you deserve to get the most out of the sale of your home, don't sell yourself short. A little effort into the curb appeal will do wonders for both the asking price and your bargaining position.


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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters. Each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Nelson Stewart, The Palm Gardens, Arizona Gated Community specialist.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/tips-for-your-home-inspection.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/tips-for-your-home-inspection.html Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
A home inspection is simply a visual inspection of a structure and property, made by a trained and qualified professional. This inspector should be able to accurately assess the condition of a home based on appearance and a walk through. The initial inspection does not involve any intrusive measures, but should identify any intrusive measures that are necessary. It is the responsibility of the inspector to identify things such as any leaks, mold, visual damage, apparent structural damage and any other elements that may affect your decision to purchase the home in question. They should also identify and detail areas that may need repair in the near future, but are not in critical shape.

Every aspect of the home is considered during a proper inspection. The following areas are of critical importance:

1. Chimneys - Older chimneys can be a fire hazard if they have not been up kept properly. They can also be a prime area for leakage if the base flashing was not installed properly. Many things can compromise the safety of a chimney such as damaged fireboxes, damaged brick, cracked flue liners and deteriorated dampers.

2. Electrical - This is one of the most important inspection sites as faulty electrical wiring is the cause of many home fires every year. Inspectors will consider connections at the entry point (overhead wires), the main panel, outlets inside and outside and the service size or rated amperage of the panel. One of the most common problems in the electrical system is DYI wiring jobs. Be sure that the wiring work on your home was done by a certified electrician. That way you can be assured that the work done is up to code, and will not mistakenly overload the circuits.

3. Exterior - The most important aspect of the exterior of the home is whether or not it is watertight. An inspection will consider what kind of sealants were used in construction, the materials used for the outer shell of the home, and what condition these elements are in. Proper inspection will indicate the level of water intrusion and weather wear on the exterior of the home. The most common cause of exterior distress is a lack of maintenance by the owner.

4. Fireplaces - The most common problem with fireplaces is creosote buildup in the flue, firebox deterioration, and improper materials utilized for gas connections and natural gas lines. Also bad connections on gas fireplaces are seen quite often. stereotypically there are fewer problems with closed and contained gas fireplaces than there are with older open wood burning fireplaces.

5. Foundations - The foundation of your home is of paramount importance. A good inspection will ensure that there is no cracking or bowing, that they aren't susceptible to frost-induced uplift or that any other land based concerns like soil erosion or water intrusion. Also the inspection should ensure that and additions to the home have not damaged the foundations in any way.

6. Framing - Inferior framing is evident if the walls seem bowed or if gaps have appeared above the doors. This can mean that there is insufficient header support. Bowed walls can also mean that poor quality lumber was used in the construction of the home.

7. Furnaces - Proper inspection will ensure that the burner, the blower, and the heat exchanger are all in working order. It should also ensure that there are low levels of carbon monoxide being produced, and no rusting or debris clogging up the works.

8. Garages - Many of the standards of a home apply to a garage. The more common mistakes in garages are things such as DIY wiring, unsafe overhead door mechanisms, and improper firewall separation between the house and garage, also the lack of a fire rated door between home and garage is common.

9. Insulation & Ventilation - This can be one of the most common causes of high heating bills. A lack of sufficient insulation can also cause moisture problems and cost the homeowner allot of money. Water damage can cause deterioration in the roof itself if left unchecked.

10. Plumbing - The most common plumbing problem occur when someone has done a DYI job on the plumbing without knowing what they are doing. All materials, internal and external supply lines, and waste lines should be up to code. Is there adequate water pressure? These and many other considerations will be taken during a proper inspection.

11. Shingles & Roof - The roof is one of the most important area to inspect on a home. Shingles and roofs have a finite life span and can easily be damaged by the elements. Usual life span of a roof is 20-25 years, how much life does the current roof have left?

12. Support Structure - This is the area where dry rot is most common. Inspection will show where these structures have been modified or changed. DYI alterations are common and can lead to dry rot and other deterioration.

13. Water Heaters - The most common problems with water heaters are due to improper venting, or leakage and corrosion. DYI jobs are a major cause of concern with improperly installed pressure relief valves or bad connections on gas lines or electrical supply connections.

14. Windows & Doors - The windows and doors in a home can be a major factor in heat loss and high energy bills. A proper inspection will check all areas for signs of rotting, failed seals, un-insulated windows and doors, and old or rotted caulking.

All of these things should be considered and explained in a proper inspection. By knowing the process you will enable yourself to have a more active role in the inspection of the home. Knowing which questions to ask an inspector can help to reveal a wealth of information that could change your mind on the purchase of a home. If any of these areas do not pass an inspection, ensure that they are repaired by the current owner before you go ahead with the purchase. The most common way of doing this is making the repair a "subject" on the sale. Now, go find yourself the home of your dreams!



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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters. Each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Lee Keadle, your Charleston SC realty expert.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/good-things-to-ask-your-realtor.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/good-things-to-ask-your-realtor.html Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
1. Do you work solo or in a team? Both of these have their advantages and disadvantages. Solo Realtors with fewer listings may be able to spend more time on your home and give you more personalized attention. Team Realtors can usually provide more diversified service due to the presence of other realty professionals. The most important aspect here is how you relate to the agent or team members.

2. Are you always available? A good Realtor should always be available in case an offer comes in, or to answer any questions that you may have.

3. How will my home be marketed? To stay competitive in today's market a Realtor needs to have access to the latest technology and marketing tools. Do they take out full page color ads in the local newspaper? How attractive and useful is their web site? How often will they hold open houses? All of these are integral elements in the art of selling a home and should never be overlooked.

4. How many homes have you sold? Always ask your Realtor about their track record. Knowing how many homes they have sold recently is a good indication of how they conduct their marketing and home sale strategy.

5. What kind of web presence do you have? Does your Realtor have a good web site? Web presence is a huge part of selling homes and most of the first views of your home will come from the internet.

6. Always ask for references. There is no better indication of your Agent's abilities than the testimonials of happy customers. Chances are if your Realtor can supply you with good references from many customers, then they can supply you and your home with the necessary attention.



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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters. Each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Lane Hornung, Denver Colorado real estate expert.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/tips-on-the-home-buying-process.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/tips-on-the-home-buying-process.html Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
One of the most important aspects of purchasing a home is ensuring that your finances are in order before the process begins. The first step is to research the lenders that are operating in your area. Do your homework, find the lender that suits your lifestyle and personality. Seeing that this process is given the appropriate attention can benefit you in the long run. It will also encourage you to shop around and compare the different mortgages that are available. It is also a good idea to figure out how much you can afford on a monthly basis in terms of mortgage payments. Having a number in mind at the outset, and communicating this to the lender can assist in getting you the mortgage that you want. Finally, one of the most important steps of the financing process is to get your mortgage pre-approved. Having a full pre-approval, (not just a quick qualification) allows you the freedom to shop for a home, confident in the knowledge that when you find that perfect property, an offer can be made without complications. This also gives the buyer power in the negotiation process as it shows the seller that your offer is serious and has the financial backing necessary for a quick and hassle free closing.

Once the financing is in place, take some time to research the area that you are planning to move to. This is a great time to consider schools, services, amenities and other necessities of life. Remember that the neighborhood that the home is located in is an integral part of the home's value. This is also a good time to review the list of your desires in relation to the home that is ideal for you. Prioritize your needs and wants and know which ones you would be willing to sacrifice if the need arises.

Should you be ready to make an offer on a home at this point, sit down with your realtor and discuss your options. How much is a fair offer for the home in question? It is affordable to you, the buyer? Take into account the possibility that you may be outbid if the home is a desirable one. This is a great time to discuss your bidding strategy with your realtor and set a "high point" for what you are willing to pay for the home. Hopefully your bid will be accepted and you will be spared the emotionally charged process of bidding off against another prospective buyer.

If your offer is accepted, you will then need to have a proper home inspection done. This is critical. Is is a good idea to add a subject or two to the purchase contract, the most important being "Subject to the home passing an inspection." If a home is not inspected, the buyer could be in for real trouble. It is important to know fully the condition that a house is in structurally before purchasing.

A good inspection will reveal any imperfections in the house such as mold, water damage, improper building procedures and many other concerns. Don't hesitate to go along on the inspection and ask as many questions as possible. After all, this is going to be your home and you should know what is going on with it. What might need ongoing maintenance? What needs to be replaced immediately? Or needs to be replaced soon? Things like this can affect your closing price, and if there are things that require immediate replacement they can be utilized as a bargaining points

Assuming that your offer has been accepted by the seller, your lender will likely require you to secure home insurance. This is another place where it is a good idea to shop around to see what you can find. With numerous companies and policies available, take your time and find the one that best suits your needs, wants, and financial ability. Now the final step of the buying process can occur. Closing. It is here where the final agreements are made, and finalized. Now the actual property transfer takes place and all that is left is for you to enjoy your new home!



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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters. Each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Lane Hornung, Denver Colorado real estate expert.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-truth-about-mold.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-truth-about-mold.html Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Most commonly, mold can for in certain appliances such as humidifiers or indoor vented dryers, or as the result of flooding or leaks. This can include plumbing leaks, continually damp basements and crawl spaces, and any other area that is moist on an ongoing basis. The question remains, how much of a danger is mold in the home? Stereotypically mold in the home causes a number of allergy-like symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. However these symptoms can be worsened in those who are extra sensitive to molds such as individuals with a compromised immune system, those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and infants. There is also a few different forms of mold that can be severely damaging to humans such as Stachybotrys. This mold grows only on cellulose products such as paper or wood and needs time to grow.

Usually in a home the biggest threat of mold comes after a house has flooded. After a flood there are several steps that should be observed to ensure that mold does not begin to grow in your home. First, when cleaning up, try to lower the temperature & humidity of the area. This creates an environment that the mold cannot develop or thrive in. Now, the best step to take is to remove all moldy objects from the area. If possible, it is a good idea to simply throw then all away, if these items are keepsakes or valuables either drying completely or freezing them will kill all of the mold. Disinfecting any surfaces is essential to ensuring that mold does not occur. Once all of these steps are done, then bring in the industrial fans and dryers to clear out any remaining water or dampness.

In order to minimize your contact with mold while doing a cleanup ensure that you utilize a HEPA respirator. This will minimize the amount of spores that you breathe during the process. Also, always position fans so that they exhaust to the exterior of the home. Another good idea is to shut off the heat and/or the air conditioner, this will prevent the spreading of spores throughout the home.

Mold can occur in homes in many different forms, make sure that when considering the purchase of a home, you have a proper inspection done. Ask the inspector to keep a sharp eye out for any signs of mold in the home. If you are selling a home that has flooded in the past, have an inspector come in after your cleanup efforts to ensure that you did not miss anything. This can save you both time and embarrassment during the sale process. Any negative aspects of the home can and will be utilized by a smart buyer as bargaining points to bring down the asking price of your home, so minimizing them is essential. If your home is clean and mold-free, then you chances of receiving your asking price are much greater.

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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters. Each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Sanjog Gopal, a certified Phoenix Arizona real estate specialist.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-advantages-of-owning-a-condo.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-advantages-of-owning-a-condo.html Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Condos typically have a lower price than single family homes. There are of course exceptions to this rule, buy condos are usually priced approximately 20-30% lower than comparable single family dwellings. This competitive pricing range has opened up the real estate market to many who were previously priced out of the new home market. Condos also offer a great selection of lifestyle choices that are financially difficult to achieve in a typical home. Many of the new complexes feature excellent amenities such as workout and fitness centers, swimming pools, games rooms and more.

Location is another of the attractive assets of condos. Most developments are in areas that are highly sought-after, in the nexus of major cities and urban areas. This fact has made condominiums the smart choice for commuters and city dwellers. There is also an aspect of social interaction that is part and parcel of condo ownership. More and more, condos have become communities unto themselves. Many great friendships and relationships have been fostered by the experience of living in a condo development.

Finally there is a great sense of security that comes with owning a condo. Not only is there the aspect of community and neighbors close by to help in any situation, but there are financial securities as well. With condos being valued as they are, the purchase of a unit is a sound financial decision.

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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters. Each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Sanjog Gopal, a certified Phoenix Arizona real estate specialist.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/realizing-the-highest-profit-for-the-sale-of-your-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/realizing-the-highest-profit-for-the-sale-of-your-home.html Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
It is always a good idea to have your home valued by more than one Realtor. This should give you an excellent amount of information and a varied range of prices. If the consensus is the same from all the Realtors then that is a great indication of the market value of your home. Be wary of Realtors who price your home much higher or lower than the others, this could mean that they are not as serious about selling the home as you are. Also it is a good idea to present your home to the Realtors as if they were prospective buyers themselves. The better your presentation, the more confident the Realtor can be with selling your home. This is also a great time to ask the evaluating agents about their marketing strategy for your home. Find out where and how often they advertise. How often will they hold an open house to showcase your property? These are extremely important aspects of the sale and your home deserves the most attention and advertising it can get.

Having set your price, your attention should now turn to making your home as attractive to potential buyers as possible. This is a point where many homeowners have difficulty as it is easy to turn a blind eye to your home's imperfections. Be sure to conference with your Realtor extensively and identify all the possible flaws that your home may have, and be willing to put out a few dollars to fix them. Remember, many homes are sold on first impressions, so make the most of your home's visual qualities.

Many people decide to try to sell their home themselves. This is known as FSBO or "For Sale By Owner." Usually the homeowner feels that they can save the commission paid to a Realtor and realize a higher profit. However in doing this the homeowner gives up an important advantage. A Realtor has the ability to market a home to a huge number of potential buyers both locally and nationally. Chances are when looking for a home, the first time you see it is on the internet, on an agent's site. This is only one of the tools that an agent has in their arsenal of sales advantages. There is a reason that homes listed by an agent sell faster and with less trouble and grief for the seller. A good agent has your best interests at heart and knows the local market as only a professional can, trust your Realtor and you will reap the benefits.

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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Specialists Real Estate, your Las Vegas realty professionals.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/why-you-sell-your-home-with-a-realtor.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/why-you-sell-your-home-with-a-realtor.html Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Perhaps one of the best advantages that a Realtor can offer you is exposure for your home. Most Realtors maintain extensive contact networks and have high-profile websites. This translates into exposure for your home that cannot be equaled by a FSBO sales approach. Utilizing a Realtor, your home receives nationwide coverage and is marketed to a huge audience. Realtors are also of critical importance when deciding upon an asking price for your home. One of the best tools in the arsenal of the Realtor is the CMA, or Comparative Market Analysis. This analysis compares your home with others that have been sold in your area and assists in finding a fair and reasonable selling price.

One of the most time consuming and complicated aspects of the home selling process is the writing and execution of the contracts. Forms and disclosure statements must be completed and handled in a timely and professional manner. Realtors have a wealth of experience with these contracts and are well suited to ensure that your interests are protected. Also, working with a Realtor can free time up for you. During the process of selling a home, most home owners are concerned with the impending move. A relationship with a Realtor allows you the time you need to organize yourself and your family for the big day.

With a Realtor representing your interests, it is much easier to realize a good deal more money too! National averages show that homes sold by a Realtor sell for in excess of 30 thousand more than FSBO homes. This is largely due to the expertise in marketing and strategy that a Realtor brings to the table. In addition, the Realtor adds a level of security between yourself and buyers. The selling process can be a highly emotional time, after all this is your home we are dealing with. You will undoubtedly want to highlight what you feel are the strong points and minimize the negatives. What a Realtor will do is highlight the features of your home that appeal most to the individual buyers.

Another strong argument for using a Realtor is the fact that they can easily separate the qualified buyers from the unqualified buyers. This ensures that you home can close quickly and that you don't have to worry about the buyer securing financing after the fact.

The use of a Realtor simply streamlines all aspects of the sale process. It gives you the time and security you need to ensure that your family is prepared for the moving process. It also provides you with peace of mind during a very emotional time when it is easy to overlook small but important aspects of a sale. It is your Realtor's job to ensure that these small things never get overlooked, and to protect your interests in every aspect of the sale.

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REW Writers is a collective publication network facilitated by Real Estate Webmasters each article is contributed by a member of our real estate community. This particular article was submitted on behalf of Charlie Pigeon. Charlie Pigeon is a professional Southwest Florida Real Estate expert.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>