In competitive housing markets across the country, making an offer that sticks has become increasingly difficult. Ensure your client doesn’t make the process even tougher by succumbing to one of these common mistakes. Continue reading
Home Sales Expected to Soar Through 2018: What Buyers Need to Know
By now just about every would-be buyer out there knows there simply aren’t enough homes for sale these days to appease the hordes of competition. But despite the shortages, rising prices, and bidding wars, more homes are expected to be sold this year than in more than a decade.
In 2017, the number of sales of existing homes (which have previously been lived in) is expected to rise about 3.5%, to 5.64 million, according to the midyear forecast from the National Association of Realtors®. The group predicts that existing-home purchases will rise an additional 2.8% in 2018, to 5.8 million. Continue reading
First Flight Magazine
RE/MAX just put out the first issue of their Pinterest based, first-time homebuyer magazine. This magazine is a perfect resource for homebuyers!
You can find it here: First-Flight Magazine
How to Sell a House: 4 New Rules That Can Make or Break a Sale
These days, knowing how to sell a house isn’t as simple as sticking a “For Sale” sign on your lawn. Times have changed—and the good news is the market is largely tilting in your favor.
“It’s undeniably a sellers market” says Linda Sanderfoot, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Neenah, WI. In other words, buyers are demanding homes, but there isn’t much inventory on the market nationally. Plus, half of home buyers are worried about rising interest rates and looking to lock into a home soon. As a result, “there is pressure on buyers to submit offers quickly, and to offer full or even above list price,” says Peggy Yee, supervising broker at Frankly Realtors in Vienna, VA.
An Alternative to Paying Tax Today
The cartoon character Wimpy would say that he’d gladly repay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. Some real estate investors say a similar thing to Uncle Sam to be able to hold on to their proceeds from the sale of an investment and agree to pay the tax later. Continue reading
ALS Walleye Tournement
An amazing client of mine is participating in the Kolar Toyota ALS Walleye Tournament. This tournament raises money for The ALS Association, specifically the MN/ND/SD Chapter. The ALS Association, MN/ND/SD is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. Since the start of the tournament in 1995, This event has raised over 2.7 million dollars!
Here is a link to Mark’s story and donation page. Lets help fight ALS and GO MARK!!
10 Sneaky Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive
There’s no denying that the kitchen has become the focal point of the modern home, the place where the outsize influence of the Food Network and HGTV converge. Prospective buyers want to imagine themselves gathered there among friends, sipping wine and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres with ease—or perhaps preparing a family meal while the kids pitch in as little sous-chefs.
But achieving that dream kitchen is also one of the most expensive home remodeling projects you can possibly undertake. If your taste trends more toward Veuve Clicquot on a budget that’s solidly PBR, never fear: We’ve got some sneaky tricks to give your kitchen a fancy upgrade on the cheap. Continue reading
Spring Cleaning: 5 Things You Really Should Be Cleaning (but Probably Don’t)
Spring is upon us! It’s time to open your windows, let some fresh air in, and clean out the nooks and crannies in your home that never get any attention. Below is a list of places throughout your home that could really use some love! All of these tips would also be great to do before you put your home on the market- especially the baseboards and cabinets!
Open the windows, turn up some tunes, and clean away!
- Ceiling Fan: Before you risk spreading the dust that has gathered on the blades of a ceiling fan all winter all around the room, it’s time to give your ceiling fan blades a good wipe down. My favorite way to clean a ceiling fan is with a moist microfiber cloth, rinsing between each blade, but a dusting wipe will work just as well!
- Pillows: Make sure to follow the washing directions on your pillow- but in general wash in warm water on gentle and spin dry on low heat. Add in some wool dryer balls to make your dryer more energy efficient as well as to fluff them up!
- Washing Machine: Many washing machines come with cleaning directions, so make sure to follow those instructions! If you’ve misplaced the cleaning instructions, run your washer with Affresh Washer Cleaner. This should really be done every couple of months to keep your washer running efficiently! Also, keep your lid open while not in use to help prevent mold issues.
- Shower Head: Fill a ziplock back with white vinegar and attach to the showerhead with a rubber band. Let that soak for several hours and then scrub with a toothbrush or cloth.
- Baseboards & Cabinets: To clean your baseboards and cabinets, first wipe down with a wet cloth and let dry. Next, remove scuffs and crusted on stains with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. These really are magic!
Happy Spring!
4 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While On Spring Break
Heading out of town for spring break? Here are 4 tips to keep your home safe while you’re gone!
- Don’t announce your vacation on social media. This is SO important. Even if you limit your account to friends only, you don’t know the privacy settings of all of your friends. It just takes one person who has your home address and travel schedule to make you a victim of home theft.
- Close your blinds while you are away and set timers to randomly turn on lights throughout the house. This will hopefully trick thieves into thinking you returned early or never left.
- Ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and any packages that may be delivered. Burglars often target houses with mail and packages piled up.
- If your home is targeted burglars are most likely looking for big ticket items in a parents bedroom. Protect your valuables by moving them into rooms they might overlook like your kids’ room vs your room.
After you’ve prepared your house for spring break- enjoy your vacation!
The Five Most Expensive Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home
Mistake #1:
Basing their asking price on needs or emotion rather than market value. Many times, people make their pricing decisions based on how much they paid for or invested into their home. This can be an expensive mistake. Overpriced homes take longer to sell and eventually net the seller less money. Consult with a professional real estate agent. They can assist you in pricing your home correctly from the beginning.
Mistake #2:
Failing to “showcase” their home. First impressions are the most important. Experience shows that for every $100 in repairs that your home needs, a buyer will deduct $300 to $500 from their offer. Thoroughly clean and prepare your home before you put it on the market if you want top dollar.
Mistake #3:
Trying to SELL their house when buyers come to see it. One of the biggest mistakes enthusiastic home sellers make is to follow buyers around and try to SELL them on the property. This can have a negative effect on the buyers. The best thing is to stay out of the way and let people look at their own pace. They’ll get a better feel for the property and whether the house is for them.
Mistake #4:
Choosing the wrong agent or choosing them for the wrong reasons. Many homeowners list their home with the agent who tells them the highest price. Or they list with the agent who works for the biggest company. You need to choose the agent with the best marketing plan and track record to sell your home.
Mistake #5:
Not knowing all of their legal rights and obligations. Real estate law is complex. The contract you sign when selling your home is legally binding. Small items that are neglected in a contract can wind up costing you thousands of dollars. You need to consult a knowledgeable professional who understands the ins and outs of a real estate transaction.
Pam Howard Home 