Don't sweat the small stuff...

We've all heard it before, don't sweat the small stuff - but how true this is.  This doesn't just apply to life, but to real estate as well.  A recent article that has been making its way around the newsprint the last couple of weeks really addresses this in real estate.  


It cautions would be buyers to not dismiss a property due to wallpaper, paint colors or carpet and other surface blemishes.  Really learn to look past all this and pay the most attention to a good or great floor plan - the overall feel of the neighborhood and how the house was built.  Focus on the bigger items that are often overlooked.  


When you focus your sights on these items you will expand your market of available properties and greatly increase your chance of finding a 'diamond in the rough' and truly get the most money out of your real estate spend.  Why?  Well often homes with poor paint choices or wallpaper and outdated carpet will sit and get overlooked based on the surface impression.  With fewer buyers you have less competition and you greatly increase your chances of getting a great deal on the home you want.  


So, don't sweat the small stuff and really look for the things you can't change - they are the most important - and who knows -- maybe bad wallpaper will make a comeback! 


Cheers, 


Steve 

Mortgage Rates lowest on record

If you've been contemplating a home purchase or a commercial purchase, now may be the time to get moving on it.  Interest rates for mortgages are at a historical low - how's this for great: 
-- 30 year fixed rate 4.27%
-- 15 year fixed rate 3.72%


These rates do not include fee's or 'points' as they are often called - so take that into account when shopping loans.  


With a good inventory, great rates and the traditional seasonal lull hitting the housing market, now may just be the best time to get into an ownership situation!  


Cheers, 


Steve

Fall is here

Well it's fall, leaves are changing colors, their is a bit of crispness in the evening air and we are trading outdoor BBQ's for indoor comfort foods!


It's also a great time to check around the house to make sure your home is ready for the cooler months ahead.  Check that your windows all close properly, check the seals on all your doors to make sure they aren't leaking.  You don't want to forget about your furnace filters - they can make a huge difference in the performance of your system as well as in your monthly utility bill.  


Don't forget about your exterior, check around for areas that may let cooler air in get them sealed.  Remember to trim back your plants and get a good winter fertilizer on your lawn as well so you can be assured of a great spring lawn when the weather warms up. 


Cheers, 


Steve 

Where is the market going?

If I had a crystal ball I would answer this with confidence.  In real estate there are many unknowns and predicting the future is nearly impossible.  The one thing that is constant is what the market is doing right now.  


Your best bet is to not count on the market to give you rapid returns like we saw in some areas of the country in 2005 to 2007.  Look at your home as just that, the place where you build your life and realize your dreams.  Home ownership has many benefits and those must be weighed when making a purchase.  I'm not saying to make your home purchase purely emotional, as you do need to take into account the financial side of it, but keep them in balance. 


The market in every part of the country is different, and we are very fortunate to have a strong real estate market here in the Tri Cities area.  Our business sector is growing, our population is expanding and our jobs are stable.  


If you want to know what is happening in your area, talk with a Realtor to find out.  They generally have the most up to date market conditions specific to your area as well as interest rates and market movement.  


Cheers, 


Steve 

I'm now with Ever Star Realty!

I am excited to annouce that I have become part of the Ever Star Realty team and will be on board with them in the next day.  Ever Star Realty is a fast growing team of professionals who exhibit all the qualities I hold fast to in order to be the best agent I can be for my clients.  Their passion and dedication will be a great fit and will allow me to expand my selling efforts a bit more into commercial real estate as well. 

You can find them at:  http://www.everstarrealty.com/   and I'll be available at the following e-mail:  Steve@EverStarRealty.com

Cheers,

Steve

What's my house worth?

At a client's Open House today I had a neighbor come by and look around.  After some chatting I discovered she was there to really assess the neighborhood and she if her house was worth what she thinks it is and if she can sell it for that.  If she can get the price she wants she is looking to downsize.  I had just conducted a CMA for my client as we were at the 30 day on the market point - and I'm glad I did!  I had all the information at my fingertips to provide the high solds, the low solds and the in-between solds.  This allowed me to give the potential seller what the market is dictating in her area and what she could expect in terms of days on the market based on various price points.  Of course, the condition of her home, the builder who was used and any updates can all have a substantial impact on a homes price.  She was excited to hear that the price she is looking for is a realistic selling price.  So what I'm I trying to say here?  Well if you're a Realtor - remember to check in with your client every 30 days of a listing with market activity so you can make decisions on the home's marketing efforts and pricing - and if you're a home buyer/seller - get to those neighborhood open house listings - you can find a wealth of information at your disposal!  


Cheers, 
Steve 

Back at it!

Well I was off for a bit, switching from PC to Mac and the verdict is in = I love the Mac!  What a great machine, seamless programs and just plain simple to use, yet powerful.  

OK, got that out of the way - so on with the business of Real Estate!  Here in Tri Cities it is the Parade of Homes week - a great time to get out and see what is happening with builders at all different price points.  You can go from a wonderful entry level home to a luxury home tour all in a day.  

The fun part for current homeowners is they can get some great ideas on spacing, colors and decorating - maybe even look at what they can do if they want to remodel or heck, sell the old home and find a new one!  

For those who are not yet in the home ownership realm, but are getting close it's also a great chance to see what you like in a home and don't like.  If you are thinking of going the 'build a new home' route - you get a chance to see what each builder is capable of and what type of work you can expect from them. 

If you have a Parade of Homes in your area, I would encourage you to get out and take a look - it's a fun and informative way to see what your real estate market is up to! 

Cheers, 

Steve