Coordinate a Cohesive Creation

Getting your home sold isn’t as easy as calling a real estate agent and placing it on the market.  You need to consider several things within your home that will make it easier to sell.

  1. Look at your big impact rooms.  Big impact rooms are most often kitchens and bathrooms, and you’ll receive the most bang for your buck when remodeling.  Other rooms in your home can be painted or other small things in a buyers mind.  The kitchen or bathrooms tend to leave little for the imagination.
  2. Show off your home’s natural beauty.  If you have a contemporary home, go with more contemporary accents to compliment it’s natural potential and the same for a traditional home.
  3. Welcome an expert with open arms.  I understand if you’re totally clueless on what the general public will like.  It’s hard to compare what you like to what others like.  Don’t be afraid to welcome a professional stager or remodeler that can work with your budget to create a buyer friendly oasis.
  4. Choose a neutral palate.  If you have too many bold colors in your home, buyers can’t envision how their belongings will mesh with your turquoise walls.  They think to themselves that nothing they own will match the wall color choices.  Now, if you have a neutral colors throughout, one can easily imagine what furniture will go and where.   Some of us creative types think that will just be boring for the potential buyers.  Add pops of color in your accessories…things you’ll be taking with you when they buy.  That way they can picture the potential, but not be turned away from the alterations they’ll have to make.
  5. Cheap isn’t always best.  Some projects just cannot happen on the cheap side of your budget.  This is ever true in a high-end, expensive home.  If you have a higher list price on your home, many buyers expect to see posh touches.  For example, you wouldn’t put vinyl in a bathroom remodel when you have tile, hardwood, and ornate touches throughout your home, would you?  Nope.  Most buyers will be able to tell you decided to do something cheap, and it’ll turn them off.  They won’t even see the value in the new item.
  6. Stimulate your senses.  If you need help flowing those creative juices, pick up a Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, or Crate and Barrel magazine.  These types of companies show what the average consumer desires, so use them as your cheat sheet.
  7. Keep your budget in mind and plan accordingly.  Some of the smallest projects can become out of reach if you have to bring in a contractor.  To save on some costs, add several projects together in a days work instead of outsourcing to an hourly contractor.

Fence Me In

So you finally have your own yard instead of a shared patio space at your apartment complex…congratulations!  Thoughts and concerns seem to be racing through your head on what to do with all this space.  In this article, I’ll discuss one main topic that might be troubling you about your new-found freedom.

How do I add privacy to “my” space?

The most obvious answer to this question is installing a fence.  There are many types of fencing on the market now-a-days.  You need to consider what style will meet the function you have in mind.  Don’t forget maintenance costs, because all fencing will need something to keep it in good condition at some point in its lifetime.  There are a plethora of styles to choose from these days with around ½ a dozen of different construction materials for your taste.  Each has their own maintenance requirements and prices.  For example, take a look at these different styles and materials.

Besides what will work best for your yard and lifestyle, you also need to keep in mind what your neighbors will think.  I know I know, you didn’t purchase your new home based on what people think, but neighborhood animosity should be the last of your worries.  With homeownership, there are new responsibilities that come to the table.  Sometimes you can even violate laws and regulations.  Here are the best ways to avoid any of those types of worst-case scenarios:

Follow the rules:  Fences are subject to local zoning codes.  These dictate maximum height allowed, how far they must be from property lines, and whether they are even permitted in front yards.  Often times it is recommended to touch base with your municipality’s zoning department before moving forward with a fencing project.

Be a good neighbor:  Don’t hesitate to discuss the new fence with your neighbors.  The last thing you’ll want to deal with is an upset neighbor.  (Remember you’ll have to coexist for several years!)  Sit down and have a pow-wow to see if they have a style that they think would look good and discuss everyone’s thoughts on property lines. Keep the channel of communication open.  Your neighbors won’t make the final decision on fencing, but they will think highly of you for considering their feelings.  Wouldn’t you?

Goals: When deciding on the type of fence you want, you need to pinpoint why you actually need the fence.  Is it to block the view of something unsightly?  To house a pet?  To keep others from peering into your yard?  In order to find the best fence for you, I advise asking yourself these types of questions.  It will also help the salesman narrow down what he’ll recommend.

What’s your fences’ job?

If your goal is to block unsightly scenery, you will need solid fencing with tightly spaced vertical board, pickets, or framed panels to prevent you from seeing out and others from seeing in.  Height should be at lease 6’ tall, so most people can’t see over it. If a little visibility is ok, then your boards can have spaces in between them.  Most of the time, this type of fence is made out of wood, and they are visually appealing.

Now, if security is a necessity, you definitely want to go 6’ or taller to keep anyone from scaling or simply hopping over the fence.  Pickets or other spiked tops will deter most from climbing over the barrier.  A smooth outer face is also recommended, so possible intruders can’t obtain traction.  A great material for this would be the metal or vinyl.

If you simply want to jazz up your yard with some decorative accents to establish property lines, your fence doesn’t need to be nearly as large as the previous types.  You can choose fencing that is only two to four feet high with spaced pickets, latticework, or all sorts of ornamental designs that don’t block the view but enhance it.  All material types work for this type.

If adding a fence for safety reasons is your main concern without changing the view, the most durable and cost-effective option is a wire fence or chain link fence.  These consist of galvanized metal mesh, but adding a black or green vinyl coating at an additional cost helps make the fence disappear.

What material will suit your lifestyle and need?

The most common fence material is wood.  Wood helps provide a traditional, clean look at a moderate price.  Depending on the type of wood chosen, your installer might recommend treating it with a stain or wood preservative to protect it from different elements.  You can expect to repeat that process every three to five years.  Cost: $7 to $10 per foot, installed, for simple split-rail fence; $20 to $50 per foot, installed, for a 6’ privacy fence.  Warranties are available for these too depending on the wood species and retailer.

Other very common fencing materials are vinyl and composite which are used for faux wood illusion.  They are made from either solid vinyl or a mix of wood fibers and plastic resins.  In both cases, the material is molded into rails, pickets, and other fence parts that get assembled piece-by-piece, on site, like wood fences.  Their color is usually white but can be available in various shades and tints.  The hue chosen is actually mixed into the material itself, so they never need painting.  This type of material is great for the wood look but doesn’t require as much maintenance as its counterpart.  Cost: $40 to $60 per foot, installed for a 6’ high privacy fence.  Warranty: 20 years to lifetime depending on manufacturer.

The classic wrought-iron fence can provide a couple of different functions.  It can be anything from an ornate decorative property-line marker to a tall, spiky enclosure that provides security.  Now-a-days these fences aren’t wrought iron.  Welding steel or aluminum together is what creates this timeless fence design.  Cost: $25 to $30 per foot, installed for 4’ high fence; plus, $5 to $10 per foot to add ornamental finials and rings.  Warranty: 20 years to a lifetime depending on manufacturer.

These last fence materials have to be one of the most common up there with wood.  I’m talking about chain link and wire.  The have gained popularity due to being the most economical, and chain link tends to disappear into the scenery.  This is especially evident if it is painted with a black or green plastic coating.  Of course these are transparent, but you can purchase vertical privacy slats that you weave into the mesh.  Ready for the cost?  Cost:  $12 to $15 per foot installed for a 4’ high fence; add $4-5 for vinyl coating and another $6-10 for privacy slats.  Warranty:  12-15 years depending on manufacturer.


All of these fence styles and materials will help create the barrier your lifestyle requires.  There are more options available for more of a visual barrier, and I’ll discuss those in my next post.

http://www.ncarterrealestate.com/

Summer Revival

Move over spring…summer’s here!  If you’re in the deep south like we are, you beat the heat either outside by the pool or indoors with the A/C.  Wouldn’t you like to enjoy the light and bright summer colors inside and out?  We come up with a few nifty tips for you to try to liven up your indoor and outdoor spaces that will without a doubt put you in the laid-back summer mood.

Most of us are very comfortable with earth tones, but we’re not quite sure how to make the transition to hues of white and bright colors.  We can’t help but to think about it this way:  In the winter, we go indoors to warm up thus we choose warm colors.  In the summer, we travel indoors, or to the pool, to cool down thus we choose cool colors.  When we say cool colors, we mainly mean blues, greens, and purples, but this shouldn’t stop you from choosing colors that remind you of summer blooms that will just pop against your other hues (i.e. yellows and pinks).  Here are a few examples of perfect “cool down” spots inside and out:

According to www.RoomDecoratingIdeas.net, yellow is the must have color for summer 2011.  It’s a bold color that can instantly make you feel more energized and cheerful.  Now, this doesn’t mean covering your room from top to bottom in yellow.  Yellow here should be used as an accent against a white, neutral background, because too much yellow will make your room appear gaudy and over done.  Here’s 2 examples of yellow done right…one inside and one out:

If yellow’s not your color, don’t worry there’s plenty of colors on the summer color wheel for you to embrace.  Blues or greens might be more adequate for you.  In the following examples, you’ll see the light colors for the prominent areas like the walls or even furniture.  The blues are splashed onto accessories or 1-2 pieces of furniture.

Keeping the main colors white, to other shades of white, keep the spaces light and cool which provide that refreshed feeling that you need to escape the summer heat.

Now, if you’re a little bolder than others and like to choose those colors, take a look at these design ideas that will surely energize your space:

No matter what your personal taste, there are beautiful options to refresh your home for summer.  After you’ve changed the look, don’t forget the aromas!  Find candles or diffusers with the scent that reminds you most of summer.

Kitchen & Bath Simple Solutions

Two of the most expensive rooms to remodel are the kitchen and bathrooms.  These two can easily send your budget out the window.  If you don’t have too much cash to throw into these rooms, there are simple ways to freshen up the spaces.

When it comes to cabinetry, it’s best to choose a light color.  Dark colors can make a kitchen seem cave-like.  There is no need to shell out the big bucks on new cabinets.  As long as they are in good condition, you can easily update their look for under $250.  The best way to spice up those cabinets is with new hardware which is a great DIY project, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs like labor.  When choosing new hardware, you even have the chance to update your kitchen by choosing modern, sleek knobs, handles or pulls.  Each run for as little as $2 to $3 a piece which give you more bang for your buck.  For a high-end look, pick out brushed nickel.  Chrome can also be a great option; however, black and bronze are gaining favor.  The number one finish to avoid…BRASS!  This gives a very dated look which we all know just removes value from your house, because the buyer has something they will have to change.  To update those old, outdated cabinets without burning a whole in your pocket, you can opt to paint.  Painting them a rich, neutral color or refinishing cabinets with a clear coat can enhance your kitchens appearance while illuminating it.  Some popular choices are warm earth tones.  Off-white cabinetry with a butterscotch glaze will pop when combined with a brownish gold granite countertop.

Next stop…counters.  The top two countertops chosen are granite and quartz.  Granite prices have dropped substantially within the past few years.  It’s shown to be as low as $29 a square foot.  This price isn’t too much more expensive than laminate.  If granite still doesn’t fit your budget, you can look at updated laminates which can resemble granite or just enhancing your current countertops.  There are products like Giani Granite (www.GianiGranite.com) that can make  your countertops appear to be granite/marble by refinishing them with a type of paint.  For those of you with a more modern taste, a liquid stainless stell finish is also available.  Those old tile countertops can even be salvaged.  It’s a good idea to clean or paint the grout.   Grout Doctor (www.GroutDoctor.com) is a great company that specializes in this.  You can have the grout refinished in white for less than $220.  This can show a drastic improvement for those with unsightly grout colors.  For best results, keep your grout color neutral.

Fixtures can instantly make a dated bathroom more modern with just a few enhancements or replacements.  According to Bill Millholland of Case Design/Remodeling Inc., “Removing that large plated glass mirror or old medicine cabinet and replacing it with a framed mirror in a rich finish like oil-rubbed bronze can make a big change at a small cost.”  To add an simple elegant charm, you can easily add sconces to each side of the mirror.  You can even consider replacing your facets especially if they are brass as discussed above.  You can buy those for as little as $20 for a cheap bathroom facelift.  Number one rule…make sure your lighting and facet finishes match for a good seamless design.

For that bathroom tub, it’s not easy to like a pink or avocado green tub.  What’s good for you is that there are tons of refinishing companies out there that can refinish to a crowd pleasing white.  Most can refinish porcelain, fiberglass, and acrylic not to mention others.  They can even repair some cracks or blemishes.  This definitely saves you a pretty penny instead of purchasing a brand new tub or sink.

To attract buyers to your bathroom, the best way to think is SPA!  This brings out comfort and luxury in everyone.  Once you pull those feelings out of people, they will have to have it.  You can acheive this with fluffy towels, soothing wall decor, lights that dim, calming sounds, relaxing scents, and accessories in cool colors.  Using items like these will perfectly stage your bathroom for a sale!

Lastly, let’s look at your appliances.  If your appliances are mismatched or dated, they can be quite an eyesore for your buyers.  If your appliances still work well, you do have the option of painting them with a paint like Rust-Oleum or Krylon.  They make special paints that you can spray or brush over your appliances to turn them black, white, or other desired shades.  I recommend sticking to your “normal” neutral colors.  You can even find a stainless steel paint, Thomas’ Liquid Stainless Steel, that can give a fridge, dishwasher, or range the brushed stainless steel look which has gained in popularity.  Of course, this can be done at a FRACTION of the cost of purchasing all new appliances.

All of this cost conscience alternatives can improve the visual appeal of your home which can mean the difference between a sold home or a home that is still sitting on the market.  With any of these updates, we recommend that you disclose them in your property disclosure, so they understand that upkeep may be necessary to keep these things the same.  These things that they love.

How to Stage Your Home to Sell

Here are a few ways to stage your home, so it will compliment its best traits which can lead to it selling quicker.

  • De-clutter and de-personalize.  You are selling the space (not your collection of Elvis memorabilia).  The buyer must mentally be able to see his/herself living there.  The most common way for a home to look cluttered is through too much furniture.  See if you can relocate any of those pieces to be used in other rooms, or they might just need to be moved to storage, so see what you can live without.  Removing furniture and other clutter will make the rooms seem larger which appeal to home buyers.
  • Do something!  The worst mistake is to do nothing about your space.
  • Rearrange.  Get to moving furniture, artwork and accessories around to see if they will look better in other locations within your home.  Your sofa table or end tables can hide secret behaviors!  Try turning your sofa table into a small writing desk by a window.  There are endless possibilities.
  • Warm, Neutral Colors.  Neon green might be your favorite color, but I can guarantee it’s not every visitors’ cup of tea.  Repaint rooms to have a warm, neutral colors.  These shades of colors leave more room for the imagination.  The buyers can start to see their furniture in a room of that color, and we all know most buyers want a home move-in-ready.  That means no painting on their part!
  • Merchandise Your Product!  Remember that the way you live in your home, and the way you market and sell your home, are two different things.  You need to make your home comfortable for outsiders if you want to make sure your receive that offer.
  • Mix and Match.  You do want to have some accessories in your home to give it that warm, inviting vibe.   A good rule of thumb is to keep them in groups of threes…meaning 3 different accessories.  You also want them to vary in height and width, so that they bring more of a visual appeal.  Stagers recommend grouping accessories by particular shape, element, and hue.
  • Arrangements.  Floral arrangements can be quite pleasing on the peeper, so either pick or buy fresh flowers and greenery to stage in various places in your home.  Now, don’t go overboard because you don’t want buyers to think their stepping into a greenhouse, but do consider adding a few arrangements to warm up your space and give it life.
  • Remove the Outdated.  If you have a groovy bedspread that’s been in  your life since college, try swapping it out for a simple more subtle linen.  You want to attract people with fashionable taste, so you can attract them to the home even more.  If they view your home and absolutely love the energy they get from it, they will die to make an offer as quick as possible even though the furnishings aren’t included.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/15-secrets-to-selling-your-home/pictures/index.html

http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/staging/

Top Five First-Time Home Buyer Questions Answered

As a first-time home buyer, there are plenty of questions racing through your mind as you begin the home search.  Most people are familiar with the jargon used in leases.  When it comes to real estate terminology, many words just fly above your head.  In this post, I will answer the top five most common questions asked by first-time home buyers.  If I don’t cover a specific question you have, don’t hesitate to leave a comment, and I’ll be more than happy to answer your question.

1.  Is buying a home better than renting?

While renting an apartment, condo, or house, your monthly rent is not invested into your property, so you don’t see any type of return on rent paid.  Most rental properties won’t allow you to paint walls, landscape, or change the design of the property.  All in all, you don’t have control over your rental as you would with a purchased home.  The best way to look at purchasing a home is that it’s an investment.  With owning your own home, you have the freedom to modify things within and surrounding the home.  Plus, your money is actually going somewhere instead of in the pockets of others.  Another great perk about purchasing a home, you can actually deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes and often from your state income taxes.  Another deduction can be your property taxes you pay.  Other than all of these items mentioned, the government is offering a tax credit for first-time home buyers when the property closes before June 30th.  If you qualify, you can receive up to $8,000 as a first-time home buyer or $6,500 for a long-term homeowner tax credit.

2.  How do I know I’m ready to buy a home?

The best way to know if you’re ready to purchase a home is to look at your current situation.  You need to make sure you have a steady source of income, and that you have been regularly employed for the past 2-3 years.  If your income isn’t reliable, then you need to make sure you have a dependable job.  If you default on your monthly mortgage payments, then you can have your home taken away by your lender.  Unlike renting, this simply isn’t an eviction notice.  If your home goes into foreclosure, you can dramatically hurt your credit score (stays on for 7 years) which can keep you from getting a good loan in the future.

Checking your credit score is something that will be done whether it’s by you or by the bank.  Other information like good record of paying bills and any outstanding long-term debts can affect you credit score. Many banks will be happy to meet with you about your score and suggest ways to improve it, so you will be able to be approved for a loan.

You also need to make sure you have money saved for a down payment on a home in addition to the ability to pay the monthly mortgage note on top of additional expenses.  If everything in this section checks out with you, then you’re ready to start the home buying process.

My Beautiful Listing in Laurel, MS

3.  What exactly are “HUD homes,” foreclosures, and short sales?

If someone can’t make the payments of a HUD insured mortgage, the lender will foreclose on the property.  HUD will pay the lender what is owed on the mortgage, and HUD obtains ownership over the home.  Then, they try to sell is as quick as possible at market value.  Most of the time, you can get a very good deal out of one of these homes.

When a homeowner can’t make their monthly mortgage payments to their lender, the property can be foreclosed by that lender due to the borrower’s failure to make payments.  These can also be good deals for first-time homebuyers or first-time property investors.  You can luck out by purchasing the home for what is owed on the mortgage.

A short sale is the sale of a property in which all the proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property’s loan.  This often happens when the borrower cannot pay their mortgage.  But instead of foreclosing, the lender decides that selling the home for a slight loss is better than stressing the borrower.  In this type of process, both the lender and the borrower agree to it, because it enables them to avoid foreclosure which can involve hefty bank fees and a more damaged credit score to the borrower.  These are also great deals on the market, because of buyer being able to buy a good house at a cheaper price.

4.  Do I need to use a real estate broker/agent?

I always recommend using a real estate broker.  Many brokers can help ease the home buying adventure through their years of experience.  C’mon, they do this for a living!  If you have any questions about the area or housing market, your real estate agent will be able to answer them.  The next step is to find an agent that you will enjoy working with, because you will spend a lot of time with them.  A good agent will understand you and strive to get you all the important things you’ll want to know and have in your home.  They can provide you with information on the best neighborhoods and school districts.  Brokers have access to homes once they are put on the market, so you don’t have to worry about driving through endless neighborhoods to try to find the house that meets your specific criteria.  That in itself can be exhausting, so trust in your local agent to assist you in finding the perfect home for the period in your life.

5.  How do I find a mortgage lender?

There are several avenues in choosing a mortgage lender.  You can finance a home with a bank, a credit union, a private mortgage company, a savings and loan, or various state government lenders.  When you go shopping for a loan, it can be a lot like shopping for the home itself or any other large purchase.  The best thing is to take the time to look around and find the best prices and interest rates.  A great person that can lead you in the right direction of a lender to use is your real estate broker.  They will most likely now the local lenders and interest rates in the area.  A lower interest rate can make a drastic difference in how much home you can afford.  It can take on average 3-6 weeks for the whole loan approval process.  (If you don’t know by now, most home buying situations are not at the fastest pace in the world unless you plan on paying cash for the home which not many people can do.)

All in the all, your first time buying a home will be a momentous and enjoyable milestone in your life; although, it can be filled with difficult decisions and some waiting.  If you surround yourself with a good team (agent and lender), they can help make this adventure an easier one.

For a good link on real estate terminology, see the following link:

http://realestate.yahoo.com/info/glossary;_ylt=Ap8ZRRUB.Gs7_ueMaveJntjT4JF4

References:

http://www.hud.gov/buying/comq.cfm

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/buying/buyhm

In this economy, is it a good time to buy a house?

If this is the question you’re asking yourself, you are getting to the core of the relationship housing and the economy have.  The housing market is closely related to the economy.  Most often this market influences the economy in both positive and negative ways.  When housing rises, the economy will rise and vice versa.  Ron Phipps of Realtor Magazine explains this in detail in the April/May issue:

“Over the past couple of months, we have worked to remind policy makers and Americans that jobs and housing are interwoven.  You can’t have one without the other.  According to an NAR calculation that looks at a real estate transaction’s contribution to gross domestic product, for every two transactions one job is created.”

Other than your family benefitting from a new home or investment property, Americans will also prosper from your purchase.
Outside of the economy, you’ll also find that interest rates are at a 40-year low…another great incentive to purchase a home right now.  If you’re already a homeowner, this is also prime time to refinance.
With all this being said, do you still need to move toward purchasing a home or even investing?  We say yes.
Ilyce Glink of CBS Moneywatch provides us with three reasons why now is the best time to purchase a home or invest in property:

1.    “Home Buyer Tax Credits. As long as you have your paperwork done by April 30 and can close by June 30, and you qualify, you could eventually pocket up to $8,000 for a first-time home buyer tax credit or $6,500 for a long-term homeowner tax credit.
2.    Mortgage Interest Rates Are At 40-Year Lows. Just because you could have had a 30-year fixed rate loan at 4.75 percent last November and this past February doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to refinance now that interest rates are just over 5 percent. This is still an amazing interest rate for the long-term and if you don’t refinance now, you’ll soon wish you had.
3.    Home Prices Are At Generational Lows, Too. Right now, home prices are in a state of fluctuation. They’re rising (slightly) in some areas and falling in others. But just because home prices might fall before they rise again shouldn’t keep you from making an offer on a home as long as you find the right house at the right price on the right terms.”

So to answer your question, NOW is a better time, more than any, to purchase your new home or investment property.  Prices on houses might still go down, but you never know when you’ll find mortgage interest rates this low again.  If you locate your favorite house and it offers all you could ask for, I recommend you move forward and make an offer.

http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/Opinion/1104_president_sales

http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/home-equity/3-reasons-why-now-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home/1876/

Social Media

Just finished a Social Media Boot Camp in Baton Rouge, LA.  My head was spinning with FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogging, and YouTube.  I’m looking forward to putting it to good use.  But it’s been “catch-up” since I got back.

Social Media

Just spent 2 days in a social media workshop about Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked In, and Blogging.  WOW!  Big time possibilities!

Quck trip to Atlanta

Bath Time!!

Bath Time!!

Bath Time!!
Bath Time!!
Mama and Baby Will

Mama and Baby Will

I made a quick trip to see my daughter Marie, her husband Jeremy and their new baby boy Will this past weekend June 12-14, 2009. In just 3 weeks he has grown so much!!! I like being a grandmother!!

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.