It is universally accepted that the master suite and kitchen in any property are where sellers can get the most “bang for the buck” when making improvements.  These two areas are where buyers focus when making a purchase decision.  It is often said that for every $10 spent, you can get $8 or $9 of it back at the time of sale in these two rooms of the house.

Read the rest…

I’m one that really enjoys DIY, or “Do it Yourself” projects around the home.  For instance, I’ve changed many a light fixture and painted many rooms in our home.  I get real satisfaction from seeing a job well done, and knowing I did it myself.  However, a $20 light fixture is dramatically different than attempting making decisions in regards to your largest financial asset without counsel.  That’s something I definitely would not recommend at all. Read the rest…

When preparing your home for the market, don’t overlook “wowing” buyers with the great features your property has to offer.  This great video shows how just a few changes (and a few hundred dollars in materials) with a little effort can take a home from blah to impressive.  When crafting your “to do” list, be sure to take a moment to reflect on your property’s key features that attracted you to purchase it originally.  Those are the elements to show off to impress buyers today.  Make sure that clutter, too much furniture, too much decoration do not compete for the buyer’s attention with the key elements that will sell your home. Read the rest…

With all of the talk of homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure, it’s no wonder so many con artists have now figured out how to use this angle to prey upon those who are vulnerable.  Don’t become a victim to one of these “Foreclosure Rescue” scams.  If any organization finds you to help, it’s a scam.  Only those who need help will seek out assistance.  Federal agencies who assist homeowners NEVER seek them out. Read the rest…

I’m sure many of you might find this post a bit odd, coming from me. However, I want all potential clients to have information and lots of it. It’s the only way to make an educated decision, especially with your largest financial investment. Check out this video on how to find a great real estate agent to work for you.

Read the rest…

Everyone’s talking about the housing crisis being a near financial windfall for buyers these days. However, the question remains “Is it right for YOU?” While it could be the time to take advantage of a housing market that’s not nearly as high priced as it once was, it could be the wrong decision personally. I always advise clients that if their plans have them selling within three years of making the purchase, renting is a wiser choice. Read the rest…

One quick answer…YOU BET!  Having a good home inspector can literally save you thousands of dollars, especially if they find something very wrong with the property you’re potentially buying.  It’s not uncommon for home inspectors to discover a house has substantial foundation problems that could cost a few thousand to repair. Read the rest…

Somehow watering the yard and saving money never end up in the same sentence.  However, with a little help from the folks at the Home Depot, it can.  If you water smart and avoid killing your lawn or ornamental plants, you can have a lush lawn that will make you the envy of the neighborhood. Read the rest…

Home sweet home – that is, until it hits the market.  Then your beloved property becomes just another piece of inventory.  Unfortunately for sellers, your home isn’t as special to buyers as it is to you.  With competition at its peak this time of year, there are many properties vying for the buyer’s attention. Read the rest…

The excitement of owning your first home is a feeling you won’t soon forget.  There are a lot of firsts we will always remember in our lifetimes:  our first kiss, first car, first love…and our first home.  But what’s involved in making a wise first home decision?  CNN Money Editor and author Gerri Willis has some great tips in this video.

Click here to see the video!

Read the rest…