Keepin' it Real Estate

Try Terrie’s Basket System for Clearing Clutter

2009-11-10T14:23:14+00:00

It is a real challenge to get a home ready for an evening of company, much less keep it in that condition day after day when it is on the market. I tell my sellers not to go through everything when organizing their home to sell—that could take years! This is not the time to turn over a new leaf in your housekeeping habits. Simply contain the clutter where it tends to accumulate. Here are a few ‘hot spot’ basket ideas to help you do a quick pick up before showings.

Kitchen: Invest in a 3-4 inch deep rectangular basket to keep that pile of semi-important papers, keys, etc. that accumulates on the counter. Just before you leave the house, put it on top of the refrigerator. This way, you will not have to hunt for the items you deposit daily in your favorite spot.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms need to be impersonal. Clear out half of the items (that you never use) under your sinks. Purchase baskets which can fit in that spot, or on top of the toilet/vanity. This is the place to keep your daily care items. Slip the basket under the counter as soon as you are done using them each morning. Have your family members do the same.

Bedrooms: Clear a spot in your bedroom closets for a wide laundry basket (not the tall mesh ones). Toss those clean clothes sitting on the chair into the basket. This is a great tip for teens. Purchasing a basket for books is a help here, too. A rack that hangs over the door is also handy for hanging up the ten pairs of jeans on a teenager’s floor.

Desks: Analyze the items sitting on top and separate the piles into baskets. It will look a lot neater if the items are contained. Some people are just “pile” organizers, and need to file things where they can see them. You need to be able to continue your work, pay your bills, and not worry about where important papers are located.

Shoes: Three teens and their friends make for a lot of shoes around my house. Keep a basket in your coat closet or near the door for stray shoes. When doing a quick pick up, just toss those sneakers in the basket. No more panicked cries of “where’s my sneakers!” while the school bus rattles down the road.

Keep a window cleaner spray bottle with a microfiber rag in each bathroom. A quick spritz each morning for mirrors and countertops, and a swish in the commode with the toilet brush keeps bathrooms fresh in just a couple of minutes.

Call me for a free walk through ‘basket evaluation’ of your home. I have more great ideas to make life easier when you are on the market!

Author:
Terrie Cohill, REALTOR®
392.9417 cell
866.285.7630 fax
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The Mortgage Application Process: Part 3 in a 5 Part Series

2009-11-09T18:28:16+00:00

Once all the paperwork is completed a credit report is drawn. A credit report is a snapshot in time of your past and present credit habits and history and willingness to pay debt. It will determine what type of mortgage you can obtain, how much of a down payment will be needed and what will be your interest rate.

A mortgage credit report is different from a consumer report. A tri-merge report is drawn (data collected from three credit bureaus with three separate credit risk scores).The payment history on your current mortgage is the most heavily weighted when it comes to your credit scores. The report states to whom you have obligations, how much you must pay each month, the beginning and outstanding balance, the date the obligation was originated, if you have ever been delinquent in payment and if you were late– how long. If there was a legal judgment, bankruptcy or foreclosure it will also be reported. It is not uncommon for there to be errors on your credit report and this is when they can be fixed. It is recognized sometimes life presents circumstances that cause credit dings or bruises so credit issues in the past do not necessarily preclude anyone from obtaining a mortgage.

For any questions on the mortgage application process please contact Marianne Lane, Coldwell Banker Mortgage .

Author:
Marianne Lane, Mortgage Advisor
540-915-3015 office
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Curb Appeal: Low to No Cost Curb Appeal Must-Do’s

2009-11-06T16:01:41+00:00

Is your home a head-turner? Take a look at this Low to No Cost Curb Appeal Must-Do checklist below to help your home standout, sell quickly, and give you the most 'bang-for your-buck.

Freshen up the exterior:
• Freshly paint shutters, mailbox and post with a color that coordinates with the door (vinyl-safe paint is available)
• Freshly paint wood railings, columns, door and door trim
• Power wash exterior, vinyl railings/columns, decks, porches, and concrete driveways
• Remove dirt/debris from threshold
• Add large address numbers to exterior
• Replace tarnished/faded door knocker, lock and door handle
• Replace dated or faded light fixtures and doorbell
• Replace damaged weather stripping
• Ensure storm door and front door open freely without catching or creaking
• Keep storm door/front door glass clean and sparkling
• Ensure all light fixtures (including landscaping lights) work properly
• Freshly seal/tar asphalt driveways or replenish gravel driveways
• Ensure garage doors are free of damage and freshly paint if necessary
• Repair/replace missing or damaged roofing shingles
• Ensure roof is free of moss and other debris
• Clean out gutters and downspouts (repair/replace damaged sections)

Landscaping: Keep it simple, you do not want buyers to think it is a lot of work to maintain!
• Remove lower branches of trees that block view of house
• Trim shrubs so that that do not block windows, and remove overgrown/dead shrubs
• Keep beds free of weeds, brush and debris
• Freshen faded or compacted mulch with a new, thin layer
• Neatly edge bedding borders with hardscaping or a 3-4 inch gulley
• Keep grass neatly mowed and weed/leaf free
• Repair/reseed lawn bare spots
• Place decorative planters with seasonal flowers/plants at front door

A helpful way to view your home from the buyer's perspective is to stand back and take a look at the exterior of your home from a distance. Would you keep it on your list if you were looking for a house? Remember, it often starts with a split-second view of one exterior photo. Finally, make sure that your listing agent takes a flattering photo that will make buyers want to drive by.

If you are ready to sell your home, feel free to contact me for a free, no-obligation Curb Appeal Consultation. I’m happy to help!

Author:
Rachel Anker-Johnson, REALTOR�
540.641.2241 cell
540.552.6500 office
540.552.2635 fax
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Curb Appeal: How Today’s Buyer Works

2009-11-05T15:26:17+00:00

87% of home buyers start their home search on the Internet, according to the results of a survey conducted by the National Association of REALTORS. In today's market, you only have a split second to grab a prospective buyer’s attention.

Buyers begin the process of finding a home by looking online at what is available for sale based on their needs and desires. They are scanning literally hundreds of listings, and their first impression of your home is based on just one exterior photo. Your listing must look better than most to attract their attention.

Next, buyers narrow the list to their top 20-30 listings. They will take a day or just an evening to drive around and check out the neighborhood and exterior of each of these. This is truly the make or break point, when the buyer either crosses it off or keeps it on their list.

Finally, they will narrow the list to 5-10 houses and meet with their agent for showings. Did your listing make the cut?

To ensure that it does, stay tuned for a detailed checklist of Low to No Cost Curb Appeal Must-Dos.

If you are ready to sell your home, feel free to contact me for a free, no-obligation Curb Appeal Consultation. I’m happy to help!

Author:
Rachel Anker-Johnson, REALTOR�
540.641.2241 cell
540.552.6500 office
540.552.2635 fax
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$1 million set aside for Pulaski First Time Home Buyers Program

2009-11-04T12:51:21+00:00

A wonderful incentive for quaint and historical town of Pulaski!

The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) recently notified the Town of Pulaski that it has been selected to receive a set-aside (reservation of funds) for the SPARC program (Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities). These funds will be available until June 30, 2010.

The SPARC loan is a program that reserves funds for localities and organizations to promote affordable housing to first-time home buyers. Homebuyers who qualify for a SPARC loan receive ½% (one half percent) reduction in the standard VHDA interest rate for first-time homebuyers. The Town of Pulaski for Round 8 currently has $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reserved by VHDA at the ½% reduction. A citizen who is interested in buying or building a home in the Town of Pulaski may want to consider applying for a SPARC loan through one of the VHDA approved lenders.

The Town has targeted households with an income between $34,500 and $46,000 to receive the ½% reduction in their mortgage. As part of the program, the Town will cover the cost of the required home inspection and waive any building permit fees. Connection fees for new construction will be waived. Homes may be purchased or built up to $225,100.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me at 540.320.9444. I will help you in working with an approved VHDA lender, as well as step by step instruction on becoming a first time home owner.

I look forward to hearing from you!

For more information about this Pulaski listing click here.

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Author:
Susanna Lilly, REALTOR�
540.320.9444 cell
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Quick Thanksgiving Recipe: Easy Potato Casserole

2009-11-03T18:19:41+00:00

Dana Orr's Easy Potato Casserole

Ingredients:
2 lb. package hash browns (shredded, frozen)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pint sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup whole milk

Directions: Mix all together and place in a 9x12" casserole dish. I like to sprinkle paprika on the top to give it a little color. Bake for about an hour at 350 F.

For information on the real estate market or tips in the kitchen, just give me a call.
As always, I am ready to drop whatever I’m doing and talk houses!

Author:
Dana Orr, REALTOR�
540.230.8786 cell
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The Mortgage Application Process: Part 2 of a 5 Part Series

2009-11-02T13:20:38+00:00

Once you identify which mortgage professional you’re going to work with, schedule time to apply for a mortgage to be pre-approved. This time can be in person, on the telephone or even on the internet.

To apply, you’ll need to gather a bit of information: i.e. your last two pay stubs, your last two year’s w’2s or tax returns, your last two months bank statements, divorce decree, child support court order, bankruptcy paperwork if applicable and perhaps even more depending on your individual circumstance.

You’re probably wondering why all that information’s needed!

As your mortgage advisor I’ll more than likely have the most complete understanding than almost anyone else in your life of your financial profile. This information is needed for a variety of reasons including to determine how much debt you have in relationship to your income, do you have stability of income, what is your credit history and much, much more. What I am not doing is passing any personal judgment about any part of your financial profile. My goal is to help you find the best fit when it comes to a mortgage and to get an approval that you are happy and comfortable with.

To be continued …

Contact Marianne Lane, Coldwell Banker Mortgage, at 540-915-3015 or marianne.lane@mortgagefamily.com with any questions or to apply for a mortgage.

Author:
Marianne Lane, Mortgage Advisor
540-915-3015 office
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Virginia Tech Duck Pond in Autumn

2009-10-29T13:54:21+00:00

I had forgotten about the Duck Pond located on the Virginia Tech campus here in Blacksburg. My husband and I decided to take a stroll around the pond while out hiking last weekend.

I also had forgotten what a little gem it really is. The Duck Pond which was created in 1937 was bustling with activity. It is home to numerous ducks and geese and is also a great place to fish. Picnicking is a common activity since there are grills, tables, and benches throughout the trail.

While there we saw bikers, walkers, and joggers. We even stumbled upon a photographer capturing a bride & groom amidst the autumn foliage. Beautiful!

I am often reminded by outsiders about Blacksburg’s bounty of unique scenery. I’m glad we remembered the Duck Pond and took time to take a stroll. It’s an appealing place to visit in any season.

Author:
Susanna Lilly, REALTOR�
540.320.9444 cell
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Curb Appeal: The House Around the Corner

2009-10-28T14:35:59+00:00

I remember a house just around the corner from where I grew up. Every time I walked by, I’d feel compelled to walk up to the door and ask if I could come inside. I didn’t know then what it was that drew me in, but now I do.

I ran across a picture of that house in my parent’s photo album, and I looked very closely at what was so appealing about that house. What I noticed most was that the siding, the shutters, the front door and the roof were all fresh looking, and that the shrubs were perfectly manicured and symmetrical. There were also decorative, size appropriate planters with pops of color, an adorable bird feeder hanging from a tree limb, and white wicker chairs on either side of the door. Even the lawn seemed to always have those lines that indicate it was recently mown.

So what was it that made me want to run inside? It was an inviting, welcoming first impression. It was easy for me to imagine myself rocking in those chairs, refilling the birdfeeder, arranging geraniums in the planters. It was easy to imagine how nice it must be on the inside. That must be why it sold within a week of going on the market, and that was before the Internet!

Here are two pictures– a before and after showing what a difference curb appeal makes.

Before the makeover, the house sat on the market for 6 months with very little showing activity. At the recommendation of the agent, the seller consulted with a staging professional on how to make the home more marketable on a budget of $500. The seller did the work himself and spent $465 on materials/paint, etc. The agent re-listed the house for $7,500 more than the original before-makeover price and the house sold in a week, resulting in a nice 1500% return on investment!

If you are considering selling your home, feel free to contact me for a no-obligation Curb Appeal Consultation.

Stay tuned for a detailed checklist of Low to No Cost Curb Appeal Must-Dos.

Author:
Rachel Anker-Johnson, REALTOR�
540.641.2241 cell
540.552.6500 office
540.552.2635 fax
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The Mortgage Application Process: Part 1 of a 5 Part Series

2009-10-26T16:38:22+00:00

You’ve been out looking at homes, or maybe haven’t looked yet but have decided the time is right to buy. And, like most folks, you will need a mortgage to make the purchase happen. Even if you’ve gone through the process before – applying for a mortgage can be a bit daunting. The changes (read tightening) of credit have made much of what has been the way in the past, the way of the past for all the right reasons.

Where do you begin? The first step is to consult a mortgage professional. Your friends and family are all good sources for contacts but a better source is your REALTOR…they’ve quite a bit of experience with lenders and can guide you to someone who will take care of you - like family.

Make a telephone call to the mortgage professional. These are things to consider: If you get voice mail is your call returned promptly. Are they pleasant? Do they ask questions and make you feel comfortable? These are important considerations for both now and as you get further along in the process.

I , in turn try to use this phone time to get a feel for what you, the potential client is trying to achieve, and what locality and price range you will not only be able to afford but you will be comfortable with. In other words, what avenue will not only help you achieve your goals but be right for you.

For information or to apply for a mortgage please contact Marianne Lane at Coldwell Banker Mortgage.

Author:
Marianne Lane, Mortgage Advisor
540-915-3015 office
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