Home Repair That Pays Off

These days, homeowners can’t simply rely on market forces to appreciate the value of their homes, nor can they simply write a check against an easy-to-get equity line to pay their contractor for various projects. Many who want to grow the value of their home are transforming into do-it-yourselfers, using their weekends and vacations to tackle home improvement projects.

In “Home Repair That Pays Off: 150 Simple Ways to Add Value Without Breaking Your Budget,” remodeling pro and syndicated home improvement columnist Hector Seda provides a comprehensive instructional toolkit and return-on-investment analysis for many of the tasks and projects today’s smart homeowners are taking on.

This is not the sort of book you’d read cover-to-cover for entertainment purposes. Rather, it’s a reference guide, the sort of thing you’d use to (a) help decide which projects to do, (b) decide whether you are comfortable doing them on your own (rather than hiring them out to a contractor), and (c) organize and carry out the projects you decide to move forward with.

In fact, organization is the key strength of “Home Repair That Pays Off.” It is divided into two parts: one devoted to maintenance and upgrade projects to the exterior of your home, the other filled with tutorials on interior home projects. Within the two parts, each chapter is designated for a specific category of home improvement project.

To wit, Part I, “Your Home’s Exterior,” covers exterior upkeep, landscaping, driveway and garage, roof, cleaning and draining, and masonry and foundation maintenance. For your home’s interior, Part II is broken down into doors, locks and hinges; windows; floors; walls; kitchen; bathroom; heating and cooling; fireplaces and chimneys; electrical issues; safety and cleaning; and, finally, small projects to turn your home into a more eco-friendly building.

Seda wraps up the book with two appendices: “How to Choose a Contractor,” and “Kicking Up Curb Appeal.”

But back to the organization I was just talking about. Each chapter is basically a set of worksheets and task lists. For each of the 150 individual home improvement projects he discusses, Seda also rates the project based on the skill level required, empowering readers to make informed judgments about which tasks they should attempt and which might be over their heads

Seda also estimates the time each project will take and provides a list of the tools needed — turning the book from a normal home improvement guide into the sort of reference Bob Vila wannabes should carry along with them on their Home Depot or salvage-yard shopping excursions.

Also helpful are Hector Hints: little sidebars sprinkled throughout the individual tasks with handy need-to-knows about how to select from the dizzying array of lumber types, how to ensure you buy enough mulch to keep your plantings from being washed away by the rain, and how to pick your polyurethane wood floor finishes, among other things.

On top of these checklists, time and skill estimates and the handy Hector Hints, this book also makes a mighty effort to speak directly to what post-bubble homeowners really care about: return on investment. Each of the upgrade and maintenance projects discussed in the book is also assigned an estimate of monetary return.

Now, the accuracy of these return estimates is somewhat debatable. Industry insiders are well aware that the return on any given home improvement project or home upgrade is highly dependent on the specific geographical region where the home is located, the time period between the upgrade and resale, the quality of materials and labor, and many other factors.

Additionally, many of the maintenance projects in “Home Repair That Pays Off” may not, in fact, generate a true monetary return but, rather, protect the value of the home from depreciating due to disrepair.

However, because the book focuses on small, accessible projects rather than trying to teach owners how to build on additions and rewire their whole homes, the monetary return estimates — even if not precisely accurate for every situation — do underscore the value of diligent, strategic home maintenance and small upgrades.

Long story short: “Home Repair That Pays Off” presents an orderly, helpful approach to many of the projects that frugal homeowners will want to tackle themselves, and provides a solid, clear education on projects that some homeowners may want to hire out.

Tara-Nicholle Nelson is author of “The Savvy Woman’s Homebuying Handbook” and “Trillion Dollar Women: Use Your Power to Make Buying and Remodeling Decisions.” Tara is also the Consumer Ambassador and Educator for real estate listings search site Trulia.com.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Week 6-Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

This week we’ll finish the room-by-room analysis of your home with tips on specific to the Stairway(s), Bedrooms, Bathrooms & Garage. If we can make these rooms shine, hopefully, the buyers will want to write up an offer. With all the homes on the market today, the best looking homes at the best value are the ones being sold. Let’s make yours shine!

Did you know, that as of this post, in the Montgomery tri-county area there are 849, 3 bedroom/2 bath homes priced between $100,000-$1,300,000 on the market (that 49 more than last week). Whoa, that’s mind boggling even to someone in the business. can you image what it is to a buyer? Sure we can narrow it down significantly by neighborhood, price, schools, amenities, etc., but if there is more than one house that fits your description, you’ve got competition. We’re here to help you sell your home so you can move on with your life and working together that’s just what we’ll do. So read on…

ROOM-BY-ROOM ANALYSIS (continued):

Laundry Room: A separate laundry room is a true asset and is one of the most frequent requests that a buyer makes during a home search.  Don’t hide this treasure behind closed doors.  Spruce up the room and open the door proudly for inspection.

65. Add a fresh coat of paint or put up cheerful wallpaper.

66. Organize all closets and storage space.

67. Remove all dirty laundry.  Keep current with your laundry or store all dirty laundry in a closed container.  (…maybe even hermetically sealed and welded shut.)

68. Clean and polish washer and dryer.

69. Consider adding an attractive, coordinated throw rug.

Stairways: Stairways should provide an attractive transition from one level of your home to another.

70. Make certain the stairs are safe!  Stair lighting should be more than adequate, stairs must be clutter free, stair railings tight and secure, and runners or carpeting tacked securely.  Remove any items from the surface of the stairs and store elsewhere.  Check the condition of the walls, and paint or re-wallpaper if necessary.

71. If the stairs are a focal point of the main living areas, carefully choose accents to improve the visual appeal.  If you have a wide, gracious staircase, emphasize this feature by hanging a few pictures along the wall.  Draw attention to a handsome lighting fixture by polishing the brass and dusting each small light bulb or crystal prism.

Bedrooms: Imagine for a moment that you’re in the “bed-and-breakfast” business.  How would  you change your home’s bedrooms to appeal to a paying lodger?  Naturally, you’d make up the beds with your prettiest sheets and comforters.  Maybe you’d add a vase of flowers on the dressing table or a cozy armchair in the corner.  Every bedroom in your home should invite prospective buyers to settle right in.

72. Large master bedrooms are particularly popular among today’s home buyers.  Make your bedroom larger.  Paint the room a light color, remove one of the bureaus if the room is crowded and minimize clutter to maximize spaciousness.  Aim for a restful, subdued look.

73.  A private bathroom off the master bedroom is a real sales plus.  Decorate to coordinate with the color scheme of your bedroom, creating the “suite” effect.

74. Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with plenty of closet space.  Try to make what you have appear generous and well planned.  Remove and store all out of season clothing.  Remove any items from the floor area.  This will make a closet seem more spacious.  Arrange all shelves to maximize the use of space.

75. Make sure all articles in the closet are fresh and clean smelling.  When prospective buyers open your closet door, they should be greeted with a whiff of fresh smelling air.

76. Make sure all closet lights have adequate wattage and are operating.  Add battery-operated lights to those closets that lack them.  Lighted closets look bigger, are more attractive and allow buyers to inspect the interiors easily.

77. Take the time to explain the importance of marketing to your children. Encourage them to participate in preparing your home for showing; particularly the principle of appealing to the widest possible market segment.  Ask your children’s cooperation in making their beds and picking up their rooms before showings.  Consider promising a special reward if they willingly participate in your house-selling goals.

78. Have them pack up any items that are not currently in use and donate unused possessions.

79. Remove any crowded, unusual, or personal wall hangings such as posters and store them until your house is sold.

BATHROOMS: Wise sellers take special pains with preparing their bathrooms for scrutiny by strangers.  The bathroom is a room after all, and a very personal one.  Prospects will inspect yours carefully, so be sure it is immaculate.  Cleanliness is the key!  Make sure all surfaces are spotless.

80. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and repair caulking, and remove non-skid bath decals that are in poor condition.

81. Clear off countertops and store all personal care products out of sight.

82. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly.  Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products.

83. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers.  Don’t forget the medicine cabinet: dispose of old prescriptions, and polish the shelves.  The same goes for the storage cabinet under the sink.

84. Remember to appeal to a wide range of buyers.  Play down dominant colors with contrasting neutral colored towels and accessories.  If your bathroom is mostly white or neutral, add a few cheerful accents of color: use towels in the popular new shades.  Don’t hesitate to buy a few new towels and rug….you’ll be taking them with you to your new home.

85. Scrub and wax an old floor.  Cover the largest area you can with a freshly washed scatter rug.

86. Decorate and personalize to create a pleasing, individual look.  Consider bringing out your best towels and perfumed guest soaps.  Add a plant for color and freshness.

87. A gentle hint of fragrance in the air is fine, but keep it subtle.

GARAGE:

88.  Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains.  Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc.  A clean, organized garage appears larger.

89.  If the area is dark, add more light.  If it is small and accommodates only one car, remove your car before buyers visit.  An empty garage always looks larger.  If you have a two car garage with very little room, remove one of your cars so that buyers can make their inspection in comfort.

90.  Get rid of anything that you don’t plan to move to your new home.  Place remaining stored material neatly in boxes, and position away from walls.

Our pledge to you, as a client, is to get you the highest price and the most favorable terms in the least amount of time and inconvenience to you.  Even in good real estate markets, the competition is tough. Our job is to out market all of the homes competing for ‘your’ Buyer… and, we’re very good at it. If you would like more information on our marketing and how to sell your home faster and for more money just give us a call or email us for more information.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Week 5-Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

This week we’re starting a room-by-room analysis of your home with tips on specific to the Front Entry, Living Areas, Dining Room & Kitchen. If we can make these rooms shine, buyers will want to look further into your home. The longer we can keep them in your home, the better they can imagine it becoming theirs.

Did you know, that as of this post, in the Montgomery tri-county area there are 879, 3 bedroom/2 bath homes priced between $100,000-$1,300,000 on the market (that 30 more than last week). Whoa, that’s mind boggling even to someone in the business. can you image what it is to a buyer? Sure we can narrow it down significantly by neighborhood, price, schools, amenities, etc., but if there is more than one house that fits your description, you’ve got competition. We’re here to help you sell your home so you can move on with your life and working together that’s just what we’ll do. So read on…

ROOM-BY-ROOM ANALYSIS:

The Front Entry: Whether a gracious proportioned center-hall or a small space just large enough for a coat rack and a tiny table, this part of your home deserves your particular attention.

42. Study your entry hall and ask yourself what kind of impression it makes of your home.  Dried flowers or a small plant can make a striking focal point on a hall table any time of the year.

43. Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a well-placed mirror to enlarge the area.

44. The prospective buyer will observe your entry hall’s flooring carefully.  Make sure the surface is spotless and add a small rug to protect the area during showings.

45. The entry hall closet is the first one inspected.  Make it appear roomy.  Add a few extra hangers.  Hang a bag of cedar chips or a pomander ball to give a pleasant, fresh scent.  Remove all off-seasons clothing.

Living Areas: Think of these areas as if they were furniture showrooms.  Your job is to make each room generate a positive response.  Add touches that make a room look truly inviting.

46. Sweep and clean the fireplace.  Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance.  You are welcome to have a fire going for showings during the winter months…. it creates a great atmosphere.

47. Place something colorful on the mantel, but don’t make it look like a country craft store.

48. Improve the traffic flow by removing excess furniture.  Have easy traffic flow patterns.  Be sure that all doors open fully and easily.

49. Draw attention to exposed beams or cathedral ceiling with special lighting.  Be sure to remove any cobwebs and dust.

50. Remove oversized television sets if they dominate the room.  If necessary, substitute with smaller one until you move.

The Dining Room: Avoid going overboard.  To be effective, any stage setting that you create should reflect the character of your entire home appropriately.

51. Set the scene by setting the table with an attractive arrangement.  Add fresh or silk flowers as a centerpiece.

52. Visually enlarge a small dining area.  If your dining table has extra leaves, take one or two out.  Consider placing your dining table against the wall.  Remove any extra “company” chairs.  Consider putting oversized pieces in storage until your house is sold!

The Kitchen: Pay particular attention to your kitchen.  This room continues to be the “heart of the home”.  A pleasant, working kitchen is near the top of most buyers’ list of priorities and is a room that buyers always scrutinize closely.

53. Avoid Clutter!  Clean counters of small appliances and store whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work spaces.

54. Check the counter top around your sink, and remove any detergent or cleanser, etc., that may be cluttering the area.

55. Sinks, cabinets, appliances and counter tops should be clean and fresh.

56. All appliances should be absolutely clean, bright, sparkling and shiny!!

57. Clean off the top of the refrigerator!  If you must use that space for storage, use baskets and bowls to camouflage the items kept there.

58. Set the scene with an open cookbook, a basket filled with fruit, a basket of silk flowers or a ceramic mixing bowl and wire whisk.

59. Create the aromas associated with happy homes!  Bake some cookies from premixed, refrigerated cookie dough, start baking a loaf of refrigerated bread dough or pop a frozen apple pie in the oven.

60. In the heat of summer, place a bowl of lemons or limes on the counter to provide a fresh and pleasant aroma.

61. Clean and organize all storage space.  If your cabinets, drawers and closets are crowded and overflowing, buyers assume that, your storage space is inadequate.  Give away items you don’t use, storing seldom-used items elsewhere, and reorganize the shelves.  Neat, organized shelves and drawers look larger and more adequate for prospective buyer’s needs.

62. Large, cheerful kitchen windows are an advantage and should be highlighted as a special feature of your home.  Take a critical look at the window treatment…is it clean, sharp, up-to-date?  Do the curtains need washing or the blinds need cleaning?  Would the window area look better without any treatment?

63. If you have a counter top eating area, set two attractive place settings with coordinating napkins and place mats, and place cushions on the stools.

64. Set the table for an informal meal with bright place mats and a generous bowl of fruit as a centerpiece.

Our pledge to you, as a client, is to get you the highest price and the most favorable terms in the least amount of time and inconvenience to you.  Even in good real estate markets, the competition is tough. Our job is to out market all of the homes competing for ‘your’ Buyer… and, we’re very good at it. If you would like more information on our marketing and how to sell your home faster and for more money just give us a call or email us for more information.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Week 4-Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

This week we’re focusing on the exterior of your home with a few tips on curb appeal and general maintenance to encourage buyers to look in the frontdoor. We want your home to be the first on the buyers list, and the only way we can do that is to outshine all of the other homes on the market.

Did you know, that as of this post, in the Montgomery tri-county area there are 849, 3 bedroom/2 bath homes priced between $100,000-$1,300,000 on the market (that 49 more than last week). Whoa, that’s mind boggling even to someone in the business. can you image what it is to a buyer? Sure we can narrow it down significantly by neighborhood, price, schools, amenities, etc., but if there is more than one house that fits your description, you’ve got competition. We’re here to help you sell your home so you can move on with your life and working together that’s just what we’ll do. So read on…

The Exterior: Check your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would.  Repaint or touch up as necessary.  You can’t make a better investment when you are selling your house!  Don’t let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on.

27.  Color has the power to attract.  A tub of geraniums, a pot of petunias, or a basket of impatiens on the front steps is a welcoming touch.

28.  If you are selling during the winter months, consider using a wreath of dried flowers on the front door.

29.  If you have a porch or a deck, set the stage with pots of flowers and attractively arrange furniture.

30.  Check to see that all doors and windows are in good working order.  Give special attention to your home’s exterior doors and front entry.  Clean and paint doors if necessary.  Remember that first impressions are likely to color the remainder of the house tour.

31.  Wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked windows panes.

32.  Screen should be free of any tears or holes.

33.  Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning properly.

34.  Check for loose or missing shingles.

35.  Invest in a new doormat that says, “Welcome”.

The Yard:

36. Make sure the yard is neatly mowed, raked and edged.

37. Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to compliment your house.

38. Consider adding seasonal flowers along the walks or in the planting areas.  Plop the plants into a well-placed wheelbarrow, an old-fashioned washtub, or other container.  Such standbys as nasturtiums, petunias, impatiens and verbena are easy to maintain if you only remember to water them regularly.  Try a row of sweet smelling alyssums to line a short sidewalk, or pop in some perky dwarf marigolds to form a cheerful oasis of color in your yard.

39. It is important to devote at least one area of your yard to outdoor living.  Buyers will still recognize a scene set with picnic table and chairs and respond positively to it.  Cover your picnic table with a fringed, red-and-white checked cloth, set out some plastic plates and glasses, bring out he barbecuing equipment, and buyers will almost smell the hot dogs cooking!

The Driveway:

40. The driveway is no place for children’s toys.  Not only are such things dangerous, the clutter is unsightly.

41. The surface of your driveway should be beyond reproach; after all, it’s one of the first things a buyer will see when he drives up.  Sweep and wash the driveway and walks to remove debris, dirt and stains.  Repair and patch any cracks, edge the sides and pull up any weeds.

Our pledge to you, as a client, is to get you the highest price and the most favorable terms in the least amount of time and inconvenience to you.  Even in good real estate markets, the competition is tough. Our job is to out market all of the homes competing for ‘your’ Buyer… and, we’re very good at it. If you would like more information on our marketing and how to sell your home faster and for more money just give us a call or email us for more information.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Week 3-Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

This week we’re focusing on a welcoming atmosphere with a few tips on atmosphere and staging to help your home welcome buyers in to look closer than the frontdoor. We want your home to be the first on the buyers list, and the only way we can do that is to outshine all of the other homes on the market.

Did you know, that as of this post, in the Montgomery tri-county area there are 849, 3 bedroom/2 bath homes priced between $100,000-$1,300,000 on the market (that 49 more than last week). Whoa, that’s mind boggling even to someone in the business. can you image what it is to a buyer? Sure we can narrow it down significantly by neighborhood, price, schools, amenities, etc., but if there is more than one house that fits your description, you’ve got competition. We’re here to help you sell your home so you can move on with your life and working together that’s just what we’ll do. So read on…

ATMOSPHERE: When placing yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home.  Keep in mind your sense of smell as you go through the check list.  Create the atmosphere of your home as a shelter, a place that is safe and warm, and in good condition.

10.  A clean smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind.  Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc., which may have adverse effects on potential buyers.  Remember that some people are much more sensitive to odors than others.  Smokers rarely notice the odor of tobacco that fills their homes, and pet owners may be oblivious to objectionable doggy odor.

11.  You can use products like carpet deodorizers, air fresheners, and room deodorizers; but the best strategy is to remove the source of the smell rather than cover it up.

12.  Unfortunately, often the only way to remove the smell of pet urine from flooring is to rip up the carpeting and padding and replace them. If this is preventing the sale of your home, don’t hesitate to make this investment.

13.  If smoking and cooking odors have permeated your home, have your carpets and furniture cleaned, and air out or dry-clean your drapes.

14.  Mildew odors are no-no.  Don’t allow wet towels to accumulate in hampers or dirty laundry to pile up in closets.

15.  Once offensive odors are removed, consider adding delightful ones.  Recent studies have shown that humans have strong, positive responses to certain smells.  Cinnamon, fresh flowers, breads baking in the oven are all excellent ways to enhance the property for sale.

STAGING: This part of preparing your home for sale is the most fun and involves the use of color, lighting and accessories to emphasize the best features of your home.

16.  Study magazine ads or furniture showrooms to see how small details can make rooms more attractive and appealing.  The effect of a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, a basket of birch logs by the fireplace, etc., can make the difference in a room.

17.  The use of a brightly colored pillow in a wing chair or a throw blanket on a couch can add dimension to sterile room.

18.  Soften potentially offending views, but always let light into your rooms.  Replace heavy curtains with sheer white panels.  Never apologize for things you cannot change.  The buyer will either decide to accept or reject the property regardless of the words you say.  Just present the home in the best way possible with complete honesty.

19.  Go through your photo albums and select pictures of your house and yard during all seasons.  If hung at eye level in a well-lighted area, the pictures will speak for themselves and give you yet another selling edge.

20.  Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes, etc.  Add lamps and lighting where necessary.  Be sure that all fixtures are clean and functioning bulbs.

Our pledge to you, as a client, is to get you the highest price and the most favorable terms in the least amount of time and inconvenience to you.  Even in good real estate markets, the competition is tough. Our job is to out market all of the homes competing for ‘your’ Buyer… and, we’re very good at it. If you would like more information on our marketing and how to sell your home faster and for more money just give us a call or email us for more information.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Week 2-Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

This week we’re focusing on sparkle and space with a few tips to help your home outshine the rest on the market. And that’s what is is all about, isn’t it? We want your home to be the first on the buyers list, and the only way we can do that is to outshine all of the other homes on the market.

 Did you know, that as of this post, in the Montgomery tri-county area there are over 800, 3 bedroom/2 bath homes priced between $100,000-$1,300,000 on the market. Whoa, that’s mind boggling even to someone in the business. can you image what it is to a buyer? Sure we can narrow it down significantly by neighborhood, price, schools, amenities, etc., but if there is more than one house that fits your description, you’ve got competition. We’re here to help you sell your home so you can move on with your life; and, working together that’s just what we’ll do. So read on…

CLEANING:

4. Every area of the home must sparkle and shine!  Each hour spent will be well worth it.  Would you rather buy a clean car, or a dirty one?  Would you hurry to buy a pair of shoes with mud on them? 

5. Clean all windows, inside and out.  This helps make the house sparkle.  

6.  Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs.  Clean and polish linoleum, tile and wooden floors.

7. Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary.  Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets.

8.  Clean and polish all light bulbs and light fixtures.

NEUTRALIZING:

9.  Be cautious about selecting colors when painting or replacing carpeting.  Your objective here is to make your home appeal to the largest possible buying segment.  Ask yourself, “ How many of the available buyers would be able to move into your house with their furniture and not have to replace the carpeting?”  Position your home on the market to be as livable to as many people as possible, and allow the buyer to mentally picture the home as theirs.

10.  Forget your personal taste… the “market” is always demand driven!  The average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting and bold wallpaper.  Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones.  Two coats of ivory paint may be the best investment you ever made.

SPACE MANAGEMENT:  This involves creating the illusion of more space. 

11.  Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible.  Consider removing furniture from rooms that are crowded.  If necessary, store large items.

12.  Pack up collectibles…both to protect them, and to give the room a more spacious feel.  Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch.  Dispose of unneeded items.

13.  Remove all clutter and make it a habit to pick up clothing, shoes and personal possessions each day for possible showings.

14.  Empty closets of off -season clothing and pack for the move.  Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space.  Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible. 

15.  Use light to create a sense of space.  All drapes and blinds should be open.  Turn on all of the lights throughout the home before the showing, and be sure to replace all burned out light bulbs!

Our pledge to you, as a client, is to get you the highest price and the most favorable terms in the least amount of time and inconvenience to you.  Even in good real estate markets, the competition is tough. Our job is to out market all of the homes competing for ‘your’ Buyer… and, we’re very good at it. If you would like more information on our marketing and how to sell your home faster and for more money just give us a call or email us for more information.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

Over the next 6 weeks we will guide you step by step through the process of preparing your home for sale to achieve the highest possible sale price in the least amount of time.  Our concentration will be in six areas: (1) Repairing, (2) Cleaning, (3) Neutralizing,
(4)   Space Management, (5) Atmosphere, and (6) Staging.

REPAIRS:
The rule of thumb is, if something needs repair, fix it!  There are probably many things in your home that you have simply become used to over time… things that you have been promising yourself that you will attend to.  Well, now is the time.  The buyer will mentally add up the cost of repairing all those minor flaws and end up with an amount that is generally much higher than what it would cost you to do the repairs. 

1. You might be saying to yourself,  “These repairs aren’t any big deal.”  But the buyer is thinking, “If the owners didn’t care for these little items, then what about the roof and the furnace” Needed small repairs and perceived owner neglect will either lower the purchase price or lengthen the time required to sell.

2. Check all walls for peeling paint or loose wallpaper.

3. Large repairs: In today’s climate of open disclosure and vigilant professional home inspections, the rule is “Treat a buyer as you would yourself.”  Repair any problems with major systems or offer an allowance for the buyer to make repairs after closing.  Always disclose anything that you know about the property.  Having been a consumer yourself, you know that buyers will more readily make a purchase decision with someone whom they can trust.

Our pledge to you, as a client, is to get you the highest price and the most favorable terms in the least amount of time and inconvenience to you.  Even in good real estate markets, the competition is tough. Our job is to out market all of the homes competing for ‘your’ Buyer… and, we’re very good at it. If you would like more information on our marketing and how to sell your home faster and for more money just give us a call or email us for more information.

Cheryl Ashurst, Realtor
334-323-1124 or Toll Free 800-475-2243 ext 124
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) & Broker Associate
Helping You Move Team with RE/MAX of Montgomery

Tips For Keeping Your Air Conditioner In Good Condition

Q: Does an air conditioner need any anything done to it once the season begins?

A: Yes, an air conditioner should have a professional inspection and tune-up annually, just like a furnace. (Many arrange to have both systems checked and tuned at the same time; fall or spring, it doesn’t matter.) Meanwhile, you need to clean your air conditioner.
-Disconnect the unit before you begin.
-Start with the coils. Dust and dirt act as insulators, reducing heat flow, so cleanliness is critical. (Continue this every month or so while in operation.) Central air conditioners have two coils. One, located inside (usually connected to the furnace ductwork), absorbs heat from the house, chilling the air and removing humidity. A second set of coils, outside the house, expels heat as a large fan blows air over the coils. A good shop vacuum should be up to the task. You may want to use a spray cleaner to loosen accumulated debris and dirt.
-Clean the drain pan. As air conditioners remove water vapor from the air, the cooling coil inside the house eventually drops below the dewpoint and water vapor condenses on the coil. As water accumulates, it flows outside the unit. Room air conditioners usually weep water out the back; central air conditioners usually drain through tubing to a floor drain. Keeping this drain system clean is a critical health issue. (A contractor can add a tablet to the pan that will keep bacteria from growing.) Make sure the condensate drain system and all filters and fans are clean.
-In addition, clean or replace filters each month while operating the air conditioner.
For central air conditioners, have a technician check the demand on the electric line and examine the refrigerant through a “sight glass” to identify if any contaminants are present. The temperature of incoming air and outgoing conditioned air also should be measured to assure proper drop in temperature; a difference of 18 to 20 degrees as it crosses the coils is correct in room and central systems.

RISMEDIA

Sell Your Home~Luring 1st Time Buyers~5 Tips to Beat The Competition

RISMEDIA, June 19, 2009-(MCT)-A federal tax credit of up to $8,000 is nudging many Americans into buying a home for the first time, good news for those trying to sell one.

Still, selling a home isn’t easy in most markets today. To get the typical first-time buyer to bite and submit an offer, a house has to stand apart from the competition – and there’s a lot of it, including foreclosure homes that are selling at hefty discounts.

One big thing working in favor of the traditional seller: A lived-in, maintained home is easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in than a vacant foreclosure. That has great appeal for someone buying a home for the first time, for practical and financial reasons.

“First-time buyers are skeptical of buying homes that need improvement. Sellers certainly don’t need to remodel the kitchen, but they want to make sure that their home showcases very well,” said Eric Mangan, a spokesman for ForSaleByOwner.com.

In fact, while nearly half of brokers polled for a Coldwell Banker survey last year found that affordability was the No. 1 concern for first-time buyers, 81% said move-in conditions were very important to these buyers. Only 7% said first-time buyers were looking to purchase fixer-upper homes that they could buy on the cheap and renovate.

Those feelings are likely just as strong today as lenders generally require larger down payments, unless the mortgage is backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Higher down payments means buyers have less cash left over for improvements, said Leslee MacKenzie, of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty in Burlington, Vt.

“They’re doing what they can to save for the down payment,” she said, and that will deplete some of the funds a home buyer would have for repairs. “They’re concerned about out-of-pocket expenses upon taking ownership.”

While foreclosures that are in severe disrepair can be a huge turnoff for a first-time buyer, some banks will make improvements to their foreclosure stock, fixing them up so that they meet FHA standards and a buyer’s needs, said Chuck Whitehead, of Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers in Southern California. These homes can be stiff competition for the rest of the for-sale inventory.

Never fear, there are still ways to outshine other homes on the market. Assuming the home is priced correctly, here are five ways to lure a first-time buyer:

1. Maintain and Stage. A home that has been taken care of throughout the years will offer a stark contrast to a vacant, empty foreclosure. “If someone is living there, the landscaping is not dead,” Whitehead said. “There is warmth in the home,” and that can go a long way in selling a property. “It’s all about the emotion, of having the ability to see what they can have.”

As with any home, a fresh coat of paint, decluttering and the removal of unpleasant odors can go a long way to making a good first impression. But be careful not to over-improve the home, because the investment might not be worth the cost.

2. Mention Up Front That You’ll Help Pay Closing Costs. Whether it’s in the marketing material or in the listing, this could be an extra motivator to reel a buyer in. Generally, there’s a good chance they’ll ask for closing cost help anyway, but it might pay off to be proactive and offer it at the beginning, said Heather Joubran, a real-estate agent with RE/MAX Central Realty in Lake Mary, Fla.

If rising mortgage rates have your buyer spooked, consider paying mortgage points to bring the rate down, Mangan said. But consider a buyer’s timeline for staying in the home before deciding if this is the most effective way to help; paying points generally makes sense for those staying in a home for more than a few years.

3. Offer a Home Warranty. First-time buyers are often coming from a rental, and they are used to calling a landlord when there’s a problem. To help them more easily transition into homeownership, provide them a warranty that covers major systems when problems arise, Joubran said.

4. Offer Mortgage Protection. In some cases, it might make sense to address buyers’ fears by purchasing insurance so they can keep up with their mortgage even if after losing a job. Coldwell Banker has such a program through its parent company, Realogy. Basically, the plan will make several months of mortgage payments in the event that the buyer becomes unemployed. “There are people with secure jobs who are still nervous. This can give them just a little more comfort,” MacKenzie said.

5. Don’t Snub Low Offers. Buyers know prices have fallen, so they’re being aggressive in their offers-sometimes extremely aggressive. But even if they come in with a shocking lowball offer, don’t scoff at it. Understand where they’re coming from, and try to compromise.

“My rule of thumb is every offer deserves a counteroffer,” Joubran said. “At least counter them back. It gets the conversation going.”

If they liked the home enough to make an offer, it’s possible you can arrive at a mutually acceptable price, she said.

Report provided by MarketWatch.com Inc. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.