Keep Your House Ready to Show

The last week or two, I've shown a lot of homes on the market in Loveland and our Northern Colorado area.  This business goes in spurts and "showing" has been heavy recently.  Buyers want to "buy".

My point in this blog:  Most owners are going the extra mile to be sure their properties are sparkling clean, uncluttered, well-maintained and ready with 20 minutes notice.  A shabby unkempt home is quickly dismissed.  If you are a seller today, make sure your home looks its best.  Today's buyers are very picky!

Whether you're buying, selling or just exploring your options,

Let's Talk

970-215-1776

HOME INSPECTIONS

I remember when home inspections became a part of our real estate Buy/Sell Contracts a few years ago – actually quite a few years ago.

It was a good idea… a way for buyers to examine the home they had chosen with more thoroughness.  The contract inspection clause allowed them to ask for corrections and even to walk away for little to no reason.

In a fast market buyers only fussed about ‘big’ things.  In a slower market, the inspection clause became an invitation to renegotiate.  In my opinion the clause was never intended to turn a 1950’s home into a brand new home.  I believe our free market system will correct extremes in either direction. 

Inspections are important.  If they reveal problems Sellers weren’t aware of or Buyers couldn’t see in a casual walk thru, I believe the contract should address those issues.  A common sense attitude of Inspectors and Brokers is helpful in guiding this process.

Inspections protect both Buyers and Sellers.  They are a good thing.  Use them wisely.

     Sellers: Be honest and forth right on your Seller’s Property Disclosure

     Buyers: Don’t be greedy and/or picky

Remember the Golden Rule

Whether you're buying, selling, or just considering your options,

Let's Talk

970.215.1776

NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE

April 28-29 is National Open House, so let’s talk about that for a minute…. 

An open house is a great way to advertise your home to the public and offer prospective buyers the opportunity to see the inside without an appointment.  Getting ready takes some effort, but here’s what I recommend:

• Clean and de-clutter the whole house.
• Manicure the lawn and sweep the porches.
• Start a crock-pot of chicken soup.
• Leave!

People will feel awkward in your home if you’re there.  So plan a day in the mountains, and let us do what we do best – show and sell your home!

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just considering your options,

Let’s Talk

970-215-1776

Signs of Spring!

The real estate market seems to know it is spring -- and so does my yard.  There has been a very real quickening of home sales.  After a very "pokey" winter, I'm enjoying being busy again ... at the office and in my yard.

If listing your home for sale is in your spring plans, it's a good idea to get your yard spruced up.  A lovely yard means $$ in your pocket on closing day!

Whether you're buying, selling, or just considering your options,

Let's Talk

970.215.1776

"Savers" / "The Prepared"

Are you a "saver"?  Have you always lived conservatively within your means?  Always setting a little aside for a rainy day?  Built a strong credit history?

Today's housing market may have some investment value to you.  You are exactly the person these skittish banks want to lend money to these days.  Home prices are pretty flat and there are Sellers needing to move NOW.  Foreclosures are producing tenants who need a home for their family to rent while they straighten out their finances.

If you chose to invest in real estate during this time, keep your good financial habits.  Be conservative.  Be willing to make several offers in order to find the right motivated Seller.  Make a substantial down payment resulting in a mortgage payment that will be well covered by expected rent.  Plan for unexpected repairs.  Be prepared to hold this investment for 2-4 years -- not 6 months.

We all have our biases and mine is that Loveland real estate will be back strong as ever.  I'll be here!

Let's Talk

970-215-1776

Low Inventory

When real estate brokers have to scramble to find homes to show a family, we call the situation “low inventory.” That’s where we are these days!

By the time you take the family’s needs into consideration – price range, town or country, beds and baths, preferred age, preferred floor plan – there is not much choice. Many families don’t want to tackle a beat-up home or wait for a short sale. These factors limit the choice even more.

These families have carefully researched past sales and don’t even consider overpriced properties. They are just too cautious. They don’t seem to expect any quick appreciation, so they want to feel safe in the price they pay.

Usually spring brings lots of new inventory so …. If you know you want to make a move this year, you might want to “beat the rush” and get your home on the market soon!

Let’s Talk

970-215-1776

A Winter Walk

I live in the old part of Loveland and I take a walk every day – even when my sidewalks and streets are icy and snow packed. If you are a walker, you know the challenge. I think a winter walk on icy streets is a great analogy to life.

You have to decide on your route. Where will there be the longest stretches of good dry street. Don’t even think about not walking that day because once you get started it goes pretty good even on a bad day. You have to look ahead, of course; but don’t look too far ahead. If you keep moving, the bad spot you noticed up ahead looks less formidable as you get closer. Sure enough, when you get there you find some little dry spots that you couldn’t see from a distance. Pick your way through and away you go again.

Isn’t it funny how much this mirrors life.

Give me a call and

Let’s Talk Real Estate

(970)215-1776