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Archive for the 'Sellers' Category

Kitchen Tile Spruce Ups

Want to change up your back splash tile without the time and expense involved in re-tiling?  Take a look at this video demonstration of IdeaStix.  Looks easy and from what I can see, very convincing.  You can even change it up whenever you want.  Check it out.

Tags: Sellers, selling your home, staging your home

“Flat is the new up”

Are you nervous about buying or selling your home?  If you watch the news and listen to all that is being said about the U.S. Housing Market it’s no wonder.  But what you may hear in National news may not necessarily apply to your market and frankly undermines consumer confidence–especially in markets that are faring much better than the average–for instance Austin, Round Rock and other Texas cities.

The value of real estate is always based on the local, not national market.  As we wait for the upturn in the economy, as Travis Kessler, CEO of the Texas Association of Realtors recently puts it,  “Flat is the new up. There is nothing wrong with stability.”  The Austin and Round Rock markets, contrary to much of the country has remained stable through the worst of the down turn.

With low housing costs, low interest rates, the low cost of living, strong state economy and jobs (Samsung just announced 500 new jobs at their Austin plant) the Austin and Round Rock housing market has remained high in value.  So  now could very well be a very good time for you to buy or sell.

The point is, don’t pay as much attention to the national talking heads on TV.  Go local for your information on the market you’re interested in.  You’ll get a much better picture.

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Tags: Austin Real Estate Market, Austin Texas, homes in Round Rock, Round Rock Texas

Could it be a good time to refinance?

If you are paying attention to interest rates these days you will notice that mortgage rates are historically low–their lowest since the mid-50s.  Does that mean now is a good time to finance?  The answer is…maybe.  It depends.

• Can I afford it? Refinancing will cost you several thousand dollars.  You’ll have to weigh your savings over time against the fees involved in refinancing.   The longer you stay in your home, the more sense it makes to refinance.  Some lenders however can make those fees seem “invisible” to borrowers, touting that they’re offering a “no fee” loan by adding them into the the loan and charging a higher interest rate.
• What kind of loans are out there? There are several loans available and even though banks are not lending money the way they were 5 years ago, there are still risky loans out there so be cautious and go with a trusted lender.
• What about loan modification? Refinancing is not the same as “loan modification .”  Loan modification is for home owners who are behind in their payments.  This involves a reduction in the interest rate and a temporary break on payments.  Refinancing is a brand new loan usually with a different lender.

It could make sense to take advantage of these historically low mortgage rates to lower the amount of interest you pay over time and typically lower your monthly payment and freeing up a little cash every month.  Who couldn’t use that?  Talk to a lender.  It may be just the right time.

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Tags: Buyers, Living in Round Rock, Round Rock Texas, Sellers

Preparing Your Home to Sell — 6 Tips

Boost your chances of selling your home by following these tips.  You’ll get rave reviews.

1. Declutter, declutter, DECLUTTER! You want your buyer to imagine themselves living happily ever after there and that won’t happen if its cluttered with a lot of  your “stuff.”  Box up all the things you can live without for a while including knick knacks and personal photos and family portraits.  If necessary rent a storage space to store it in.  Bonus: it will already be packed and ready to move when you close!

2.  Lighten Up! There are people who like living in dark houses but your home will show much better with lots of light so open those blinds and drapes and turn on the lights!

3.  Staging – Stake out the Competition. Walk through a couple of model homes in your area.  You’ll see what a “staged” home looks like and get a lot of bright ideas to prepare you own home.

4. Define the space. No ambiguity here.  Highlight the use of each room.  Don’t let the buyer wonder what its for.  If you’ve got a room that you’re using as a/play room/office/guest room, decide which one it is and make it that.

5. Curb Appeal. Trim the shrubs, trim back trees, mow and edge the lawn.  It tells the buyer your home has been well cared for.  And for a pop of color, put a big pot of bright colored geraniums on the porch.

6. Give It The Power Wash. A power washer is a great tool to brighten up the exterior of your home.  Everything looks better after a good bath–especially walkways and garage doors.  You can rent a power washer from your local Home Depot or Lowes.  And just before a showing, hose down the walks and shower the shrubs and flowerbeds just before leaving the house. It gives everything a fresh and clean first impression!

Are you ready to sell?  Got more questions?  Leave your information here and I will contact you within 24 hours.

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Tags: selling your home, staging your home