Real Estate News You Can Use

Brought to you by: Randy Elgin
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August 2009

Sellers: The Secret to Making Buyers 'Belong' in Your Home
It's only natural for your home to reflect your personal style, but when it comes time to sell, what makes a house a home becomes a major hindrance. Learn how to depersonalize your home in order to obtain the best price.

Go Neutral: Unless your favorite color scheme is completely neutral, it's time to get out the paint and restore the color to something less noticeable. Eggshell, white tones and beige are good options. Don't forget the other senses - in addition to color, make sure that the smell of your home is also neutral. Never assume that what you find pleasant smelling will appeal to others. Instead, have your home professionally cleaned using an enzymatic treatment that neutralizes all odors, including heavy perfumes and deodorizers.

Minimize: Eliminate all unnecessary furniture, belongings and clutter as much as possible prior to photographing and showing the home. Not only does it allow people to see the property more clearly, but it helps break down the mental and physical barrier separating buyers from seeing the house as their own.

Highlight the Home: Never showcase personal belongings - instead, highlight the home itself. Tour the house room by room to discover the essence of each area. Create a beautiful view, ambient lighting or other inviting scenario that attracts visitors without overwhelming them. Eliminate distractions that identify the home as belonging to you while allowing them to see themselves living in the house.

Buyers: What Makes a Good-Value Home Today

Thanks in part to changing demographics combined with the economic downturn, a major move to get back to the basics is a hot trend in today's real estate market.

For those seeking maximum value at a minimum price, keep these essentials in mind.

Bigger Isn't Better: Bigger spaces are associated with higher utility bills, increased property taxes, expensive insurance and even more maintenance concerns. Instead of picking the largest house you can afford, search for the one with the amenities that your family will truly use.

Good Neighbors in Great Hoods: Friends, family and wonderful neighborhoods are major attractions. In fact, research shows that homes located in top-rated school districts routinely fetch 10% or more than do similar-sized homes in less desirable districts. Family-oriented neighborhoods with parks and other amenities are highly desirable, while empty-nesters can save thousands by searching for similar homes outside of popular school districts.

Fruit Trees and Gardening Are a Big Trend: Throughout the nation, high-maintenance lawns are giving way to eco-friendly (and budget-happy) gardens, fruit trees and other down-to-earth activities. Ask about HOA restrictions and the cost of water bills prior to buying with the intent of starting a garden.

Going Green Is Bigger Than Ever: From energy-efficient appliances to environmentally friendly building materials, green is not only "in" but bigger and better than ever. Save thousands of dollars by searching for homes that have already implemented upgrades like LED lighting and Energy Star appliances.

Entertaining: As the economic excess of recent years continues to drive down the market, people are interested in entertaining, exercising and even eating at home more. Focus on properties that support your interests and lifestyle for today.

News You Can Use is brought to you free by:

Randy Elgin
10999 IH10W; Ste 175
San Antonio, TX, 78230
210-232-2310
SaRealtyWatch.com

Thanks for reading! If you'd like to tell me what you think about this newsletter, or if you're thinking of buying or selling real estate, please get in touch.

This newsletter and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible for errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, which result from its use. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.
 
Enjoy the Best of Health with These 'Secret' Superfoods

Superfoods are hugely popular, but for those searching for the biggest bang for their buck, they simply can't do much better than these delicious yet healthy selections. Although less well known, the following provide enough essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to enhance your daily intake for a fraction of the cost.

Chia Seeds: Rich in calcium, iron and protein, Chia seeds are also one of the few non-fish sources of omega fatty acids, making them the perfect solution for vegetarians or those allergic to fish.

Maca Powder: Used to enhance libido and aid in healing, maca powder has long been used in South America. Modern scientists confirm the presence of four alkaloids that directly affect the endocrine system and boost metabolism.

Hemp Seeds: A distant relative of marijuana, hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years. Packed full of protein, essential fatty acids, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and dietary fiber, hemp provides a powerhouse of nutrition when sprinkled into drinks or other foods.

Flaxseeds: An oldie but a goodie, flaxseeds have been all but forgotten; a big mistake, considering that flax is so high in lignans, fiber and essential amino acids. Originally cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, flaxseeds enhance the body's ability to digest and absorb vitamins and minerals.

Camu Camu Powder: Containing more vitamin C than any other food product in the world, the camu camu plant is also an excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium, thiamine, leucine and valine.

Wondering How Much Your Home is Worth?

If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, I'll be able to help.

Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.

I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.

I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.

And maybe I'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!

Just give my office a call at 210-232-2310 to arrange an appointment.

 
 

Putting Your House Up For Sale? Get These Essential Tips

If you want to get the best price for your house, it's essential to prepare it for sale. Homes that have been "staged" go for a lot more money… and sell much more quickly, too.

To give you a head start, get my free guide, "50 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Speedy, Top-Price Sale."

Just call me at 210-232-2310 and I'll send it right out to you. 

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