|
Real Estate News You Can Use
Brought to you by: Randy Elgin
Click "Here" to Contact Me | June 2009 |
 | |
|
Easy Touch-Ups to Give Your Home Curb Appeal
Spruce up your yard in time for summer entertainment with these quick and affordable fixes for the most common curbside complaints.
Pressure Wash and Spray. Start at the roof, then work your way down, to remove stains and dirt from walkways, driveways and even fences. Whiten and brighten the concrete, crevices and other corners of your home and yard to lighten the entire area.
Clear the Clutter. Trim and remove low branches and excess clutter to create the look and feel of clear, open space. Consider purchasing plastic partitions or other low-maintenance storage units to hide away trash cans and other unsightly items that add to the perception of clutter and detract from the beauty of your home.
Touch Up the Paint. Shutters, doors and awnings are all prone to excessive wear and tear over the winter months; make a point of touching up the paint. It's an easy and affordable way to revitalize the look of your home.
Add a Touch of Color. Bring in fresh mulch; then follow up with strategically placed flowers, potted plants and other enhancements throughout the yard. This will add interest while helping hide those tough trouble spots.
Create a Focal Point. The most successful landscapes incorporate a central element that serves as the focal point for the entire area. Use the same strategy in your own yard. Begin with something affordable and small like a garden bench or pond to add elegance and appeal. |
|
Chance of a Lifetime: Tips for First-Time Buyers
While the burst real estate bubble might be bad news for the economy, it could be good news for first-time homebuyers. In fact, now might just be the best buying opportunity of a lifetime. Follow these steps to determine where to begin:
Establish a Realistic Budget. Owning a home involves more costs than meet the eye. In addition to mortgage, taxes and insurance, wise homebuyers set aside a little savings toward maintenance and unexpected emergencies. Remember, you will eventually need to repair or replace many items in the home.
Buy What You Need. While real estate is often considered an excellent investment, it's important to only purchase as much home as you actually need. Bigger isn't always better; sometimes it's simply more expensive. Higher taxes, bigger insurance bills and more maintenance can eat away at even the best budgets. So buy what you need, unless it's wise for you to...
Plan for Growth. First-time buyers can also be too modest when it comes to purchasing their first homes. If you intend to begin a family, you may quickly outgrow the home. Plan for growth to ensure you will be as happy in the home tomorrow as you are today.
Understand Appreciation. Although you don't want to base the purchase of your home solely upon appreciation, it's important to understand how the future value of your home is likely to impact your ability to move up later in life. When the time comes to sell, rent or exchange the current property, a home with long-term appreciation provides greater buying options in the future. Search for neighborhoods expected to rise in value over time.
Work with a Reputable Agent. A great real estate agent or broker is often worth his or her weight in gold, which is why you will typically find that investors would never think of going it alone. Unfortunately, many first-time buyers are under the mistaken impression they can save money by helping the seller eliminate or reduce the commission. Research shows this is rarely the case. Most agents help negotiate a lower sales price and ensure that funding, necessary paperwork and other important legal considerations are all taken care of. |
|
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 a Sneeze-Free Summer with These Allergy Busters
Summer allergies are nothing to sneeze at, especially for those with potentially severe insect or food allergies.
Learn how to relieve summer allergies and rejoin the summer fun with these helpful hints.
Prevention
Avoid contact with known allergy triggers such as plants, pet dander and other common culprits by reducing exposure and eliminating possible contact. Cut back trees and keep areas where insects can hide free of debris.
Keeping It Clean
Keep pets and the household clean with frequent dusting, mopping and washing and by using a HEPA air filter. Cleaning upholstery and air ducts is also a great way to reduce watery eyes, asthma symptoms and other air quality issues associated with pollen, pet dander and spores.
Medication
Use an age-appropriate allergy medication that won't leave you sleepy, and keep a variety of gels, creams and oral and topical medications on hand. For more serious allergies, make sure to wear a medical alert bracelet and keep, if it has been prescribed, keep your EpiPen handy at all times.
Wear Protective Clothing
Invest in a lightweight hat, gloves, eye-glasses and other protective gear that will reduce direct exposure to potential irritants such as grass, pollen or plants. Remove clothing and wash carefully to minimize exposure.
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. | | |
|
| |
|
|
