Real Estate News You Can Use

Brought to you by: Randy Elgin
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May 2009

How to Make Sure Your Home Is Priced to Sell

Pricing right is one of the most important aspects to selling a home.

Price too low, and you are leaving hard-earned money on the table or worse...you can actually create a reverse incentive for buyers to view the home since they may assume the property is in need of extensive repairs. Price too high, and the listing will languish on the market until everyone grows bored of seeing it.

Use these simple steps to obtain a ballpark figure on finding the right price for your home.

Obtain current comparable estimates. If you live in a neighborhood with similar-sized homes, try to find a recent sales example and then extrapolate the price per square foot to derive a rough rule of thumb. Increase or decrease the estimate based upon condition, age, upgrades and other amenities.

Include income potential. If the property is capable of generating an income via rental or other ventures, then use the profit potential of the property to estimate the return on investment or ROI. Most investors expect an ROI at or above the safe, headache-free option of investing in Treasury bonds.

Get a second opinion. Work with a real estate agent who specializes in that location to provide valuable feedback and a second opinion. Remember, if you expect a fast sale then search for all available properties and then plan to price your home near the bottom range of the properties currently listed and sold in the area.

Don't Make These 4 Home Buyers Blunders

Buying a home needn't be a high-risk venture. With a little planning, preparation and the use of a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can avoid these common buying blunders.

Procrastination

How many times have you called on a property only to learn it was already under contract? It happens more often than you might realize, especially for the biggest bargains or areas in high demand.

Working with a real estate agent allows you to make your buying preferences clearly defined and then be automatically notified once a property that meets your expectations is listed.

Budgeting

Find out how much home you can afford by getting pre-qualified and pre-approved by the bank. Not only does it send the message that you are a serious buyer who is willing and able to close on the right property, it can also help the broker negotiate other terms, such closing costs, on your behalf to make the deal work.

Assumptions

Never assume that the taxes and insurance quotes for a property will remain the same after purchasing.

Property or homeowners insurance also involves your independent credit score as well as the history of the home and its condition.

Likewise, property taxes are often years behind or may have a cap placed upon them if the property was eligible for homestead exemption or other special limitations placed on tax increases. Always obtain at least three independent insurance quotes on a property and obtain a newly revised estimate for property taxes before making a final offer.

Skipping Inspections

A complete, independent inspection is one of the best investments you might ever make, especially when it comes to purchasing a home.

Whether the home is brand new or 100 years old, always invest in an inspection to prevent costly repairs and other hazards.

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.

 
How to Stay Optimistic on the Gloomiest of Days

"When it comes to bad news, we’ve never had it so bad." That sentiment by Laurence Shorter, author of The Optimist: One Man’s Search for the Brighter Side of Life, sums up the way most people are feeling given today’s uncertain economic situation and foreboding future.

Unfortunately, excess worry and a pessimistic attitude are associated with everything from poor health to bad business deals. Fortunately, it’s possible to remain positive by learning how to overcome negativity and take control of your health, happiness and home with these quick tips:

Count Your Blessings: That old advice your grandparents gave you really does work! They lived through world wars, economic turmoil and other hardships, so perhaps there really is something to be said about remaining grateful for what is going right rather than merely focusing on what is going wrong.

Do Something for Others: Those that give of themselves know it truly is more blessed to give than receive; somehow it tends to put things into perspective and allows us to become more open to the friendship of others.

Make Time for What Matters: Family, friends and the simple pleasures of life take on greater importance than ever when times are tough. Make the most of what life has to offer by setting aside quality time to spend with loved ones.

Take a Time-Out: Allow yourself to take personal time when you need it; whether you go for a walk or splurge on a little something special, remember that you are only human.

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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