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Real Estate News You Can Use
Brought to you by: Randy Elgin
Click "Here" to Contact Me | July 2009 |
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Why Now Might Be the Time to Get Into the Housing Market
Rising unemployment, sluggish real estate values and uncertain economic times may not seem like criteria for buying a home, but upon closer inspection it could prove to be the winning combination. Here's why.
Tightening Credit Standards: Credit isn’t as easy to come by as it once was, and it’s expected to get even worse as banks attempt to cut losses. Even if home prices remain stable, rising interest rates could add hundreds of dollars to monthly mortgage payments. Consider locking in prices by obtaining a low fixed-rate mortgage before rates rise. It’s one of the best ways to protect your family from an uncertain economic future.
Taxes and Insurance: The lower price of a home benefits buyers in more than one way: taxes and insurance expenses are also lower. In fact, buying in an area that caps tax increases will likely lead to savings for years to come as you fix the cost associated with home ownership.
Better Negotiation: It’s a buyer’s market, so sellers are more likely to entertain flexible options or other creative ways to make a deal work. Distressed homeowners are searching for ways to seal the deal, and banks are even getting in on the act. While the media has made a big to-do about private partnerships to help eliminate toxic assets from the banks’ rosters, the sad fact is that the average offer from institutional investors is only 30 cents on the dollar. Short sales, option contracts and other lowball offers are increasingly entertained by both sellers and banks. |
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How to Make Your Home First Choice for Buyers
Thinking about selling your home but worried about the competition? Whether you live in a cookie-cutter neighborhood where every home looks more or less the same or you simply need a few fresh ideas to help your home stand out from the rest for sale on the same street, use these simple tips to make it the best on the block.
Tackle Trouble Spots
Like every home, yours has a few trouble spots that you have probably learned to live with.
Unfortunately, time might make the heart grow fonder, but unfortunately it rarely helps sell a home.
Have an independent appraisal performed and pay special attention to needed repairs, deferred maintenance and any "ugly" areas.
Invest in fresh paint, plants and other quick fixes designed to enhance curb appeal.
Find a Focal Point
Make sure there is something memorable about your home from the moment prospective buyers see the front door until they leave.
Avoid candles, fresh flowers or other potential allergy or chemical sensitivity triggers and opt for neutral yet elegant décor or decorations instead. Every room should capture attention while inviting visitors to explore.
Make It Theirs
Remember, attract - don’t detract. Clear clutter and make sure each room is open enough that buyers are able to envision their belongings in the room – not yours.
Neutral colors, natural lighting and a casual ambiance combined with simple yet inspiring plants, paintings or other props help create a “special spot” they will want to call home.
Price It Right
Buyers will often look at your house only if the price is right. It’s easy for them to compare the price of your house with the prices of others on the street, so it’s essential to make sure yours is priced competitively. |
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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. | | |
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Choose These Foods for a Long, Deep Sleep
Diet plays an important role in regulating sleep patterns. If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from insomnia or other sleep-related problems, try out these tasty tips to help get a good night’s sleep.
Milk: It’s not merely an old wives’ tale - milk contains tryptophan, which is believed by many to encourage sleep. However, if you are short on milk, try other dairy products or turkey instead. Even if the amount of tryptophan isn’t high enough to bring on the z’s, chances are the warm memories associated with a glass of milk before bedtime will be enough to set the stage for a calm and cozy night.
Melatonin: Meat is one food that contains melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the normal circadian rhythm associated with sleep. Every person and creature on earth has a natural sleep/wake cycle that is very sensitive to disruption. Unfortunately, modern life often conflicts with the natural rhythm of the body. Melatonin can be added to the diet in the form of a supplement for those in need of additional help.
Cut the Caffeine: Coffee, chocolate, cola and other products that contain high levels of sugar or caffeine often interfere with sleep cycles. While you are at it, be sure to eliminate all other stimulants at least four hours prior to bedtime and replace with slow stretching exercise or a relaxing walk to help work off excess energy.
Don’t Drink and Sleep: It’s also a good idea to reconsider alcoholic beverages. Although they may initially relax both mind and body, the high sugar content and metabolic effects often cause insomnia later in the night or early morning.
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. | | |
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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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