Wednesday, April 25, 2012
At agent reboot eating chocolate covered crickets
Scary picture taken in a house I was showing
Friday, April 6, 2012
12 Things You Can Sacrifice When Buying A Home: Tips 10-12
Many homebuyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 1-3
10. Single-family home
The old-school American dream involved a white picket fence and a home to call your own, but not every buyer needs that. Many buyers won't consider looking at homes called twins, or duplexes, which are attached in the middle but are two separate homes. The same goes for townhouses. With a townhouse, you can often get everything you want at your price range. Buyers can be reluctant because they have lived in apartments where you can hear your neighbors, but those apartment complexes have paper-thin walls. Thinking outside the single-family home can often mean a more updated home — even more space — for less. So don't automatically skip over townhouses, duplexes and condos.
11. A fixer-upper or project home
Lots of buyers just want to find a deal, they insist that they are willing to take on a project to get a deal. But when it comes to writing an offer, they don't want a deal. They want a home that requires absolutely nothing. Sure, a fixer-upper can be a bargain if you know what you're getting into. But generously estimate what it will cost to get that home ready to live in — and don't forget to include the cost of your time. Buyers should not to get too excited about foreclosures and short sales. Those homes are sold "as is," and the owners or others may have stripped the home of a lot of valuable things: appliances, plumbing and even kitchen cabinets.
12. Building amenities
Buyers think they need a lot of amenities in their high-rise condo building, but it's not always worth it to pay extra for those things. For example a luxury high rise may add money to the purchase price because of their high profile gym, but down the street might be a gm as well where membership is only $40/month.. Ammenities aren't always worth it
TIPS 1-3
TIPS 4-6
TIPS 7-9
10. Single-family home
The old-school American dream involved a white picket fence and a home to call your own, but not every buyer needs that. Many buyers won't consider looking at homes called twins, or duplexes, which are attached in the middle but are two separate homes. The same goes for townhouses. With a townhouse, you can often get everything you want at your price range. Buyers can be reluctant because they have lived in apartments where you can hear your neighbors, but those apartment complexes have paper-thin walls. Thinking outside the single-family home can often mean a more updated home — even more space — for less. So don't automatically skip over townhouses, duplexes and condos.
11. A fixer-upper or project home
Lots of buyers just want to find a deal, they insist that they are willing to take on a project to get a deal. But when it comes to writing an offer, they don't want a deal. They want a home that requires absolutely nothing. Sure, a fixer-upper can be a bargain if you know what you're getting into. But generously estimate what it will cost to get that home ready to live in — and don't forget to include the cost of your time. Buyers should not to get too excited about foreclosures and short sales. Those homes are sold "as is," and the owners or others may have stripped the home of a lot of valuable things: appliances, plumbing and even kitchen cabinets.
12. Building amenities
Buyers think they need a lot of amenities in their high-rise condo building, but it's not always worth it to pay extra for those things. For example a luxury high rise may add money to the purchase price because of their high profile gym, but down the street might be a gm as well where membership is only $40/month.. Ammenities aren't always worth it
TIPS 1-3
TIPS 4-6
TIPS 7-9
Monday, April 2, 2012
12 Things You Can Sacrifice To Save On A Home: Tips 7-9
Many home buyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 1-3
7. Location
Most cities have an inner ring that's more desired for housing – and more expensive. Most buyers think that's where they 'need' to live, but after they look at some houses there, then they look at houses only one or two miles away, they realize they can buy a house with more of what they want for less money and still live in nice neighborhoods and convenient locations. Maybe you love the idea of a walkable neighborhood, but you really drive everywhere. Why pay a premium for something you never use? The same goes for homes near public transportation. All that said, location is likely the most important factor in your home purchase. Make sure you won't hate your commute after a couple of weeks, that you're comfortable in the neighborhood and that you feel safe. Safety is not a good thing to sacrifice.
8. School district
If you're a parent, a quality education for your children is a big priority and something you should not give up. People will sacrifice a lot of things to ensure their children attend a good school. Some who can't afford to buy in a good school district will rent a home just so the kids can go to a certain school. But homes in good school districts do generally cost more, so buyers without children, buyers with grown children and those who expect they'll move again before their children reach school age needn't worry about the quality of nearby schools.
9. Updated kitchen
One of the biggest misconceptions is buyers think they need granite counter-tops and stainless-steel appliances. Buyers could pick the color of their granite and get top-notch appliances, all for $9,000. They would save money by not having the current seller install those items, and the renovation would take only a couple of days. Buyers see the homebuying and home-makeover shows on TV and think everybody should have granite, but that's something you can add later. It's like when you read fashion magazines and suddenly it feels like everyone else in the world is skinny with a designer dress. Buyers feel that way. Everyone else is getting this, why can't I have it?
tips 1-3
tips 4-6
Coming soon tips 10-12
7. Location
Most cities have an inner ring that's more desired for housing – and more expensive. Most buyers think that's where they 'need' to live, but after they look at some houses there, then they look at houses only one or two miles away, they realize they can buy a house with more of what they want for less money and still live in nice neighborhoods and convenient locations. Maybe you love the idea of a walkable neighborhood, but you really drive everywhere. Why pay a premium for something you never use? The same goes for homes near public transportation. All that said, location is likely the most important factor in your home purchase. Make sure you won't hate your commute after a couple of weeks, that you're comfortable in the neighborhood and that you feel safe. Safety is not a good thing to sacrifice.
8. School district
If you're a parent, a quality education for your children is a big priority and something you should not give up. People will sacrifice a lot of things to ensure their children attend a good school. Some who can't afford to buy in a good school district will rent a home just so the kids can go to a certain school. But homes in good school districts do generally cost more, so buyers without children, buyers with grown children and those who expect they'll move again before their children reach school age needn't worry about the quality of nearby schools.
9. Updated kitchen
One of the biggest misconceptions is buyers think they need granite counter-tops and stainless-steel appliances. Buyers could pick the color of their granite and get top-notch appliances, all for $9,000. They would save money by not having the current seller install those items, and the renovation would take only a couple of days. Buyers see the homebuying and home-makeover shows on TV and think everybody should have granite, but that's something you can add later. It's like when you read fashion magazines and suddenly it feels like everyone else in the world is skinny with a designer dress. Buyers feel that way. Everyone else is getting this, why can't I have it?
tips 1-3
tips 4-6
Coming soon tips 10-12
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
12 Things You Can Sacrifice To Save On A Home: Tips 4-6
Many homebuyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 4-6
4. Extra or master bathroom
Some buyers will insist on having an extra bathroom in the house "for when we have guests come." But when I ask how often guests visit, they admit it's "not that often." Buyers also insist on having master bathrooms, there are a lot of older homes that weren't built with a master bath. Instead hey usually have a nice large hall bath, and you can always add a master bath. Buyers also worry about resale. Will it be hard to sell a home if it only has one bathroom? Or even two? If it's priced appropriately, you'll sell it anyways.
5. Number of bedrooms
A lot of first-time buyers are looking for homes with four bedrooms. For one thing, homes that are listed as having three bedrooms may have an extra room that isn't classified as a bedroom, maybe because it doesn't have a closet. That space could be used as a guest room or office and meet the buyer's needs. Just as the extra bathroom for guests may be an unnecessary expense, forking over that extra cash to have a guest room for the occasional in-laws or college friends may not be worth it. Put guests in a child's room for a few days; kids love sleeping bags on the floor. Or buy a comfortable futon and let your office do double duty once or twice a year.
6. Garage
Buyers are just as stubborn about garages as they are about fenced yards and that many refuse to look at homes that don't have a garage. In some parts of the country, a garage is a need. But if you're dead-set on a three-car garage simply because you want the extra storage space. A detached storage building is a fantastic, inexpensive option instead of a garage, he says. So maybe a one-car garage will meet your vehicle needs, and you can look elsewhere for a place to stow that sports equipment and lawn mower. That's called compromise — and savings.
Next blog sacrifices 7-9
4. Extra or master bathroom
Some buyers will insist on having an extra bathroom in the house "for when we have guests come." But when I ask how often guests visit, they admit it's "not that often." Buyers also insist on having master bathrooms, there are a lot of older homes that weren't built with a master bath. Instead hey usually have a nice large hall bath, and you can always add a master bath. Buyers also worry about resale. Will it be hard to sell a home if it only has one bathroom? Or even two? If it's priced appropriately, you'll sell it anyways.
5. Number of bedrooms
A lot of first-time buyers are looking for homes with four bedrooms. For one thing, homes that are listed as having three bedrooms may have an extra room that isn't classified as a bedroom, maybe because it doesn't have a closet. That space could be used as a guest room or office and meet the buyer's needs. Just as the extra bathroom for guests may be an unnecessary expense, forking over that extra cash to have a guest room for the occasional in-laws or college friends may not be worth it. Put guests in a child's room for a few days; kids love sleeping bags on the floor. Or buy a comfortable futon and let your office do double duty once or twice a year.
6. Garage
Buyers are just as stubborn about garages as they are about fenced yards and that many refuse to look at homes that don't have a garage. In some parts of the country, a garage is a need. But if you're dead-set on a three-car garage simply because you want the extra storage space. A detached storage building is a fantastic, inexpensive option instead of a garage, he says. So maybe a one-car garage will meet your vehicle needs, and you can look elsewhere for a place to stow that sports equipment and lawn mower. That's called compromise — and savings.
Next blog sacrifices 7-9
Friday, March 23, 2012
12 Things You Can Sacrifice To Save On A Home: Tips 1-3
Many homebuyers begin house hunting with a list of must-haves. This is particularly true for first-time buyers who have heard that theirs is a buyers market. I've notice that my younger buyers really expect a lot, then they're disappointed with what they find because they had read that the market's terrible. In many markets, the best homes for sale are now getting multiple offers and selling quickly. But even in a market where a buyer can definitely get more for his money, why should he pay for things he doesn't need? Just because you can afford to buy a 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom home with separate butler's quarters doesn't mean it's a good idea. Wouldn't you rather spend that extra money on something else? It's good to know what your deal-breakers are when you're looking for a home, but you should also be realistic about which things you don't need. Consider these 12 possible sacrifices, and then decide which you can give up to find a less expensive house that won't make you regret your purchase. In today's blog I will examine sacrifices 1-3
1. Square footage
Most buyers want more space than they need, so ask yourself whether giving up a formal dining room or few feet in the living area is going to significantly affect your lifestyle. Buyers who dream of a 6,000-square-foot palace need to remember that every square foot comes with a price, one of the primary factors to base a list price on is square feet, so only purchasing those square feet that a buyer will use will help their bottom line. Plus, they will save on not having to heat, maintain and furnish that extra space.
2. Yard size
Many buyers, particularly men, want a big lot and a large yard, but in suburban areas getting that land costs disproportionately more. Plus the work required to maintain a yard — mowing, fertilizing, trimming and planting — and how much time and money it will take should be a major factor in ones decision. Some buyers may want that large yard so their children have a place to play, but kids don't really play in the backyard as much as they once did. No a days they all go to soccer and all these other places to play. As long as the backyard is level, so you can see where your kids are when they do play in the yard, then it doesn't have to be a huge space.
3. Fenced yard
A fenced yard is often on a buyer's want list, but a fence is an easy and often inexpensive post-purchase addition. Many buyers don't want to even consider homes without fences, I suggest to look at a few homes in their price range that don't have fences but do have more interior upgrades, you'll come around to the idea of adding a fence later.
Next blog sacrifices 4-6
1. Square footage
Most buyers want more space than they need, so ask yourself whether giving up a formal dining room or few feet in the living area is going to significantly affect your lifestyle. Buyers who dream of a 6,000-square-foot palace need to remember that every square foot comes with a price, one of the primary factors to base a list price on is square feet, so only purchasing those square feet that a buyer will use will help their bottom line. Plus, they will save on not having to heat, maintain and furnish that extra space.
2. Yard size
Many buyers, particularly men, want a big lot and a large yard, but in suburban areas getting that land costs disproportionately more. Plus the work required to maintain a yard — mowing, fertilizing, trimming and planting — and how much time and money it will take should be a major factor in ones decision. Some buyers may want that large yard so their children have a place to play, but kids don't really play in the backyard as much as they once did. No a days they all go to soccer and all these other places to play. As long as the backyard is level, so you can see where your kids are when they do play in the yard, then it doesn't have to be a huge space.
3. Fenced yard
A fenced yard is often on a buyer's want list, but a fence is an easy and often inexpensive post-purchase addition. Many buyers don't want to even consider homes without fences, I suggest to look at a few homes in their price range that don't have fences but do have more interior upgrades, you'll come around to the idea of adding a fence later.
Next blog sacrifices 4-6
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