Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Read this!

Prepping and staging a house. Every seller wants her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it's not luck that makes that happen. It's careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Seven to 10 Days

Here's How:

1. Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.
   • Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf.
   • Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
   • Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!
   • Say goodbye to every room.
   • Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.
2. De-Personalize.
   Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
3. De-Clutter!
   People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.
   • If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
   • Remove all books from bookcases.
   • Pack up those knickknacks.
   • Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
   • Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
   • Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets. 
   Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:
   • Alphabetize spice jars.
   • Neatly stack dishes.
   • Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
   • Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
   • Line up shoes.
5. Rent a Storage Unit. 
   Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"
6. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
   If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.
7. Make Minor Repairs.
   
   • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
   • Patch holes in walls.
   • Fix leaky faucets.
   • Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
   • Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
     (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
   • Replace burned-out light bulbs.
   • If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
8. Make the House Sparkle!
   
   • Wash windows inside and out.
   • Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
   • Clean out cobwebs.
   • Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
   • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
   • Clean out the refrigerator.
   • Vacuum daily.
   • Wax floors.
   • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
   • Bleach dingy grout.
   • Replace worn rugs.
   • Hang up fresh towels.
   • Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
   • Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
9. Scrutinize. 
   
   • Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
   • Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
   • Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
   • Make sure window coverings hang level.
   • Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
   • Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.
10. Check Curb Appeal.
    If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.
    • Keep the sidewalks cleared.
    • Mow the lawn.
    • Paint faded window trim.
    • Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
    • Trim your bushes.
    • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Don't Beat Around the Bush! Come Grow Roots at Tall Pines!!

Tall Pines of New River is one of the newest neighborhoods growing in the southwest area of Jacksonville, North Carolina!  Located two miles from New River MCAS, and about fifteen minutes from MARSOC in Stone Bay, there is no question that this is the place to grow roots!

The entire neighborhood is be surrounded by original "tall pines."  The builders and developer decided that instead of eliminating all the vegetation and wiping the slate clean, it would give the neighborhood a better feel in providing for a more established homesite, and I agree!  

Homeplans such as the Edenton, by 70 West Builders, will be planted in Tall Pines, and you'll be barking up the right tree with the features it has to offer!  Each home built by 70 West Builders will be beautifully appointed with granite countertops, contemporary style interior doors, upgraded trim packages, stylish designer cabinetry, exciting kitchen design plans, and "No-Slam" doors and drawers on all the cabinetry.  On the first floor of these homes you will find gas log fireplaces, smooth ceilings and crown molding in place as fun standard features!  With many energy efficient features put in place throughout the building process and the comprehensive warranty included with every home, you can be assured that these builders care about the homes, and mostly the homeowners!  H&H Homes of Fayetteville will also be building homes in Tall Pines of New River.

Are you ready to come home to your new home, minutes away from the beaches of North Carolina, but tucked away from it all?  Tall Pines of New River might just be for you!

For your personal tour, call me!  I would love to help with all of your real estate needs!  And I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

How To NOT Sell A Home? Bad Listing Photos!

Atrocious listing photos are an excellent way to insure no one will look at your home, let alone buy it!  If you've spent any time at all on the internet shopping for homes, I'm sure you've come across some pictures of homes and thought, "What the heck?"

I have!  This blog is in no way meant to be offensive, but merely to shed some light on the world of Bad Listing Photos and encourage sellers to think about how they are presenting their home to the world, via the internet.

You can have this home, creepy doll included!!

Multi-purpose kitchen- do your dishes and your laundry!

Either this ghost means business, or the home has a ventilation problem...

Wait....are we in the kitchen or the garden or...wait...what's going on here?

Always nice to see a dirty toilet.

They're all looking at you.  Don't you want to buy this house?

Yep.  This screams, "Fabulous Home!"  Not really.

Couch potato included!

"I'm too lazy to get out of the car to take a picture, but you can bet I'll work hard to sell your house," said no successful Realtor ever.

So, the alternate potty seat is on the trash can, why?  Just put your stuff away!

"I'm such a fabulous Realtor, I'm going to be in the picture too!"

"Fireman pole and party included in the purchase of this home!"  Liability insurance may vary.

Have you heard the saying, "Can't see the forest for the trees?"  This is kinda like that.  Can't see the kitchen for the clutter.

If you want to sell your home, take the time to put your home's "best foot forward!"  There are enough challenges as it is when your home is on the market, don't create more with bad listing photos!  Your Realtor should be providing professional photos to best market your home, otherwise they're not working in your best interests.  If you would like a referral for a professional photographer in the Jacksonville, North Carolina area, please contact me.  

I would love to help you with all of your real estate needs!  I'm never too busy for your referrals!

Staging Tactics for Home Sellers

Today, homes don't simply sell themselves.  The days of putting a sign in the yard and getting a full price offer are long gone.  To win the battle for buyer attention and the best offers, you have to play an active role in marketing your home.  Along with pricing your home accurately and competitively, you want it to present as appealing as possible!  After all, you wouldn't buy a car with dents and dirt on it, why would you try to peddle a home that it less than stellar looking?  It's true that first impressions are the most important.  You want your home to leave a lasting impression of warmth and comfort, as well as affordability to the buyer.  Here are some tips to help you do that!

•Check out the Competition!
Go to competing homes' open houses!  See how they are decorated/cleaned/staged and what features they have to offer.  Not the property condition and move-in readiness in comparison to the price.

•Shoot Sample Photos
Before you show your home to the public, take a look at it from their view.  Do you notice your family photos, or the toy box in the corner, or your collection of sewing thimbles on the wall?  Those are all items that makes it your home.  You may consider removing them to "depersonalize" the room and give the buyer the opportunity to imagine the space with their own items there.

•Eliminate the Excess
Simply put, if you're not using and you have to dust around it, pack it up or get rid of it.  These items are considered clutter and you will be doing yourself a favor to get a jump start on packing it up.

•Clear off Counter Space
When it comes to the tops of your tables and counters, less is more.  Clear off your counter spaces except for the occasional decorative or functional pieces (clocks or vases or flowers).  Remember, your goal is to help buyers see themselves in a home and they can't do that with your stuff in the way.

•Clean Inside and Out
Everyone thinks they know what "clean" means when it comes to their own home.  Here's where an agent or a professional stager can be super helpful.  Invite them in to get an outsiders opinion on how to make the nooks and crannies you've forgotten about glisten.  If a buyer can see cluttered closets, dirty baseboards, or dusty ceiling fans, they can start looking for other areas that will be "not up to par."  The best selling homes tend to have garages, basements, side yards and other outdoor spaces that are just as immaculate as their kitchens, bathrooms and master bedrooms.

•Dive in to the Trim and Details Early
It's tempting, when staging, to do the big jobs -painting walls, polishing floors, moving furniture - and to run out of steam and cash before the little details get handled.  Some of the least expensive home staging projects can carry the most buyer-impressing payload.  Here are a few details to tackle to make your listing standout:
   Clean or paint baseboards and other trim.
   Ensure locks, doors, and drawers work properly.
   Paint or replace outdoor accents like house numbers or mailboxes.

When all else fails, take your agent with you.  Arm her with a packet of post-it notes and give them free rein to stick one on anything that should be removed before showing the home.  Then get that stuff out of there!  Your Realtor should be able to recommend a staging professional or cleaning company to help you, should you need it.

If you need any further information, or have questions about selling your home, please contact me!  I would love to help with all of your real estate needs, and I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Is This Worth My Money?

So, how do you know that what you are offering is even based on a realistic amount? This a very good question and one that every buyer should be asking.   While there is NOTHING or NO ONE that can guarantee that today’s good value will be worth any thing tomorrow, you need to get the best deal you can today based on today’s market conditions.

Here is where to begin…

•   Search for comparable properties (similar sq ft, beds, baths, garage, age) that have sold in the community of the subject property within the last 90 days.  If there are not at least 3, stretch the search to 180 days.

•   Your competent buyer's agent should also give you a comparable market analysis report which should be very similar to your findings, as well as the current deed on the property, plat map, septic permit (if applicable) and tax record.

THE DO NOT’s…

•   DO NOT- base the value on the tax record or a "zillow estimate".  Both are un-reliable sources in a fluctuating market.  Nor do these two tools take into account upgrades, changes in the home or neighborhood or rental properties.

•   DO NOT- base your offer price on what the seller owes or what you think they owe.  However, your buyer's agent should be able to give you an "guestimate" on about how much they owe to help with your negotiations.

•   #1 DO NOT- work with the listing agent or builders agent as they work FOR THE SELLER.  It's in your best interest to choose someone who has your best interests at heart and can completely negotiate on your behalf.  The seller typically pays the buyer's agent's commission, so you're getting the benefit of working with a professional, for free!

A necessary tool in the homebuyer's toolbox is the appraisal.  The lender is going to require an appraisal and it can be completed during the due diligence period and the buyer should be more than willing to pay for it.  The appraiser will determine the value for which the bank will finance, and if the seller refuses to re-negotiate, so that the selling price at least matches the appraisal value, the buyer has the opportunity to back out of the contract, free and clear.

At the end of the day, a home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it.  But, until the last “i” is dotted, purchase with intelligence.  When everyone is well informed and realistic, you will have a smooth transaction with no surprises!

Whether you're curious about buying or selling your home, I would love to help!  I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Foreclosures Are Here! Jacksonville Real Estate

Foreclosures are here!

The current market comprised of foreclosure properties is an unfortunate situation for all parties involved, and is increasing daily. HomeTeam Real Estate has positioned itself with local and national banking institutions including national REO asset management companies, which allows us to understand the process more thoroughly, have access to more inventory and work more efficiently for our buyers.

What is a foreclosure?
Foreclosure is the legal process by which a bank seeks to recover the amount owed on a mortgage typically due to default. There are several stages in the foreclosure process:

• Pre-Foreclosure / Short Sale: Basically, when the proceeds of a home "fall short" of what is still owed on a mortgage. During this time, the owner may possibly have the option to sell to a third party for less than what is owed on the mortgage and the bank may potentially avoid a costly and lengthy foreclosure process by accepting this lesser amount.
• Auction: If the property is not sold during the pre-foreclosure period (if there is one), a public auction is then typically held to sell the property to the highest bidder. Foreclosure sales may include a minimum bid amount along with accrued interest, attorney fees and possibly other foreclosure fees. Typically, the property is purchased "as-is."
• Bank-Owned / REO (Real Estate Owned): If the property fails to sell in the pre-foreclosure stage or at auction, ownership reverts back to the lender.

Short Sales

• Mortgage servicers have 10 days to accept or deny a short sale request. After a sale is completed, the borrower could be completely released from debt.
• Borrowers are eligible to receive a $1,500 moving allowance, if they sell their home through a short sale.
• Mortgage servicers will receive $1,000 for each completed short sale.
• Investors who hold first mortgages can get as much as $1,000 for allowing second lienholders to release their liens.
• Second lienholders can get only as much as $3,000 in proceeds from short sale to release their liens.
• The property must be the homeowner's principal residence.
• The homeowner is delinquent on the mortgage or default looks likely.
• The loan was made before Jan. 1 this year and is less than $729,750
• The borrowers' total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31 percent of their before-tax income.
Source: Keeping Current Matters 3/2010, HAFA Guidelines

Avoid Foreclosure Checklist -- Homeowners' Options

• Bring your loan current and maintain regular payments in a timely manner.
• Work out a repayment plan.
• Refinance your home with better rates and terms.
• Modify your current loan with your lender.
• Rent your home and make the mortgage payments to your lender.
• Sell your home and pay off the loan amount due.
• Borrow money from a relative or friend to bring your payments current.
• Get protection under the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SMCRA).
• Enter into a Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure or "friendly foreclosure."
• File for bankruptcy protection to stall the foreclosure process.
• Sell your home in a "short sale" if the lender will accept a discounted payoff for the outstanding mortgage due.
• For more information about foreclosure laws in your state visit http://www.foreclosurelaw.org

For homeowners struggling to make ends meet or who can no longer afford to keep their mortgage current, there are options!  A qualified REALTOR® can help you realize those options, whether it be a loan modification, short sale, or other type of government relief.  I would love to discuss your options with you, or if you know someone that could benefit from a consultation, please let me know!  

I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Getting Your Finances In Order

A crucial step in starting your search for a new home is having a clear idea of your financial situation. One of the first things your Realtor will recommend is that you get in touch with a reliable mortgage broker.  By getting a handle on your income, expenses and debts, you'll have a much better idea of what you can afford and how much you'll need to borrow.  

For lenders to verify this information, though, they're going to need to look at your financial records. It is also important to remember that you should include records for each person who will be an owner of the house. So before you even visit the bank, make sure you'll be able to provide copies of these important documents:

• Paycheck Stubs
  Remember that lenders are most interested in your average income. Not only will they want to see this month's paycheck, but also how much you've been making for the past two years. Steady employment is also more attractive to lenders, so if you've been hopping from job to job, be prepared to discuss the reasons why.  Being in Jacksonville, North Carolina, most of the homebuyers are military personnel.  So, they would be asked to provide their leave and earnings statement (LES) and proof of contract (to show that you have time left in the service.)
• Bank Statements
  In order to qualify you for a loan, most lenders will also ask you for copies of your bank statements. Ideally, they'd like to see a steady history of verified income--or at the very least, that you're not bouncing checks every month.
• Tax Records
  It's always a good idea to save copies of your tax returns, especially if you're self-employed. If you own your own business, it's important to note that lenders generally consider your income as the amount you paid taxes on--not the gross income of the business.
• Dividends & Investments
  Lenders will usually consider long-term investment dividends, as well as your investment portfolio, when evaluating your income.  However, they are not usually necessary.
• Alimony/Child Support
  If you receive steady payments as part of a divorce settlement or for child support, you can also include this as part of your gross income. Just remember that lenders will want to see a copy of your divorce/court settlement verifying the amount of the payments.  As well as the converse- if you are supposed to pay alimony or child support, they will need to know about that.
• Credit Report
  Virtually every lender will want to see a copy of your credit report as part of the loan application process. The report lists all of your long-term debts, as well as your payment history. In general, they will require you to pay for the credit report (approximately $50), but if you have a recent copy, they may accept that instead.  It's usually best to let the lender to the footwork due to how it reflects on the credit report.

If you have any questions about how your credit should look or what you need to prepare for prior to purchasing a home, I would be more than happy to help or refer you to a reputable mortgage broker!  I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Why Carolina Plantations Is An Ideal Neighborhood in Jacksonville, North Carolina

Have you heard about Carolina Plantations?  It’s a new construction community off of Ramsey Road in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Conveniently located in the Carolina Forest school district and outside the city limits, you get the best of both worlds!  Great schools and low taxes!  Still only about 5 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville shopping and commerce, but tucked away in a quiet community featuring a dog park, community center, playgrounds, sidewalks and street lighting, and a community sewer.  

The design of the community allows for plenty of privacy with cul-de-sac lots everywhere and many homesites that back up to corn fields and woods. 

Featuring homes from Wynn Construction, A. Sydes Construction, Northstar Capital Group, Nolan Commercial Contractors, H&H Homes of Fayetteville, the look and feel of this community is far from cookie-cutter!  There are very affordable townhomes at around 1,000 heated square feet, as well as single family one and two story homes from 1,400 heated square feet and up.  

Gorgeous features vary between the floorplans, but for example, you can enjoy the expansive Sonoma floorplan by Wynn Construction with over 3,100 heated square feet, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, TONS of storage space, extra large two car garage, upgraded trim package, wooden shelving, coffered ceiling and pillars in the dining room, two story living room with fireplace and beautiful built-in shelving, all for right around **$1200/month!  (**Payments based on an estimated 30 year fixed rate loan at 4% for current market price with no down payment.  Should be verified with qualified mortgage broker.)

With over fifty floorplans from five different builders, the possibilities are truly endless.  Carolina Plantations in Jacksonville, North Carolina has something for everyone.  I would love to personally show you some of the great new homes that areavailable, or help you build yours from the ground up!  Check out our buyer's seminar coming up- there will be LOTS of great information for both home buyers as well as home owners!

I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!!