Archive for the 'Home Improvement' Category
Home Renovation Scams and How to Avoid Them!
Posted by Lisa Herndon | Currently 1 Comment »
Our home is often our most valuable asset! If you are considering doing some home renovations, ensure you pay attention to the details to avoid falling prey to scam artists. I found this article written by Michael Sanibel of Investopedia on MSN.com and think it sums up the risks and gives great tips to avoid being a victim.
Scam artists are nothing new, but there are plenty of reasons to predict that even more of them will be around, due to tough economic times. Anyone who is not cautious and informed is a potential victim. Your best defense is a skeptical mind and knowing what to look out for when you hear about an offer that’s “too good to refuse.” Here are some of the most popular, and costly, home improvement scams.
1. One-time special
It’s a rare business that’s had only one sale in its entire history. The reality is that most businesses hold sales throughout the year, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. If a contractor approaches you with a special offer, ask for concrete evidence that the quoted price is lower than what they have charged in the past for the same work. This could include a past catalog, special mailing, dated price list or evidence of identical work for a past customer.
Don’t be pressured into accepting a deal that will expire before you’ve had a chance to do research, get competing bids and check references.
Related Posts: Agent Services, Home Improvement, Homeowners
San Diego October Events Calendar!!!
Posted by Adrienne Dimeno | Leave A Comment »
- Saturday and Sunday October 2 and 3 2010 from 9 AM to 6 PM at the Oceanside Harbor. Arts and crafts exhibits, food and fun activities in San Diego north county. Free admission. www.OceansideHarborDays.com.
Cardiff Surf Classic and Green Beach Fair – Saturday and Sunday October 2 – 3 2010 at Seaside Reef, Cardiff State Beach. This low key surf triathalon will include longboard, shortboard and paddling categories. Surf contest for all ages, including children under 16. Environmentally friendly green exhibits.
Dracula
- October 22 – November 28 at the Coronado Playhouse stage at 1335 First Street at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Don’t miss this exciting San Diego event. Dracula
Read the rest of this entry »
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The Optimal Way to Make an Open House Lead to a Sold House
Posted by Chad Basinger | Leave A Comment »
If you are going to be spending the middle of the day holding an open house, whether you are an agent or the homeowner, you might as well make it the most effective three hours possible. Similar to a professional athlete, you must put in all the necessary work before the actual game to make sure you have given yourself the best shot at being successful. With that being said, here is what you need to do:
To do List for when you decide to hold an open house:
- Make a professional looking flier ( I recommend Vflyer). Syndicate it to all the sites that Vflyer is associated with. It does not automatically syndicate to Craigslist, but we all know that reaches a huge audience, so fortunately Vflyer gives you the HTML code that you can copy and paste to Craigslist for a flier that will stand out above all others
- Print out these fliers and pass out to 50 homes in the neighborhood a day or two before the open house. Neighbors like to know what their home is worth and are curious to see what other homes in the area are like. It will ensure traffic during the open house, which always creates a lot more excitement than a Sunday home alone.
- Post the open house on your local association of Realtors website (here in San Diego, that is www.sdar.com, North County is www.nsdcar.com). If you are really ambitious, and since we are striving for maximum exposure, you can also call into the radio on Sunday morning to promote your open house. Inquire with your local association for more details
- As you all know, it’s all about exposure, so submit an ad in your local paper promoting the open house. Of course, social media is very prominent, so make sure to put it on facebook, twitter, your company website and any personal website
- Send out a quick email (you can attach the flyer) to your entire database informing them of the open house
- Make sure to have as much information at your disposal as possible, including but limited to the following: How to Buy a Home booklet, buyer net sheets, financing sheets, local area information….remember you are trying to sell the home, so you must be knowledgeable and enthusiastic!
Open House Checklist-The Day of the Open House
- It is game day and you should be fired up to meet all the potential buyers. Make the home as appealing as possible. Stage the home by doing all of the following: turn on all the lights, open curtains or blinds, open windows for fresh air, play light music, have a welcome sign (and a sign if you would like them to take off their shoes or sign into a booklet), something to make them feel at home such as a bowl of candy, cookies, etc, and some cold bottles of water. Give them every reason to want to linger in the home. While I realize you are trying to appeal to all five senses, be careful about the smell part. As much as candles or air freshener may seem pleasant, often times people are allergic or simply do not like certain smells. Definitely inquire with the owner if you are holding open their home. I have clients who specifically will not go into a home that has any smells, so don’t give anyone else a reason not to come in
- Once the home is staged as if it were going to be in a magazine, you need to drive traffic to the home. Of course, all the prep work noted above should bring a steady stream of interested parties. However, they need to know how to get to the property and in the process of putting up the signs, it will drive others to your place. Put as many signs up as necessary (somewhere around 15….but be respectful of local laws and ordinances) and in all the key intersections
- Without being overly pushy, try to obtain the parties information so that you may follow up with them. The odds of someone coming through the open house actually purchasing that home are not necessarily great, but there is valuable information that can be learned from independent parties. Use that information to price your home accordingly or make the necessary changes to make it more desirable
- At the end of the open house, make sure to return the house to how it was before staging it. This will most likely mean turning off all the lights, closing blinds and windows, locking doors, cleaning trash, setting the alarm
- Everyone wants feedback. Be sure to take detailed notes on all the people coming through so that you can pass this information along to the homeowner (and also to serve as a talking point for when you follow up with the potential clients). Homeowners will appreciate your input and know that you truly care about getting the home sold
Follow Up
- Provided that you were able to capture some information (remember, most people prefer not to be bothered when going through an open house, so be respectful of that. You will find a particular style that works for you), send them a hand written thank you letter or give them a call
Summary
Holding an open house is all about exposure and giving potential buyers every reason to want to come into your home. With that being said, if safety allows it, I would encourage you to keep the front door open to give that welcoming feeling. Let the visitors know that you’d be happy to answer any of their questions and give them the option of checking out the place on their own or having you give them a tour. Most will opt to browse at their leisure. While this is fine, you do hope to engage them in conversation and get feedback, so be prepared to have a lot of talking points. If nothing else, simply ask, “So, would you like to buy this house?“ This is sure to elicit a chuckle or two, lead to a conversation, and perhaps even a sale!
Chad Basinger, REALTOR®, CPA, CFP®
Exclusive Properties
858.997.3704
Related Posts: Agent Services, Exclusive Properties, Exclusive Properties Agents, Home Improvement, Homeowners, homes for sale, Moving Tips & Advice, Open Houses, San Diego
It’s Spring Home Maintenance Time!
Posted by Rachel LaMar, J.D. | Leave A Comment »
Spring is here and that means it is time to take care of home projects to maintain your home and keep it in tip-top shape. From the inside to the outside there is a list of things you can do that will make a big difference and make you feel great! To read more please click here: http://www.rachellamarrealestate.com/blog/2010/04/12/spring-home-maintenance-tips/
Related Posts: Home Improvement, rachel lamar
Ready to Move? Tips for Getting your Property Ready for Sale!
Posted by Chad Basinger | Leave A Comment »
Steps to Take in Preparing your Property for Sale
Sever Ties to your Home
- Think along these lines, “This is not my home; it is merely a house – a product to be sold much like anything you’d find in the grocery store
- Mentally “let go” of your emotions and realize this house will no longer be yours
- Envision handing over the keys and appliance warranties to the new owners
- Say goodbye to every room
- Don’t look back; look toward the future
Do Not Make it about You
Pack away personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers have trouble looking past personal belongings, and you don’t want them to be distracted. You want buyers to visualize their own photos on the walls, and they can’t do that if yours are there! You don’t want buyers thinking “I wonder what kind of people live in this home?” You want them thinking, “I can see myself living here.”
Get Rid of the Clutter
People collect an amazing quantity of junk, so much so that some may consider hoarding a disease. For many, it is hard to part with “stuff”, but try to take this approach: 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 (possible tax deductions) or throw it away?
- Remove all books from bookcases
- Pack up those knickknacks
- Clean off everything on kitchen counters
- Put essentials used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use
- Remember this: You will need to pack anyway, so do it now and get your home sold!
For those of you who can’t do this on your own, there are professional companies to help you organize. It is much easier for them, as they do not have a personal connection to your “stuff”
Clean Up Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets
Buyers are curious and have a tendency to snoop, meaning they will open closets and cabinets. What kind of message are you sending if these places are crammed, or even worse, things fall on the (now former) interested buyer? Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if everything is organized. It elicits the thought that you take good care of the house. For guidance, closets should be no more than 30% full. Without appearing overly obsessive, you may consider the following:
- Alphabetize spice jars
- Neatly stack dishes (not on the counters, of course)
- Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way
- Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction
- Line up shoes
Bottom line – show that you are neat, organized and ready to have a smooth transaction!
Rent a Storage Unit
Yes, I realize the first thought is that this will cost you some money to rent a space. However, the cost of not selling your home will be much greater, so make the investment. Most homes show 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. 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?” Remember, you want to create the illusion of having more space and putting your items in storage is one way to accomplish this.
Remove/Replace Favorite Items
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If a buyer never sees it, the odds of them actually asking for it are slim to none. Once you tell buyers they can’t have an item, they will covet it, and it could be a deal breaker. Also, if you are set on keeping a particular appliance, you may want to consider replacing it.
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 color
- Replace burned-out light bulbs
- Replace worn bedspreads and make your bed everyday
Remember, the buyer is going to have the property inspected most likely. You do not want to give the buyer any reason to not want your property. Avoid repair requests when possible.
Give your Home that Pristine Image
- Wash/Windex windows inside and out
- Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior
- Remove any cobwebs
- Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks
- Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
- Clean out the refrigerator
- Vacuum daily and make sure floors are waxed/polished
- 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. You want to appeal to all five senses
- Minimize the pet effect. Remove food bowls and litter boxes. Deodorize thoroughly.
Scrutinize
- Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you? Buyers will form their opinion immediately!
- Linger in the doorway of every room and imagine how your house looks to a buyer
- Rearrange furniture until it makes sense
- Make sure window coverings hang level
- How does your place “feel” when they are in your place? Give them reason to want to make it their home.
Curb Appeal
Buyers often drive by a property and decide not to go inside. Give them every reason to want to get out of their car and into your home
- Keep the sidewalks cleared
- Mow the lawn
- Paint the exterior
- Add shiny hardware to the front door
- Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion.
- Trim your bushes
- Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number
- Make sure the front door is appealing and easy to open
Additional Ideas to Consider When Staging your Home for Sale
- Visit model homes and look through magazines for decorating ideas
- Invite your friends or a REALTOR® over to get an objective opinion
For additional insight into how to GET YOUR HOME SOLD, please call Chad Basinger REALTOR®, CPA, CFP® at 858-997-3704 or email chad@chadbasinger.com
Related Posts: Agent Services, Home Improvement, Homeowners, homes for sale, Marketing, Motivational, Moving Tips & Advice, Open Houses, San Diego, Sellers
