Hello and I hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July. Summer is here and many of you are looking at moving before school starts. Here is a piece of an article I copied I thought many of you would like to see. If you are actively looking for a home, I am pretty confident that your experiance is that you are finding the homes have multiple contracts. If you don't act quickly the home is already gone. Here the is the article to substaniate that. So, getting yourself pre-approved is the first order of business before you go shopping. Let the shopping begin. Have a safe summer.
Pending Home Sales Rise Again, an article from Realtor Magazine Online, reports that pending home sales displayed a sustained upward trend, rising for four consecutive months, according to the National Association of Realtors. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in May, increased 0.1% to 90.7. This is 6.7% higher than in May 2008. There hasn't been four consecutive months of gain since October 2004. "Closed existing-home sales have improved but are coming in lower than expected because some contracts are delayed or falling through from the application of new appraisal rules for many transactions," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009070101
Until next time,
God Bless
Patty
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Packing tips for moving
It is such an enormous job and overwhelming when it is time to move. Here are a few tips to help take the pressure off.
Follow these guidelines in packing your household goods:
Appliances
Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box
securely and put down a layer inkless newsprint for padding. You can pack several small appliances to a box. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Make sure the inside and outside of all appliances are clean. You can stuff the inside of some appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, with towels or linens. Tape down any parts that could come loose — the burners on
your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Wrap the appliance with furniture pads and tie securely.
Books
Use only small boxes for books — they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space. Use only small boxes for books - they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space.
Clothing
This is whe^e wardrobe boxes come in handy. You can move clothing on hangers straight from your closet to the wardrobe boxes. Clothing in drawers should be packed in suitcases or boxes.
Electronic equipment
Ideally, you should pack electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and computers in their original boxes with their original packing material. If this is unavailable, wrap the equipment in plastic bags. Wrap each piece in bubble pack and pack in heavy duty TV Box (25" x 25" x 25" DW).
Furniture
If you can take your furniture apart in any way to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Tape drawers shut where necessary. Wrap exposed legs (on tables and chairs) in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Wrap in furniture pads and tie securely.
Kitchenware
Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Wrap nonbreakable items in inkless newsprint before packing in a box Use cell packs to separate delicate items. Make sure you pack all the items you'll need for your first few days in you new home in one box, and label it prominently. You can only eat take-out for so long.
Mirrors and framed art
Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in bubble wrap. You can use shipping cartons for these pieces. Make sure you label everything fragile.
Hope this helps.
Happy Moving
Until next time
God Bless
Follow these guidelines in packing your household goods:
Appliances
Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box
securely and put down a layer inkless newsprint for padding. You can pack several small appliances to a box. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Make sure the inside and outside of all appliances are clean. You can stuff the inside of some appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, with towels or linens. Tape down any parts that could come loose — the burners on
your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Wrap the appliance with furniture pads and tie securely.
Books
Use only small boxes for books — they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space. Use only small boxes for books - they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space.
Clothing
This is whe^e wardrobe boxes come in handy. You can move clothing on hangers straight from your closet to the wardrobe boxes. Clothing in drawers should be packed in suitcases or boxes.
Electronic equipment
Ideally, you should pack electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and computers in their original boxes with their original packing material. If this is unavailable, wrap the equipment in plastic bags. Wrap each piece in bubble pack and pack in heavy duty TV Box (25" x 25" x 25" DW).
Furniture
If you can take your furniture apart in any way to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Tape drawers shut where necessary. Wrap exposed legs (on tables and chairs) in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Wrap in furniture pads and tie securely.
Kitchenware
Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Wrap nonbreakable items in inkless newsprint before packing in a box Use cell packs to separate delicate items. Make sure you pack all the items you'll need for your first few days in you new home in one box, and label it prominently. You can only eat take-out for so long.
Mirrors and framed art
Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in bubble wrap. You can use shipping cartons for these pieces. Make sure you label everything fragile.
Hope this helps.
Happy Moving
Until next time
God Bless
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Buyers, don't make these mistakes
Buyers, when you are purchasing a home, remember these 10 do's or dont's. Protect yourself from common mistakes.
1. Do make sure you are pre-qualified before making an offer. This will make your life much easier. Take the time to talk to your lender to determine your price range. This is one of the most important steps to take.
2. Do have a home inspection. Trying to save a few dollars could cost you more in the long run. A qualified inspector will detect issues that can be easily overlooked.
3. Don't limit your search to open houses, ad or an internet search. Many homes have contracts on them and/or have already been sold. A Realtor has the updated information that is unavailable to the public. This is the best resource to help you find the home you want.
4. Do make sure your Realtor is committed to you. Choose a professional who is dedicated from beginning to end with strong communcation skills. One that will keep you informed through the entire process.
5. Don't think there is one perfect home out there. New properties arrive on the market everyday so keep an open mind.
6. Do think ahead. Will your home suit your needs for the next 3-5 years? How about 5-10 years?
7. Do purchase adequate insurance. Advise from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.
8. Do purchase a home warranty. This is a mini insurance policy that usually last one year from close of escrow. It typically covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Your agent can help you with this.
9. Know your costs. Early in the process, ask your Realtor or lender for an estimate of closing costs. Title company and attorney fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as homeowner's association fees and insurance must also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to clsoing.
10. Do follow through with due diligence. Make a list of concerns you may have relating to issues....ie: crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Find out before you make the offer.
Here are a few tips:
take notes on each home you are looking at. rate 1-10
bring a camera
write down any changes you may make
pay attention to the surroundings...parking.....parks, etc.
visit the home different times of day
FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE
Until next time
God Bless
Patty
1. Do make sure you are pre-qualified before making an offer. This will make your life much easier. Take the time to talk to your lender to determine your price range. This is one of the most important steps to take.
2. Do have a home inspection. Trying to save a few dollars could cost you more in the long run. A qualified inspector will detect issues that can be easily overlooked.
3. Don't limit your search to open houses, ad or an internet search. Many homes have contracts on them and/or have already been sold. A Realtor has the updated information that is unavailable to the public. This is the best resource to help you find the home you want.
4. Do make sure your Realtor is committed to you. Choose a professional who is dedicated from beginning to end with strong communcation skills. One that will keep you informed through the entire process.
5. Don't think there is one perfect home out there. New properties arrive on the market everyday so keep an open mind.
6. Do think ahead. Will your home suit your needs for the next 3-5 years? How about 5-10 years?
7. Do purchase adequate insurance. Advise from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.
8. Do purchase a home warranty. This is a mini insurance policy that usually last one year from close of escrow. It typically covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Your agent can help you with this.
9. Know your costs. Early in the process, ask your Realtor or lender for an estimate of closing costs. Title company and attorney fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as homeowner's association fees and insurance must also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to clsoing.
10. Do follow through with due diligence. Make a list of concerns you may have relating to issues....ie: crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Find out before you make the offer.
Here are a few tips:
take notes on each home you are looking at. rate 1-10
bring a camera
write down any changes you may make
pay attention to the surroundings...parking.....parks, etc.
visit the home different times of day
FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE
Until next time
God Bless
Patty
Friday, February 27, 2009
What's brewing this week in spring odds and ends to do?
This has to be my favorite time of year. I think I say that everytime the season starts changing. Be that as it may, the weather is warming up enough outside to start thinking of fixing things, yardwork, landscaping, and getting your pool ready. Did you know that landscaping can add 7-15% to your home's value? So, here are some simple things to get started.
- Replace your porch light with a new fixture that compliments your home's style.
- A new mailbox and handsome street numbers will yield a great return on investment, plus just looks nicer.
- Keep shrubs trimmed, add color with plants and keep the soil free of weeds with mulch or ground cover.
- Give your front door a fresh coat of contrasting paint or stain. Paint the trim if you have a tight budget.
- Make sure the walkways are in good condition and free of cracks. Paint or stain concrete walks, steps and porches.
Until next time have a great week and God Bless
Patty
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