The Buzz on Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:16:00 +0000

A Picture is Worth One Thousand Words

Guest Post-Stacey Hennessey

Real Estate Agent

Great photography sells houses. This is so important, I want to say it twice, great photography sells houses. On the face of it, no one would argue against the benefits of visually appealing photos. Yet many agents and sellers overlook this vitally important aspect when placing properties on the MLS.

As an experienced realtor, I have seen many listings that have been poorly marketed because the rooms weren’t properly lit or kitchen countertops were littered with small appliances,dish soap bottles, and knick knacks. A little effort will go a long way to improve your chances of triggering a showing because of great photos presented to the buying public. Here are some tips to prepare your house for being photographed in the best light. (Pun alert!)

1) Clean everywhere. The more energy spent making your home appear well taken care of, the higher the payoff with every showing. Properly lit photos will pick up dirty windows, worn rugs and fingerprints on stainless steel. Take some time to walk through each room and ask yourself, ‘what will the camera see’? Don’t forget this goes for exterior shots as well. Freshly cut lawns and shoveled driveways give the buyer a great first impression. And it is the photo doing the work of giving that impression.

2) Declutter every room. If your home office has stacks of paper,cups of pens and paper clip holders, take the time to stow all office products, and let the photograph do the work of illustrating a clean surface.

3) Floorspace-organize your living spaces. The camera will pick up whether or not your home is spacious. Such items as magazine racks,knitting baskets, and fireplace utensils can make a living room look much smaller because it ‘looks’ busier. Consider removing any bulky furniture the demands too much floor space.

4) Decor is always a sensitive subject, but in the interest of selling your home, it would be wise to temporarily remove hobby collections,especially if they are dominating wall space. Asking a picture to depict an entire room may mean eliminating distractions to the prospective buyers when seeing your photos online.

5) Cameras love light, and using light to eliminate dark corners will go a long way to improving your listing photos. When shooting the bathroom, using a portable light and placing it behind the shower curtain can add a warm touch to the photograph. And yes, the toilet seat should always be down.

Prepare your home for its debut on the market by following the above tips, and you will greatly improve your chances for a quick sale. If you are thinking of listing your home, it is never too early to get your house ready for the first impression which will most likely be a picture.

Stacey Hennessey

About Realtor® Stacey Hennessey

As a real estate agent who’s an expert in the Fox Valley area, I bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge about buying and selling real estate here. It’s not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information. I am eager to serve you. You need someone who knows this area inside and out! I can work with you to find the right home at the right price for you, including all the neighborhood amenities that matter – not to mention the essential criteria you have for your ideal home. When it’s time to move, you need someone who will advertise your home, show to prospective buyers, negotiate the purchase contract, arrange financing, oversee the inspections, handle all necessary paperwork and supervise the closing. I can take care of everything you need, from start to close.

Good News!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:05:00 +0000

Home sales UP! Market corrections are occurring across the country and our area is no different. The latest statistics, on the whole, should be viewed as a sign of confidence. Not all sectors are robust, but hey, real estate always proves to be navigable waters with the right information! Buyers and Sellers are on the Move!

Recycled Art-Weekender Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:51:00 +0000

Check this out! Have a great Weekend!

Morning Blend with TED

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:09:00 +0000

Getting started on a Monday can be a challenge. If you want every Monday to feel as good as a Friday, find your muse-court your muse, enslave yourself to it and turn down the volume of distraction. For inspiration visit TED. The best thinkers in the world are gathering at this conference once a year to share their insights. Unplug from everything while you listen to TED guest speakers. You'll be mesmerized by the brilliance unfolding on your screen. Gather information and inspiration, then spend it on your muse. TED is worth the bookmark.

Boomer Quiz- Name of Vessel?- Weekender Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:33:00 +0000

Who's online? Everybody and the 55+ bracket is using the Internet wherever they go. Read this article about the boomers and how they are using web. My mom is a very kinetic 74 year old. I popped in on her the other day; she was forwarding email and doing genealogy work online. Mom is engaged, vibrant and plugged in. I am happy the web is there to help her stay connected to her friends and fuel her curiosity. Go Mom!

a) Queen Mary

Who Needs New Construction?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:24:00 +0000

I always tell Sis, look for opportunity- it is always there! New construction is the way to go- if you're in the market to buy a house. Right now the lots have better prices than two years ago and builders are on the prowl for more contract work. Call your Realtor and get acquainted with more than one builder before you make the choice. Builders are like cars, there are a ton to choose from. Let the Realtor steer you toward the most reputable and also guide the transaction process. You'll be glad for the Realtor's experience which will translate into a fun experience. Building is fun, you just got to have the right team!

Toot!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:56:00 +0000

Title companies know the value of working with Realtors. Here's a synopsis worthy of mention. I say this because, in real estate, the do it yourselfers are all over the place. Take a moment to hear it from another source-an entity that values getting it right the first time-and legally so. No one likes surprises after the sale, hence, the advice from companies that often participate in the clean up of a messy transaction. I thank them for their kind words toward my profession.

Water is the Law

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:50:00 +0000

A concrete contractor once told me, "water is law." Of course, I asked for further illumination and was rewarded with a great explanation of the perils water will wrought on mere concrete. For brevity, I will say that water takes the path of least resistance. Pitching concrete, pitching a roof or landscaping for water runoff makes great sense. As we spring forward, may I remind you of spring rains and controlling the run-off so it doesn't end up in your basement or the corner of your garage. Gutters too, don't forget to make sure gutters have survived the ice build up. Water is Law!
Class over, now get out there and have a great day!

Inspiration-Weekender Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:19:00 +0000

Browse this artisan site and get inspired to add a piece of art to your decor. I find looking over the creative output of others invigorates my shopping senses. If you're going out junking this weekend-get out there on a decorating limb and bring something home that inspires you! And if you are really impressed with yourself-send me a picture of your inspiration! Have a great Weekend...

Right this Second! Big or Small

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:20:00 +0000

What is the next step after decision? Yes!-Action, you are very smart! This is the natural follow-up to every decision you make in life. I need to remind myself of this hourly, no kidding. Lists are a great start for taking action. Lists are a vehicle for taking your stream of conscious genius idea and handing it to the implementer in your life. Who is your implementer, You? Yes again! You are one sheet of paper closer to transforming yourself from Don Quixote into Action Missy or Action Man! Get it on paper and revise it, save steps, add steps, save steps-pat yourself on the back. Enjoy doing your task and thank yourself for getting it done (lots of strutting here). The sooner you finish your task, the quicker you get to go back to being Don Quixote! Now get out there and have a great day!

Spring Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 13:30:00 +0000

I've begun to clean off my desktops, both of them. On my computer, there's a ton of bookmarks that once seemed valuable, can now go the way of other things unnecessary. But this site is a keeper. For anyone in need of a professional brochure, business cards, website design, you name it, do yourself a favor and visit Elance. This site provides access to talent around the world ready to design whatever it is you need-literally. You pay for the services, like you pay for anything else online. Elance has a great system of checks and balances to make sure both client and provider have a seamless method of doing business. Be not afraid, the whole world is sourcing business this way- you can too. Check it out, for all your business needs. The world is indeed flat.

Who says?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:49:00 +0000

Fair Market Value

In the real estate world we say, " The seller doesn't set the price, the Realtor doesn't set the price, the buyer sets the price". And don't forget the banks. Their hat is in the ring too because, well, because they can. Read on.

Fast forward......imagine this conversation between motivated sellers and Dory the agent..."But the bank told us our house was worth $195,000. That's how we got the second mortgage to buy the van. We have an appraisal on the house for $195,000. Your market analysis can't be right, $185-191,000. We'll take a loss, if we sell it where you're suggesting to price it!"

This is the very moment, the three granules of sand passing through the hourglass, that Dory triangulates knowledge of the market, experience and wisdom. Here's a short list of Dory's mini wisdoms:

1) The real estate market is like any other market, it fluctuates- so does the value of your home. Better value if you take care of it-worse if you don't.

2) Banks are securing their loans by assigning a value to your home. The banks are not charged with trying to sell it. Appraisals are based on homes sold-not how many houses are on the market just like your property. Borrower Beware.

3) Borrowing as much as the bank will give you without a 10% cushion of equity is dangerous. The moment you need to sell your home is the very moment you'll wish you had borrowed less in order to have some flexibility to compete in the current market.

4) Ask your real estate agent to come in and give you a market analysis before you go to the bank for a loan. Get the current market value from the agent that is in the business of selling properties everyday.

In my mini story, Dory the agent, will have the task of educating the sellers about the current market and explaining banking motives for giving homeowners 100% value loans. Finally, Dory may have to exercise the wisdom to walk away from a potential listing that could linger on the market for months or more because the sellers cannot afford to sell their house. Placing an overpriced house on the market defies common sense. Being a smart seller means staying in touch with your Realtor whenever it comes to evaluating the equity of your home. Class over, now get out there and have a great day!

JPG- Weekender Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 16:42:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I could use a ton of help when it comes to photography. Here's a site to help you with digital photography. Enjoy, now get out there and have a great weekend!

Snowbirds coming Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:19:00 +0000

Lisa Dunn, with Edina Realty across the border to our west, has a fantastic blog regarding senior citizen issues. On her site, I found an interesting article about snowbirds migrating North to be closer to their families and communities. I pass it along because just recently I sold a home to returnees from Arizona and I can attest to this population on the move. On behalf of the Fox Valley, welcome home, we are glad to see you!

Neutral is Natural

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:44:00 +0000

I am dragging out this old saw because it's that time of year. All real estate agents can agree on one thing-just one. White, cream, antique white or any variation thereof, is critical to the sale of your home. Realtors all have had at least one challenge like a magenta accent wall, an all pink bathroom, a multi-layered wallpaper theme room or navy carpeted halls. We have unique rooms in our homes too, we get it. But now it is time to think about the prospective buyers.

Do yourself a favor, when the Realtor mentions a switch to neutral tones- believe him or her. Believe like you believe in sunrises, like leaves do fall from trees or like Favre will break one more record. Change whatever needs changing, if you can. What may cost you X, I would multiply by 3 on the negative side of an offer. In fact, if buyers instruct the showing agent to keep looking, it cost you a lot more than $1k or even $3k, didn't it? Why? Buyers have a lot of properties to look at these days and Sellers cannot afford to miss one single opportunity to sell their house. A paneled accent wall might not go with their furniture, the golf room may not do it for a water skier and navy flooring will certainly show Fluffy's white hair. Go neutral on everything and give your house every chance possible. Go neutral and increase your odds of the buyers saying "let's write it up!"; then you get to do a cartwheel and yell, "Score!".

List- an excerpt from Boxes and Arrows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:01:00 +0000

I am curious about lists. I make them and when necessary, I break the rules of a list. I will just start another one! I like seeing other people's lists, it is kind of like making a little discovery. If you've got a list that works for you- do share! I've highlighted my favs on this list. Here's one from an IT designer:
mantra box—in 2005:
Simplify
He who owns little is little owned
Smaller, smaller
Do only what you love, love everything that you do
Collaborate
Underpromise, overdeliver
Embrace constraints
Less
Business is personal—not an abstraction
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Context
Honor your mistake as a hidden intention
Disrupt business as usual
Convert talent into code
Anchor
Yes or no?
Eat like a bird, sh*t like an elephant
Axis thinking
Tenacity
Style—happiness—emotional appeal
Disorganize (for renewal and innovation)
Storytelling
As simple as possible, but not simpler
Nobody knows what they really want before they get it
-Jorge Arango

Ready... Aim...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:21:00 +0000

Checking out the housing market can be a gas and also a little hectic without a plan. I always like to give buyers a little primer before striking out on the big adventure. Here are some quick tips:
1) Understand buyer's agency (agent represents the buyer). More to come on this subject, but let me say, it is the only way to buy a house. Short version-we're wearing the same color uniform!
2) Get pre-qualified through your lending institution. Know how much $ you've got to work with.
3) Narrow the opinion pool- If your folks, significant other or sister get to weigh in on the decision, have a plan. I like to have parents come to the final two choices for potential offers. If your beloved has a bedroom set that requires a 16'x18' bedroom-good to know! Streamlining parameters will save time and gas. Again, whoever is a stakeholder in the decision- get them on board right away and present for all showings. That eliminates 2nd showings as we zero in on the target.
4) Take notes and a bring a digital camera. Easier on the memory for later evaluations.
5) When you visit open houses, sign in as a courtesy and let the Realtor know you have representation. Better yet, hand them your Realtor's business card. This short circuits any possible confusion about your representation status as a buyer.
6) Wear slip on shoes! Great time saver and allows for bootie avoidance!
Call me when you're ready to rock and roll. Class over, now get out there and have a great day!

Leave it to the Italians-Weekender Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:49:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to be in Italy for last year's stunning World Cup series in which, the Italians took the prize. The country went crazy and I saw some serious Italian pride being played out in the streets. I learned a lot about the Italians and their passion for life. The Italians love style and really do it up right, even their shoelaces are sexy. Not only are the people sexy; the food, the architecture and their cars are sexy too. Here's proof: Fiat is about to launch the Fiat 500, a great competitor to the mini cooper. Have fun at this website- it's thrilling!

Wells 101

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:24:00 +0000

The DNR does a great job of providing the public with information regarding wells. If you are considering country property or purchasing vacant land that will require a well, get your 101 at the above link. Your understanding of this vital mechanical component will not only make you a savvy buyer, but you'll be happier too- knowing how to care for your drinking water in the years to come. Now get out there and have a great day!

Never on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 17:24:00 +0000

Dear Sellers,
What I am about to tell you is a true story.
Early in my career I took a listing on Christmas Eve. I was so excited I could hardly stand it. This house was going to be the easiest house to sell, ever. I mean ever. I told the sellers as soon as the holiday scene is done, "we're going to hit the ground running!" Cute as a button (thought you'd appreciate the stereotype) 1.5 story bungalow, hardwood floors, crown mouldings, dry basement. Piece of cake. I instructed the sellers "to clean as if your higher power is coming to visit or Martha Stewart, whichever scares you more." "Get some soft music tuned in on the stereo and I'll turn every light on." I was excited. The sellers call me, they'll be home for only a moment after church, then head to the mall.

I showed up with my basket-o-booties, stat sheets, tent cards and my name tag all shined up.
My sign was out front with flags tethered from the yard sign. Man, I am selling this house, TO-DAY! I plug in the keypad and let myself in the side door. Then it hit me, like a wall...tuna, tuna salad smell seeping under the door into the kitchen. I opened up the door and now add about 76 degrees to that smell. I wigged out. What is that? Where is it coming from and why is this happening to me?! In the sink, I find a plate with leftover tuna salad on it, in the dishwasher, two more plates with residual tuna salad stuck on them, and the caked can on top of the garbage. Ten minutes to opening bell, I fly into action. I turn the heat down, hurry, start running the water for dishes, open the door. Quick like a bunny! I scurry to find a candle. No candles in the kitchen-not even a match, I run upstairs and check the bathroom, nothing. I run back downstairs. I quickly wash the dishes, including the ones in the dishwasher and set the garbage can outside behind the house. I walk back in-tuna smell everywhere. It was stuck in that house, stuck in the carpet, stuck in the upholstery, I mean everywhere. The second floor smelled like there was an open face sandwich under every bed. Get downstairs!

People are walking up the driveway. Big smile, firm handshake. "Hello!" The first couple said, "Wow!-smells rank, dude." Well thank you for stopping!
The second couple comes in right on their heels and won't even check out the second floor-they laughed and kept their feet moving. "Won't you please sign in so I can prove to the sellers that I worked today?" She did so hesitantly, while plugging her nose. I knew it was going to be a long shift. I didn't think it could get any worse until a nice young couple showed up with a toddler. This couple mistakenly came to the side door and let themselves in. They no sooner got their shoes off when the toddler waddled right through the kitchen into the dining room and bent over. I thought he was going to untie his shoes, nope, couldn't be that lucky. That little fella began to methodically point and shoot vomit in three different directions onto the Persian rug. I went white. The mother startled, quickly jumped into action. Mom gathered him up and handed him off. She said her little boy "hates the smell of tuna," as the dad hauled him outside. She said, "We found out the hard way at my sister's house when he had the same reaction." A whole roll of paper towel was spent cleaning it all up. She was so embarrassed she apologized her way right out the door. I slumped in the chair, drained of all energy, waiting for the hour to end. As, I packed up my pony show, the next voice I heard was a jolly Mrs. Seller, "So! How did the open house go?"

Check this out!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:38:00 +0000

I found this clip on Teresa Boardman's site, another Realtor with a blog full of great info. Watch this and be forewarned-lock bumping. Now get out there and have a great day!

Monday!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 16:45:00 +0000

I like to know who is on the job in Washington. It seems that everybody is talking and nothing seems to be getting done. But alas, I stumbled across this website and thought it worth sharing, Punchclock through the Sunlight Network. I am glad to know there is a watch network keeping our elected officials on their toes. Now get out there and have a great day!

Go To Guy-Weekender Post

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 15:02:00 +0000

Here's John Lindsay over at Appleton Radiator. Recently I needed some front end work done on my Explorer. Not only did John match the price of the Big Dogs-he finished the job in jig time. I was impressed! Give John a call for anything you might need the good car doctor for-he's honest as the day is long and tells it like it is, how refreshing! 920.733.5363

p.s. Ask about the great rate for oil changes.

Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:55:00 +0000

I always like to share things that I think are fun and somewhat purposeful. Try Simple, a nice little shoe store for some bag ideas. At least you've got to admire the names! The Banana looks like a snappy little weekender and the Combover ought to be able to handle anything!

Holding Costs for Dummies- A slice of the Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:12:00 +0000

It's math, but don't be scared! Holding costs = whatever it costs you to own your home for a month. (mortgage+taxes+insurance+utilities+lawn care+misc= holding cost) When sellers get ready to put a property on the market and begin a search or have already found their next dream home and are rushing to get the house listed-holding costs should immediately become part of the conversation. Ask your Realtor about how this can affect your transition into that Abfab new home. Here's why: Say Max and Caroline own HousetooSmall in the 145k range and holding costs for this house run around $1600 monthly. Assuming it falls into the normal range for days on market, roughly 100-140 days from list to sale, the holding costs could be $6400.00.
Circumstances surrounding the sale of Max and Caroline's house factor into whether they'll be able to hold onto an accepted offer of the Abfab house. If a bridge loan works for them great, but please exercise caution when considering this avenue. Keeping an eye on the prize, let's try an alternative point of view.

This $6400 expense is inevitable unless....at this point as a Realtor, I will begin a conversation about holding costs and how it can work for you in executing a quicker sale of your current property. Lowering the price by $3200 in this price range can increase the odds for a sale. Sellers initially see that as a cut in the bottom line, however-it should be seen as two months less in holding costs out of pocket-that's a good thing. Abfab house is worth $225,000, so the minute you close on Abfab, the equity clock starts ticking to the tune of roughly $562.00 a month. Multiply the equity x2= $1124.00. By smartly reducing the price of HousetooSmall, Max and Caroline accelerated the sale and beat the market. $3200-1124.00=$2076. What I am getting at is- lowering the price to trigger a quick sale is not as bad as you think. When time is of the essence, and it usually is-holding costs are a hidden slice of the pie to be considered. Did it put a dent in their pocketbook, not so much, but it kept the goal of getting into their new home priority one. You can imagine a whole bunch of factors that would lengthen the time of list to sale. How about relocation or challenges in the condition of HousetooSmall? The current list to sale climate in some price ranges are out 12-24 months. So be smart, know every aspect of the sale of your property. Class over- Now get out there and have a Great Day!