Posts from October 2013

When selling your home remember that taking the time to remember everything about your property is important. Here are some things NOT to do when selling your home:

• Don't leave the lawn out. Sure, the house is what you are selling but the lawn can serve as an extension of the house. Make sure that the lawn is neatly cut, any excess leaves or sticks are removed, even put down fresh mulch or some inexpensive outdoor lighting. The lawn is the first thing that the potential buyer will see in most cases so make a good impression!
• Don't let smells ruin a potential buyer's experience! Make sure the house smells clean and inviting. If you have pets, clean out the litter boxes or make sure any areas are clean as well. Stick with neutral scents as some smells can be overpowering and can take the attention off of the house.
• Don't be a slob. Although you may only have a few dirty dishes or crumbs on the counter, clean it up! Buyers who see messes can tend to t...

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One unique feature of the real estate market is that it doesn't close for the holiday season. It is always open, every day of the year.  Like other businesses, the real estate market can be cyclical. This can be based on mortgage rates or economy but can also be based on the time of year.

Fall is a busy time of year for many activities, including housing. There are certain advantages to buying or selling during the autumn months, including end of year tax breaks, greater selection of homes to choose from and good moving conditions. Mortgage interest and property taxes can be deducted from gross income and in some situations if interest is prepaid before the due date of the first house payment toward the end of the year it can be deducted.

Fall is also an optimum time to...

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Swimming pools can be a draw for some who are house hunting. According to experts in real estate, buyers of middle age with children in their teens are the biggest group of buyers. However, there are those who view having a pool as a liability and a safety issues. In areas where there are a large number of pools, in warmer climates, experts say that a pool can increase the attractiveness of a property and in many cases the trend now points toward focusing on landscaping, decks and other amenities.

Regarding adding value to the home, pools in some cases can add value but not in every instance. In terms of cost, the Wall Street Journal reports that these can be more than what is advertised. Why is this? Because the cost may not just be the pool. It may be additional costs such as landscaping and service year round that could add to the initial cost. It is important to make sure to keep service records to make sure that the pool is in working order.

Location is another...

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