25 May 2010
18 May 2010
Five Bad Home Improvement Ideas
When considering adding value to a home, you consistently hear from the real estate industry that updated bathrooms and quality kitchens stand out in a home sale. Those are proven sale closers. There are certain other improvements you can make to your home that will beautify it or create convenience for your family. When it comes time to selling, however, those improvements may do nothing to increase the value of the property and may even turn off potential homebuyers.
Over-the-Top Renovations
Au contraire mon frère, not all renovations will raise the value of your home. Just `cause it's bigger doesn't mean it will be perceived as better by future homebuyers. Unless your home is located in Beverly Hills or some other very posh neighborhood, don't install the bathroom with the supersized steam shower, imported Italian marble and several different spray heads ... unless you have the money to do it for your own pleasure and enjoyment only. That kind of improvement doesn't typically do anything to increase the value of the average home.
On the other hand, if you updated an old bathroom, you could see an increase of several thousand dollars to your home's bottom line. Real estate professionals suggest that homeowners pour over local home listings to see what amenities are the standard in your area, then upgrade your home to meet it. If you overdo it, however, you may not recoup your investment.
Swimming Pools
If you think installing a swimming pool in the back side of your home will draw hoards of homebuyers clamoring to make offers on your home at sale time, you'd be wrong. Some may consider it a perk, but others may perceive it as a pain with all the maintenance it will require.
Homeowners have even paid to have their swimming pools buried to create more yard space. If you shell out the expense to build one, don't expect your home's value to budge. The only exception to building a swimming pool is if you live in states where they are considered the norm.
Home Office Renovations
Although, a home office is often an amenity appreciated by those shopping for a home, it should be built with frugality in mind. Overhauling an office doesn't pay off when it's time to sell your home. Don't steal usable space from another living area to create a home office. Instead, make sure the space can easily be converted back into a bedroom or other living space if needed. If you decide you just have to have the built-in Curly Maple wood shelves, know that you will only recoup around 50 percent of your cost at sale time.
Unique Builds
Home magazines are always coming up with clever and creative ways to change the look of your living space. Some are exotic and outlandish, but they can pique your interest. Tempted to put a classic disco ball with lights in your bedroom, a constellation ceiling in your family room or a peaceful Koi pond in your back yard? Avoid making outlandish changes to your home or changes that will be perceived as adding work for a future homeowner. Don't be tempted to incorporate these ideas into your own home, unless you don't plan on selling anytime soon. Homebuyers may not share your enthusiasm.
Roof Renovations
If your roof needs repair, don't hesitate to have the work done. It will be one less issue you'll have to deal with when listing your home. If in your pursuit to list your home you think replacing your roof with cedar shakes or clay tiles will increase the value, think again. Although they have the ability to make your home stand out, they probably won't inspire homebuyers to pay more for them. So, unless you have the money to burn, keep it simple when preparing your home to be listed on the real estate market.
Ki has been an investor in the Austin real estate market for several years. The website has an Austin home search for listings in Austin, Texas. It also has general statistics covering Austin real estate along with several neighborhoods in Barton Creek.
Over-the-Top Renovations
Au contraire mon frère, not all renovations will raise the value of your home. Just `cause it's bigger doesn't mean it will be perceived as better by future homebuyers. Unless your home is located in Beverly Hills or some other very posh neighborhood, don't install the bathroom with the supersized steam shower, imported Italian marble and several different spray heads ... unless you have the money to do it for your own pleasure and enjoyment only. That kind of improvement doesn't typically do anything to increase the value of the average home.
On the other hand, if you updated an old bathroom, you could see an increase of several thousand dollars to your home's bottom line. Real estate professionals suggest that homeowners pour over local home listings to see what amenities are the standard in your area, then upgrade your home to meet it. If you overdo it, however, you may not recoup your investment.
Swimming Pools
If you think installing a swimming pool in the back side of your home will draw hoards of homebuyers clamoring to make offers on your home at sale time, you'd be wrong. Some may consider it a perk, but others may perceive it as a pain with all the maintenance it will require.
Homeowners have even paid to have their swimming pools buried to create more yard space. If you shell out the expense to build one, don't expect your home's value to budge. The only exception to building a swimming pool is if you live in states where they are considered the norm.
Home Office Renovations
Although, a home office is often an amenity appreciated by those shopping for a home, it should be built with frugality in mind. Overhauling an office doesn't pay off when it's time to sell your home. Don't steal usable space from another living area to create a home office. Instead, make sure the space can easily be converted back into a bedroom or other living space if needed. If you decide you just have to have the built-in Curly Maple wood shelves, know that you will only recoup around 50 percent of your cost at sale time.
Unique Builds
Home magazines are always coming up with clever and creative ways to change the look of your living space. Some are exotic and outlandish, but they can pique your interest. Tempted to put a classic disco ball with lights in your bedroom, a constellation ceiling in your family room or a peaceful Koi pond in your back yard? Avoid making outlandish changes to your home or changes that will be perceived as adding work for a future homeowner. Don't be tempted to incorporate these ideas into your own home, unless you don't plan on selling anytime soon. Homebuyers may not share your enthusiasm.
Roof Renovations
If your roof needs repair, don't hesitate to have the work done. It will be one less issue you'll have to deal with when listing your home. If in your pursuit to list your home you think replacing your roof with cedar shakes or clay tiles will increase the value, think again. Although they have the ability to make your home stand out, they probably won't inspire homebuyers to pay more for them. So, unless you have the money to burn, keep it simple when preparing your home to be listed on the real estate market.
Ki has been an investor in the Austin real estate market for several years. The website has an Austin home search for listings in Austin, Texas. It also has general statistics covering Austin real estate along with several neighborhoods in Barton Creek.
17 May 2010
07 May 2010
home trends 2010 - consumers' most sought-after features
Most Important Design Features For 55+ Buyers
http://rebac.net/April_2010_LS.pdf
http://rebac.net/April_2010_LS.pdf
Business beyond the Home-Buyer Tax Credit
Business beyond the Home-Buyer Tax Credit
Posted By susanne On April 15, 2010 @ 3:57 pm In Best Practices, Business Development, Real Estate, Today's Marketplace, Today's Top Story
Comments Disabled
[1]RISMEDIA, April 16, 2010—The extension of the home buyer tax credit encouraged many fence-sitters to jump at the chance to achieve the dream of homeownership this past year. Tax incentives, low interest rates and prices have made homeownership more affordable than ever, creating an influx of first-time buyers in the market. As the deadline for the home buyer tax credit approaches, many REALTORS® are wondering: what happens next?
Any seasoned professional like yourself knows that real estate is cyclical. Prices will rise and fall, inventory will fluctuate and opinions will change, but your buyers and sellers remain. And today’s buyer is more educated than ever.
According to the 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 93% of first-time buyers started their home search online. With an awareness of the homes available prior to meeting with an agent, today’s buyers are looking for someone to help them with the parts of the process they can’t do alone. According to the survey, 90% of buyers considered knowledge of the purchase process, responsiveness and knowledge of the real estate market as very important when deciding to work with an agent.
While it is still uncertain how the market will adjust to the expiration of the tax credit, low interest rates and affordability will still draw buyers into the market. In an attempt to get you thinking about building your buyer business this spring, I thought that I would remind you of some “back to basics” to ponder:
Know your market. From inventory that a buyer may have overlooked in an online search to short sale and foreclosure options, knowing your local market inside and out can provide added benefit to your client. The current market has made more options available to first-time buyers, in price ranges that some may have overlooked previously.
Host a home-buyer seminar. Home-buyer seminars put agents in front of motivated buyers and give them an opportunity to shine as a source of knowledge and a trusted advisor who can guide a buyer through the complex process. Try setting up one through your office or encouraging agents to co-host a seminar with a local lender to explain financing issues.
Connect with buyers on their level. Not only are today’s buyers educated, but they are technologically savvy. Whether it’s a phone call or a text message, finding out a buyer’s communication preferences is the first step in setting the tone for your relationship throughout the home-buying process.
Maximize your social influence. Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow brokers to reach out to agents and agents to reach more buyers than ever before. Contributing to these online networking communities regularly can not only build sphere of influence but it creates top-of-mind awareness when a consumer decides to look for an agent.
Be a financial guide. From outlining key steps to suggesting preapproval, guiding buyers through the financial parts of the transaction is especially important in today’s market.
Marc Gould is the executive director of REBAC. A wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer. With more than 40,000 active members, REBAC awards the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation to REALTORS® who work directly with buyer-clients. To learn more, please visit REBAC.net [2].
Posted By susanne On April 15, 2010 @ 3:57 pm In Best Practices, Business Development, Real Estate, Today's Marketplace, Today's Top Story
Comments Disabled
[1]RISMEDIA, April 16, 2010—The extension of the home buyer tax credit encouraged many fence-sitters to jump at the chance to achieve the dream of homeownership this past year. Tax incentives, low interest rates and prices have made homeownership more affordable than ever, creating an influx of first-time buyers in the market. As the deadline for the home buyer tax credit approaches, many REALTORS® are wondering: what happens next?
Any seasoned professional like yourself knows that real estate is cyclical. Prices will rise and fall, inventory will fluctuate and opinions will change, but your buyers and sellers remain. And today’s buyer is more educated than ever.
According to the 2009 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 93% of first-time buyers started their home search online. With an awareness of the homes available prior to meeting with an agent, today’s buyers are looking for someone to help them with the parts of the process they can’t do alone. According to the survey, 90% of buyers considered knowledge of the purchase process, responsiveness and knowledge of the real estate market as very important when deciding to work with an agent.
While it is still uncertain how the market will adjust to the expiration of the tax credit, low interest rates and affordability will still draw buyers into the market. In an attempt to get you thinking about building your buyer business this spring, I thought that I would remind you of some “back to basics” to ponder:
Know your market. From inventory that a buyer may have overlooked in an online search to short sale and foreclosure options, knowing your local market inside and out can provide added benefit to your client. The current market has made more options available to first-time buyers, in price ranges that some may have overlooked previously.
Host a home-buyer seminar. Home-buyer seminars put agents in front of motivated buyers and give them an opportunity to shine as a source of knowledge and a trusted advisor who can guide a buyer through the complex process. Try setting up one through your office or encouraging agents to co-host a seminar with a local lender to explain financing issues.
Connect with buyers on their level. Not only are today’s buyers educated, but they are technologically savvy. Whether it’s a phone call or a text message, finding out a buyer’s communication preferences is the first step in setting the tone for your relationship throughout the home-buying process.
Maximize your social influence. Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn allow brokers to reach out to agents and agents to reach more buyers than ever before. Contributing to these online networking communities regularly can not only build sphere of influence but it creates top-of-mind awareness when a consumer decides to look for an agent.
Be a financial guide. From outlining key steps to suggesting preapproval, guiding buyers through the financial parts of the transaction is especially important in today’s market.
Marc Gould is the executive director of REBAC. A wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer. With more than 40,000 active members, REBAC awards the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation to REALTORS® who work directly with buyer-clients. To learn more, please visit REBAC.net [2].
01 May 2010
Seven Secrets: Converting Real Estate Leads into Clients | Homes.com
When it comes to leads, are you a leader or a follower? Do you have a strategy to find prospects and turn them into clients and referrals? Regardless of their source, it’s important to make the most of the leads that come your way.
Here are seven Homes.com-endorsed strategies to help you make the most of your lead management program and turn those prospects into customers and referrals!
1. Showcase your neighborhood knowledge?
The Internet has whetted customer appetites for all types of real estate information. Educated buyers and sellers make the best customers, but the Web has also raised client expectations. Many consumers are proficient in finding information on their own and are no longer impressed by folders full of MLS and web page printouts.
Agents who provide relevant local information can quickly establish lasting client relationships. If you reinforce individual property information with neighborhood knowledge that interests buyers - including school, crime, housing prices and resident demographic information - you demonstrate a level of expertise few agents can match. By positioning yourself as a neighborhood expert, you avoid pinning your hopes of doing business on a single property.
2.Timing is everything
Most people end up doing business with the first real estate agent they speak to, so fast response is crucial. Research shows many people have come to expect a response from real estate agents within an hour of requesting information. Many brokerages now reward agents who respond quickly with additional leads or other incentives.
Your strategy should include a plan for both initial response and ongoing contact. For example, your goal may be to respond to phone calls within two hours and emails on the same business day.
3. Create a professional follow-up package... read this article!!
Seven Secrets: Converting Real Estate Leads into Clients Homes.com
Here are seven Homes.com-endorsed strategies to help you make the most of your lead management program and turn those prospects into customers and referrals!
1. Showcase your neighborhood knowledge?
The Internet has whetted customer appetites for all types of real estate information. Educated buyers and sellers make the best customers, but the Web has also raised client expectations. Many consumers are proficient in finding information on their own and are no longer impressed by folders full of MLS and web page printouts.
Agents who provide relevant local information can quickly establish lasting client relationships. If you reinforce individual property information with neighborhood knowledge that interests buyers - including school, crime, housing prices and resident demographic information - you demonstrate a level of expertise few agents can match. By positioning yourself as a neighborhood expert, you avoid pinning your hopes of doing business on a single property.
2.Timing is everything
Most people end up doing business with the first real estate agent they speak to, so fast response is crucial. Research shows many people have come to expect a response from real estate agents within an hour of requesting information. Many brokerages now reward agents who respond quickly with additional leads or other incentives.
Your strategy should include a plan for both initial response and ongoing contact. For example, your goal may be to respond to phone calls within two hours and emails on the same business day.
3. Create a professional follow-up package... read this article!!
Seven Secrets: Converting Real Estate Leads into Clients Homes.com
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