Increase the Value of your Home
February 14, 2010
If you are contemplating selling your home, but want to make a few extra dollars than what you expect you can receive, there are a few things you can do to increase the value of your home. Just a few upgrades as well as home projects can add more value to your home without in most cases costing more than you will receive at the closing.
Today, more and more homebuyers are searching for an open floor plan. If it is possible for you to open up the kitchen to the living room making a more open floor plan, do so. This allows the cook to still be with the family while preparing meals, which is also great when guests are invited to the home. This open floor plan is one that is selling homes faster than you might imagine.
When it comes to the master bedroom, most home buyers are looking for an adjourning bathroom and of course, at least one walk-in closet, if not two. If your home does not have a master bathroom or walk-in closet, this would be a great option for a quick sale. If this is too much of a task, you can always add such things as dual sinks, Jacuzzi tub, and a walk in shower to increase the value of your home.
Home offices are very popular today, with more people working out of their home. Creating an area in your home that can be used as a home office will certainly add more value. In this area, be sure that you have ample outlets and phone lines for office equipment and computers.
Women often check out the kitchen and bathrooms before any other rooms in the home. If you do not wish to completely give your kitchens and baths a complete makeover, you can do a few small projects that will give the rooms just the right touch. Install a new backsplash, countertops, and change out those old cabinet knobs. Stainless steel appliances are always a great touch, as well.
A fresh coat of paint is always a good idea for every room in the house. This will give your home a new feel. Do not use colors that are wild, quiet colors or white are always best.
Replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones of course will be an added benefit. You may not realize this, but the first thing home buyers notice when they pull up to your home are the windows and the front door. You do not want potential home buyers to see old stained windows and a drab front door. You can install new windows or at least clean the windows inside and out. Paint the front door and even add a bit of color such as a wreath.
Now, for the front lawn, which may not cost a thing to improve, only rid the lawn of debris and dead plants. Make sure there are no bare patches in the grass and the hedges are trimmed.
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Home Winterizing Tips
January 25, 2010
When the north wind begins to blow, we start putting up all of our spring and summer toys, attire, and other items we will be using for months. One important thing that many of us forget to do is winterize our home for the upcoming season. As soon as the leaves starting turning we should start getting our home ready for the winter. The following tips will ensure that your home will stay in great shape during the winter months even if you put on a few pounds over the holidays.
Of course, not everyone lives where they can expect ten feet of snow and cold north wind blowing most of the time; however, there are still things you will need to do to prepare your home for the upcoming season.
The winterizing tips include:
Inspect your furnace – In most cases, you should contact an HVAC professional to check your furnace to ensure that all is working properly. Your heat/air professional should visit your home before winter and once again before summer each year. Purchase new filters and change them. Ensure that you have not stored any flammable objects nearby the furnace.
If you have a fireplace, now is the time to have it cleaned by a chimney sweep. In the spring, if you have not already, you should have a screen on the top of the fireplace to make sure that mother robin does not choose your fireplace for her new home. Store the wood for the fireplace in a dry area and not up against the home, which can cause mold to grow and even invite snakes and rodents to move in.
Check all the doors and windows for cracks, broken or cracked weather stripping, and cracks in the caulking around the windows. While checking all areas it is a good time to remove the screens and replace with your storm windows and doors.
Check the roof and gutters. Look for any damage to the roof, which should be repaired. A large heavy snow on an already damaged roof can be a catastrophe. Clean out the gutters as well.
Check the foundation and crawl spaces. Move all debris and plants from the foundation. If you see, any cracks no matter how small seal the cracks. Mice can find a way into your home through the smallest cracks. If you have crawl spaces under your home, seal them so as not to invite animals to move in under house to stay warm.
Time to change batteries in your smoke detectors. If you do not have smoke detectors, it is time to buy a few and install them in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are also great preventive measures to have in your home. You should install this device close to your furnace or hot water heater.
Know where your water main is, you may have to turn off the water in case of a pipe bursting. Drain all water hoses and place in storage. Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to the weather this includes air conditioner pipes.
Check for low limbs that may be too close to your home or to electrical wires, trim if necessary. Now is the time to seal such things as decks, driveways, and patios. Bring in all potted plants that cannot handle the cooler temperatures.
Clean, tune-up, and repair any tools and equipment you will not be using in the winter months such as lawnmowers and gardening equipment. Prepare winter tools such as snow shovels, snow blowers, and purchase salt and sand.
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Tulsa Real Estate Market Conditions
January 3, 2010
If you compare the third quarter of 2009 with the fourth quarter of 2009, you will notice that average Tulsa home sales price remained stable at around $156,400, which was five percent more than, if you compare it to fourth quarter Tulsa home sales price in 2008. Sales volume was down a full three percent when compared to the third quarter of 2009 with 1170 sales. This on the other hand was an increase of seventeen percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. The days homes stayed on the market increased by four percent when compared to third quarter but dropped a huge nine percent when compared to the same time period in 2008.
In Tulsa and the surrounding area, interest rates are at the low level of 5.5 percent. Due to this, many realtors and speculators expect to see more buyers taking advantage of these rates as well as the government tax credit that will be expiring in April.
Tulsa has received national recognition and has a reputation for being one of “America’s Most Livable Communities” in 2004 by Partners for Livable Communities, Washington D.C. and in 2006 was ranked #6 on Forbes.com list if “Best Cities for Jobs.”
Tulsa and the surrounding area are home to many wonderful attractions, family activities, and quality schools that are the main reason that families are seeking homes in the area. Just by glancing around Tulsa you will find an array of things to do including the Tulsa Speedway, golf courses, the Tulsa Zoo, Performing Arts Center, Tulsa Ballet, and the Tulsa Opera to name a few. Then as you look at the education opportunities you will find quality schools offering the tools needed for students to achieve success in all grades from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades and beyond to universities such as the Oklahoma State University and Oral Roberts University, as examples.
Homes, ranches, farms, condominiums, golf homes, and town homes can be found in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Claremore, Catoosa, and Inola. To learn more contact a Tulsa Homes Expert by calling RE/MAX for more information at 877-738-8572.
Housing Recovery
December 15, 2009
The recovery in the real estate market is still moving forward with a huge 7.4% in home sales in November via information from the National Association of REALTORS.
At this time, sales are up 44% over where they were a year ago and this does include detached single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and cooperatives.
The sales are up not only here and the Tulsa real estate market but they are up all over the US and in every region. The Northeast say a 6.6% increase, the Midwest an 8.4% increase, the West an 11% increase, and in the South a 5% increase.
Sales were higher in all price ranges for the second month in a row. Over the last year, we did not see luxury homes or higher priced homes selling, but now they are once again getting new owners.
Homes that have sat on the market have decreased and unsold inventories are 16% below last years.
Chief economist of the National Association of Realtors Lawrence Yun, explained that the rush in home sales is due to the cut off of November 30 for the $8,000 first time buyer credit. The deadline was extended until June 30th for first time buyers until with an added credit repeat purchasers.
The president of the National Association of Realtors, Vicki Cox Golder, stated the combination of tax credits, low mortgage rates, and low prices has been an attractive environment for home buyers across the nation.
She stated, “It really doesn’t get any better for buyers,” if they have “secure jobs and long-term ownership plans.”
The forecast by Fannie Mae for 2010 suggests that sales of existing homes in 2010 will increase another 10% and new homes can expect an increase of 26%. Like many others forecasting in the housing market, Fannie Mae sees mortgage rates rising but not so high that buyers will not purchase.
The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts 30-year fixed rates to exceed 5.2% in the coming months, which is up from about 5% a couple of weeks back.
Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke believes higher mortgage rates are inevitable and Bernanke refinanced out of an adjustable-rate loan on his Washington D.C. home and into a more secure 30 year fixed rate around 5 percent.
For more news, articles and commentary on Tulsa homes sales, farms and commercial property in the Tulsa Real Estate market please re-visit soon or subscribe to our RSS Feed for our Tulsa Real Estate Mall Blog.
Tips for Marketing Your Tulsa Home
September 15, 2008
In today’s market there are many Tulsa homes out there for sale and on average a potential buyer looks at least 19 homes prior to putting in an offer. The competition is tough and you have to know how to market your home in this type of housing market. There are a few tips to follow to help you sell your house no matter how many homes are for sale in your Tulsa neighborhood.
The first thing you must do is learn about curb appeal. Before a potential buyer walks into your home, they will drive up and park out front. The outside of the home must look inviting. Be sure the windows are clean, the yard is nice, the walkway is free of clutter, and any flower or garden areas that can be seen are kept nice. The lawn should be mowed and all bushes should be trimmed. The outside of the house must not need a fresh coat of paint and the gutters should be clean.
Fix any big repairs that you know of such as painting, torn screens, water leaks, and other problems that might have the buyer look at your home as a disaster area instead of a cozy home. The minor repairs can be left to do before closing. Remember, a buyer wants to find a home that looks like it is in good shape and has been taken care of throughout the years.
Clean the house from top to bottom. Clean the windows, carpet, remove all cobwebs, clean out closets and pantries. Potential buyers like to look into closets, basements, attics, and every nook and cranny to see just how much space they have to store all their belongings.
Rid your home of clutter. If you have several items all over the counter tops, tables, or stuffed in the closest it makes the area seem smaller. You want your home to look well organized, clean, and above all spacious.
If you have children and have painted their rooms in bright colors, you should paint the walls again in a neutral color. Remember, potential buyers want to see the home as their home and these bright colors can turn them off and away from purchasing your home.
Check all the lamps and light bulbs in the home. Buyers like light and open homes be sure you have lights turned on and curtains or blinds open.
If you have an indoor pet such as a cat, take the litter box to the garage and ensure the pet smell is gone. You should also clean the carpets, if buyers do not have pets they are sure to smell that one lives in your home. The same goes for non-smokers.
Look around the inside and outside of your home with the eyes of a non-smoker, non-pet owner, and childless buyer. Now, you should be able to see all the items that will put them off and be able to prepare for a marketable home.
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