Emily The Friendly Realtor

Still On The Market?

5. Bad Smells

If you have smelly dogs, cat odor, must, mold, or cigarette smoke constantly filling your home, most buyers won’t even view the entire house before turning out to leave. 

There ARE ways to have animals, and smoke and not have the smell lingering around.  Keep your pets and their living areas very clean. Clean carpets often with dry absorbent formulas like baking soda. Keep them off furniture. Carpets hold in more than 75% of the odors in a home. If you got new carpet, your home would probably smell 75% better. If you think animal waste may have seeped through the carpet pads, a coat of paint on the concrete beneath the pads will eliminate all pet odors from the flooring before installing new carpets.  If your cat sprays or has trouble using a litter box, speak with your veterinarian about possible ideas.

If you are a smoker, before listing your home, decide to limit the smoking area to outside and keep discarded cigarettes in an out of site trash can in the garage or outdoor shed. Have a commercial grade air purifier run through your home for 2-3 days, and as needed after that. Curtains and textured home items (like carpet or curtains) hold in odors. If you can’t replace it, have all the drapes, couches, and carpets thoroughly cleaned, and again, do not smoke in the house. Buyers are trying to imagine YOUR home as THEIR new home; calming, peaceful, clean.

If you can’t tell if your house is stinky, bring an honest friend who does not have pets or smoke come over and tell you. People become disencitized to their own environment.

If your home is musty or has mold, the mold should be cleaned from the home immediately by a professional or your local department of health and safety. Have the textured items cleaned, and replace all rotten wood. If areas keep getting damp, find out why, and repair that issue.

4. “Bad” Schools

This is something that can not be changed. BUT, you can do some homework and highlight the GOOD features about your community if it has a struggling school district. Find out what private schools are in the area. List the ones that provide financial aid. Find out if your local public schools have received any awards, recognition, noted improvments, future plans, successful sporting teams, honorable arts, or succsessful alumni. For districts with several elementary schools, find something special about yours, highlight the good things because THEY ARE THERE!

3. Too Much Stuff

So the afgan collection was your great grandmothers, and the figurine shelf is one of your most prized possessions. I have seen so many homes cluttered up by shotglasses, doilies, hundreds of family photos,  plants, nic nacs, toys, papers, and…junk.

When buyers view a home they immediately try to imagine how it would look with their furniture, their style, their taste. Sellers should make their best effort to accomodate the imagination of the buyer.

•  keep counter, dresser, mantel areas clear and clean (save for a vase or easy accent piece)
• pack away anything smaller than a foot ball like figurines, shotglasses, nic nacs
• remove bulky space hogging furniture to maximize visible floorspacetake down half of all family photos or any distracting art. You want them to notice the charming fireplace not the “nude woman” lounging above it. ahem.

2. Too Much “Work”

“Work” is not the same to everybody. For some, it is stripping down the patterned wall paper in your kitchen, to others, it may be “gutting out” the whole kitchen. Do your best to make the home feel updated.

Easy inexpensive revamps:

• Fixtures: get rid of the 80’s gold knobs. Replace with pewter or oil rubed bronze handles, door knobs, faucets.

• Drapes: Fold away keepsake heavy and complicated drapes. replace with something modern that lets in light.

• Paint: Painting is the cheapest way to update a home. Browse websites for color ideas. Painting trim and moulding white really gives a house a face lift.

1. Price

Make sure your Realtor advises you on the price. And, make sure you do what your Realtor advises. Sometimes it is hard to hear what homes in your neighborhood are selling for. You bought your home when prices were high, and now you may not even get your down payment out of it.

Have an open heart. Take a deep breath. More time on the market at a high price is just going to cost your more money in the long run. One positive thing to think about is that ALL prices are lower. So if you are selling with the intention to buy, you’ll be able to find a home for a lower price too.

Ask your Realtor to perform a Comparative Market Analysis. From this information of homes that are active, pending, and sold, you will be able to better judge where your home should fall in price point.

If you are not getting very many showings, and very little interest from the showings you DO have, it is time to drop price. No question about it.

You will be shocked at how buyers see price points. Many of my clients will choose a smaller home that needs more work because it is $5,000 cheaper than the home with updates selling for $5,000 more. Buyers are out to get the best deal, and most of that comes down to price. For the right price, it is pretty funny how quickly buyers will overlook numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5.

If you are thinking about going on the market… stop thinking about it. With the new extended tax credit, buyers need to have a contract on a home by April. You should be on the market yesterday.

If you have questions about real estate, need guidance, or need a more customized answer for why YOUR home isn’t selling, feel free to leave a comment or send an email to: Emily@InfinityRealtySells.com or visit me at my new website coming soon! http://www.emilygalbraithrealestate.com

Thanks for reading!

-Emily Galbraith

Great Homes, Low Prices!

Home Buyers these days are super savvy and have researched homes online before they ever call me. A lot of my clients start out by asking “How can we view some foreclosures and short sales?” They’ve seen ad’s for special memberships, 1800-numbers, and other gimmicks that promise them special access to foreclosed homes and short sales.

I always smile and gently take from them the papers for the scheduled homes we are seeing and say “Let’s see, here’s one, here’s a short sale, this one is bank owned, here, this one, this one, and ah, this one.”

Foreclosures and short sales are listed on the MLS right along with all the other homes. Unless they are for sale by owner, or the Bank  is waiting to place them on the market.

In fact, as much as 1/3 of the houses on the market today in our area are selling short of what the Seller owes on them. And, Bankers  want to sell their foreclosed properties just as much as anyone, so of course, they have it on the MLS with a Realtor. There’s no secret company or online membership to pay for. Anyone can find them on any ole’ average home search site.

If anyone ever tries to charge you to view foreclosed listings, run!

Another media-induced mindset that I’ve seen a lot of buyers really latch onto is the BUYER’S MARKET FEVER! Buyers have heard so much in the media about being able to make offers and get great deals, they feel like they should be able to make a very low offer and have it readily accepted.

Good Realtors will explain to their clients that most homes are ALREADY LISTED AT BOTTOM DOLLAR. They already ARE a GREAT deal.

The homes that are priced too high, often times miss out on showings and offers.

To be sure, I always do a Comparative Market Analysis for my clients of any home they are interested in. I compare it to other recent sales in the neighborhood. Most of the time, the list price is very fair or even lower than what the median home sales price is in that neighborhood for that style of home.

Home prices are lower than they have been in a long, long, long time. Really, a low offer is not needed to get them there.

Remember. Even offering full price for a home these days can still be a loss for many Sellers. For example. I am going to do a search in Lee’s Summit of homes that have SOLD in the last 15 days, between the price of $65000 and $150,000 and Let’s see what comes up.  (P.S. None of these were my listings:)

Listing Price Vs. Sale Price:

Homes Sold Between November 1 – November 16

409 SW Stratford Road Lee’s Summit, 64081
List Price:  $75,000
Sold Price: $80,100

1203 SW Mission Place Lee’s Summit, 64081
List Price:  $80,000
Sold Price: $84,000

5622 NW Moonlight Meadow Court Lee’s Summit, 64064
List Price: $90,000
Sale Price: $ 90,000

215 SW McClendon Drive Lee’s Summit, 64081
List Price: $95,000
Sale Price: $95,000

1337 SE Lexington Avenue Lee’s Summit, 64081
List Price: $96,700
Sale Price: $93,000

6027 NE Moonstone Drive Lee’s Summit, 64064
List Price:  $97,500
Sale Price: $98,500

5558 NW Moonlight Meadow Drive Lee’s Summit, 64064
List Price: $98,000
Sale Price: $98,000

We will skip some, because I think you are getting the point..

1100 SW Arborfair Drive Lee’s Summit, 64082
List Price: 129,900
Sale Price 129,500

2023 NE Patterson Drive Lee’s Summit, 64086
List Price $135,000
Sale Price: $131,000

206 NW Shamrock Avenue Lee’s Summit, 64081
List Price: $139,900
Sale Price: 135,000

808 NE Cedar Street Lee’s Summit, 64086
List Price: $148,000
Sale Price $146,500

I provided a link for the full list of homes in Lee’s Summit that have sold in the last 15 days between 65,000 – 150,000.

I always try to educated buyers about market conditions, so that their offer does not get “beat out” by someone else who has a grasp of what is going on in our market area.There is NOT this huge margin to negotiate anymore, and clients need to be armed with that knowledge so that they can take advantage of these rock-bottom prices.

So, Buyers: Don’t feel dismayed or disillusioned when you see this  and think “But..I thought it was a buyer’s market?” Because it IS! Take advantage of these great deals!

If you want an HONEST, experienced, competent Realtor, then feel free to text me, call me, or email me today:
Emily Galbraith: 816-726-6706
Email: emily@infinityrealtysells.com

Thanks for Reading!

Click the following URL to see the listings search above in full detail:
http://portal.heartlandmls.com/de.asp?ID=565471765

$6500 for first time buyers AND current homeowners.

My office has been buzzing with first time home buyers taking advantage of the $8,000 Tax Credit. More recently, however, I am seeing a lot more reluctance and hesitation because some had wanted “in” on the tax credit but weren’t sure if they would miss the deadline.

Good News for Buyers: The Credit has been extended!

If you have been ready to buy a home, then there is no better time to take hold of that opportunity!!! (I don’t think it is wise to purchase a home JUST to get money back at tax time. Because the purchase, maintanance, and expense of investing in a home will far outweigh any amount of cash back tax credit) That tidbit aside, let’s go over the rules for the NEW TAX CREDIT!

• The Tax Credit has been reduced to $6500
• You must have a contract on a home by April 3oth 2010
• You must close on the home by June 30th, 2010
• You won’t get your tax credit until tax time in 2011. It seems obvious,  I know.
• Income Restrictions:  Single, $125,00. Married, $225,000
• If you make over the above restrictions, you do not qualify, even though you are the person funding this whole project
• Current Home Owners must have lived in current residence for 5 years to qualify
• Vacation homes or time shares are not eligible for use of the tax credit
• Homes over $800,000 do not qualify for the tax credit.

Some Lenders are allowing the credit to be used as the  down paymentat closing. For an FHA Loan, you must put %3.5 down. For a Conventional Loan, you must put 5% down. If you want the tax credit to completely cover your down payment, Then your purchase price should be no more than $130,000 for a home. You can use your own money and combine it with the tax credit as downpayment.

It is uncertain which lenders and what programs will authorize the “advance” of the tax credit as downpayment at this time. This informaton will be available at the effective date of the program, which is December 1st, 2009.

The home buyer tax credit is projected to cost tax payers 10 billion dollars. So send a thank you card to anyone who is a tax paying citizen! Haha!

Other extensions awaiting approval is an extension to pay unemployment for an additional 20 weeks than is currently allowed. Conservatives are trying to make an ammendment that requires immigration verification before paying unemployment. This approval is on hold until an agreement over whether or not is right of the U.S. Government  to request verification of legal citizenship or not before Uncle Sam pays out.

If you need a Realtor who is up on the  financial times, is experienced, and knows how to work with the tax credit regulations, accurate contract management, and lenders, then send me an email at emily@infinityrealtysells.com or call or text me at 816-726-6706!

Thanks for Reading!
-Emily Galbraith
(The FRIENDLY Realtor)

Green Home Cleaning

After thinking about it for a long time, I decided to clean my kitchen! I opened up those under-sink cabinet doors and began rummaging through the tub of cleaning products.

I found one that said “With Real Lemons!” on the label. How great! I couldn’t help but notice  that the back label said “Harmful to Humans and Pets”. My other cleaners also had warnings like:  “Do not inhale!” “May Bleach Skin” “Harmful Eye Irritant!”

After further investigation, many of these hazardous looking cleaning products did not include their ingredient lists, and I like knowing what I’m spraying all over my counter tops or rubbing into my carpet. I did some research and found some natural and more safe ways to clean. I’ve tried all of these myself and was happy to clean with out the fumes and harsh smells! Though the vinegar IS a little stinky. Here are some natural recipes!

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Grocery List (From MarthaStewart.Com)

Baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate) A deodorizer and gentle scrub; softens hard water, removes acidic stains, and polishes shiny surfaces like stainless steel without scratching.

Distilled white vinegar A deodorizer, disinfectant, mild acid, and preservative; breaks up dirt, grease, mineral deposits, mold, and soap scum.

Essential oils Aromatic plant oils; some, including eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree, are natural disinfectants and antifungals. Pure essential oils can irritate eyes and skin upon contact, so handle carefully. Pregnant women should consult a health-care practitioner before using. Available from mountainroseherbs.com and natural foods stores.

Lemon A deodorizer, stain remover, and grease cutter; acts as a mild bleach when exposed to sunlight.

Olive oil A natural oil that helps to nourish and polish wood.

Plant-based liquid soap Gentle soap made with oils such as olive (”Castile soap”), palm, and coconut, rather than petroleum derivatives or animal fat.

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Natural Cleaning Recipe

Baking Soda, Soap, Lemon

All Purpose Scrub:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Plant-based liquid soap
• 1/2 of a lemon

Pour baking soda into a bowl. Add just enough liquid soap to make a creamy paste. Spread mixture on the flat side of lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away any residue. You’ll find the paste will stay moist for a few hours.

Helpful Hint: To save leftover scrub, add in a few drops of vegetable glycerin and seal in a glass jar.

Environmentally Friendly Window Cleaner

Safe Window Cleaning Formula

• 1/2 teaspoon Castile or plant-based liquid soap
• 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 cups water

Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Spray onto window and wipe clean with newspaper or a 100 percent cotton cloth.

Helpful Hint The liquid soap included in this recipe helps remove any streak-causing wax left on the window from commercial cleaners used in the past. You can eliminate the soap after a few washings. Safety note: Always be careful to label containers of homemade cleaners intended for storage and keep them well out of the reach of children.

Mold and Mildew: Natural Bathroom Cleaner, Outdoor cleaner

Vinegar

• 2 cups distilled white vinegar

Pour vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on infected area. The smell will dissipate in a few hours (open a window to speed up the process).

Helpful Hint For areas with persistent mold problems, use tea tree oil instead of vinegar, combining 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. A natural antiseptic and fungicide, tea tree oil costs more than vinegar but will kill most types of mold and help prevent new growth.

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Cleaning Green Products:

Other products are Hydrogen Peroxide, Tea Tree Oils, Sunlight and many more. My friend, Febe Long, sells Melaleuca products; a human, pet, and environmentally friendly line of cleaning products. You can view these natural cleaning products, and contact Febe  at FebeLong@live.com to order!

Comments about YOUR personal experiences with natural cleaning are welcome!

Credits: Kristen Pakonis

I’m working on my first blog. It is about Organic and Natural Cleaning. Please come back and visit later today!