MAKING YOUR REAL ESTATE DREAMS REALITY: 6 REASONS SOME REALTORS MAY REDUCE THEIR COMMISSIO...

MAKING YOUR REAL ESTATE DREAMS REALITY: 6 REASONS SOME REALTORS MAY REDUCE THEIR COMMISSIO...: 1. They need the business.   In today's competitive market some agents are offering to cut their commissions because they don't have sy...

MAKING YOUR REAL ESTATE DREAMS REALITY: THINKING BIG WHEN YOU HAVE A SMALL BATHROOM

MAKING YOUR REAL ESTATE DREAMS REALITY: THINKING BIG WHEN YOU HAVE A SMALL BATHROOM: Do you have little spaces and BIG ideas? You’re not alone. Here’s how to maximize every inch of space in a small bathroom—turning it int...

THINKING BIG WHEN YOU HAVE A SMALL BATHROOM

Do you have little spaces and BIG ideas? You’re
not alone. Here’s how to maximize every inch of space
in a small bathroom—turning it into an oasis all its own.

If you’re not quite ready for a wrecking crew but want to make
your small bathroom appear bigger, try these tips and tricks for upsizing your space:

1.    Use light, airy colors to open it up. Save dark colors for larger rooms.

2.    Paint the door the same color as the walls, and add mirrors to create the illusion of depth.

3.    Consider a slim shower stall to replace a bulky tub.

4.    New tile can enhance the aesthetics of any room. Talk to your home center professional or trusted contractor to see the wide variety of beautiful textures and colors available today.

5.    Clear out the clutter! A small space is no place for knickknacks and trinkets. One or two small, warm additions will pop much more than a menagerie of dust collectors.

6.    Replace oversized cabinetry or outdated furniture with simple, sleek designs that provide needed storage without overwhelming your space.

7.    Crown molding painted the same color as the ceiling adds size and depth to your ceiling.

8.    Consider a pedestal sink to replace a bulky, outdated one. You will immediately open up much-coveted floor space.

9.    Speaking of flooring, light colors work best here, too. Cool tiles, a light, natural wood or even a neutral vinyl will add a fresh look to an old room.

10.  Light the way with new fixtures. If you choose a light, neutral color palette for the rest of the bathroom, this might be just the key to adding a splash of accent color and bright light. Many older homes and small bathrooms have limited lighting, which can add to that cramped feeling. Let the light in with beautiful new fixtures!

Why you should get a home inspection

Why Every Buyer Should Get a Home Inspection I thought this article by  John D. Mayfield ABR, ABRM, GRI, e-PRO, CRB would be of interest to my readers

Although this is not a comprehensive list of the need for a home inspection nor should this report be relied on solely with the purchase of your next home.  It is a guide that can help you understand the benefits for having a home inspection prior to your next real estate purchase.   

¨  Most sales contracts provide the buyer to perform various inspections on the property with in so many days after signing of the sales contract.  By having a qualified and recommended home inspector look at the property under consideration you have the opportunity to find any major or structural defects in advance of the home purchase.  This inspection and notification of the issues at hand can allow you the borrower to either cancel or void the contract or request the seller to make the necessary repairs prior to signing any closing documents.  Of course state laws and the contract verbiage that you sign will dictate the final outcome but it is important to make sure the party representing you in the transaction includes the opportunity to have a building inspection on the property you plan to purchase.

 

¨  The inspector will look for things you never dreamed of!  Most building inspectors will look for a wide variety of items both structurally, mechanically and visible to you and I and items that are not visible during the normal inspection.

 

¨  The building inspector will provide you with a detailed report outlining on the issues and problems that need to be corrected.  It is important to use this detailed report when requesting corrections to the contract or in the case of major structural defects allowing you the opportunity to terminate the contract. Of course you will need to seek legal council and the verbiage in the contract before you can move forward on your decision.  But a detailed report will normally be necessary to you to provide the seller or sellers agent should this situation arise.

¨  Don’t panic about everything.  Remember the building inspector’s job is to find problems and issues with the sales contract.  It is not critical that every detail pointed out in the contract be correct or repaired.  Some minor issues listed in the inspection report may only take a half a days work and a couple hundred dollars to correct.  Although you should consult with your agent or legal council regarding your detailed inspection report, don’t feel that every listed item in the inspection is for concerned panic.

¨  Ask for recommendations.  Prior to hiring a building inspector it is always a good idea to ask for recommendations and find out what the satisfaction level is with their past clients.  You can not only request recommendations from the building inspector themselves but also ask the real estate agent you are working with to provide a list of names that may have used this inspector or several others.  By doing this you’re sure to find out a positive or negative reaction others have experienced with this building inspector.

¨  Ask to see if the inspector is a member of any national organization.  Some groups such as the [associations name ASHI] require the inspector to meet certain criteria and to have a certain educational background to be certified as one of their inspectors.  This rigorous requirement assures you that the inspector you are hiring meets all of the qualified criteria and code when performing a home inspection for you it also assures you that the inspector is recertifying themselves on a contentious and regular basis so that they are constantly updated and familiar with the current building code and construction requirements.

¨  A home inspection is not all that you will need.  Although most home inspectors do a good job at finding areas in need of repair and problem issues with the home you are planning to purchase.  Some cities and government municipalities require a separate occupancy inspection and permit prior to your moving into your future residents.  Just because the building inspector investigates your home and finds little or no problem areas occasionally the city inspector may have a newly updated list and will require certain changes to be made to the home.  Although most building inspectors will try to stay on top of these local city changes occasionally one issue or area may fall through the cracks.  It is not only a good idea to hire a building inspector but to also sign the necessary forms and documents and pay any local municipality fees so that the occupancy inspector can preview the home too. 

¨  Don’t forget local utility inspections.  As noted in the previous bullet point for obtaining any local municipality occupancy inspections it is also a good idea to have the local utility companies inspect the home for their standards required in turning on the utilities.  Again most inspectors do a good job in looking at the utility requirements necessary during their home inspection.  Occasionally local gas company or electric company could have a requirement the building inspector is not aware of.  It is always a good idea to cover all of your bases prior to closing then for an issue or problem to arise after the seller has received their money and the contract dates have elapsed. 

¨  Ask the building inspector what areas they do not cover and what additional inspections you might need.  For example, some building inspectors are qualified to inspect for termites while others may not. It is a good idea to make sure you know in advance what areas the inspector will not guarantee under their inspection.

¨  Order your inspection in advance. Remember the sales contract will have important dates for you to follow in order to request changes to the home that are in the sales contract.   Please seek advice from your legal council or qualified real estate professional regarding these dates.  But understand waiting until the last minute can be detriment and possibly cost you thousands of dollars if an issue or problem needs to be corrected and your inspection period has expired. 

All the above bullet points are not a complete list of items that could arise regarding building inspections.  It is hopefully a good guide for you to use and remember prior to purchasing your next home.  At CIR REALTY we would love to help you with your next home purchase.  I have additional FREE reports listed on my web site at [web address] and you can also call me at [agent phone number] for more information.  I hope this report has been helpful for you and I look forward in hearing from you soon [agent name].

This article has been written by John D. Mayfield ABR, ABRM, GRI, e-PRO, CRB

6 REASONS SOME REALTORS MAY REDUCE THEIR COMMISSION

1. They need the business.

 In today's competitive market some agents are offering to cut their commissions because they don't have systems in place to find buyers. They want to be listing agents. There is a difference in wanting your business and needing your business. Do you really want to trust someone who is desperate for your business?

2. They don't have a marketing system that works.

 If your property doesn't sell, what have you accomplished? There is a difference between listing a property and selling a property. What the other agent didn't tell you is that they will make less money selling your property than if they sell another property on the market. You want an agent who is going to be excited about bringing you an offer.

3. If you cut your commission, then you have to cut service.

 Which services are they going to cut? Many factors come into play in finding the right buyer that is willing to pay your price. To get top dollar for a property you need as many services going for you as you can possibly get

4. Reducing commission by 1% equals over 15% of the agent's fee.

 Would you really be excited about a 15% pay cut? How can the other agent really be excited about working for you? Is that other agent being honest with you when they say they’re excited about getting your property sold?

5. Are they going to cooperate with other brokers?

 What are they going to pay those brokers? Why are those brokers going to be excited about a 15% pay cut? To get top dollar for your property you need to have all the brokers in your marketplace excited about selling your property.

6. They lack negotiation skills.

 If that other broker is willing to let you negotiate them out of 15% or more of their income from the sale price of your property, will they also let the buyer negotiate 15% or more from the purchase price of your property? What is that other broker’s sale price to list price ratio? You might be costing yourself tens of thousands of dollars trying to save a couple thousand dollars in commissions.

What's the most important thing to you in the sale of your home? Is it paying that other broker a lower commission? Or is it putting the highest amount of money in your pocket?

Compare apples to apples when selecting a real estate company and beware a company that is offering a lower commission. Make sure a lower commission isn't the only thing they have to offer and remember to base your decision on all factors involved.

REAL ESTATE & YOU

AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW MARKET CHANGES AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

  “How much home can I afford?”

This is a question I'm asked a lot, and the constant changes in our real estate market over the last few years have made some people leery about whether purchasing real estate, either as a primary residence or an investment is in their best interest.

While every family’s situation is unique, here are some things to think about when you’re looking to buy:

Employment: Lenders want to know if a borrower’s job is stable and a person’s income steady before they’re willing to sign off on a loan. For that matter, knowing that you’ve got the financial footing and job growth potential to help ensure that you’re able to make the mortgage payments really is step one!

Credit score: Gone are the days where ANYONE can get a loan. Knowing what your score is, how to clean it up if it’s low and how to maintain it if it’s high is more important today than it’s ever been. If you need help better understanding what lenders are looking for -give me a call and I can walk you through how to determine your “buying power.”

Savings: Most purchases today require a down payment. Financial experts suggest putting at least 20% down on your home upon purchase. That’s significant for most folks, but there are some ways you can begin to earmark the money needed to purchase the home of your dreams.

Call me, or your local mortgage professional today, for more answers!

CALGARY STATS

What’s Happening in Calgary(and area)...

Calgary, April 2, 2012 - City of Calgary residential sales continued to rise in March 2012,

reaching 2,167 units, an increase of 12.6 percent over last March. “The rise in activity is related

to the continued improvement of our economy and consumer confidence, as some concerns

regarding the global economy have eased,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist.

Active Listings as of April 2, 2012

Average                          Count Price                          Ave.DOM 

Single Family                            5,565                       $552,250                                 68

Condominium                           2,358                       $317,202                                 69

Active Listings                          7,923

Rural With Home                      1,061                       $1,091,675                             122

Rural Land                               562                          $672,663                                 232

Total Rural                               1,623

Total MLS                                 9,546

Sales for March 2012

Average                     Count Price                               Ave.DOM

Single Family                            1,963                       $454,725                                 46

Condominium                           672                          $284,084                                 52

Combined

Residential Sales                     2,635

Rural With Home                      76                            $821,302                                 91

Rural Land                               18                            $382,041                                 202

Total Rural                               94

Total MLS Sales                       2,729

REDUCE MOVING EXPENSES THROUGH PLANNING

If your plans this year include a major move, it is important that you do some advance legwork to save yourself frustration and money.  Start planning your move at least six to eight weeks before your targeted moving date.  Ask friends or neighbours to recommend companies they have been happy with for past moves, and check out their record with local agencies.  Contact each company to ask about its charges and the types of services it offers, then compare movers to determine which one best suits your needs and budget.  To determine weight, the mover will weigh the van on a certified scale before and after he unloads your shipment.  The difference between the two weights is the net weight of your shipment and is the amount on which the final charges are based.

        Companies will offer estimates to help you approximate moving expenses.  Such estimates can be binding (the mover guarantees the price prior to the move) or non-binding (the mover estimates the price and provides final charges after the shipment is weighed).  To assist movers in calculating the cost of your move, show them every item to be moved, including the contents of your attic, basement and garage.  Ask the mover to explain the estimate in detail and reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services you’ll require.  Also, be sure you receive a written and signed copy of the estimate.

        Before packing begins, the mover will take an inventory of your household goods to be shipped.  Since the inventory record is one of your most important shipping documents, make sure all copies are legible, and that all items are numbered, listed and described correctly.  To save on packing charges you may want to pack part of your belongings yourself.  But keep in mind that movers usually will not accept liability for breakage to “owner-packed” items, or they may require that the driver inspect the cartons.  Be sure to ask your moving company about its own policy, and ask for advice on packing materials and procedures.

Home Selling Success in Calgary Alberta

Selling your home can be quite the production!  There's a lot of roles you need to play.  Salesperson... Negotiator... Accountant... Attorney...  When you're dealing with your most valuable asset, there's no second takes.  You have to get it right the first time.

That's why it makes sense to hire a real estate professional to sell your house. From the moment I meet with a seller until the closing and beyond, I focus not only on meeting their needs, but on exceeding their expectations.  To this end, we work together to develop an effective marketing plan that takes into consideration individual circumstances, goals, and concerns.
My team effort approach to business has proven highly effective, and as a team, it's been a win-win situation all around. Homes I list sell quickly and at premium prices.  I make new friends and continue to develop a very satisfying career in real estate.  I believe that TEAM stands for "Together Each Accomplishes More." This certainly holds true in my life.
Although I've always considered myself a compassionate person, I have developed a deeper understanding of how emotional the home selling process can be.
The tenor of my career has been shaped by these experiences.  I've been told that I'm easy to talk with and that I have infinite patience helping people find the home of their dreams. My greatest asset, however, is my sense of humor.  I laugh often and have a knack for putting people at ease.
Regardless of market conditions, I have a crystal clear vision of what it takes to be successful in helping people accomplish their real estate goals.  I understand that caring about my clients' goals is my #1 priority.
Call me today for a personal consultation and free market analysis.  I look forward to meeting with you and working together to meet your real estate objectives.
You’ve got to have the right director to run the show!  I’ll handle the cast, crew and the details. You’ll have front row seats to home selling success!

Serious Business - Buying

If you're serious about buying a home, whether it's your first home or your family's dream home, all you need to do is give me a call.

When it comes to working with buyers, I use a simple and guaranteed painless four-step system.

First, I'll invite you and your family into my office for an informal visit to get a better idea of what it is you're looking for and just as important, what you're not looking for.

Second, I'll pull a list of all the possibilities from our computer files.  You'll be surprised at how many great housing options you might have to choose from.

In step three of the  process, we'll actually go out and look at homes that fit your parameters, so you can get a first hand, private look at each property.

And finally, when we do find the perfect home for you, I'll answer all your questions and give you all the specific details that you need to make a decision.

Should you decide that you'd like to purchase a home, you can count on me to handle all the details, including working to secure the right kind of financing to fit your particular needs.  Throughout the entire process I'll work at your pace and you'll be making all the decisions.
Buying a home in today's market doesn't have to be a hassle, especially when I'm your agent.  Whether it's a fixer-upper or a mansion on the hill, I can make the entire process a happy experience for your whole family.
In fact, I can even offer you Exclusive Buyer Representation, so you'll know you have all the protection possible in negotiating your offer to purchase.
You can tap into my experience and insight simply by calling my office.
And even if you're not quite sure you're ready to purchase a home right now, I invite you to give me a call.  You'll find by working together on a direct basis, you'll have a better chance of finding that one special home you're looking for in the future.
Some people try to find their special home by looking through ads.  The only problem is that on any given day, only a small percentage of all the available properties are being advertised, so you really can't get the full picture.
There are a lot of ways to go about finding a home, but by far the best way is to give me a call, tell me what you want and take it from there.  It really is a no-hassle proposition and all you need to do is call.  Call me at 403-512-1939.        

Arriving at a realistic price to ask for your home

When determining the price to ask for your home, you'll need to know how other comparable homes in your area are priced, what comparable homes have actually sold for, and what homes were on the market, but did not sell.

You may want to order an appraisal to help you obtain this information.  Generally they run between $300.00 and $500.00 and will give you a good idea of what comparable homes are selling for in your area.  Should you decide to list your home for sale with an agent, the agent you choose will provide you with a "Competitive Marketing Analysis" gathered from information he or she can obtain through the Multiple Listing Service and his or her own experience.  Either way, you can get a reliable price structure for your home by compiling this information.

Protect all your investments

"Crime Prevention" is defined as the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of crime risk, and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce the risk.

You can have a significant effect upon the security of your home by taking a few moments to assess its weakness, and determine appropriate actions to eliminate any vulnerability.

General good practices include these basic steps:

1.     The appearance that an occupant is present and is attentive to the property

2.     An alarm system (security equipment is worthless unless used properly!)

3.     Keep your home neat, clean, and in good repair

4.     Doors and windows should be locked, even when you are at home

5.     Be a good neighbour, and get to know your neighbours. Call the police whenever you notice anyone or anything that seems suspicious.

Assessing your home's vulnerability is key when trying to "think like a thief." Consider how a criminal might view your home and eliminate as many of the opportunities or vulnerable points as you can. Always keep valuables in a different and secure location.

What’s YOUR Home Worth?

With market changes and an ever-shifting economic climate, now is the perfect time of year to get an idea of what your home is may be worth.  Many factors contribute to the market value and pricing of today’s properties such as:  

·         Age of home? 

·         The condition of the property.  Has it been maintained or upgraded?  Does it need a new roof? 

·         Neighbourhood or location? 

·         Fixtures and cabinets - does it look dated? 

·         Systems check - how is the heating/air conditioning units and plumbing? 

·         Number of bedrooms/baths - is it comparable to the other homes in that area? 

·         Supply and demand? 

·         Comparable market pricing? 

These are just some of the ways a true up-to-the-market analysis of your home can be determined.  If you would like to know how much your home would sell for in today’s market, give me a call.  I can pull a comparable market analysis for you at n

Five factors that cause a property not to sell

1. Location.  Over history it's been said the three things to look for in buying a property are  (1) Location, (2) Location, and (3) Location. There are positive and negative factors to almost every location.  Let's pretend your property is right next door to a fire station.  You need the kind of marketing professional that can sell the benefits of not having to worry about your new home burning down, or perhaps the savings on fire insurance.  Seriously, no matter where your property may be located, there is a ready, willing, and able buyer in the marketplace.  You just have to be creative and sell the benefits.

2. Condition.  Making a good first impression is important in getting a property sold.  Painting the front door and  trim,  making sure the doorbell works, putting furniture and clothing in storage, and cleaning off counter tops are just a few of the little things I suggest to my customers and clients to make properties more marketable.  I would be more than happy to provide you with a Merchandising Review free of charge.  A Merchandising Review is a list of 18 Factors that cause properties to sell.  I spend the extra time necessary with every client to assure all the little details are taken care of. It's that attention to detail that sets me apart and enables me to get properties sold.

3. Price.  How soon you want to sell has a direct relationship to the price you receive for your property.  A very important statistic to look at when pricing your property properly is the average sales price to list price percentage.  This gives you a realistic guideline as to what's really happening in the marketplace.  It may not be what you want to hear; however, for an honest price analysis of your property, call me and I will share with you the price I honestly expect you to receive in today's real estate market.

4. Terms.  Are you flexible as to possession dates?  Many times serious buyers that are relocating to an area only look at those properties that offer immediate possession.  Are you willing to assist the buyer with financing?  Sometimes a seller who is willing to assist with financing will help a property to sell.  Are you buying another property? If you are willing to consider trading part or all of your equity for another property, that makes your property more attractive in the marketplace.  Call me directly for a complete analysis of all the terms you could offer to make your property more marketable.

5. The Agent and Company You Select.  I pride myself on selling properties that other agents couldn't sell.  I understand the frustrations involved when sellers are not able to accomplish their real estate objectives.  If you're serious about selling and not just listing your property, call me today.  I will give you an honest evaluation of what it is going to take to get your property sold.  I will share with you my proven marketing systems that have enabled me to help so many sellers accomplish their real estate objectives!

Real Estate Outlook - Spring Markets

Spring is traditionally a very busy time in real estate.  Corporate moves are on the rise and buyers anxious to take advantage of priced-just right properties and lower interest rates are plenty. If you’ve ever thought of selling your home, there are a couple top factors to consider:

Curb appeal: It’s never been more important to make sure your home shows well. Contact me today for my brochure: Dress Your House for Success! It has great tips and tools for ensuring your home is shown in the best possible light.

Price it right: To get the best price for your home in the shortest possible time, pricing your property right is vital. To find out just how much you can expect from the sale of your home, call me for a complete Price Analysis. I will do the research for you, show you what comparable homes are selling for in this market and help you steer clear of those things that cause homes not to sell. Ask about my free brochure, The Five Factors that Cause Properties NOT to Sell as well as my Price Pyramid which can help you determine the best price for selling your home in today’s market.

Selling your home in any market doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. You can count me to make sure everything goes smoothly, whether you’re looking to relocate, move up to your next home or even downsize—I have the answers you need.