Preparing your home to be listed can be an overwhelming task for some. But with “94.6% of Associate Staged Professional (ASP) Staged Homes selling on average in 35 days or less”, according to StagedHomes.com, taking the time to prepare your home for sale is an important task.
Here are some tips to help simplify the process of prepping and staging your home.
De-clutter
De-cluttering your home can be one of the biggest and most challenging aspects of preparing your home to sell, but it can also be helpful and rewarding on moving day. De-cluttering allows you to simplify your rooms and it also helps buyers better understand the size and potential of the space.
Repairs
Now that your home has been de-cluttered, it’s time to check for problem areas that need repaired. Areas can include, but are not limited to…
-Nail holes, dents, scratches or other holes in walls, ceilings and doors.
-Roofs, gutters and spouts.
-Malfunctioning outlets..
-Broken or burnt-out light bulbs and ceiling fans.
-Leaky faucets and rust stains.
-Caulking around tubs and other interior fixtures.
-Exterior fixtures and faucets
*If you are looking to boost the value of your home with repairs and renovations, be sure to consult with an agent to see which improvements increase your selling price.
Cleaning
Once the rooms have been de-cluttered and repairs have been finalized, it’s important to address the task of cleaning. If you’re trying to simplify the cleaning process, it helps to focus on…
-Sweeping, shampooing and washing all floorsDirt, food and pet stains along with crumbs and other debris can leave potential buyers thinking the carpet needs replaced when it really just needs cleaned.
-Washing walls may sound unnecessary, but over time walls can collect dust and cobwebs. They can also appear discolored with age. Simply wipe down walls with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth to brighten the appearance.
-Dusting all appliances and furnitureThe appearance of a well-kept house is a pleasing sight—especially to potential buyers. This indicates that the house has been well maintained. Dusting will give your space an extra shine, so don’t forget this finishing touch.
-Staging If staging wasn’t an important task, then there wouldn’t be tons of TV shows teaching sellers how to arrange their home in order to attract buyers. Staging your home applies to exterior as well as interior spaces.
Exterior
-Cut the grass.
-Rake leaves.
-Plant flowers.
-Turn on a porch light to help illuminate your home at night.
Interior
-Create a great entrance
-Keep up the energy throughout every room.
-Depersonalize rooms.
-Open curtains and provide an unobstructed view of nature—letting in natural light.
These staging strategies can help you present your home in a warm and welcoming fashion.
So as you prepare your home for sale, good luck and let us know how it goes!
Please contact us if you need a list of professional stagers or any pointers on how to get your home ready to sell in a quick amount of time for the highest dollar amount possible!
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Understanding Closing Statements
You found the home of your dreams and with closing date fast approaching that means paper work time! Before signing by the “X” it is important to be familiar with what you are signing. Here is a breakdown of a settlement statement.
A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) statement, also known as the settlement or closing statement, is a financial overview of all transactions. It is used by the closing agent to itemize all charges to the borrower (buyer) and the seller during the process.
Section J, Summary of Borrower’s (Buyer’s) Transaction – In Section J, you will find a breakdown of the gross sales price of the property and amounts owed by the buyer.
You will also find entries for funds the buyer will receive at closing such as credits for the amount of earnest money paid, amount of the new loan and miscellaneous items paid by or on behalf of the buyer. Bills that the seller has not yet paid but owes all or a portion of such as real estate taxes will be shown in this section. The total of all items is then added to the buyer’s proceeds.
A summary of the total amount due to the buyer and items paid by or for the buyer is also highlighted in Section J. The bottom line shows how much money the buyer must bring to a closing – a negative number means that the buyer will receive money back at the closing.
Section L, Settlement Charges – The numbers in this section, found on Page 2, are totaled before being brought forward to Page 1. The individual areas under Section L deal with commissions paid to agents, loan fees (which are most often paid from buyer’s funds), charges that the seller requires, escrow funds, title fees, charges such as costs for recording deeds, mortgages and fees for tax stamps, and survey fees and inspections for things such as pests, home warranty, etc.
During the entire home-buying process be sure to be very clear during contract negotiations as to who is going to be paying for what costs, because what is written on the contract is what will be finalized on the settlement statement.
And always, be sure to ask your us if you ever have any questions.
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) statement, also known as the settlement or closing statement, is a financial overview of all transactions. It is used by the closing agent to itemize all charges to the borrower (buyer) and the seller during the process.
Section J, Summary of Borrower’s (Buyer’s) Transaction – In Section J, you will find a breakdown of the gross sales price of the property and amounts owed by the buyer.
You will also find entries for funds the buyer will receive at closing such as credits for the amount of earnest money paid, amount of the new loan and miscellaneous items paid by or on behalf of the buyer. Bills that the seller has not yet paid but owes all or a portion of such as real estate taxes will be shown in this section. The total of all items is then added to the buyer’s proceeds.
A summary of the total amount due to the buyer and items paid by or for the buyer is also highlighted in Section J. The bottom line shows how much money the buyer must bring to a closing – a negative number means that the buyer will receive money back at the closing.
Section L, Settlement Charges – The numbers in this section, found on Page 2, are totaled before being brought forward to Page 1. The individual areas under Section L deal with commissions paid to agents, loan fees (which are most often paid from buyer’s funds), charges that the seller requires, escrow funds, title fees, charges such as costs for recording deeds, mortgages and fees for tax stamps, and survey fees and inspections for things such as pests, home warranty, etc.
During the entire home-buying process be sure to be very clear during contract negotiations as to who is going to be paying for what costs, because what is written on the contract is what will be finalized on the settlement statement.
And always, be sure to ask your us if you ever have any questions.
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Membership Operated Dog Park In Marysville
Union County commissioners are considering a proposal for a membership-operated dog park. It would be located on land next to the Humane Society facility.
Steffen Baldwin, executive director of the Union County Humane Society, Susan Adkinson, board president, and Meg Michel, a board member, approached the commissioners about the land use earlier this month.
"We feel we could offer a whole lot to the community and to the residents of Union County with a membership-run dog park," Baldwin said.
He would like to see a dog park open as early as May, but the commissioners didn't think that was likely.
Baldwin recommended that a member be charged about $120. He said the closest dog park, located in Delaware County, charges $125.
"Our thoughts for this summer, if it would become a reality, would be to start out on a small scale," said Baldwin, "with Friday, Saturday and Sunday operations. That way we could manage it."
With a dog park next to the Humane Society, he said, dog owners would be reminded about rabies shots and dog tags or licenses.
"We could also offer a lot of community benefit programs and enrichment programs," Baldwin said.
Training sessions could be offered at the site, along with an "Ask the Vet" session in which the on-staff veterinarian responds to dog owner questions. Eventually, Baldwin said, training sessions could be offered on dog etiquette and agility classes. He said a concession stand and a restroom could be built.
"We could fence it off with a double L-fence entry," he said, "maybe a small dog and large dog partition."
Baldwin said he and the two board members wanted the commissioners to give them the OK to proceed with developing a plan.
"We wanted your take on it before we invested a whole lot of time to research it," said Adkinson.
Commissioner Tom McCarthy asked the group to explain what they meant by a dog park.
"You go and you let the dog race around," said Adkinson. "Sometimes they will get together with other dogs and they will just start playing and people go in, too."
Picnic tables, she said, allow owners to sit and watch their dogs play.
"It's a place for the dogs to just zoom and get some energy out," said Adkinson. "Usually they are divided into small dogs and large dogs and a time-out area."
With the Humane Society right next door, Baldwin said, it would offer more benefits than a city-operated facility.
"We would be able to offer a better experience for the community, because our Top Dog volunteers would be out there to intervene," he said.
Dog fights sometimes occur in common parks, but, Baldwin said, the Humane Society would be able to limit the fights and lower any sort of liabilities or risks.
Through their investigation, Michel said, they discovered there have been numerous requests for dog parks across the country.
The commissioners said about six months ago, a community member talked with them about the need for a dog park.
Michel said it would be easier to train people than having folks surrender their pets.
Baldwin moved to the area from Los Angeles, where there were multiple five- to seven-acre dog parks with at least 30 in the city. Indianapolis has a Humane Society dog park, he said.
McCarthy said long-term demand for space near the Humane Society facility is pretty high and he would like to determine how much land could be set aside, if any.
"What it should encourage us to do is look at that land and the longer-term plans for the campus," he said.
McCarthy and fellow commissioners are concerned that if they carve out space for the dog park and then there is a need to locate a building on the site, the commissioners sitting on the board in 10 to 15 years would have to contend with a "bunch of angry dog owners."
"We need to consider it in the context of the other needs of the county," said McCarthy.
Michel said in about six to eight years, the Humane Society will be looking at expanding.
Commissioner Charles Hall was concerned about maintenance of a possible dog park and the difficulties in mowing and weeding around fencing.
Commissioner Gary Lee asked engineer Jeff Stauch to look into the situation. Stauch said on March 16 that he had not had a chance to contact all parties.
The commissioners didn't deny the group the opportunity to proceed with research, but McCarthy asked the board members and director to give the commissioners time to consider the situation.
From This Week Community Newspapers
March 21, 2009
By CATHY WOGAN
ThisWeek Staff Writer
Steffen Baldwin, executive director of the Union County Humane Society, Susan Adkinson, board president, and Meg Michel, a board member, approached the commissioners about the land use earlier this month.
"We feel we could offer a whole lot to the community and to the residents of Union County with a membership-run dog park," Baldwin said.
He would like to see a dog park open as early as May, but the commissioners didn't think that was likely.
Baldwin recommended that a member be charged about $120. He said the closest dog park, located in Delaware County, charges $125.
"Our thoughts for this summer, if it would become a reality, would be to start out on a small scale," said Baldwin, "with Friday, Saturday and Sunday operations. That way we could manage it."
With a dog park next to the Humane Society, he said, dog owners would be reminded about rabies shots and dog tags or licenses.
"We could also offer a lot of community benefit programs and enrichment programs," Baldwin said.
Training sessions could be offered at the site, along with an "Ask the Vet" session in which the on-staff veterinarian responds to dog owner questions. Eventually, Baldwin said, training sessions could be offered on dog etiquette and agility classes. He said a concession stand and a restroom could be built.
"We could fence it off with a double L-fence entry," he said, "maybe a small dog and large dog partition."
Baldwin said he and the two board members wanted the commissioners to give them the OK to proceed with developing a plan.
"We wanted your take on it before we invested a whole lot of time to research it," said Adkinson.
Commissioner Tom McCarthy asked the group to explain what they meant by a dog park.
"You go and you let the dog race around," said Adkinson. "Sometimes they will get together with other dogs and they will just start playing and people go in, too."
Picnic tables, she said, allow owners to sit and watch their dogs play.
"It's a place for the dogs to just zoom and get some energy out," said Adkinson. "Usually they are divided into small dogs and large dogs and a time-out area."
With the Humane Society right next door, Baldwin said, it would offer more benefits than a city-operated facility.
"We would be able to offer a better experience for the community, because our Top Dog volunteers would be out there to intervene," he said.
Dog fights sometimes occur in common parks, but, Baldwin said, the Humane Society would be able to limit the fights and lower any sort of liabilities or risks.
Through their investigation, Michel said, they discovered there have been numerous requests for dog parks across the country.
The commissioners said about six months ago, a community member talked with them about the need for a dog park.
Michel said it would be easier to train people than having folks surrender their pets.
Baldwin moved to the area from Los Angeles, where there were multiple five- to seven-acre dog parks with at least 30 in the city. Indianapolis has a Humane Society dog park, he said.
McCarthy said long-term demand for space near the Humane Society facility is pretty high and he would like to determine how much land could be set aside, if any.
"What it should encourage us to do is look at that land and the longer-term plans for the campus," he said.
McCarthy and fellow commissioners are concerned that if they carve out space for the dog park and then there is a need to locate a building on the site, the commissioners sitting on the board in 10 to 15 years would have to contend with a "bunch of angry dog owners."
"We need to consider it in the context of the other needs of the county," said McCarthy.
Michel said in about six to eight years, the Humane Society will be looking at expanding.
Commissioner Charles Hall was concerned about maintenance of a possible dog park and the difficulties in mowing and weeding around fencing.
Commissioner Gary Lee asked engineer Jeff Stauch to look into the situation. Stauch said on March 16 that he had not had a chance to contact all parties.
The commissioners didn't deny the group the opportunity to proceed with research, but McCarthy asked the board members and director to give the commissioners time to consider the situation.
From This Week Community Newspapers
March 21, 2009
By CATHY WOGAN
ThisWeek Staff Writer
Monday, March 23, 2009
Protect your home and yourself from water damage
Don’t let roof leaks ruin a relaxing, rainy day. As the wet season approaches, it’s important to make sure your home is protected from roof leaks, rain run-off and more! Read on for helpful ways to combat any soggy situations you may encounter in the coming months.
cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to have the right tools. Take inventory to see if you have a ladder, gloves, a gutter scoop, rags, and a garden hose on hand. A handheld blower can be helpful for removing leaves but only if they are dry. Start the cleaning process at a downspout area. If you run into an area with tightly-packed debris, spray it with water from a garden hose to loosen the mass. After you’ve finished the cleaning process, send a stream of water from the hose through the gutters to make sure everything is flowing efficiently.
One way to prevent gutter buildup is to install protective gutter guards. Plastic or metal guards can be used to keep leaves out. Solid gutter shields allow water in the gutter while forcing leaves and other debris over the side. For more tips on cleaning gutters and downspouts, visit Lowes.com.
Roof LeaksRoof leaks can often end up costing you thousands of dollars, so take some proactive steps to prevent future damages. Leaks frequently occur in areas of intersection—where the roof connects to a chimney, skylight or other object. Joints at these intersections sometimes begin to deteriorate and separate over time, allowing water to seep in. Though some roofing problems can be easy to fix, it is usually a good idea to contact a professional contractor to assess and correct the problem. If you don’t have time to seek professional assistance, keep the problem under control with poly tarps and buckets.
Run-OffsThis is the water that flows off your roof during a rainstorm. Without a proper channeling system, like gutters and splash blocks, this water will begin to pool at the base of your home and can cause serious foundation damage. In order to prevent this damage, water should drain away from the building. One way this can be accomplished is by placing splash blocks at the end of downspouts to help direct water away from the foundation of the home. Installing surface drains is another option, but this typically requires more equipment and probably a little help from a friend or professional.
Flood Safety and PreservationSpring is also known for its severe thunderstorms which can lead to flash and regional floods. Take the time to familiarize yourself with flood safety.
-Seal important documents in a waterproof container
-Seek higher ground
-Keep a battery powered flashlight and radio in a safe space.
-Understand that your safety is foremost
If you’re looking for a local professional contractor, or for more tips on waterproofing, make sure to visit NAWSRC.org.
cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to have the right tools. Take inventory to see if you have a ladder, gloves, a gutter scoop, rags, and a garden hose on hand. A handheld blower can be helpful for removing leaves but only if they are dry. Start the cleaning process at a downspout area. If you run into an area with tightly-packed debris, spray it with water from a garden hose to loosen the mass. After you’ve finished the cleaning process, send a stream of water from the hose through the gutters to make sure everything is flowing efficiently.
One way to prevent gutter buildup is to install protective gutter guards. Plastic or metal guards can be used to keep leaves out. Solid gutter shields allow water in the gutter while forcing leaves and other debris over the side. For more tips on cleaning gutters and downspouts, visit Lowes.com.
Roof LeaksRoof leaks can often end up costing you thousands of dollars, so take some proactive steps to prevent future damages. Leaks frequently occur in areas of intersection—where the roof connects to a chimney, skylight or other object. Joints at these intersections sometimes begin to deteriorate and separate over time, allowing water to seep in. Though some roofing problems can be easy to fix, it is usually a good idea to contact a professional contractor to assess and correct the problem. If you don’t have time to seek professional assistance, keep the problem under control with poly tarps and buckets.
Run-OffsThis is the water that flows off your roof during a rainstorm. Without a proper channeling system, like gutters and splash blocks, this water will begin to pool at the base of your home and can cause serious foundation damage. In order to prevent this damage, water should drain away from the building. One way this can be accomplished is by placing splash blocks at the end of downspouts to help direct water away from the foundation of the home. Installing surface drains is another option, but this typically requires more equipment and probably a little help from a friend or professional.
Flood Safety and PreservationSpring is also known for its severe thunderstorms which can lead to flash and regional floods. Take the time to familiarize yourself with flood safety.
-Seal important documents in a waterproof container
-Seek higher ground
-Keep a battery powered flashlight and radio in a safe space.
-Understand that your safety is foremost
If you’re looking for a local professional contractor, or for more tips on waterproofing, make sure to visit NAWSRC.org.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ready for Warmth
As we go about our normal daily routines - get up, get kids ready, go to work, drive home, eat dinner, play for a while, wash up, go to bed - we tend to forget to look around at our surroundings. This week was no different as we went through the motions; however, one little difference put a new twist on our evening routine. We were able to move play time outside! We’ve had a few 60-70 degree days in our neck of the woods and we couldn’t be happier. Being cooped up in the house with two cabin-feverish kids who prefer the outdoors was rough. Spit and fingerprints are evident on our living room windows…they obviously have been trying to claw their way outside for months now. Our entire family loves being outside and here’s a few photos to prove it…
Ok, so Riley is not a person, but she’s still one of our babies!
Outdoor playtime would not be complete without Riley’s dirty, slimy, mulchy green ball. If you say “green ball” and have no intentions of getting it out, you will get the most pathetic dog eyes you have ever seen. For future reference, just call it the “GB”. Riley doesn’t know acronyms.
Stella shows off one of her “cool” finds in our backyard.
Ok, so I don’t think she’s helping. Look at that sly expression…she’s taking the planter cards out of the box! We’ll never remember what we’ve planted now, the little stinker!
Our little world won’t be like this forever…it’s always changing. My husband and I strive to remember to enjoy these fun little moments because soon, we’ll be sending them off to school and we will lose them forever!
Get out and enjoy your world, my friends!!
Jeri Amrine
Photographer
http://www.jeriamrinephotography.com/
jeri@jeriamrinephotography
***Jeri is one of our friends who is an amazing photographer and I always enjoy reading her blog posts. She has graciously allowed us to repost some of her blogs here. If you need a photographer that can capture your families unique and special moments, please contact her! ******
Ok, so Riley is not a person, but she’s still one of our babies!
Outdoor playtime would not be complete without Riley’s dirty, slimy, mulchy green ball. If you say “green ball” and have no intentions of getting it out, you will get the most pathetic dog eyes you have ever seen. For future reference, just call it the “GB”. Riley doesn’t know acronyms.
Stella shows off one of her “cool” finds in our backyard.
Ok, so I don’t think she’s helping. Look at that sly expression…she’s taking the planter cards out of the box! We’ll never remember what we’ve planted now, the little stinker!
Our little world won’t be like this forever…it’s always changing. My husband and I strive to remember to enjoy these fun little moments because soon, we’ll be sending them off to school and we will lose them forever!
Get out and enjoy your world, my friends!!
Jeri Amrine
Photographer
http://www.jeriamrinephotography.com/
jeri@jeriamrinephotography
***Jeri is one of our friends who is an amazing photographer and I always enjoy reading her blog posts. She has graciously allowed us to repost some of her blogs here. If you need a photographer that can capture your families unique and special moments, please contact her! ******
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Use your first time home buyer tax credit for your down payment or closing costs!
Ohio Housing Finance Agency Mortgage Revenue Bond Program
Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program
Effective Date: March 30, 2009
The Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program offers a second mortgage to borrowers who obtain a first mortgage through the OHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program. In order to encourage first-time homebuyers to enter the market in 2009, the program will allow OHFA first-time homebuyers to leverage the benefit of the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit for down payment and/or closing costs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 amended and extended the first-time homebuyer credit to include purchases closing between January 1 through November 30, 2009. For qualified first-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009, the maximum credit is $8,000 and can be claimed on a buyer's 2008 or 2009 federal tax return.
-The loan may be up to three percent of the purchase price. No cash back may be issued to the borrower.
- Principle and interest payments are deferred until July 1, 2010 after which, loans will amortize over 15 years at an interest rate 1% above the first mortgage rate.
-The OHFA application fee will be $300 and can be paid by the buyer, seller or financed in the loan.
-There is an incentive for early repayment of the loan. If the loan is paid in full prior to July 1, 2010, OHFA will forgive $300 of principal.
-Lenders may charge a special processing fee of $75.
-All loans must be recorded as second mortgages using OHFA note and mortgage documents.
-Borrowers must have a minimum 600 credit score.
-Borrowers must complete homebuyer education through a HUD approved counseling agency or through OHFA's streamlined program.
Bruno Capogreco
Home Loan ConsultantCountrywide Bank, FSB
614-306-3980
Bruno_Capogreco@countrywide.com
Contact us to learn more about buying a home with no money down!
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program
Effective Date: March 30, 2009
The Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program offers a second mortgage to borrowers who obtain a first mortgage through the OHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program. In order to encourage first-time homebuyers to enter the market in 2009, the program will allow OHFA first-time homebuyers to leverage the benefit of the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit for down payment and/or closing costs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 amended and extended the first-time homebuyer credit to include purchases closing between January 1 through November 30, 2009. For qualified first-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009, the maximum credit is $8,000 and can be claimed on a buyer's 2008 or 2009 federal tax return.
-The loan may be up to three percent of the purchase price. No cash back may be issued to the borrower.
- Principle and interest payments are deferred until July 1, 2010 after which, loans will amortize over 15 years at an interest rate 1% above the first mortgage rate.
-The OHFA application fee will be $300 and can be paid by the buyer, seller or financed in the loan.
-There is an incentive for early repayment of the loan. If the loan is paid in full prior to July 1, 2010, OHFA will forgive $300 of principal.
-Lenders may charge a special processing fee of $75.
-All loans must be recorded as second mortgages using OHFA note and mortgage documents.
-Borrowers must have a minimum 600 credit score.
-Borrowers must complete homebuyer education through a HUD approved counseling agency or through OHFA's streamlined program.
Bruno Capogreco
Home Loan ConsultantCountrywide Bank, FSB
614-306-3980
Bruno_Capogreco@countrywide.com
Contact us to learn more about buying a home with no money down!
Dana M. Garrett - 937-645-6545 - Dana.Garrett@RealLiving.com
Nanie Ingram – 937-645-6542 – Nanie.Ingram@RealLiving.com
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