http://www.homeinbrevard.comBrevard news and property updates from Brevard NC's premier realtor team, Jay and Jewell Kaiseren-us29 Mar 2008 16:30:45 EST By Marshall Loeb RISMEDIA, July 5, 2008-(MCT)-It happens all the time. You open your bank statement or credit card bill, and there’s a new fee assessed to your account that you hadn’t counted on. Banks and credit card companies make billions a year from such fees. To beat the fees, you’ll need a strategy. From Kiplinger Magazine, here are four tactics to consider: 1. Don’t get complacent. Part of the reason why so many customers end up paying fees is they don’t contest them. If fees show up on your account statement and you don’t agree, place a call to the bank representative. In most cases, if you are a good customer, banks will give you a break. 2. Call on weekends. Few managers work on the weekends, and it may improve your chances of getting the fee excused if the manager is not around. 3. Do your research before you place that call. Find out just how valuable a customer you are to the bank. Figure out your average monthly credit card balance. If you have more than one card, then figure out the balances on those. If it’s a debit card account, write down your average monthly checking balance. Be prepared to say how many years you have been a customer. Use these numbers as ammunition on the bargaining table. 4. Be realistic about your time. If the charge is for $2, is it really worth it to spend 20 minutes on the phone to get it excused? Save your time and energy for those $25 charges. Also, remember to be polite and not lose your temper. Bank representatives are more likely to help you if you are nice to them.http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=717/5/2008 1:58:30 PM PST What adds more value to a home a wooden deck or a patio of pavers?  We are making some improvements to our home over the next year and want to sell it once the market gets better.  Can you compare and contrast the two options as far as cost, labor, dyi-ability or contract it out, etc.? annasz 5-30-07 9:35am Building an outdoor room, the idea that you can create a living space beyond the four walls of your home, is gaining ground as one of the most popular home improvement projects around.  Return on investment is also very strong.  According to the 2006 Cost vs. Value Report produced by Remodeling Online, installing a deck will give you a 76.8% return on investment when it comes time to sell your home.  Patios are not rated, although I would expect the results to be similar. As for the degree of difficulty, anyone with basic construction knowledge could install either.  The exception might be building a concrete patio, which involves some specialized skills to handle the concrete.  However, building a brick patio isn’t nearly as difficult and could be a DIY project.  In either case, be sure to get a building permit.  If you are planning to sell the home, your local zoning or code enforcement inspector may be contacted for an inspection and you want to be sure that you have done everything properly.http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=696/30/2008 2:28:35 PM PST by Tom Kraeutler What would you do if high winds took out all your phone service? An earthquake cut your water, gas or electricity? Or, you had to leave your home on a moment’s notice? Let’s hope you never see floodwater raging toward your front door or have to race from a blazing fire. But planning ahead for natural disasters is important. If the unthinkable ever strikes, preparation can help keep your family safe and make recovery easier.In 2005 alone, Mother Nature’s fury caused hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries and wreaked a record $4.6 billion in property damage, according to the National Weather Service. No matter where you live, natural disaster can strike in one form or another. Flooding, fires or destructive high winds have hit every state in the U.S., and 41 states are at earthquake risk, notes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).These tips from FEMA and the American Red Cross can help you prepare for any natural disaster:KNOW YOUR HAZARDS.  What disasters are most common where you live? What is the best way to prepare for them? Contact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office for info and advice before disaster strikes. DEVELOP DISASTER PLANS.  Find out about disaster plans where you work, at your children’s school or other places your family spends time. Then hold a family meeting and create your own plan. It should include evacuation routes from your house and two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, and the other in another town. Make sure your family knows the phone number and address. If possible, also include the number and address of a friend or family contact outside your state because it’s sometimes easier to make long distance calls during an emergency. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Your disaster plan should also include how to care for pets, elderly relatives or other special needs. PRACTICE EMERGENCY NEEDS.  Show each family member how to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches. Make sure everyone knows emergency medical and police numbers. Learn how to use the fire extinguisher. Stock emergency supplies, including at least a gallon of clean water per person, and change them every six months. TAKE INVENTORY. Make a visual or written record of all your household possessions, including any model and serial numbers. Store a copy of this record in a fireproof or safety deposit box.If disaster actually strikes, stay calm, reassure your family, and follow your disaster plan. If you must leave your home and have time, take the following in a bag or large container: flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries, first aid kit, prescriptions, eyeglasses, at least a gallon of water and change of clothes per person, nonperishable foods, sleeping bag, area maps, checkbook, cash, credit cards, driver’s license or other ID, insurance policies, wills, deeds and other important papers.http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=676/30/2008 2:24:03 PM PST Cindy explains on decorating the backyard for those special events and tips on flower cutting. Thanks Cindy! By Cindy Dampier RISMEDIA, June 25, 2008-(MCT)-We’ve seen them on skirts. We’ve spotted them on sofas. Lately, they’ve been gracing paper goods, handbags, table linens … you name it. And now, thank goodness, we’re also seeing them in our yards and planters. Yep, bloom time is here, and we’re talking flowers. They’re certainly in style, but more than that, they’re one of the principal joys of the season. So here’s our suggestion: Gather up an armful of the bounty your back yard (or even the nearest florist) has to offer, and build a beautiful tablescape around it. Then gather up some friends, and serve up a warm-weather feast to delight all the senses. How to get started? Just try one of our three easy ideas or get inspired and create your own.Lush and LavishWhat You Need:1 white tablecloth3 yards of tone-on-tone print fabric, such as damask (ours is a remnant)3 yards of ribbon in a color to complement your flowers8 cordial cups, goblets, or stemmed dessert cups (ours are thrift-shop silver cordials) How To:For centerpiece: Cut flowers short, leaving only an inch or so of stem. Fill cups with water. Rest a single big bloom in each cup, adding one leaf to each cup as needed for a touch of green. (If your blooms are not fully open, use warm water and assemble your centerpiece a few hours early or even the night before party time.) For table: Cover table with white tablecloth. Fold fabric edges under along the long edges of the table and let it hang down on each end to match the length of the tablecloth. Use an iron to press the folded sides of the fabric flat. Make sure fabric ends are hanging neatly and any rough edges or strings are trimmed. Secure a band of ribbon around each napkin using a quick stitch with needle and thread or even a discreet piece of double-sided tape. To create a more eclectic style, try using serving dishes with a sculptural, modern shape in the same color palette as your dinnerware. - Cindy Dampier Au NaturelWhat You Need:1 white tableclothNeutral place mats (anything with a natural, warm palette will work well)Colorful cloth napkins (ours are from Crate and Barrel)4 clear Old Fashioned glasses Raffia (available at craft stores) How To:For centerpiece: Divide flowers into four equal bunches. Cut each bunch at the length to make a short bouquet in your glasses. Place each cut bunch into an Old Fashioned glass–stems should be fairly tightly packed and standing upright. Knot a piece of raffia around each glass. For table: Knot raffia around each napkin, letting ends trail. Tuck one flower stem under raffia atop each napkin. Add a couple of small silver accents (salt-and-pepper shakers, small silver tchotchkes) to the table to set off the earthy vibe. - Cindy Dampier Fresh and GreenThis table gets its oomph from simple flowers and foliage (spirea, ferns and hosta leaves) and a modern floral runner. Black accents bring it all together. Also try this tablescape with hydrangeas. What You Need:2 ½ to 3 yards of floral fabric4 yards of black ribbonLow vase, bowl or cachepotFloral frog (a basic floral supply item) How To:Cut long stems of greenery and flowers and tuck ends into frog set into vase/bowl/cachepot. Pull some stems up in the center for height, let rest spill over the sides of the container Fold floral fabric lengthwise so that it takes the shape of a wide runner. You should have at least 12 to 18 inches of fabric hanging at each end of table. Fold ends of fabric neatly and trim any rough edges or strings. Use iron to press folded sides of runner into neat, flat edges. (After the party, you can reuse fabric again as a runner, or give it new life in a sewing project.) Knot a band of ribbon around napkins, and tuck a green leaf into each.Gather hanging ends of “runner” into neat folds and tie with a piece of ribbon about 6 to 8 inches from the end. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=666/30/2008 6:22:25 AM PST RISMEDIA, May 29, 2008-(MCT)-Are you looking to sell your home but are worried about selling into the slumping housing market? By all accounts, the market is bad. A recent report out by the National Association of Realtors showed that sales of homes fell for the eighth time in the past nine months. Meanwhile, the supply of unsold single-family homes has risen to the highest level in 23 years. Given this environment, what is a homeowner looking to sell to do? Though certainly not an easy feat, there are measures you can take to improve your chances of success. From Consumer Reports, here are five tips on how to sell your home in a difficult market: - Pick the right broker.  The Kaiser Team will be a perfect fit for the right broker! Look for local agents who are listing, marketing and selling in your community even if the market is slow. Ask several of them to make a “listing presentation” to discuss your home’s value, justify their numbers and explain how they would market your property. Once you decide on a broker, you have three types of listing options. In an open listing, you reserve the right to sell the home yourself and not pay a commission, but you also allow one or more brokers to offer the property. With an exclusive-agency listing, you have one broker but reserve the right to sell the property yourself. An exclusive-right-to-sell listing gives only one broker the right to represent you during the listing term and guarantees the broker a commission. Most Multiple Listing Services will post exclusive-agency and exclusive-right-to-sell listings. - Understand the real marketplace. To negotiate effectively, you need to know up-to-the-minute sale prices-not just what your neighbor’s house sold for last year-and the deal-making behind them. For example, two homes may each have sold for $400,000, but if one owner gave a 3% credit for deck repair and a new furnace, that’s a $12,000 reduction. Your agent should be knowledgeable about the details of sales in your area and be nimble enough to revise the marketing plan for your home to reflect changing conditions. - Sweeten the deal. Sellers are reportedly offering some unusual sales incentives-plasma TVs, cars, boat slips, vacations and golf carts-but cash may still be king. For example, some sellers have agreed to pay condo maintenance fees for the buyer. Other ideas include covering moving expenses or a month’s mortgage payment. - Be flexible on the deposit. To “bind” a deal, the buyer should put down a deposit (separate from the down payment), which varies widely depending on the local market. You’d like the biggest deposit you can get, but in a slow market you may have to settle for less. - Monitor and update your listing. If it’s April, you don’t want the photo of your house on the Multiple Listing Service displaying a snowman on the lawn. An out-of-season picture is a dead giveaway that your home has been on the market for awhile. And with many buyers doing their first “look-see” on the Internet, the quality of the photos is paramount too. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=636/24/2008 10:18:59 AM PST Inspiring video of a father and son relationship. Very Moving!! A must watch...Jay http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513    http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=626/23/2008 9:16:23 AM PST RISMEDIA, June 9, 2008-A garage door is the largest moving object in a home, and is typically used every day, giving homeowners good reason to keep it in proper working order. The International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) have designated June as Garage Door Safety Month. Dallas-based Overhead Door Corporation, a leading manufacturer of overhead garage doors and openers under well-known brands like Overhead Door and Genie®, offers these 10 consumer safety and security tips. 10 Garage Door Safety & Security Tips 1. Make sure garage door opener control button is out of the reach of small children.2. Do not let children play with garage door remote controls.3. Consult the owner’s manual and learn how to use the garage door’s emergency release feature.4. Visually inspect the garage door each month. Look at springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for signs of wear. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. A trained door repairman must make adjustments to these parts, which are under high tension.5. Test the garage door opener’s reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2 x 4 board or a roll of paper towels in the door’s path. If the door does not reverse after contacting the object, call a qualified garage door professional for repair. If the opener has not been replaced since 1993, seriously consider a new one with auto-reverse as a standard feature.6. Never place fingers between door sections and explain the dangers to children. If you have small children, consider a door with panels that can’t pinch.7. Do not leave the garage door partially open. When activated again, it may travel downward and come in contact with an object in its path. This also impacts your home’s security as well.8. While on vacation, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which renders remotes unusable and is an optional accessory to most openers.9. If the opener does not have rolling-code technology, which changes the access codes each time the opener is used to prevent code grabbing, be sure to change the manufacturer’s standard access codes on the opener and remote control, or consider investing in a newer model with more safety and security features that are now standard.10. A new trend in home invasion is gaining access to the home by stealing the opener or car. Never leave the remote control in the car or with a parking attendant. Consider using a key chain remote and always lock the entry to the inside of your home - especially if your opener is programmed to your vehicle. It is a small inconvenience for safety and security. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=586/21/2008 9:08:46 AM PST RISMEDIA, June 21, 2008-Many agents find themselves with a unique dilemma: to list or not to list, depending on a client’s pricing expectations. With the wealth of information available to consumers, perfectly priced homes will be the ones to sell and it’s the agent’s responsibility to stay ahead of the game when it comes to setting a seller’s expectations and the subsequent saleability of their home. “Within this changing market, you can’t have a property that is perfectly priced for today. A home has to be perfectly priced for where the prices will be next week,” says Jon Coile, president & CEO of Champion Realty, “In order to stay ahead of the curve, you have to price aggressively.” Jewell and I have the years of experience that is needed today in this buyers market we are currently in, to best advise you of propert pricing. Give Jay or Jewell a call today so we may discuss your future marketing, as well as the best way to get the highest visibility that a seller MUST have to get the buyers. Jay 828-421-0375   or Jewell 828-421-8376 http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=576/21/2008 9:06:13 AM PST 1) Mass Exodus from the Neighborhood Don’t let a home’s curb appeal keep you from glancing down the street. Are there several other homes for sale? Are nearby businesses boarded up or vandalized? Get the scoop from the neighbors. If everyone else wants to leave the street, maybe you should, too - before you’re stuck with a bad investment. 2) Mediocre MaintenanceThree layers of roofing and gutters with plants growing in them are signs the owners aren’t big on maintaining their home. What else did they neglect? 3) Foundation FailuresCheck out the yard grading. If the yard slopes towards the house, it could cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement, which will be costly to repair. Scour the foundation for damage. Bulges or cracks bigger than 1/3 inch can mean the house has serious structural issues. 4) Bad Smells - Inside or OutsideTake a big whiff of the air inside and outside the house. Do you smell anything funky? If you can’t smell anything but the huge baskets of potpourri all over the house, this could be a red flag. 5) Faulty or Old WiringWhile you’re probably not an electrician, make sure all the switches and outlets in the house function properly. Flickering lights, circuits that don’t work and warm or hot outlets or faceplates are all symptoms of wiring problems. 6) Fresh Paint… on One WallNew paint can really spruce up drab walls, but it can also hide bigger problems, like water damage, mildew or mold. If the room smells strange or if you see stains or saggy walls or ceilings, have an inspector look for mold and leaks. 7) Locked Doors and BlockadesAsk about any rooms that are “off limits” during your home tour, and arrange to see them later if you’re interested in the house. 8) Foggy or Non-Functioning WindowsCheck for water in between double-paned windows and make sure all the windows are functional. 9) Structural Walls or Floors have been RemovedSure you love the open floor plan, but was the house always open or did the homeowners renovate? If they removed a load-bearing wall without adjusting the framing, it can shift weight to other parts of the house. Hire a structural engineer if you think any renovations are questionable. 10) Bugs!No one wants a house with a pest problem - be it roaches, mice or worst of all, termites. Be on the lookout for unwelcome creatures as you tour the house. Even if no foes pop out while you’re there, consider a separate termite inspection if you’re thinking of purchasing the property. The Bottom LineAlways get a professional inspection for the house you choose to buy. Skipping a home inspection is not a good way to cut costs. You’ll end up paying more in the long run when problems arise. RIS MEDIA   http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=536/12/2008 7:11:36 AM PSTBy Tom Kraeutler, AOL Home Improvement EditorYou don’t need to sign up with a waterproofing contractor to detect and correct basement moisture issues. Most of the time, basement conditions originate at the roofline of your home, where faulty drainage can send water in the wrong direction. The resulting runoff ends up in the soil surrounding a structure’s foundation, where it can easily leak into a basement through the walls or even up through the center of the floor. Just invest a little of your own time in careful investigation and minor adjustments, and you’ll soon have a properly dry, watertight basement ready to be transformed into an enjoyable and highly valuable bonus living space. Up on the roof Moisture problems begin on the roof of your home, which serves as the main collection point for water during every rainstorm. Stop potential problems at that level with a functional, well-maintained continuous gutter system equipped to carry rainwater in the right direction. For maximum effectiveness, there should be at least one downspout for every 600 to 800 square feet of roof surface, and all downspouts should extend to discharge at least four to six feet from your home’s foundation. Gutters must also be kept clean and clear of the debris that can dam up water’s flow, sending it straight to the foundation line rather than out through the downspouts and far away. Down on the ground After you’ve ensured that drainage conditions are tip-top where the roof and gutters are concerned, some ground-level investigation is due. The angle of the soil around a foundation’s perimeter is the second major cause of wet basement woes, so adjust its slope and drainage properties accordingly. The ideal setup is one in which the soil slopes away from your house on a downward angle of six inches over the first four feet from the foundation wall. From there, it can be graded more gradually, but should never allow water to flow back toward the house to collect against outer walls. Also keep in mind that the type of soil surrounding your home can ground the best-laid drainage plans. Heavy amounts of landscaping topsoil can hold water against the foundation, so if you need to improve your grade, do so with clean fill dirt and add just a small layer of topsoil over that to support grass or other plantings. And speaking of plantings, don’t allow poor placement and neglected maintenance to get the better of you and your drainage system. Brick or wood planters and decorative edging can be foils if they’re stationed too closely to the foundation, as can dense groundcovers and overgrown bushes and trees. Print Versionhttp://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=446/6/2008 7:01:05 AM PSTThis is probably one of the best times to buy a home in 10 years? (Yes, 10 years-the last five were overpriced and the next five will likely see reasonable appreciation as the major price corrections have occurred. Five years from now, the 30% correction evident today will have been recaptured, and we’ll all be dealing with overpriced housing, again.) I’ll leave the formulae to the economists and simply remind everyone that a pendulum goes through distinct stages as it prepares to reverse its swing. I see us now at the stage where it has almost reached its furthest point and is slowing before beginning its swing the other way; in context, sometime in the early summer months the pendulum will reach dead stop and the initial smidgeon of return and upswing, gaining real momentum in the fall. “Things will be fine in 2009.” That is, the election will be over, the country will feel less drifting and focus will be on moving forward. Due to the timing of the pricing correction that is now running its course, the economic groundswell that typically accompanies a new President will lift all boats. The consumer will believe that the worst is past and the time to buy is now; sellers will know that-in order to sell-reasonable pricing is paramount. It’s the perfect circumstance to produce that buying frame of mind in the consumer. I am well aware that many brighter minds than my own predict a “false recovery” that will be dashed by Wall Street layoffs, reality striking down private equity firms, and a continuing loss of consumer confidence. Those facts are tough ones, but Wall Street is not Main Street and Mr. and Mrs. Average American aren’t going to have their confidence shaken by the tragedy of investment bankers and brokers ending their multi-million dollar bonus days. Folks, consumer confidence can begin with us. “Physician, heal thyself.”http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=426/5/2008 10:09:59 AM PST RISMEDIA, June 4, 2008-June is Internet Safety month. With hundred of millions of teens, pre-teens-and adults-around the world using social networking sites, there’s no better time for parents to be aware of the fun, the benefits, the powerful attractions, and the potential risks that MySpace, Facebook and other similar sites offer their children. InternetSafety.com, a leader in Internet safety solutions, has assembled a list of practical tips parents can use to ensure a safe networking environment for kids: 1. Show Interest - Ask questions about how your child’s preferred social networking site or sites work. Kids are generally happy to demonstrate their knowledge if you show genuine interest. You can even ask your teen to show you how to set up your own social networking site-a great way to visit your child’s page and see what’s been posted there.2. Encourage Instinctive Responses - Kids often can instinctively do the right thing, which makes them their own first defense against those who may take advantage online. Encourage your children to avoid contact with people they “feel funny about.” Tell them to not reveal anything online they would not want a stranger to know. Limit the posting of pictures and remind them that once something is placed online, it can never be taken back.3. Know Your Kids’ Passwords - If your child changes his or her password suddenly and refuses to share it with you, that’s trouble. Insist on knowing how to access his or her accounts-then keep their confidence by not sharing the information with their friends or siblings.4. Set Hours for When Kids Can Access Social Networks - Late nights are the favorite time for predators to seek out their adolescent prey. Set firm limits not only for the time of day, but also the total amount of time, that your children may access social networking sites.5. Be Aware of Alternate Access Points - Kids don’t have to access their social networks at home. Libraries, friends’ houses, even cell phones make the Internet easy to reach today. Keep up with what’s happening on your child’s social networking page and be aware when changes have been made despite the lack of access from home.6. Exercise Your Parental Right to Supervise - There’s a difference between being snoopy and ensuring safe activity. You don’t have to read every last word of a personal message your son or daughter sends to a friend. But you do have the right-and the obligation-to see who your kids are talking to, and to know the general subject matter.7. Check for Photos - By clicking on the Windows “Start” button, you’ll find the “Search” tool. Click on “Pictures, Music or Video,” the box next to “Pictures and Photos,” and finally “Search”. Ask your child to identify any photos of strangers, or any other pictures you find questionable.8. Install Filtering Software - PC products like Safe Eyes allow parents to block or record Instant Messenger chats, limit e-mail use to prescribed addresses, block objectionable websites (including peer-to-peer file sharing programs that often expose kids to inappropriate material), and receive alerts when kids post personal information on social networking sites.9. Watch for CyberBullying - Encourage your children to tell you immediately if they are being harassed online. Children also need to know that it is not acceptable to be a party to cyberbullying-or to remain silent when they know others are being harassed.10. Don’t Lecture - Finally, if you should find reasons for concern, don’t browbeat, insult or condescend to your child. Have a discussion about values and why they are important. Respect your child but be firm. And most of all, lead by example. Parents have a powerful ability to influence their child’s behavior-and nothing is more powerful than someone who not only talks values, but lives them. “Parents should never feel that their level of involvement in their child’s social network activity is excessive. Since 1998, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline has logged over 33,000 tips about children being enticed online for sexual acts,” said Shane Kenny, President and COO of InternetSafety.com. “Better that the parent error on the side of intrusion, rather than bear the consequences of doing nothing.” For more information, visit www.InternetSafety.com. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=396/4/2008 8:57:28 AM PST  Your Listing Is Screaming Desperation The listing presentation was successful, the sign has been placed and the flyers are in the box but … is your vacant house screaming “desperation” to potential buyers?  In today’s market the first impression you may be giving the buyer is one of desperation – the sellers have already relocated.  Buyers may assume they are in trouble and have moved out or are they stuck with 2 mortgages.  It’s true that most Realtors dread handling a listing that is vacant as they are much harder to sell than one that is fully furnished, but in today’s market that mindset won’t get you very far.  The Census Bureau just reported that during the first quarter of this year 2.9% of all houses on the market (excluding rentals) were vacant.  NAR just reported that in March the sales of existing homes fell by 2% with prices declining on a year-over-year basis by 7.7%.  For 90% of buyers it’s hard to visualize what their furniture and belongings will look like in a vacant house and you can’t afford those odds.  That’s the primary reason furnished homes sell faster and generally yield a higher return for the seller.  A vacant home is often dim and cold, giving off an impression of desperation.  That’s why the first thing a Realtor does is turn on every available light in the house in an attempt to add some warmth. Consider that vacant houses also tend to highlight their flaws: Floors show more dirt and scratches, carpet stains stand out and walls show holes and marks.  The same goes for the outside if it hasn’t been maintained, which all but destroys any curb appeal the house may have.  Yet even ensuring that the basics are covered may not be enough: Cleaning has been done, the utilities are on, general maintenance has been completed and there are bulbs in any available fixtures.  The problem remains … it’s vacant. One solution is to put some furniture in the house but without some thought and planning the result is often nothing more than converting a vacant home into a warehouse.  In an effort to overcome these obstacles Realtors across the country are adding home staging to their skill set.   Staging provides the clues that buyers need to begin visualizing the house as their “home.” It really is all about that very important first impression that starts with the curb appeal and continues throughout both the interior and exterior.  It involves developing a keen eye for creating just the right setting.  Take your lead from the homebuilders – you never see them using vacant models.  They understand the importance of enhancing the visual process and that is what staging is all about. Yes, the vacant house may be your challenge today but it doesn’t need to be a problem without a solution.  It just takes some dedication to acquire the skills necessary to meet that challenge and convert that “emptiness” into an appealing settinghttp://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=385/30/2008 1:26:48 PM PST House Swaps Seen Gaining in Popularity One of the tools being used more frequently by homeowners looking to relocate is house swaps. Real estate professionals and appraisers can help clients navigate the process, which involves matching two homeowners relocating to each other's area and swapping their houses with one another. The swaps often involve some money passing from one party to another, to account for the homes' differences in value. According to Kevin Davis of Blue Chip Realty in Tallahassee, Fla., who has engaged in house swaps for more than a decade, "Those most interested in trades are sophisticated buyers who understand the process, and sellers who are motivated, flexible, and creative." Davis notes that some homeowners and investors engage in three-way trades. Source: Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat, Carolyn Devonshire (05/20/08http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=345/28/2008 3:19:21 PM PST Demand Inspections and Disclosures You can never be too trusting when it comes to buying real estate. The buyer is entitled to know what he/she is getting for their money. The buyer should insist on an inspection and full disclosure of the house being purchased. Why Do You Need an Inspection?An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert give you an oral and written report as to the condition of the property you are purchasing. After researching recent sales in the area, you decide that 30-year-old home for $180,000 is worth the money. You make an offer, which is accepted. The next step would be to hire an inspector. The report shows that the concrete foundation is cracked. The roof and plumbing need to be replaced. The cost for repairs adds up to $40,000. Your inspection contingency would let you back out of this deal or negotiate. Remember to accompany the inspector during the visit. He/She will give oral comments that give more specifics as to the problems of the property. When writing a report, the inspector must abide by certain legalities on paper. He/She will be more open in person. Why Do You Need Disclosures?In most states, the law requires the seller to disclose any knowledge about the condition or history of their home to the buyer. For example a seller would disclose information ranging from a leaking roof to their house being built on a sacred Indian burial site. Disclosure contingency gives you protection. Upon discovering the roof needs replacing, you can either back out of the deal or renegotiate for the cost of repairs. It also makes the seller responsible legally. A seller may go on record saying nothing is wrong with the house. You move into your newly purchased house only to discover that cracks in the foundation that were filled in and painted over. A court of law can view the disclosure statement as evidence that you had no prior knowledge. The seller is held liable for the repairs. How Do You Get an Inspection?The inspection is written in as a contingency in your offer. Many real estate contracts automatically have an inspection written into the terms. The buyer is responsible for the inspector's fee. Ask your real estate agent to recommend a list of local inspectors. Please check references carefully. This type of service may not be regulated in your area. A retired city or county building inspector may be your best bet. There are two national trade organizations. One is the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). How Do You Get Disclosures?In California, the law states that a disclosure statement is provided to the buyer; then the buyer has three days to approve or disapprove. If the buyer does find the defects acceptable then the agreement is broken. Your agent or attorney can clarify the laws pertaining to disclosures in your state. If there is no statutory procedure in your area, the buyer must request it as a contingency in the list of terms. Your investment is not worth being jeopardized. Insist on a home inspection and full disclosure. Make your purchase contingent on approving the results of both. A "final walk-through" is not a home inspection. Structural problems are only revealed with a home inspection. A walk-through is designed to make sure the seller has not damaged the property since your first visit. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=305/26/2008 2:03:59 PM PST Top 5 Tips for Getting the Best Price 1. Price it Right. The listing price contributes greatly to the number of interested parties and offers you will receive. It is important that you set your listing price at market value. Even a few thousand dollars above market value can influence how long your house will sit on the market, especially during a cold or normal market. Remember, you are listing your house so that you can sell it. It is better to have multiple buyers interested in your property at a market value price than few or no buyers interested in your overpriced property. More buyers who are interested, hotter your property becomes. And this can motivate buyers to make offers on your house. The consequences of not pricing your house right are: less offers, less showings, less agent response, and less qualified buyers. In the end, your house will sell for less than you wanted and sit longer on the market. 2. Present your House at its Best.  Appearances matter. Your house should be clean and spotless. Remove any clutter from the outside and the inside of your house. Remember, your house is competing against newly constructed homes as well. Even the tiniest detail or odors can offend or turn interested parties into non-buyers. Don’t lose potential buyers and don’t let the flaws in your house become big issues during negotiations when they could’ve been fixed. Ask yourself what your home is worth and then prove it. However, if you property looks like a fixer-upper, then be prepared to negotiate on those terms. 3. Make your House Accessible.  To save your real estate agent time and to help them help you show your home, they should have a key to your home. This allows them to show your house at the buyers at the buyer’s convenience. You don’t want to lose out on an offer simply because your house was not available for showing. When your house is being shown, remember to do the following: keep your house well lit through by opening curtains and drapes and turning on all lights, keep doors unlocked, remove yourself from your house, and let your agents promote your house. 4. Paint the Interior and Exterior and Clean or Replace the Carpets.  Painting your house will immediately make your house appear more clean and bright. Dirty walls, chipped paint, stained carpets will have a negative effect on interested parties. They will notice, and don’t think they can’t find better elsewhere. 5. Make your House Welcoming.  As soon as interested buyers drive up to your house, they should not be distracted by clutter or have any negative response. The driveway and entrance should be clean and rid of cars or junk. The landscape should be maintained and the house should be welcoming. Interested buyers want to enter a house that they could move into, they don’t want to feel that they are entering someone else’s property or walk through the owner’s mess. 6. You Market Your House. Don’t be passive in the selling process. You need to take control of how you want your house to be perceived. First of all, find a hot agent and make sure that your listing is placed on the MLS and on the Internet. Use up all advertising avenues, the more your exposure your house gets, the more opportunities for it to attract potential buyers. Consider advertising in local papers, websites, local TV public access stations, word of mouth, and having a large, For Sale sign on the property. Not only do you need to know where to market your property, but how. It is as important that the right people view your house as a hot property. Know the features in your house and tell interested buyers why they are a benefit to them. Don’t just ask for a high listing price, but know why. Convince your agent that your property is hot. It is how buyers perceive your home that attracts them to your house in the first place.http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=295/26/2008 2:01:48 PM PSTHotlist of Upscale HomesWhen you are buying a home, having access to the hottest new property listings is important. Our FREE House-Hunter Service specializes in researching and providing you with the latest information about the very best buys of upscale and luxury homes currently on the market. Our FREE automated House-Hunter Service enables you to get priority access to the hottest new listings. This gives you a competitive edge by alerting you to the best buys before other buyers even know about them. Our Upscale Homes "Hotlist" will identify the hottest new upscale listings, from every real estate company, that match your personal home buying criteria – and help you to beat out other buyers to the best deals. To receive your FREE personalized Hot List of Upscale Homes, just fill out the contact us form.http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=275/23/2008 1:56:34 PM PST Are you ready for the onslaught of refinances this legislation could bring? Despite opposition from the Administration, it looks as though the Senate is going to hammer out an agreement to allow FHA to refinance “short” mortgages. And Senate Republicans are working with the White House to make sure the previous threat of veto is removed. Along with the previously announced expansion of the FHA Secure refinance program that is effective on July 14, this is sure spark a refinance boom.  FHA is implementing Risk Based Pricing on the same date—so the world is changing very quickly. Are you ready to change with it?  Along with these action, it is possible the law will also carry a tax credit for citizens to purchase foreclosures, many of which will be financed with FHA and VA programs. I am really excited about the news and we are ready for the great news to hit the press and light a fire in many markets. Brevard area has been blessed with activity and not hit hard like many areas. Call us today for that special home we can find you! Jay 828-421-0375 http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=255/20/2008 8:57:43 AM PST Summary of H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act: Provides mortgage refinancing assistance to keep families from losing their homes, protect neighboring home values, and help stabilize the housing market. Expands the FHA program so many borrowers in danger of losing their home can refinance into lower-cost government -insured mortgages they can afford to repay.  This legislation will help troubled borrowers avoid foreclosure while minimizing taxpayer exposure. Only primary residences are eligible: NO speculators, investment properties, second or third homes will be refinanced. Protects taxpayers by requiring lenders and homeowners to take responsibility.  This is not a bailout; in order to participate, lenders and mortgage investors must take significant losses by reducing the loan principal.  In exchange for an FHA guarantee on the mortgage, borrowers must share any profit from the resale of a refinanced home with the government. Contains important protections for taxpayers’ dollars, including higher refinancing fees that establish a new FHA reserve to cover possible losses from defaults on these government-backed mortgages. Provides $230 million for financial counseling to help families stay in their homes. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=245/16/2008 12:44:10 PM PST By Tom Kraeutler, AOL Home Improvement EditorIn an uncertain housing market, dropping big bucks on complex home improvement projects isn’t always the way to go. However, with a little DIY know-how and a conservative amount of cash, there is a lot you can do to enhance both the value and enjoyment of your home. Check out these seven smart suggestions for upgrades on a $1,000 budget. 1. Replace kitchen countertops. Cook up a new look without blowing your grocery budget by upgrading kitchen work surfaces. There are several sleek, budget-friendly materials to choose from, including green options like stainless steel, cast concrete, and solid surfacing and terrazzo composites made from recycled materials. Complement the new surface panorama by adding new hardware to cabinets and drawers, and do a little revision of countertop collections for a clean, clear view and easy access to work zones. 2. Accessorize the bathroom for comfort and safety. If you plan to stay in your home for several more years, now’s the time to start making small changes that’ll add up to easy access for family members of all ages and abilities. Run through AARP’s Bathroom Checklist to assess the current state of your bath, and then select improvements that’ll make the space safer and easier to use. These can include installation of a wider entry door (32 inches is the standard for optimum access), easy-to-grasp door and cabinet hardware, rocker light switches, grab bars, and a shower fixture with a removable, hand-held head. 3. Brush on a new look. Paint is one of the most affordable and transformative home improvement products around, so make it your go-to technique for updating a living space. Most manufacturers offer handy sample sizes for testing out new hues, as well as special formulations and tools for taking a faux approach. Adding crown moldings, chair rails and other trims is the next level in creating a custom look on a budget. 4. Spruce up an outdoor room. Warm-weather leisure is all the more enjoyable with comfortable outdoor zones for entertaining and relaxing. Building a small deck or a patio of brick, natural stone or cement pavers can expand both your living space and your home’s value. You can also update landscaping and add pathways to form outlying seating areas or hideaways in a yard of any size. 5. Enhance curb appeal. Take those landscaping improvements around to the front yard, an instant register of perceived home value for every passerby. Then approach the entry with an assessment of its welcome quotient. A beautiful new door with high-tech toughness to withstand the elements will instantly ratchet up that perceived value, and a few well-placed planters of blooms add freshness and friendliness. Also consider adding a decorative but functional bench to ease the driveway-to-door transition of shopping bags as well as create a sheltered seating area. 6. Improve energy efficiency. The climbing costs of home heating fuel make penny-saving improvements all the more valuable. Reduce waste and enhance home comfort by sealing all heating and cooling ducts along seams and connections with duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed tape (never duct tape, as it doesn’t have the required staying power), followed by insulation wrap. Also consider upgrading your home’s insulation-a visit to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Insulation Recommendations page will provide guidance for your specific climate and location. 7. Accessorize to organize. Make more space inside your head as well as within your favorite four walls by clearing away clutter and installing organization systems. Shelving and safe stowing zones can convert a crammed garage into a place where you can actually park a car and easily access gear, and a closet fitted with modular components will allow you to greet every day without the stress of a mess. http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=175/16/2008 6:29:41 AM PSTHere are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:* Accept that some days you're the pigeon,And some days you're the statue.* Always keep your words soft and sweet,Just in case you have to eat them.* Always wear stuff that will make you look goodIf you die in the middle of it.* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can beRecalled by their maker.* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again,It was probably worth it.* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time,Because then you won't have a leg to stand on.* Nobody cares if you can't dance well.Just get up and dance.* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.* The second mouse gets the cheese.* When everything's coming your way,You're in the wrong lane.* Birthdays are good for you.The more you have, the longer you live.* You may be only one person in the world,But you may also be the world to one person.* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.* We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=155/12/2008 6:45:09 AM PST Spring is typically a good time for homeowners to start preparing to sell their homes because families interested in moving will often look now so that they can buy a home just in time for the kids to go on summer break. Landscaping and curb appeal are among the top areas that buyers notice first. In fact, some studies show that good quality landscaping can increase the value of a home from 5 to 11 percent. Elements such as curving flowering beds and design sophistication attract buyers more easily than just rectangular boxes filled with flowers. Plant size and the diversity of plant material are also important to buyers. And colorful plants that often don't cost much to put in such as annuals can really brighten the look and the appeal of a yard. That's why as the country gradually starts to thaw out, many sellers start to spiff up their homes and gardens to make them irresistible to buyers but these things can bring unwanted guests as well. If you don't plan carefully, you could be building an attractive garden that leads a trail of ants right inside your home. "If you build a beautiful mulch garden around your home, you want some sort of a concrete barrier or some other material besides wood between the mulch area and your home," says Nic Izatt, branch manager for Antac Pest Control. Izatt says it's very important to not have any earth-to-wood contact. He says that having a garden too close to your home without any barrier can encourage ant and termite colonies to develop. So while you may be looking to create value and appeal give consideration to things that might not only attract insects (which can be a minor or major problem) but also consider how the overall landscape is working in a yard. The American Society of Home Inspectors cautions buyers and sellers that, as they are enjoying the pretty landscape, they need to be sure to give a careful check on how the elements all function together. For instance, are the plants healthy? Is the placement of large trees, the garden or lawn in a hazardous position or sloping toward the home? Is foliage too close to the home? Again, this can become a breeding ground for insects. Taking note of these types of possible landscape issues can help to ward off future headaches. Here are a few things to watch for when either getting your yard ready for sale or when looking to buy. Get to the root of it: while seeing exactly where trees roots are located can be a bit difficult, spotting any obvious signs of lifting or cracking sidewalks or driveways can be an indication that there is a root problem. The opposite also poses a problem. If you see areas where the yard is sunken in, that could indicate a leaking sewer line resulting from a root interference problem. Know the topography: understand potential risks such as if you're located at the bottom of a hillside. In heavy rains the water will flow downward toward the foundation of your home, possibly causing flood. Limb control: notice if tree limbs are out of control, branching out in every direction and touching the roof or interfering with power lines. Watch out for tree limbs that are hanging over chimneys as animals can climb down the chimney but also the branches could block the draft, creating higher carbon monoxide levels in the home. Close-up look: closely examine plants in your yard and be sure that you don't see mushrooms or fungus growing at the bottom of the trees as that can be a warning sign of a health issue. Landscaping that's been thoughtfully created and taken care of will be a huge benefit to both the seller and the buyer. Written by Phoebe Chongchua http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=135/7/2008 10:29:52 AM PST If you are a first time home buyer, you have a lot to learn. Working from a blank slate you must build an understanding of the housing market, determine what you can afford, land a loan and hone in on a home that's a good fit for your lifestyle. The transaction will likely become your largest asset ever so there's little room for error. It is a daunting task, but you can ease your concerns if you take the process step-by-step, watching your footing as you move along the path toward the American Dream. Below is a list of "Dos and Don'ts" to help first timers turn that stress into the self-confidence you'll need to move closer to your first home. The list focuses on areas first-timers typically stumble over in their initial home buying attempt. Knowing what you could face will help you avoid some of those trip ups. The Dos:DO examine your credit standing. You need to know your credit standing. You may need to request corrections if there are errors. You may need to adjust your habits if your credit behavior is less than sterling. And you need to take those steps before seeking a loan. Your credit report is free from AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally regulated place to go. You can stagger retrieval of your credit report from each of the big three credit bureaus, getting one from a different agency every four months. Your report is free, but you may have to pay a nominal fee for your credit score (a numerical scoring of your creditworthiness) depending upon your state law and other factors. DO explore a mortgage pre-approval or commitment. An early green light on a loan will put you in a good negotiation position when you find your dream home. It will also help you shop within your budget. DO line up a dream team of professionals. You may need a real estate agent, attorney, mortgage broker, home inspector and others to be your professional eyes during your home search. DO buy for your lifestyle. Your first home may not be your last, so try to anticipate how long you'll live in your home and buy based on plans for the duration. Raising kids, starting a business, taking on a new job, housing Grandma could all impact the size or type of home you need first. DO heed housing priorities. Separate your "wants" from your "needs" so you know where you can compromise to stay on budget. The Don'ts:DON'T get taken by the first house or neighborhood you see. Keep an open mind and spend sufficient time finding the right fit in a house and neighborhood for your needs. DON'T buy more than you can afford. Lenders will often loan you as much as your financial condition warrants, but that may not be what you can comfortably afford. It's better to live with a comfortable mortgage on a smaller home than to struggle every month paying a mortgage on a house with more room than you really need. The down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses and taxes must in total all be within your income and savings range. DON'T treat your home like a stock portfolio. Homes appreciate and depreciate in cycles which often aren't so predictable. Don't expect your home's value to skyrocket. Buy a home because you need a roof over your head, not for a quick profit. DON'T try to time the market. Pinpointing the bottom of the market almost always happens after the market has started to turn up. How, otherwise, can you see the bottom? Focus on personal lifestyle needs, not market trends, in terms of timing your home buy. DON'T sign for a confusing mortgage. Shop around for the best loan, read every detail of your loan contract and get some help understanding terms and provisions that confuse you. Avoid exotic, "creative financing," multi-option loans you don't understand. Again, lifestyle is key. Get a loan that fits. Written by Broderick Perkins http://www.homeinbrevard.com/post.aspx?postid=125/7/2008 10:25:01 AM PST