Cold Front

Are you ready for the coldest months of the year? As the season sets in, your home's durability will really be out to the test. Roofs must hold against rain and snow, windows and doors must stop the cold, and fireplaces must keep our bodies warm. Follow these steps before the winter season blows in, and you won't be caught out in the cold.

Inspect your roof. Look for any cracked spots, missing shingles or other open places, which might cause leaks. Most simple repairs can be done yourself using roofing cement.

It's also important to check your home's gutters and siding. If the gutters are clogged with leaves or debris, clean them yourself or hire a gutter specialist. Blocked gutters may lead to basement flooding or leaking. Also be sure the siding does not have any cracks or damage.

Before lighting a fire in your fireplace, sweep the chimney of creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires if not removed. Be sure to hire a professional chimney sweep to do this.

Selling Your Home thru the Holidays!

When you look at your November and December calendars you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligation—shopping, entertaining, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “show time” condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.

It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. BUT WAIT! Taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake.

Consider the following points:

• Buyer activity appears to slow down; the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious.
• Buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful.
• Relocating families often don’t have a choice in when they can leave for their new destination. Typically they want to be settled by the first of the New Year.
• At Christmastime, our culture focuses on family and the home. Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life. Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.
• When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard.
• With reduced inventories and motivated buyers, you will have all the members of the MLS on your team. You may find you have more showings than you would if your marketed your home during a busier time of year.

Since most markets are beginning to experience increases in inventory, you’ll probably be better off selling now than waiting till the spring, when you have to compete with the rest of the world.

Short Sales

Short Sales are not a new thing to Real Estate. Although they are much more popular now with the changes in the market. I did my first short sale for a client back in 1985. Since they are becoming more popular I wanted to give you some brief information about Short Sales.

What is a short sale? A short sale in real estate occurs when the outstanding obligations (loans) against a property are greater than what the property can be sold for. Short sales are a way for homeowners to avoid foreclosure on their homes and still be able to pay off their loan by settling with the lender.

What is the procedure? First you will need to list your property with us and we market it just like a normal listing. You will complete a hardship package and we do whatever it takes to get an offer.

Do you need to be behind on your mortgage payments? Yes, the lenders require that you are behind on your payments before they will consider negotiating the possible short sale terms.

Will selling your home as a short sale affect your credit? Yes, and it will keep you from being able to purchase a home for a minimum of one possibly even two years after the short sale property has closed. Once your credit has been cleared of late mortgage payments and as long as you can qualify in other ways, you should be able to purchase a new home within a 1-2 year timeframe.

If you know someone that is in Real Estate distress, please give them my number so I can help before it is too late! 801-278-0999.