Making “Community Targeting” Work for You

Imagine if you dreamed of owning a special limited-edition vehicle. What would you do to ensure that your dream vehicle would someday be parked in your driveway – with your name on the ownership papers? You would probably start by doing some research. You’d find out how much that vehicle would cost, what features are available, and so forth. You would likely visit a local dealership and take a test drive if a model is available on site. You would keep an eye on the market for any that come up and let the dealer know you’re looking for just that car. If you did, then, someday, you’d probably be the proud owner of the limited-edition car of your dreams. What does this have to do with real estate? Well, you can take the same approach when there’s a community you’d love to live in someday. You can target it, learn what homes typically cost in that area, and keep your eye on that market in case a property becomes available that meets your criteria. By focusing on a specific community, you increase your chances of someday living there, simply because you’re focusing on it. Of course, community targeting isn’t as simple as aiming to own a specific car someday. That’s why you need a real estate professional who can keep an eye on that community on your behalf, and alert you to opportunities that become available. Then, if a listing that’s a good fit comes on the market, you can decide whether or not to make a move. Share

Low-Cost Storage Hacks for Creating More Space

Comedian George Carlin’s most memorable routine was, “A place for my stuff.” In it, he talked about dealing with the increasing quantity of items we accumulate throughout life. George was funny. The problem is not. Here are some low-cost ideas for quickly creating storage space for your stuff. Attach a cloth pouch or thin plastic basket to the inside of cupboard doors. This is a great way to store Tupperware lids, cosmetics, etc. Install hooks inside the foyer closet for loose items such as hats and scarfs. Use egg cartons to make effective storage inserts in drawers. Fashion stores often put purchases in stiff, high-quality boxes. Placed on their sides, these make effective storage compartments. (Shoeboxes are especially effective.) Consider using suitcases for out-of-season clothing. In addition to storage, they also provide protection. Never throw out an old wine rack. There are numerous ways these can be used for storage. (For example: tools) By thinking creatively, you can probably come up with many other simple ideas for creating more storage. The reward is a home that looks neater and more spacious.

A Bird’s Eye View of Selling Your Home

If you haven’t sold a home before, the process can seem complex and even intimidating. It really isn’t. In fact, the steps to selling your property – quickly and for the best price – are straightforward, although not necessarily easy. Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the steps to expect: Determine what your property will likely sell for on today’s market. This is referred to as the Current Market Value. Decide on a list price. Doing this properly is crucial. If you set the price too high, you’ll discourage buyers from seeing your home. On the other hand, if the price is too low, you may be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Prepare your home for sale. This involves cleaning, de-cluttering, fixing and staging so that your property wows potential buyers. Market and promote the property to the marketplace. This needs to be done effectively to maximize the number of qualified buyers who find out about and become interested in your listing. Show your property to buyers interested in seeing it. Negotiate offers effectively so that you sell your property for the best price and conditions. Make a deal and begin the transaction paperwork!

Worried You Won’t Find the Home You Want?

If you’re thinking of selling your home, you may be concerned that you won’t be able to find the kind of property you’re looking to buy. After all, getting into a more desirable home is the main reason many people move in the first place.Should you be concerned? There are a couple of things to consider: First, think about the last time you purchased a car. You probably had a price range in mind and a general idea of the kind of vehicle you wanted. After visiting a few dealerships – or shopping online – you probably discovered seven or eight models that fit your criteria. Even with that limited selection, you were likely able to pick one that was right for you. Well, that’s good news. In the real estate market, there are probably dozens of properties available that meet many or all of your criteria. So, the odds are with you that you’ll find a property you love. Secondly, new properties come on the market all the time. Is it possible that you still won’t find a home that’s absolutely perfect for you in every way? Of course it is. However, there is an excellent chance you’ll get into a property that has everything you need and most, if not all, of what you want. That’s not just encouraging. It’s exciting!