Walk-in Showers Gain in Popularity

Home owners are choosing showers over tubs, despite the long-standing notion that it is important to have a tub for resale value.

"We're definitely seeing a trend toward walk-in showers versus tubs," says Katie Campbell, sales manager for the Heritage of Palatine, a Chicago-area development where homes are priced from $221,900. "We used to do a lot of big soaking tubs with shower stalls in the master bathroom, but we had a lot of people eliminate the tub because they wanted a bigger shower.

"Having at least one tub in the house is still important because some buyers want them, insists Kathy Dames-Mattox, an associate with ReMax of Joliet. But she advises homeowners not to spend a lot of money on whirlpool tubs. "I don't see whirlpool tubs as being a big deal anymore," Dames-Mattox says. "Everybody who adds one says they never use it.

"Source: Chicago Tribune, Allison E. Beatty (07/03/2009)

Home Buying Assurance through Real Living Insurance

You've found the perfect home. It has the right number of bedrooms, great living spaces, and boasts prime proximity to everything you need. Now is the time to buy—or so you've heard, but what if you have reservations about plunging into such an important financial commitment in the midst of economic uncertainty?

Real Living wants to give you the opportunity to take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates today, while ensuring your financial peace of mind tomorrow. Life can be unexpected at times, and we want to protect you and your home from unforeseen financial curve balls like involuntary unemployment. As a result, Real Living has created the Peace of Mind program. We believe that, "home is where the heart is, " and that financial stability provides peace of mind.

So, here's how the Peace of Mind program works:

Peace of Mind Program
One-Year Coverage*When you are represented by a Real Living agent during the purchase of your next home, and finance through Real Living Mortgage, Real Living will provide you with one year of insurance benefits that cover a monthly mortgage payment of up to $1,500 for up to six months if you become involuntarily unemployed during the first year you are in your new home. Many buyers who purchased a home in recent years have interest rates that exceed current available rates. So, additionally, if you refinance through Real Living Mortgage, we'll also provide coverage for one year. Please refer to the terms and conditions section for more detailed stipulations.

Two-Year Coverage*

If you purchase a Real Living listing, use a Real Living agent, and finance through Real Living Mortgage, we'll extend your Peace of Mind benefits for another year (two years altogether) so you can take advantage of the up to $1,500 each month for up to six months of coverage. This means that you have coverage for up to six months of mortgage payments if you become involuntarily unemployed at any point during the two-year period.

*This program is available for Real Living HER and Real Living Realty Services customers only. Please refer to RealLivingHER.com or http://reallivingrealtyservices.com/ for detailed program terms and conditions. For more information on Peace of Mind as well as other Real Living programs call me today -- 614-565-8161 or email at teresabutler@columbus.rr.com.

Big Improvement to First-Time Buyer Tax Credit

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..

He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

Source: NAR

Open Sunday, 2-4 pm.

4562 Rammelsberg, Galena.

Model Home with all furniture included. 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, den, 1st floor laundry, over 2700 sq. ft., bonus room, 3 car garage. Was $404,990. Now $349,900. Stop by or call at 614-565-8161.

Teresa Butler

Real Living HER

Five Maintenance Issues Owners Shouldn't Ignore

Consumer Reports magazine advises home owners not to put off important maintenance projects, noting that waiting until the economy rebounds could end up making the repairs more costly while putting a family's health at risk. The magazine identifies five crucial maintenance issues:

Check the gutters: Clogged gutters, broken fasteners and separations where the gutters meet the fascia board will lead to roof leaks if they haven’t already.

Inspect the roof: Cracked, curled and mussing shingles mean a roof is nearing the end of its useful life. Cracks around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys can also suggest the roof might be leaking.

Look for bugs: Termites and carpenter ants can bore through a home in a few short years. Probe the sill plate on top of the foundation with a screwdriver to check for rotten wood. Also look for carpenter ants and termites along windowsills and walls.

Avoid mold: Mold and mildew can cause musty odors, dank air, and make residents sick. Check under carpets and around windows for visible mold or mildew.

Don’t ignore cracks: Foundation cracks wider than 3/16 of an inch can be a problem. These require examination by a structural engineer.

Source: Consumer Reports (05/04/2009)

Fast Fixes Can Help Sell a Home

It’s not rocket science: Houses that look fresh and attractive sell faster than beat-up homes.

Here are some cheap tricks from Money Magazine for boosting appeal:

● Buy a new mailbox, house numbers, doorbell, and knocker: $200

● Green the grass with nitrogen-rich fertilizer: $50 to $200, depending on the lawn size

● Edge and mulch the flowerbeds: $300 to $600, depending on the number of beds

● Replace the bathroom faucet: $300

● Install beadboard over dated bathroom tile: $800 to $1,000

● New paint: $60 to $100 per room, if homeowners do it themselves

● Replace switchplates and outlet covers: 50 cents each

● Install stone tile over existing Formica countertops: $500 to $1,000

Source: Money Magazine (05/04/2009)

What's Your Home Worth?

Market value is the main concept you must understand when determining the value of your home. But what is it and how it can help you price your home?

What is market value?

Market value is the amount prospective buyers are willing to pay at the time homeowners are ready to sell. The best way to find out the market value of your home is to ask me for help. I can ensure that you get the best price by providing and discussing with you the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

What is a CMA?

The CMA will include homes in your area that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale and already sold within the last three to six months. Of course, the best indicator of your home's value is the price for similar homes in your area that have already been sold. The comparison is based on the proximity to your home and the similarity of characteristics such as lot size, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, etc.

It's a good idea to sit down with me to discuss how each factor of the market analysis affects your home's value. You can consider the current listings to identify the competition, recently sold homes to indicate what buyers are willing to pay, homes with a sale pending to show the current demand and expired homes to suggest what buyers are unwilling to pay.

What are the dos and don'ts?

Do obtain the CMA and discuss the findings with me. Don't price your home based on factors not affecting the market value. Those factors include how much money you need to buy your next home, how much you paid for your current home, how much you paid for home improvements, the value of similar homes in different communities, area appreciation statistics, the cost to build the same home today and personal attachment.

Discovering how much your home is worth is the first step to ensure that your home is priced correctly. So, take the time, do the research, talk with me, and together we can decide what the best price is in today's market.

Contact me for more information.

7 Tips to Avoid the Vacant Home Look

Selling a home that is vacant can be harder than selling a lived-in home, experts say. Here are some ideas from Pam and Dave Pettigrew, certified residential specialists with Prudential Rocky Mountain in Fort Collins, Colo., on what practitioners and sellers should consider to protect an empty property and get it sold.

Give the house a lived-in look.
Get a neighbor or family member to make the house look occupied by parking a car in the driveway, opening and closing the drapes and taking in any mail.

Groom the yard.
Use a lawn service during the summer to keep the grass cut and a snow removal service in the winter to scrape the walks and driveway.

No outstanding nicks.
Hide the effects of missing furniture. Paint and replace rugs so there are no faded spots or blemishes on the walls. Cover accent paint that alone looks odd.

Leave some furniture.
A few chairs, tables, lamps and beds (or empty mattress boxes with spreads) give buyers a sense of space.

Keep the utilities on.
Set the thermostat at a comfortable level during the winter and summer.

Hire a maid.
Make sure the home remains spotless.

Check the homeowner’s policy.
Understand the coverage when the home is vacant.

Source: Coloradoan, Pam and Dave Pettigrew (04/12/09)

Today, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) announced the launch of their new Homebuyer Tax Credit Advantage Program. This program allows qualified homebuyers to receive help with down payment and closing costs. Low- to moderate-income Ohioans can use this program to receive a loan, as a second mortgage, for up to 3% of the purchase price of their home. After purchasing a home, qualified first-time homebuyers may apply for the new federal tax credit of up to $8,000 on either their 2008 (filed in 2009) or 2009 (filed in 2010) tax returns

6 Reasons Why It's Still a Good Time to Buy

The housing market is looking healthier. Here are six reasons why now is the time to jump into the market.

1. Uncle Sam is willing to help. First-time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years) are entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit; interest rates are at record lows; and the Federal Reserve is doing its best to make mortgage loans available. (Sign up for a Webinar to learn more about the home buyer tax credit)

2. People have to live somewhere. About 800,000 new households are formed each year in this country, ensuring that the housing market will tighten, even if the economy doesn’t soar.

3. Borrowers leverage their investment. If you put $10,000 into the stock market and it earns 10 percent, you’ve earned $1,000. If you put $10,000 down on a home and its values increases 10 percent, you’ve made $10,000.

4. When prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.

5. Mortgage costs stay the same. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly payment stays the same – while everything else, including rent, goes upward.

6. You own it. There is something comforting in the notion that your home is your own. You can paint it any color you want, let the dog run in the back yard and hang a swing for the kids in the front.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, June Fletcher (03/27/2009)

First-Time Homebuyers are in Luck

With Spring right around the corner, you may feel like it's time for a change. Have you recently considered transitioning to a new home? This is one of the best times to purchase the home of your dreams. Interest rates are low and first-time homebuyers are in luck. Congress recently passed an act which includes a tax credit for first-time homebuyers of up to $8,000.

Are you a first-time homebuyer? You may be classified as a first-time homebuyer and not even know it. If you haven't previously owned a home, you fall into the category of first-time homebuyer. But did you know that if you haven't owned a principal residence in the past three years, you also constitute as a first-time homebuyer? It's true. If you fit either of these categories, the government has created a tax credit that you can take advantage of if you choose to purchase between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2009.

The government is offering lesser of 10 percent of the cost of a home or $8,000 to qualifying first-time homebuyers in the form of a refundable tax credit. That means, if you owe $5,000 in taxes, you will receive a check for $3,000. If you don't owe any taxes, you may qualify to receive the full $8,000 credit. If you're lucky enough to have the government owe you money in taxes—let's say $1,000—then you could potentially receive a credit of up to $9,000.

Qualifying for this tax credit may be easier than you think. If you're a first-time homebuyer, here are a few things to consider. First, a qualifying home must be a single-family, primary residence. This can include condos, co-ops and townhouses. Secondly, your income has a bearing on whether you're a fit for this credit. The full amount of credit is available for individuals with gross incomes of no more than $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married). The credit phases out above those caps.

The best part about this credit is that there's no repayment as long as you don't sell the home within three years of purchase. If you choose to do so, the entire amount of credit is due back to the government at the time of sale. But this only applies to homes purchased in 2009.
If you fit these qualifications, then congratulations! You're on your way to a great real estate deal. Contact me today to take advantage of this great offer.

Create a House Hunt Checklist

The HomeSpace is one of the first things people notice when touring a home. Are there enough bedrooms to accommodate the household? How spacious are storage closets? Square footage and the practicality of the floor plan are elements that demand major consideration. Is there a garage or a basement? These are some standards you should have set in your head before beginning your home search, but it doesn't hurt to add these elements to the checklist.

After you've evaluated the space, take time to note the condition of the home. Some suggest breaking it down further into interior and exterior conditions. Look specifically for dampness and odors in the basement, age and condition of the roof as well as the functionality of gutters and downspouts. Finally, don't forget to make note of extra perks such as a fireplace, great landscaping, fences, a patio/deck, screens and storm windows as well as overall energy efficiency.

The Neighborhood

One of the most common things homebuyers look for in a neighborhood is safety. Individuals want to feel secure in their new surroundings. Other high-ranking aspects include: traffic, noise level, parking and zoning restrictions. How close are you to police and fire stations, the hospital or schools? Does the neighborhood provide snow removal or trash services? Don't forget to investigate these issues by creating a physical or mental checklist.

Schools

For those who have children, what school district you choose is an important consideration. Feel free to further research the reputation of the schools, quality of teachers and achievement test scores for students attending these schools. Other considerations include class sizes, busing distance and the age and condition of the buildings that your children could potentially attend. Taking the time to meet with faculty, tour the school and talk with parents of pupils who attend the school will help you make an informed decision.

Convenience

Location is becoming a greater concern for many homebuyers due to increased gas prices. When looking at a home, take the time to figure out how far you would be from the grocery store, schools, child care, shopping, highways, etc. Is there public transportation in your area? How far are you willing to commute each day? These are some things you want to ask yourself as you evaluate the location of a home.

Taking the time to look at all aspects of a home—from the actual structure to the neighborhood, schools and location will help you make a more accurate and informed decision when choosing a home. Make your own checklist or go the Real Living Buyer Checklist for a pre-made list that reflects the aspects previously discussed. For additional questions on your home search, contact me today.

Could you use an extra $8,000?

As your Realtor and home-ownership consultant, I want to share with you one component of the recent economic stimulus package that could make a huge impact on you personally if you are considering selling or buying a home within the next year.

This package includes a tax credit of the lesser of $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price of a home for first-time homebuyers. This means it will be easier to sell your home with more buyers in the market and, if you're buying a home, you may be eligible for the tax credit too.

This tax credit is refundable, which means if you subtract your tax liability from $8,000, you receive a credit. However this is assuming you purchase a home that's at least $80,000 (since $8,000 is 10% of the purchase price). For example: If you have a tax liability of $3,000, you will receive a $5,000 credit. If you have no tax liability, you receive an $8,000 credit. If you are due a tax refund of $1,000, you'll receive a $9,000 credit.

Call me today to take advantage of this great offer.

614-565-8161 or teresabutler@columbus.rr.com

5 Tips for Homebuyers Seeking a Mortgage

Here’s a warning for potential borrowers: Nervous lenders have tough new rules and are paperwork crazy.

"Borrowers are going to have to prove they are the borrower they say they are," says Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH Associates, a mortgage-industry publisher in Pompton Plains, N.J.

Gumbinger says homebuyers should consider these things before they apply for a loan.

1. Down payments are critical. Borrowers should expect to put down at least 10 percent for a “conforming loan” – a mortgage that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase.

2. Credit scores count. A 720 on the 850-point FICO rating scale will get a borrower access to the best rates. Rich Bira, branch manager of FCM Direct Lender in Chicago, says: "A score between 720 and 739 gets 0.125 percent added to the rate, a score between 700 and 719 gets 0.375 percent added to the rate, and a score between 680 and 699 gets 0.5 percent added to the rate.”

3. Consider VA and FHA. Borrowers without down payments or with less than stellar credit scores should consider these government-insured loans offered through the Federal Housing Administration of the Veterans Administration.

4. Unearth the records. Before applying, borrowers should organize tax, banking and other records that prove income, savings and debts. They should also expect to be patient about what may seem to be endless requests for information.

5. Get rid of debts. Limiting debts, including what borrowers expect to pay for the mortgage, to less than 43 percent of gross income is important.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (02/15/09)

HINTS FOR HOME SELLERS Staging Your Home In A Down Economy

(NAPSI)- It's a tough time to try to sell a house, but Realtors say there are inexpensive ways to stage your home that might make for a faster sale. In fact, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that a staged home will sell at a higher price than an unstaged home. And a recent survey by the Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes sell much faster than unstaged homes. Home staging is the act of preparing your home and its contents for sale, with a special emphasis on presentation and appearance. According to Realtor.com, the first thing you want to do is clear out the clutter. If your house holds too much furniture, your closets are overflowing, your kitchen and bathrooms are crowded or you have family photos and knickknacks collecting dust, it's time to pack them up. You also might consider donating unused items to charity or even selling them at a tag sale or on eBay for some fast cash. "This is also a good time to take a close look at your closets," says HGTV and CedarSafe home improvement expert Pat Simpson. "A cedar-lined closet in the foyer, master bedroom or secondary closet will create a great look and provide a relaxing, cedar scent that will make a positive first impression." Cedar planks or panels will also protect the items you store away. They'll prevent silverfish and moths from damaging your expensive wardrobe or even from eating books or important papers. They work with any closet organization system, or even metal or cedar shelving. It'll cost a few hundred dollars to line a closet during a weekend project. Learn more at cedarsafeclosets.com. While the cedar will provide a fresh scent, Realtors say be sure to bathe your pets and deodorize their living areas, shampoo your carpets, clean your drapes and always empty trash cans and recycling bins. Another suggestion: "Curb appeal is critical," says Simpson. "A fresh coat of paint using neutral colors, plus neat landscaping, will go a long way." Visit http://cedarsafeclosets.com/ for more information. A cedar-lined closet will make a positive first impression.

HINTS FOR HOMEOWNERS Tips On Saving Your Home From Foreclosure

(NAPSI)-There's hopeful news for homeowners who fear they may be facing foreclosure on their home. That's because there are practical steps they can take-such as a new refinancing program from the federal government-to resolve the problem before it gets to the point where the lender takes over their home for nonpayment. Remember, lenders do not want your house. That's one reason there are options available to help borrowers through difficult financial times. Here are some tips from the experts at the Federal Reserve Board: • Don't ignore the problem. The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house. If you are unable to make your mortgage payment, contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. • Open and respond to all mail from your lender. The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include an important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court. • You can contact a HUD-approved housing counselor in your area. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can connect you with free or very-low-cost housing counseling nationwide. Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and help you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. One option may be to participate in a new program, created by Congress, that is intended to help borrowers at risk of default and foreclosure to refinance into more affordable loans. It's called HOPE for Homeowners, or H4H. If you are having trouble making your mortgage payments, this program may allow you to refinance your loan into a new 30-year fixed-rate loan with lower payments. All HOPE for Homeowners loans are 30-year fixed-rate mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The program began on October 1, 2008 and will end on September 30, 2011. To learn more, call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339, or visit the Web site at www.hud.gov/hopeforhomeowners/index.cfm. If you are unable to make your mortgage payment, contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.

Senate OKs $15,000 Bonus for Home Buyers

Housing could get a big boost from the latest addition to the mammoth stimulus bill working its way through Congress.

Senate legislators unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday that would allow a tax credit for home buyers of 10 percent of the value of new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break but only for first-time homebuyers.

"It is time to fix housing first," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-G.

Isakson's office said the proposal would cost the government an estimated $19 billion. In all, the stimulus is now topping an estimated $920 billion.

In an op-ed that appears in Thursday’s Washington Post, President Barack Obama painted a dire picture if Congress fails to move quickly to pass the stimulus bill.

"This recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse," Obama wrote in the op-ed titled, "The Action Americans Need.

"Source: The Associated Press, David Espo (02/05/09)

Picking the Perfect Neighborhood

Community
Check out the local markets, parks, shops, restaurants and community events. Attending events will allow you to get a feel for the area and your potential neighbors. Ask store owners and community members what they love about the neighborhood.

Crime
Check with the local police department or state Web site for crime statistics in the area. Sites like Family Watch Dog and Spot Crime are great places to start.

Transportation
Consider how you will get around. Is there public transportation? Do most people drive? Is it safe to ride a bike? How far will your commute be to work? Time it during rush hour to make sure. What about grocery stores, restaurants, malls, pharmacies and doctor's offices? You may not want to drive 20 minutes for a loaf of bread or to refill your prescription.

Schools
Research the local school districts. Are public and private schools available? Do they offer extra curricular activities? What is the cost per student? If your child will ride a bus, how long will it take to reach school grounds?

Traffic and Noise
Walk around the community at different times of the day as well as during the evening. Are there railroads, airports or entertainment establishments around? Where are the highways located? Have sound barriers been constructed?

These are all important aspects of a neighborhood to consider. Ask for information from your professionally certified Realtor®, and use the internet as a resource. Your Realtor® should be able to give you great insight into the area, and provide you with the tools you need to make your decision.

Listing Your Home Online

Tech-savvy Generation X and Yers are leading the 87 percent of buyers who use the Internet to search for homes. The Internet is the fastest-growing venue for consumers to learn and gain information about the real estate industry. With 87 percent of the market surfing the Web for a new home – you'll want your listing on there, so ask your real estate agent which marketing tools he or she will use to list your home, and make sure the Internet is at the top of the list. The following tools and strategies addressed in this column are essential in marketing a home, so make sure your agent is using all of these necessary tools.

Let's start with digital marketing and the concepts associated with it: online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and permission-based e-mail marketing. Agents who use online marketing strategies will typically post your listing on the brokerage's Web site and on his or her personal site. Look for agents who update their sites often. There are several advantages to Web listings. For example, they offer quality color photos of your home, detailed property information, virtual tours, floor plans and school and community data.

SEO is the process of increasing quality web traffic to a site by way of search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. Agents that frequently update their Web sites with pertinent content and listings will have better SEO, which increases the number of views of your listing. This important component of digital marketing is worth asking your agent about.

E-mail marketing is another player in the digital marketing game. Qualified agents today stay connected with clients, family and friends by sending them e-newsletters and e-cards. A friendly holiday wish accompanied with your home listing is a great way to attract more potential buyers to your home.

Another growing industry trend is the use of podcasts, which are media files distributed over the Internet. Agents are now able to post podcasts of your home that can be downloaded free from Web sites and viewed on computers and portable devices. This new way of connecting with consumers helps provide more exposure for your home.

With the emergence of the Internet, podcasting and even wireless mobile Internet, the sky is the limit as to how many potential buyers can view your listing. So now, as an informed home seller, talk with your real estate agent about how he or she plans to market your home and get it ready to sell!

Design World Says Gray Is 'In'

Gray is the “cool” color this year, and Grandma’s wingback chairs are fashionable again, especially if they are updated with new fabrics. Even the nail heads are back in style.

The interior design world is embracing traditional more enthusiastically than it has since the time between the Great Depression and World War II, say trend watchers.

"Everything has been about a return to tradition and formality," says Michelle Lamb, a Minneapolis-based trend spotter.

Traditional Home magazine reports that the lines between traditional and modern are being blurred, which makes the new traditional look up to date.

Other design trends include:

*Bare wood, including tree stumps used as end tables or stools.
*Light wood finishes that look raw.
*Decorative LED lighting.
*Owls. These big-eyed predators add charm.

Source: San Jose Mercury News, Stacy Downs (01/10/09)

Photographs Help Sell Homes

It’s important to capture your home in a series of flattering photographs since in real estate, the more photos of a listing, the quicker it will sell. At Real Living, we have the ability to post up to 80 photographs per listing. Teresa knows which types of pictures sell a home, and she follows these rules when it comes to listing photographs.

Listing photos showcase the seller’s home. Opening the blinds and turning on all the lights create an illusion of a larger room. Teresa will take photos from unusual perspectives to make your home look its best and most inviting on the Web.

Teresa understands that it’s important to keep family members and pets out of listing pictures. They are distracting to prospective buyers and hinder their impressions of the actual home.

If a seller has valuables, they shouldn’t be in listing photographs. Displaying expensive pieces of artwork or heirlooms can increase a breach of security in a seller’s home.

Rooms need to be clean and void of clutter when photographed. Ceiling fans, televisions and kitchen appliances should to be turned off to eliminate distraction.

Hoses, lawn maintenance tools like rakes and spades, as well as cars and bikes shouldn’t be in outdoor listing photographs. Teresa's goal is to take outdoor photographs on sunny days. Colors will appear more vibrant and the home may look more inviting.

Teresa can help promote your listing through professional photographs, contact her today at 614-565-8161 or teresabutler@columbus.rr.com

4 Things to Consider When Picking a Floor Plan

Factors that dictate what floor plan will work best for a home buyer include how old their children are, how they entertain, and whether they have pets, says Jeff Benach, a principal with Lexington Homes in the Chicago area.Here are some issues Benach suggests considering when buying a home:

Mudrooms. A spacious mud-room can make managing a young family’s comings and going much easier. They are also good for pet owners.

Over-sized kitchen/family-room combinations. These rooms work for some people, but they aren’t good for party givers because large spaces are noisy and don’t lend themselves to intense cooking and food staging.

Fireplaces and windows. Filling more than one wall with windows and occupying another with a fireplace makes it difficult to position furniture.

Consider that things change. Designing areas so they can be retooled to meet new and different needs down the road is a smart approach.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Allison E. Beatty (01/02/09)

Creating the Illusion of a Larger Room

Paint
Choosing color for the walls of a smaller room can be a delicate decision. Most people agree that lighter paint colors reflect more light and therefore create the illusion of a larger room. In terms of color, go with a monochromatic theme. Then, if you have trim, paint it an even lighter shade than the wall. This technique causes the walls to appear farther away than they really are. Crown molding is a great option in terms of trim because it creates the illusion of a higher ceiling by drawing people's eyes upward. If you're ambitious, another way to make ceilings appear higher is by painting vertical stripes on the wall.

Staging Furniture
This may seem counterintuitive, but when staging your furniture, larger pieces create the illusion of more space in a room. An increased number of smaller pieces make the room appear cluttered and they create more wasted space. If you choose to use larger pieces of furniture, stage them diagonally in the room. The longest line in your room is diagonal, and by placing furniture in this position, you're showcasing the length of the room's imaginary diagonal line. Keep furniture from disrupting natural walkways and the flow from room to room. Tables with clear tops also create the illusion of more space. In terms of décor and accessories, reduce clutter as much as you can—more floor space lends to the appearance of a larger room.

Walls
Hanging mirrors on the wall can create the illusion of a larger room. Utilize mirrors in spots that need expansion. For example, if you want to lengthen a hallway, place a mirror at the end of the hallway. This makes the hallway look twice as long as it really is. Another technique is to place a mirror behind a display of flowers. The mirror doubles the amount of flowers in the display.
Window Treatments

In an attempt to capture as much natural light as possible, stay away from heavy or dark drapes that block sunlight. If drapes fit well around your window, try and hang drapes made from a sheer fabric. Otherwise, go for light colored Venetian blinds or shades.

Lighting
Once again, when lighting a room, look for as much natural light as possible—specifically larger windows and skylights. If this isn't an option, try and illuminate all four corners of the room. Darker edges and corners make rooms look smaller. To create the illusion of a higher ceiling, install wall sconces that reflect light up toward the ceiling. This technique vertically elongates the height of the wall.

For more information on how to create the illusion of a larger room when in reality, you're stuck in a smaller space, contact me today!

Columbus Dispatch Voter's Guide

Learn more about the candidates and issues you will be voting about in Central Ohio:

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/politics/vg1108/index.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

For voting questions and to find out if you are registered to vote visit the Secretary of State's website at this link:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/

Cities Where Your Dollar Goes Furthest

Money goes further some places in the United States than it does in others.
Housing, in particular, has remained most affordable in the South and the Midwest. That’s because of less stringent building, an abundance of land and growing populations in the South, says Daniel McCue, a research analyst at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

To determine the cities that offer the best quality of life for the least amount of money, Forbes magazine calculated the ratios between a city’s median home price and its median household income. It also factored in projected job growth. And it compared median income to Moody’s Economy.com’s cost of living index.

Here are the 10 cities that it found to offer the best value, and the cities that it believes offers the worst value.

Cities Where Residents Get the Most for Their Money:

Austin, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Indianapolis, Ind.
Houston, Texas
Charlotte, N.C.
Columbus, Ohio
Dallas
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Denver
Portland, Ore.

Cities Where Residents Get the Least for Their Money:

Los Angeles
Providence, R.I.
New Orleans
Philadelphia
Cleveland
New York
Milwaukee, Wisc.
St. Louis, Mo.
Washington, D.C.
Sacramento, Calif.

Source: Forbes, Abha Bhattarai (10/10/2008)

Law Makes Housing Affordable for Veterans

Veterans across America now have expanded homeownership opportunities due to the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which President George W.

Bush signed into law last Friday. The bill includes housing provisions for veterans who are already home owners and those who aspire to homeownership, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

“This [bill] will go a long way toward helping veterans buy and keep their homes,” says NAR President Dick Gaylord. Three provisions in the legislation are critical to help veterans during the current housing turmoil.

1. The law will make it easier for veterans who have fallen victim to risky subprime loans to refinance their loans into safer, more affordable loans backed by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. The legislation also makes the VA loan limit increases permanent, which will help veterans living in high-cost areas.

3. The VA also can now offer adjustable-rate mortgages to veterans. That would make homeownership more attainable for military families and personnel who often have to move more frequently than their civilian counterparts.

“We need to support and protect those who serve our country,” Gaylord says. “Helping ensure that every veteran who can afford to own a home and wants to do so will have the opportunity and that everyone who responsibly owns a home is able to keep it is part of that commitment.”

--NAR

HOPE for Homeowners Expands Rescues

HOPE for Homeowners, a federal program to allow the replacement of up to $300 billion in underwater U.S. mortgages with federally backed FHA financing, began accepting applications under a legislatively authorized expansion Wednesday.

To qualify, borrowers must be spending more than 31 percent of their income on mortgage payments. Loans made this year are excluded, except for those completed on Jan 1. Borrowers must have made six months of payments on their loans.

Lenders must agree to participate and erase 10 percent of the home’s current value before the government will guarantee the mortgage. A concern among lenders is that investors in mortgage securities must take an immediate loss and can't recoup their lost money if home prices turn upward again.

The program is a "helpful step forward" in stabilizing the housing market and will help keep many families in their homes but it is not a cure-all, said Steve Preston, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which administers the program.Troubled borrowers should contact their lenders.

Source: Reuters (10/01/2008)

PMI Index: Prices Stabilize in Some Metros

PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., one of the largest providers of mortgage insurance in the country, ranks the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas according to the likelihood that home prices will be lower in two years. The Fall 2008 Risk Index is based on second-quarter Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) data.

Risk scores of less than 10 percent aren’t statistically significant, according to David Berson, PMI's Chief Economist and Strategist. But in some areas where prices rose the most during the housing boom, the risk of price declines remains high.

The highest risk of future price declines are in Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach, Fla. (99.5 percent), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. (99.5 percent), Orlando-Kissimmee, Fla. (99.4 percent), Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, Fla. (99.3 percent), and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla. (99 percent).

The 15 areas where the risk of price declines is less than 1 percent are:

St. Louis, Mo.-Ill. Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Wis.
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, N.C.-S.C.
Cincinnati-Middletown, Ohio-Ky.-Ind.
Denver-Aurora, Colo.
Columbus, Ohio
Austin-Round Rock, Texas Kansas City, Mo-Kan.
Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.
Memphis, Tenn.-Miss.-Ark.
San Antonio, Texas
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas
Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Texas Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas

Source: PMI Mortgage Insurance Co (10/01/2008)

5 Room Layout Rules

Here are five simple rules to follow when organizing your space:

Create a Conversation Space

When deciding on a seating arrangement, a U-shaped conversation area is ideal, while an L-shaped area is always uncomfortable. A sofa and a matching pair of chairs easily establish a comfortable U-shaped configuration that allows everyone who is seated to have an intimate chat facing everyone else.

Focus Attention to One Area

Almost every living room has at least one natural focal point. If yours has a fireplace, that will surely be it. Other focal points might be a picture window with a wonderful view or a pair of French doors. Whatever the focal point of your room, be sure you arrange your furniture to take advantage of it — since everyone's eyes will naturally be drawn toward it.

Think in Pairs

To create a beautiful room, think in pairs. If you have a good piece without a mate, find it a partner. For example, end tables will complement each other if they are of similar size and finish. Fit two lamps of similar height and style with new, matching shades.

Group Furniture Wisely

If you walk around your home and feel as if you're navigating an obstacle course, it may be time to rearrange your furniture. Be sure your living room chairs and sofa are grouped close together. Otherwise, anyone walking through the living room will be forced to cross between those who are seated and interrupt their conversation. If possible, avoid having the traffic pattern cross in front of the television.

Create Balance

With Chairs In small rooms, use armless upholstered chairs such as slipper style, which will allow more space than chairs with arms but will provide a more comfortable, small-scale alternative to wooden chairs. If your budget won't allow you to buy a pair of matching chairs, purchase one chair and a matching ottoman.

Pick Your Own Pumpkins in Central Ohio

Enjoy the fall season by picking your own pumpkins. Here is a list of farms around Central Ohio to get your pumpkins:

Circle S Farms

9015 London-Groveport Road

Grove City, OH

Phone: 614-878-7980

Hann Farms

4600 Lockbourne Rd

Columbus, OH 43207

Phone: 614-491-0812

Hoffman's Farm Market

800 Hilliard-Rome Road

Columbus, OH

Phone: 614-878-5161

Schacht Farms

5950 Shannon Rd

Canal Winchester, OH 43110

Phone: 614-833-1932

Bob Lynd's Fruit Farm

13708 Worthington Road NW

Pataskala, OH 43062

Phone: 740-927-4396

Lynd Fruit Farm

9090 Morse Road SW

Pataskala, OH 43062

Phone: 740-927-1333

Seven Days, Seven Projects for a Kitchen that Sells

(ARA) - In today’s market, selling a home involves much more than posting a “for-sale” sign in the yard. Preparation is key. In fact, experts agree that property appearance and condition play a big role in the home-sale process.

While home improvements can increase buyers’ interests, most sellers hesitate to renovate, fearing they may not recoup their costs in the sales price. However, with strategic updates in key rooms, such as kitchens, sellers can increase the value of a home – giving them a leg up on their neighbors to sell more easily and command a higher selling price.

With just a week's time, a small investment and a bit of elbow grease, you can easily turn your kitchen into your selling feature with these seven projects.

Clean Up!

Although you may love your children’s artwork or favorite magnets on the fridge, prospective homebuyers want to envision a home as theirs – not yours. Start your kitchen update by making a clean sweep of the room. Remove everything from the top and sides of your refrigerator and clear off countertops. By eliminating clutter and personal effects, your kitchen will look neat, clean – and even larger.

Fix Up Your Faucet

The faucet is the workhorse of the kitchen – and a focal point. So add new life to your sink area with a fashionable and functional new faucet. For an affordable price, you can find beautiful pulldown models, such as Moen’s Solidad pulldown kitchen faucet (available in LifeShine Classic Stainless finish at The Home Depot for $219). Potential buyers will be amazed with the functionality and the updated styling that it brings to the whole room.

Pull it Together

Once you’ve updated the faucet, pull the rest of the finishes in the room together by updating the hardware. Drawer pulls and knobs in a beautiful stainless finish are a simple project and can add a finishing touch that dramatically updates the look of new or older cabinets.

Become Ultra-Organized

Be prepared! Potential buyers will open your closets, cabinets and drawers to assess the storage availability in your home. Be sure that you organize each of these areas to make your kitchen look like a storage dream – not a nightmare. Many cabinet manufacturers, such as Masterbrand cabinets, offer custom shelves to help organize, or you can find simple organization systems at local retailers. No matter what system you choose, your organization won’t go unnoticed.

Curtain Call

Windows are a selling point in any room – allowing nature into a home by providing a source of sunlight. Be sure that windows and blinds are free of dust, fingerprints or pet nose prints for a bright and cheerful display. Adding a neutral, but classic curtain can be a nice touch to frame these focal points of the room.

Follow the Light

Does your kitchen still have the “builder-basic” or outdated brass lighting fixtures? As a focal point above your kitchen table, be sure to update your hanging chandelier with a model in a finish that coordinates with the rest of the room. A variety of classic-designed light fixtures in stainless steel or oil rubbed bronze finishes are available at local home improvement stores and will instantly light up your kitchen décor -- literally.

Cosmetic Cover-ups

You’ve lived in your kitchen so long that you may not notice the small paint chips in the trim or stain on the carpet, but to prospective homebuyers, these stick out like a sore thumb. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim will always add more value than its cost and let buyers know that your home is well kept and clean.

Within a week you can easily increase the value of your home in the eyes of potential buyers – as well as provide an enjoyable space for yourself until you sell!

For more information on the Solidad pulldown kitchen faucet or other Moen products, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Sell in a Buyer’s Market!

It’s a buyer’s market. While that’s great news for all home buyers, it seems to leave little hope for home sellers. But, fear not sellers – all is not lost. There are still some great tips to help give you a selling edge:

Prepare yourself – you have to accept what the market is and make the most of it.
Get ready for picky buyers – curb appeal and other details are vital to entice a buyer into your home.

Get educated about your neighborhood’s real estate market.
Hire an inspector – they can impartially let you know what needs to be fixed before your home is on the market.

As a Real Living agent, I can help you prepare for every step of the home selling process. Simply contact me today to get started!

Cities Where Home Owners Spend the Most

Almost 15 percent of American home owners with a mortgage spend half of their income or more on housing costs, according to 2007 data released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. That is up from nearly 7.1 million in 2006.

Traditionally, the government and most lenders consider home owners spending 30 percent or more of their income on housing costs to be financially burdened. That definition now covers nearly 38 percent of American home owners with a mortgage – 19 million of them.

Here are the top 13 areas where the most mortgage holders spend more than 30 percent of their income on their homes. The information is an estimate based on an analysis of Census data by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach, 58 percent
• Stockton, Calif.,57 percent
• Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., 55 percent
• Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla., 55 percent
• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif., 54 percent
• Modesto, Calif., 54 percent
• San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, Calif., 53 percent
• San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif., 53 percent
• Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice, Fla., 52 percent
• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif., 52 percent
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif., 51 percent
• Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev., 51 percent
• Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, Calif., 50 percent

Source: The Associated Press, Adrian Sainz and Alan Zibel (09/23/08)