Thursday, November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving
It is really this time of year again? Just a week or two ago it was July, and I was thankful for the time I had to prepare for this season. Well ready or not it is here! I always try to focus this week on all the wonderful people in my life, and how they have helped me...but better to yet to focus on how I can help them or others. I am a big believer in "paying it forward". My goal is to do this throughout the year, but there is something about this time of the year that always gets me thinking a little harder. If you have a little extra this year, give. Whether it's a coat or a can, it can change a life. If you can't do that, there are other simple, random acts of kindness that can bring a smile. Hold the door open for someone, say kind words, and express gratitude. It could turn a bad day into a good one. As my 6 year old daughter says, "be a bucket filler not a bucket dipper". HOPE EVERYONE HAS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Real Estate Gone Wrong???
So let's just say....
You are a first time home buyer. Nervous, excited, scared, but ready. You chose the real estate professional you would like to take on this journey with you, you get a solid (and valid) pre-approval letter and the home search is just beginning. First day of showings your agent has lined up 5 lovely homes for you to view. You know deep down the very first one is it...That's the ONE! In a competitive market such as Traverse City, MI often times there are multiple offers on a home within a day or two on the market. Such was the case....the ONE wasn't the ONE after all. Bouncing back from pure devastation....the search continues. Right down the road there is a pretty blue house....large kitchen, room for family and friends...PERFECT! Offer in and guess what...accepted! Not wanting to waste anytime you order your inspection. $600 dollars later you are relieved there are no major defects within the home and are now trying to zero in on a closing date...mentally you already reside in the home.
That's when it happens...BOOM
The seller all of the sudden, out of the clear blue sky decides they can't/won't sell their home...what do you do?
First things first get your inspection money back. After that take a little time to sulk if needed. (not too long though, you might miss out on THE actual ONE)
Bottom line is that sometimes things happen, and it is said they happen for a reason. Flash forward to the end result.You will be happy you did. These cases are very rare, but this is a reminder in general to keep chugging along through obstacles and all.
You are a first time home buyer. Nervous, excited, scared, but ready. You chose the real estate professional you would like to take on this journey with you, you get a solid (and valid) pre-approval letter and the home search is just beginning. First day of showings your agent has lined up 5 lovely homes for you to view. You know deep down the very first one is it...That's the ONE! In a competitive market such as Traverse City, MI often times there are multiple offers on a home within a day or two on the market. Such was the case....the ONE wasn't the ONE after all. Bouncing back from pure devastation....the search continues. Right down the road there is a pretty blue house....large kitchen, room for family and friends...PERFECT! Offer in and guess what...accepted! Not wanting to waste anytime you order your inspection. $600 dollars later you are relieved there are no major defects within the home and are now trying to zero in on a closing date...mentally you already reside in the home.
That's when it happens...BOOM
The seller all of the sudden, out of the clear blue sky decides they can't/won't sell their home...what do you do?
First things first get your inspection money back. After that take a little time to sulk if needed. (not too long though, you might miss out on THE actual ONE)
Bottom line is that sometimes things happen, and it is said they happen for a reason. Flash forward to the end result.You will be happy you did. These cases are very rare, but this is a reminder in general to keep chugging along through obstacles and all.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Preparing your home for the SELLING season...-
1. REPLACE YOUR FRONT DOOR- You may not even notice your front door anymore, but a new door makes a great first impression on buyers. If your front door doesn't need replacing you could always add new hardware for a similar impact. Replacing your garage door is another great idea if it is worn and beat up.
2. REJUVENATE YOUR KITCHEN- Low cost ideas such as replacing hardware, adding a back splash or giving it a new look with fresh paint can be very impressive to buyers.
3. WORK ON YOUR LIGHTING- Today's buyers like bright, light rooms, so look around your home and see if you need to upgrade your lighting fixtures or add more.
4. REPLACE WINDOW TREATMENTS- A great low cost investment could be replacing old window treatments with new to give the room an inviting look.
5. UPDATE YOUR BATHROOM- You can make cost effective minor upgrades. Replace your fixtures and your mirror, or repaint the space. While you're there, redo the caulk around your tub and shower and replace the grout on your tile flooring.
JUST A FEW IDEAS TO HELP MAXIMIZE THE HOME VALUE AND BRING IN TOP NOTCH OFFERS!
Giving the Living Room a...Decorators Touch
One of the most important things you can do to make your living room great is to have your furniture placed as a decorator would.
* Choose a focal point, whether its a fireplace, TV, or piece of art. Arrange your furniture around the centerpiece.
* Try to stay away from placing furniture against walls. Try to place the furniture pieces close enough together so that you have a warm, intimate feeling when entering the room.
* Choose a focal point, whether its a fireplace, TV, or piece of art. Arrange your furniture around the centerpiece.
* Try to stay away from placing furniture against walls. Try to place the furniture pieces close enough together so that you have a warm, intimate feeling when entering the room.
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