WHAT SHOULD YOU REALLY LOOK AT WHEN BUYING A HOME?

May 5, 2014 by John Marcotte

Lately, there doesn’t seem to be as much inventory available in the real estate market as there are buyers looking to find a new home. This means that sellers are in the very fortunate position of having a large pool of homebuyers looking at their houses – and if they’re lucky, quick and perhaps even multiple offers could be rolling in. But for buyers, current market conditions can mean that they have little time to make a decision about putting an offer on a home they may have seen only briefly.

These circumstances dictate that buyers must be organized, prepared, and ready to make a quick move on a property they want before anyone else has an opportunity to move on it. And that means that buys don’t have the luxury of time to nitpick every feature of a new home. So what are the important features to consider?

Here are a few items that might be important to look at, and some that you shouldn’t allow to be deal breakers in a seller’s market:

Important Considerations

Location – could you live here? Do you like the neighborhood? The neighbors? The schools? Access to parks, shopping, and public transportation? Is there enough parking for your family?

Safety – are there any security or safety issues you notice about the property – or the neighborhood in general? Doing a little research in ohiocashfairoffer.com site about the neighborhood up front could put you in the driver’s seat if you need to make a quick decision about whether to make an offer..

Overall condition – does the home appear in good shape? Are all of the main systems like the electrical and plumbing system functioning well? What is the overall condition of the flat roof? Will you need the services of electrical contractors to fix any wiring or install a new electrical panel? Do you need to have a new water heater installation? What about the garage, attic, roof, and basement? Do you notice any obvious water damage or structural problems? If that is the case, then you need to hire a professional contractor to fix all the damages. You can visit this website to learn more about the services offered. Then view this page to sort out any kind of issues related to attic.

*Remember that to be sure of a property’s condition, it’s a good idea to have the home inspected.

Size and floor plan – unless you have unlimited money for renovations or an addition, this is something you will have to live with for at least a while. Don’t forget to think about storage, in addition to the number of bathrooms and bedrooms you need and the size of kitchen and living space necessary for your family. To fix any issues regarding bathroom repairs or if you want to purchase hot tubs, make a call to the experts found in Slam ATL.net site who are available 24/7.

Your future – is your family going to be getting bigger in the future? If it is, be sure to factor in room to grow. Or if you’re looking for a property that will not need a lot of maintenance in the future, this is also something to keep in mind.

Less Important Features

Dated or unappealing decorating – you can change this. Imagine your own belongings and style in the house and remember that your style will be reflected in how you decide to decorate.

Paint colors – while it can be hard to look beyond colors that curdle your blood, this is a must. Changing the paint on your walls is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to spruce up a home and make it a reflection of your tastes..

Small repairs – obviously you want a new home to be in reasonably good shape, but if the current owners haven’t had the time or means to make small fixes, ask yourself whether they are items you could repair with ease once you move in.

Finishing touches – the bells and whistles might be an appealing aspect of a new home, but do you need them at the outset? If you could update small fixtures or window treatments yourself later on, don’t lose out on the entire house because it lacks perfection in every detail.

In short, if you’re looking to buy a home in a seller’s market, you need to strike the right balance; if you’re too cautious, you risk missing an opportunity, but if you’re easily dazzled, you could end up overlooking a major flaw. And you need to be able to do this quickly. Be prepared; do your homework on the neighborhood and property if possible before you start booking showings. Partner with a savvy real estate agent who understands what you’re looking for and has good resources in place to identify properties quickly so that you can make a move.

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John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

3 COMMON ERRORS SELLERS MAKE WHEN SELLING THEIR HOUSE FAST

May 3, 2014 by John Marcotte

3 COMMON ERRORS SELLERS MAKE WHEN SELLING THEIR HOUSE FAST

Written by Jerred Morris

Unless you sell houses everyday, it’s easy to make a mistake when you need to sell your house fast.Of course, everyone makes mistakes, but when it comes to selling your home a mistake might cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

So it’s best to do your research.

Fortunately, many of the most common mistakes that homeowners make can be easily avoided if you know what to look for.

1. THE HIGHEST OFFER IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST OFFER

When you need money it can be tempting to just accept the highest bid on your property. However that might be one of the biggest mistakes you can make, especially if you need money quickly.

Many buyers in Seattle, WA know that a fast sale means you’re looking for money and so they’ll over-inflate their bid, knowing that they’ll never go through with the sale at that price.

Instead, they wait until after you’ve accepted their offer and find a reason in your contract or after an appraisalto ask for a reduction in price before closing.

That’s because buyers know that once you’ve committed to selling to them, you’re likely to be emotionally invested in the sale and are more likely to agree to their request.

Not only does that net you a lower amount in the end, but it can also result in wasted time while the two of you find a new compromise.

2. DON’T PAY TOO MANY REAL ESTATE FEES

In the desire to make a sale was quickly as possible, some sellers agree to take on more than their fair share of expenses: transaction fees, closing costs, real estate commissions, appraisals, and/or a list of items that the buyer wants fixed before closing.

Remember that all of these expenses are negotiable. Before agreeing to a deal you should decide which of these fees you’re willing to pay for and which are off the table when it comes to the sale.

Some buyers may even agree to an “as-is” sale, which can decrease your expenses dramatically.

3. MAKE SURE THE BUYER HAS THE ABILITY TO CLOSE

Before agreeing to a bid make sure your buyer actually has the ability to close. This is especially true if you’re looking at a cash home purchase.

Always ask to see bank statements or other proof of ability to pay. Otherwise, you may get tied up in a contract, just to have the buyer try and assign it to another buyer.

Worse yet, if they can’t assign it to another buyer they may walk away completely and leave you stranded.

So make sure to pick a buyer that is qualified to buy your home and actually has the funds to follow through.

SELLING YOUR HOME QUICKLY AND PAIN FREE

Spend a little bit of extra time making sure your buyer has the funds they promise actually available and evaluate all the offers on the table. The little bit of extra time spent upfront will help you save time in the long run and may help lower your final expenses.

Follow these tips and, before long, you’ll be busy enjoying the money you made from the sale of your home.

Search Boulder Homes for sale

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder homes for sale, Boulder properties, John Marcotte Realtor, seller tips

SIX WAYS YOU CAN PREVENT MOLD IN YOUR HOME

May 2, 2014 by John Marcotte

SIX WAYS YOU CAN PREVENT MOLD IN YOUR HOME

Now that spring has sprung and snow is melting, homeowners everywhere are dealing with more leaks, flooding and related problems in their homes. As if this isn’t enough trouble, with water damage comes mold. Fortunately, you can prevent mold this spring. These six simple and practical tips will help you control moisture, properly ventilate your home, thoroughly clean and ultimately prevent mold from growing in your home. You can hire professionals from https://neatcleaning.com.au/ to help you out with cleaning.

REPOSITION YOUR DOWNSPOUTS

If you don’t position your downspouts so that water drainsawayfrom the house, debris, soil and stones build up, holding water against the foundation of the home. When this happens, if there are cracks in your foundation, water seeps inside your home—and fast. This is why having an urgent foundation repair service is crucial. Repositioning the downspouts will help ensure the interior of your home remains nice and dry and, as a result, free of fungal growth.

USE A DEHUMIDIFIER

Many homes have a closed-loop ventilation system, which essentially recirculates the same air indoors. To purify your air and prevent indoor air contaminants from collecting, consider using a dehumidifier. Your basement, for example, is a great place to install a dehumidifier, because basements are generally damp. The dehumidifier will help keep the relative humidity between 30 and 50 per cent, thereby preventing black mold growth.

INSPECT YOUR CRAWL SPACE

Inspect your crawlspace, your attic or any room you tend to overlook or think little about. Because you don’t spend a great deal of time in these rooms, you will neither consider nor suspect mold. The longer mold grows, the greater its damage. Not only will the cost to remediate the problem increase, but your health may worsen because of ongoing mold exposure. So, it’s crucial you detect mold in its earliest stages. Inspecting the rooms you don’t usually will help you do just that. Hire a mold inspection service to do that.

REPAIR ALL LEAKS

If the wintry weather has damaged your home’s foundation or roofing, leaving cracks of any size, water enters. The experts at Resolve Roofing can help you if you have leaks in your roof. When you have moisture, the right temperature and a food source (think drywall), mold can grow within just 24 to 48 hours. That said, act fast to detect and repair all sources of moisture indoors. Fix leaking pipes, deteriorating window sills or frames and a cracked chimney or foundation with the help of a residential foundation excavating service. Inspect areas of your home where there’s more plumbing and potential for leaks: in the basement and underneath the bathroom and kitchen sinks. Unfortunately, you can’t always see a leaking pipe. In many cases, it’s behind a wall or underneath a floor board. For assurance and peace of mind, consider infrared inspection. An infrared inspection will reveal any hidden moisture intrusion or existing water damage. Remember, if the source of moisture is neither detected nor eliminated, mold remediation is a temporary solution, futile even, as the mold will develop over time.

FREQUENTLY CLEAN

Clean your carpets; furniture; kitchen crevices; bathroom grout; and all the dark, damp corners of your home, as this will help you keep tabs on problem areas. You’re more likely to locate water damage and prevent mold if you’re cleaning on a regular basis.

REMODEL YOUR INTERIOR

If you’re not into the idea of regularly cleaning your carpets, scouring them for mold, consider removing them entirely. Carpets are notorious for trapping moisture, remaining wet, and becoming ideal breeding ground for mold. If hardwood or tile doesn’t appeal to you, consider using a runner or a rug. They’re easier to dry if water-damaged and easier to replace if contaminated with mold. Also consider stripping the wallpaper and using anti-fungal paint, or adding mold inhibitors to paint. These remodelling efforts are especially worthwhile in moisture-rich rooms. Every building is susceptible to mold and, as long as you live and work indoors, you are at risk of exposure. Protect your home and your health this spring, and contact JMB if you have mould problems or they have become a major threat. Always control moisture, keep sufficient airflow and clean your home. This isn’t necessarily difficult to achieve, either, as even these six small and simple chores or changes will get you there.

Search Boulder Homes for sale

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: home care tips, home improvement, John Marcotte Realtor, prevent mold

Boulder Nurseries and Gardening Supplies: Get Planting!

April 29, 2014 by John Marcotte

Boulder Nurseries and Gardening Supplies: Get Planting!

By Kelly Tidd

We love our patio gardens. Boulder nurseries and gardening supplies are ready to help you make yours happen, too. It’s that time of year again, the sun is shining, we’ve got warm weather and spring rain all combining to create the perfect ingredients for the beginning of gardening season. I don’t know about you, but I love digging in the dirt and watching a garden grow all spring and summer. It’s a rewarding pastime, and for those of you excited to get your garden growing this spring, here’s a list of the local nurseries and garden supply stores in the Boulder area.

Harlequin’s Gardens

A standout among Boulder nurseries for over 20 years,Harlequin’s Gardens specializes in Colorado sustainable gardens. The store is well known in gardening circles for the owner, Eve Reshetnik-Brawner’s, near encyclopedic knowledge of plants, flowers and everything garden related. Even a critical car accident in January that left Eve with a fractured pelvis, sacrum, and vertebra hasn’t stopped this business from opening its doors seven days a week starting this month.

Sturtz & Copeland

You wouldn’t know it to see it peeking out onto Valmont, butSturtz & Copeland is huge. In fact, according to their site, it’s Boulder’s largest florist and gardening center. You can get lost for hours in the sights and smells of their greenhouse and the floral arrangements they create are a beauty to behold.

Long’s Gardens

Developed on land that was once far on the outskirts of the city,Long’s Gardens has now become part of the collection of Boulder nurseries and garden supply shops due to the city’s vast expansion. J.D. Long founded the iris garden oasis in 1905 and it’s still in the family to this day. They offer 11 acres of the property on the east side to the public for community gardens and education. Long’s will be opening for the year on April 26th, a little later than usual because of repairs that needed to be made on damages to their irrigation system that were caused by the floods last fall.

The Savvy Hen

If you’re looking for a store that caters to urban homesteaders, then look no further than The Savvy Hen. This store, a recent addition to Pearl Street, caters to chicken and beekeepers, gardeners, food preservers and more. They offer all the supplies and knowledge you’ll need to bring a little bit of the farm into your home. In addition to supplies, they also offer classes to learn a little bit more about urban farming.

CreekSide Tree Nursery

Looking to add some new foliage to your yard this year? Head over to CreekSide Tree Nursery to find the right trees for your home. The owners, Jason and Shannon, have a vast knowledge of Colorado trees and can help you decide which varieties will work best in your soil and sun.

Way to Grow

If you’re more of the indoor gardening type, then Way to Grow is the right choice for you. The store specializes in all the tools you’ll need to grow plants in your home. A hobby that I’m sure has picked up popularity since the legalization of marijuana this past year. In fact, the owner of the Way to Grow chain was charged with distributing marijuana a couple years ago, so you can take that as a sort of testament to their knowledge of indoor gardening.

Search Boulder Homes for sale

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics, Things to Do Tagged With: Boulder homes for sale, Boulder nurseries, Boulder planting and gardening, Boulder properties, John Marcotte Realtor

MOVING TIPS

April 13, 2014 by John Marcotte

MOVING TIPS

Written by Brenda Ernst

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

Go through your home and make a list of what needs to stay, be sold, donated, or thrown out.
Decide on the date you would like to move.
Call for an estimate, and show your Moving Consultant things that need to be packed and moved.
Discuss if other services are required and offered: Packing, Storage, Un-Packing, etc.
Keep all documents and information connected with your move in a special place. This information should not be
packed away. It will be extremely helpful on your moving day.
Gather information from doctors, business associates, clubs, dentists and lawyers in your new location.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Notify your post office of your move. Get your new address and send out change of address cards.
Arrange to have your utilities disconnected, such as telephone, cable TV, water, gas, and electricity.
Ask phone company at destination if service can be connected before arrival.
Ask your bank to transfer your accounts to the branch nearest your new home.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Plan a garage sale. This will help get rid of the items you’re not keeping.
Transfer fire, theft and other insurance to your new location.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Have rugs and drapery cleaned. Leave rugs rolled and wrapped.
Prepare a floor plan of new home and make extra copies. This will be useful on “move in” day.
Plan a go-away party for children and their friends.
Make sure most of your packing is complete. Assign every member of your household a colour, and paste their colour on their boxes. Craft paper from dollar stores work here. Also, every room can have a colour pasted on the box and labeled so Movers know exactly what goes to each room.

Prepare meals between now and moving day. Donate excess canned and frozen foods to community
food bank.
Keep separate any food, plates, utensils you will need during the last days. Be sure to pack
them on moving day.
Make sure all laundry is clean, and nothing left in the dryer. And remember to pick up any dry cleaning.
Organize all of your moving and travel documents as well as valuables you will be taking with
you the day of the move. It may be helpful to but this in a colourful box or envelope , one that is easily seen.

1 Week Before Moving Day

Take down all curtains, blinds, shelving units, etc. that are not included in the sale.Unfasten any fixed carpets that are to be moved.
Set aside and label items such as luggage that you do not want to be moved.
Pack your car for the move. (Pack items you intend on moving yourself).

On Moving Day

Be on hand when moving crew arrives, or authorize someone in writing to take your place.
All questions should be directed to the driver or foreman of the moving crew.
Sign the form at the beginning of the move. This will instruct the crew to begin the move.
Keep all children and pets away from the moving truck. Keep children on a normal routine as much
as possible. Set aside a few toys or set up a movie in a quiet room.
Before crew leaves, take one last walk through to make sure everything has been loaded.

Arriving To Your New Home

If some goods are to be stored, advise the storage facility of any items that you need to store or have
removed from your unit.
Confirm that utilities will be connected on time.
Pick up a set of keys. (Make copies for you and people in your home).

Moving In

Make sure all boxes and furniture are in the designated rooms.
Check everything that was unloaded by the crew.
Keep track of where you unpack boxes and where you placed them in your new home.

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder CO homes for sale, homes in Boulder CO, John Marcotte Realtor, moving tips

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOME OFFICE AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

February 23, 2014 by John Marcotte

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR HOME OFFICE AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

Written by Sophie Andersen

The modern way of doing business allows more and more people to work from the comfort of their homes. The lack of space for an office in your home opens the door to many ideas of decorating and rearranging the desired corner that will serve for all your professional obligations.

All you need is a small corner in your home. Add a work table, and a gondola shelving system. If you have the space and materials needed, you can even turn a whole room of your home into a quiet, secluded office.

In a really simple way, with only a few steps to follow, you can create a place for yourself where you can get some isolation from other tenants or family members, and do your work in peace and quiet.

Seeing as how you will be spending a lot of time in this room or corner it is important to make it as cozy and comfortable as you can and most importantly, increase your work productivity. With only a few details, you can completely refresh and reorganize your work space so that it suits your needs.

So, for all of you who wish to work from home but don’t have their own office, here are some helpful suggestions:

Wood makes a comeback

Full dark wood was once unavoidable in all offices, not just the ones in homes. Later, it was shadowed by minimalistic style with metal details and elements. These days, wood is making a comeback, but not in its natural color. No, the latest trend in home offices is white wood.

White, combined with pastel colors such as mint green, gentle pink, and lavender, creates a full visual effect, while softcolors affect your mood and productivity in a positive way.

Small changes matter

Hang a picture on your wall or a retro poster with a motivational message. Place a vase with nice gentle flowers and a scented candle in the corner of your desk. The pleasant smells will reboot your energy during a hard working day.

Don’t be afraid to make small changes such as adding upholstery, maybe covering your seat with wool, or adding anew rug. You will see the difference immediately.

Memo Board

The key to a successful business, besides hard work, is good organization. In order to be able to do everything on time, replace sticky notes on the wall and computer with a memo board that you can make yourself.

You can use an old canvas, or Styrofoam pasted with tapestry, newspaper cutouts or decorative paper. If you really want to impress your guests, you can even put the board in a nice frame.

Hang it on the wall, get some pins, pin down your to do list, an inspirational message, maybe a photo or two, and you’re done. You can also hang a few family photos to bring a bit of family atmosphere. Photos made with amusing photo booth are also good choice, to make you laught during hard work.

For all those who are not in the mood for a do it yourself decoration pro

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder CO homes, Colorado homes, Colorado real estate, home office tips, Housing market, John Marcotte Realtor

3 STAGING TIPS TO SELL A HOME FAST

February 22, 2014 by John Marcotte

It is possible to sell your home fast even in today’s competitive real estate market. While pricing and curb appeal often are enough to get potential buyers to your home, it’s often the “wow” factor they experience on the inside that seals the deal. Cleaning and de-cluttering are the first two steps in presenting a home at its best and you will find this fact 100% true in all cases. The next step is using a few staging techniques to make a solid, favorable impression on potential buyers.

Before showing your home to potential buyers, consider three easy staging tips.

Create a welcoming porch or entrance way.

Even homes with just a stoop or a small porch can make a welcoming impression to potential buyers, so if you are planning to build one, contact professional porch builders. Make sure the porch, steps and entranceway is swept and power-washed—don’t leave any cobwebs or bird droppings. Clean any outdoor lighting so it shines brightly when on and be sure to place a clean doormat at the front door. If your front door has windows, make sure those are clean as well. Add small, cheerful touches such as a flowering plants flanking the doorway. If there is room for furniture on the porch, make sure it is clean with attractive cushions. If you also happen to have an old oil tank in your backyard, then make sure to remove it with the help of an oil tank removal service. You may also consider adding a well installation in your garden with the help of professional well drilling services.

Set the dining table.

While it’s important to clear as many items as possible off the kitchen counters, it’s equally important to present the dining table as if it’s about time to sit down for a delicious meal. If you don’t want to set the table with a full dinner setting, simple set it with linen placemats, cloth napkins (either folded or in decorative rings) and cutlery. Include a centerpiece of silk or fresh flowers. Don’t leave any papers, books or other debris on the table.

De-personalize the bathroom.

Try to see each room of your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Bathrooms are scrutinized by visitors during showings and open houses, making this room one of the most important to super-clean, de-clutter and de-personalize. Getting the grout sparkling white is a good start, but it’s equally important to remove all those personal products from the shower and countertops. Don’t just toss them in a cabinet. Purchase inexpensive, stackable baskets to hold your shampoo, creams and other personal care products and then store the baskets neatly in a cabinet or closet.

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder CO homes, home sellers, home staging tips, John Marcotte Realtor, Marcotte Real Estate Group

LOCATION AND CONDITION ARE NOT WHAT SELLS A HOUSE!

February 7, 2014 by John Marcotte

LOCATION AND CONDITION ARE NOT WHAT SELLS A HOUSE!

Written by Glen Hurley

I recently read a real estate article that claimed price was the only thing that matters in selling a home. The author later said,” You’ve heard the old saying – “Location, location, location: Then she said…”The real truth is “Location, condition, and price.”

Well, she got one of them right. There are 3 things that sell a home. Location is NOT one of them. Neither is the condition. Now, before you start yelling at your computer that I am an idiot… Please bear with me and I will show you I am right. And once you realize I am right, it will help you help your sellers get the maximum money for their home, in the least amount of time. And finally, I will show you how to get a needed price reduction.

So, let me repeat myself. There are THREE things that sell a house. Just three. Each of them equally important.

Yes, price is one of them. However, from here I will rebuff a few other things I have heard are selling factors.

Location: Location only helps or hinders the price you will get for the home. It’s not like you can tell your sellers, “Well, if we move the house to the Country Club, you can get a lot more!” The property is where it is. You cant move it. So the location affects the price, and that is all. Here is the proof location is irrelevent. If your new listing is right next to the freeway. And right next to the fire department. And a half mile from the refinery. I think we can all agree that it’s not a great location. We can also agree it won’t fetch as much money as the same house in a “great area”. However, it WILL sell. Lets use the ridiculous figure of ONE DOLLAR. Do you think you could get someone to buy that house, in that location for a buck? I’d say yes. In fact, you’d probably get multiple offers. How about $100? Or $1000? Keep going up. Eventually you will hit an asking price that the buyer pool is only a few people. THAT is the value. Your job as an agent is to know your market well enough to deduce the housing need in your area and figure out what the price will be. In THAT location.

The next misnomer is the condition. Actually, all the same rules for location apply to condition. Let’s say your new listing is right next to the freeway, right next to the fire department, a half mile from the refinery, needs a new roof, new kitchen, new baths and has $5000 in termite damage. Do you think you could sell it for a dollar? Of course you could! How about a $1000?

You get the idea. Again, it’s your job to figure out how much it will sell for.

So, can we throw out location and condition as one of the factors that sells a house? Can we just agree that location and condition get you more money or less money, but they are NOT what sells the house. Once you get a firm grasp on that concept, it will become easier for you to make your sellers understand that they can’t get as much for their home as they can in the Country Club. They can expect to get more money if they fix and paint and clean. But if they don’t, you’ll sell it in whatever condition it is in.

Ok. If it’s not location and condition, What DOES sell the house? What are the three things?

They are Price, Terms and Exposure. And it’s ONLY Price, Terms and Exposure.

Let me show you how and why that is the truth.

Terms are very important. Many agents never explore the possibility of terms offered by the seller. They can range from the seller carrying the 1st trust deed. Or carrying a small second. What about the Seller carrying a 10% second? 80-10-10s are still available. This can help a Buyer avoid PMI and drop their payment a few hundred dollars per month. In dropping that weight, they can afford to pay the Seller a few more dollars for the house, and the Seller gets a monthly income for a while. Plus, the Seller might avoid some capital gains tax by disbursing it over a few years. Something to think about. Meanwhile, there are LOTS of other terms that don’t include carrying a note. In a hot market you can ask for a rent back. Or a FREE rent back for several months. I even had a Seller make the buyers keep their dog! They couldn’t take the dog to the new house, and they wanted the dog to feel safe. The buyers agreed, and the sale went through. The Sellers could have gotten more money and dumped the dog. But they got a price they could live with, and the terms they wanted. So, it’s not always price. It’s price and terms.

Exposure. Lets say you have the hottest listing in town. Everyone wants this home! It’s priced super cheap. Motivated Seller! All the good stuff. But here is a question…. How quickly will it sell if no one knows its for sale? Yes, that sounds stupid. Of course you will tell people. But when you are trying to sell a tough listing, or any listing really, you need to expose the property to a large buyer pool, so the property can get as much interest as possible. So we advertise promote and expose the property to the market.

The final segment is how you can make this all work for you. (And ultimately for your Sellers) No one likes to take a listing that sits and sits and doesn’t sell. After an appropriate amount of time, you sit down with the Seller and go over the 3 things… Again, you MUST believe in the 3 things or this will not work. First, explain to the Seller the 3 things. Price, Terms and Exposure and the role they play. Once you have explained all 3 things, go back and discuss terms. Verify they cannot offer any special terms. Next, show them ALL the things you’ve done to expose the property. For Sale Sign. Open Houses. MLS. Broker Tour. Internet ads. Craigs List… What ever you have done. And get them to agree that the world knows your house is for sale. Once you have covered those 2 points, remind them there are ONLY 3 things that sell a house. They can’t do any special terms? No. And the world knows your house is for sale. Yes.

So the only thing left is… AND YOU LET THEM SAY…. Price.

At this point in the conversation one of two things will happen. 1) They will begin to tell you some great feature of their home. Or how the neighbors told them they could get more money. Or this area has the best schools. Or SOMETHING. This only means they did not absorb what you said about the 3 things, or they don’t believe you did enough to expose it.. Start over. They MUST believe there are only 3 things. If you don’t get a price reduction, the Seller convinced YOU that you were wrong.

2) The other thing that will happen after your explanation is the Seller will see your logic. They will see that you have done all you can to sell the house at the asking price, and will make the smart move and lower the price!

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder CO homes, Boulder county homes, home sales, John Marcotte Realtor

FSBO: BUYER’S BEWARE

February 6, 2014 by John Marcotte

FSBO: BUYER’S BEWARE

If you’re considering the purchase of a FSBO, proceed with caution!

Seller May Not Disclose What Should Be Disclosed

When a house is listed for sale by a real estate broker, the seller is required to fill out a Seller’s Preoprty Disclosure. There are a few exemptions to this requirement; New construction, condominium units, multi-family dwellings (5+ units), vacant land, transfer due to court order( i.e., estate, bankruptcy, eminent domain, divorce decree), and HUD properties. The seller fills out this document to the best of their knowledge and must “disclose” any problems that they are aware of in their home. When a buyer purchases a home that is multiple listed, they will acknowledge their receipt and review of the PCDS (by initialing each page depending on which version of the form is being used) and signing the final page.

A FSBO is not required to fill out a PCDS. In addition, a FSBO may unintentionally (or intentionally, Caveat Emptor, meaning “Let the buyer beware”) not disclose an issue with their home or may not be aware of the items that they should disclose to a potential buyer.

Contract Time Limits Maybe Too Strict or Too Loose

A purchase and sale contract has many time-frames, deadlines, and contingencies that should be written in to protect a buyer. A buyer’s agent, who knows the contract well, will know how to structure the dates for specific situations and circumstances.

Whether it’s giving enough time to get the inspection(s) completed, getting their clients mortgage commitment, life of the offer, or writing a contingency for the sale and transfer of title of their existing home, an experienced agent should correctly structure the contract to ensure the sale gets done. Some buyers utilize an attorney to draw the purchase and sale contract to send to the FSBO and unfortunately they may not have the experience with correctly structuring the contract dates, potentially due to them not having the total picture. Without the buyer having proper Realtor representation a savvy “seller” could take advantage of a situation that may be in their best interest and not the buyers. An example of this is “Offer Shopping.” This is when the contract’s life is too long and the FSBO has the opportunity to sit on an offer and see if something better will come along. This can be heartbreaking to a buyer.

Seller May Not Cooperate With Reasonable Repairs

When purchasing a home, a FSBO or not, we normally recommend hiring a reputable home inspector to have the home inspected. Even if the home you’re considering to purchase looks “perfect” and that nothing could be wrong, having an inspection can give you additional “Peace of Mind.”

A home inspector is going to find items in every home that may not be up to current code. One of the most important reasons to have a real agent representing you when purchasing a home is to negotiate the removal of contingency for any inspection(s) done. Many real estate deals fall thru due to a buyer and seller not being able to agree to items discovered from the inspection. This can happen because a buyer is being unreasonable with what they’re asking of the seller or the seller on the other hand, is not being cooperative with addressing reasonable repairs. An experienced sellers agent should know what would be considered reasonable and what would be considered “Nit-Picking.” Since the FSBO doesn’t have an agent representing them, they often resist when it comes to any reasonable repairs.

Seller Asking For An Unrealistic Amount For Their Home

You’re thinking of purchasing a FSBO because you’re getting a better deal, right? This is the common thought process of buyers looking at a FSBO. It can actually be the complete opposite. Whether the seller had an agent complete a comparable market analysis and they didn’t like what they heard OR they want to save the brokerage fee, FSBOs are commonly overpriced by 10-25%.

: A FSBO can be overpriced by 10-25% or MORE!

If you don’t have a real estate agent representing you, how do you know if you’re overpaying? A buyers agent will look at comparable sales in the area that you’re looking to purchase in and be able to explain to you what similar homes have been selling for and why.

You Maybe Responsible For Additional Costs Than If You Purchased A Non-“FSBO”

Generally, there are costs that the buyer should be responsible for when purchasing a home BUT also costs that the seller should be responsible for when selling. A buyer typically would be responsible for the cost of an inspection (Home, Pest, Radon, Etc.) and the cost of their mortgage application. People can also visit my site, for best pest control services, just make sure you know which pest you are dealing with, for example some people may need mice control while others may need carpenter ant control. A seller typically is responsible for an inspection ensuring that something is in good, safe, working order. For example, if a home that is on a septic system, a real estate agent representing the buyer should write a contingency for a septic inspection at the sellers cost to ensure that the buyer is not purchasing a system that may have defects and request that the results be put in writing. This may also pertain to a well water (potability) test. A FSBO often times is not willing to pay for any inspections and could attempt to make it 100% the buyers responsibility. Read more here

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder Colorado Communities

Boulder homes for sale

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder homes for sale, FSBO, John Marcotte Realtor, Marcotte Real Estate Group

MOVING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

January 31, 2014 by John Marcotte

MOVING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Written by Blanche Evans

Are you happy and excited about selling your home? Or are you dreading the sorting, packing and other chores?

Your attitude is contagious to little children. If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun, new possibilities, then you’re halfway to getting your children on board for the ride.

Most children don’t like the changes associated with moving, so it’s your job to get them looking forward to it. The younger the child, the less able they are to “see into the future” as you do. They tend to focus on missing friends and family.

Acknowledge and empathize with the loss they feel and show them how to balance their feelings with what they have to gain.

1. Communicate with your child patiently and frequently. Let your children know, step by step, what is happening and what is likely to happen next. Tell them what the move means to the family — how important it is that Mommy got a big promotion or that Daddy is opening a new office for his company and putting people to work.

2. List all the advantages there are for the child in the move. For example, will the family be closer to Grandma, or another favorite person? Will they be closer to the ocean, a park or other favorite place? If you promise they’ll be able to see old friendsand family frequently, be sure to keep your promise. Children are like elephants – they never forget.

3. Show your kids as many pictures of their new home, neighborhood and city as possible. When you show your child their room, make a game of it. Draw a room plan and let your child draw and cut out images of furniture and toys to move around.

4. Introduce your child to the new community online. Draw a map or print one out and show how close Mommy and Daddy work, where schools are, where Aunt Bea lives, and other points of interest to help them orient themselves in their new surroundings.

5. Be ready for those “What about me?” questions. If your child is in scouts, little league, or other organizations, contact those associations for referrals in your new neighborhood or city. Knowing they won’t have to give up favorite hobbies or sports goes a long way toward helping children adjust.

6. Let your child participate. Make a fun activity out of researching services you’ll need online, like finding a veterinarian for your dog. Older children can find blogs online about their new school.

7. Keep your child occupied by letting them plan what to pack and what to take in the car or plane on the way to their new home. Pack a box or two of their special things and make sure it arrives at your new home before you and the kids arrive so they won’t have to wait for their favorite things until everything’s unpacked.

8. Encourage them to take the time to exchange good-byes with friends and loved ones and get addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers to stay in touch. If they’re old enough to write, let them start making notes about the moving experience so they can put their thoughts into letters later.

9. Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible. Let your children know that, although they will soon live in a new house, the rules of the household will still be the same. Bedtime is still at 9 p.m., and homework must still be completed before TV or video games.

10. Make sure they know that although Mom and Dad are a little busier and distracted with the move, they love their children very much and are giving the entire household a new opportunity to grow. Your preparations will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them.

John Marcotte
Marcotte Real Estate Group
720-771-9401

john@boulderhomes4u.com

Search for homes on my website @ www.boulderhomes4u.com

When thinking of Real Estate, think of John Marcotte
I’m never too busy for your referrals.

Boulder homes for sale

Boulder CO communities

Filed Under: Real Estate Topics Tagged With: Boulder CO communities, Boulder CO homes, John Marcotte Realtor, Marcotte Real Estate Group, MOVING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

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