Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thank you for your continued support over the past year. This past has been a great year at PJ Morgan and we have you to thank for that. I will continue to work hard answering all of your real estate questions- if you have a question just let me know!

I am never too busy for your referrals from your family/friends and will help them as if they were my own family and friends. Keep me in mind as you come across your friends and family who are looking to make a move in 2015.

What are the top five appliances every homeowner wants?

Appliances can be a top negotiating item when it comes to closing the sale of your home. According to ratings collected by CNET here are the top five appliances that are in high demand.

1. Whirpool Dishwasher (WDL785SAAM)- Part of the 6th Sense Live smart appliance line, this dishwasher unit can tell you how dirty are! The dishwasher used a sensor wash cycle to determine how dirty the dishes are.

2. Panasonic Microwave (NN-SD997S)- This microwave warms up food quick and efficiently. It also produces high quality results that your whole family can benefit from!

3. Dacor Renaissance 30” Double Wall Oven- This double wall oven does not even compare to any other oven line. You will not find another oven with better and more powerful cooking performance.

4. Samsung Refrigerator (RF323TEDBBC)- The Samsung refrigerator includes spill proof shelves, humidity controlled crispers, power freeze/cool, water filter and external ice/water dispenser. It can even hold up to 32 bags of groceries.

5. GE Café Series 36-inch Cooktop Stove (CGP650SETSS)- The GE stovetop has a deep spill area under the cast iron grates and sealers over the burners allowing food not to be able to get trapped under. The grates are even dishwasher safe!

What are some ways to throw a simple and elegant holiday party?

Holidays are soon approaching and what better way to celebrate them than with an elegant party! Here are some great tips to make your party perfect.

1. Invite you your guests online- Using online services will make your guests RSVP instantly and will remind them of the event.

2. Clear your home’s clutter-Get rid of your mail that is lying around. Put away any personal items you would not want your guests to see. This is also the perfect time to clear and wipe off your counters.

3. Liven up libations- Replenish and stock up o the bar basics. Make sure your fridge is stocked with beer, wine, soda, and don’t forget the mixers for the mix drinks.

4. Make room in the fridge- It’s the perfect time to clean out your fridge and throw out the expired food. It’s also a great time to wipe down the shelves in the fridge.

5. Attack appliances- Clean all appliances including the insides!

6. Set-up your furniture and seating arrangements- Make sure your layout is best for flow for your gathering space. If you are hosting a sit down dinner- put out name place cards.

7. Keep food simple- Prepare food that is easy for you and is simple such as foods that are already prepared and foods that are easy for you to prepare.

8. Prep the tableware- Make sure all of the china is clean, the silver is polished and the linens are pressed. Also ensure you have enough dishware for each guest.

9. Add some flowers!

10. Make a holiday playlist!

What are the new trends this fall for your home?

Here are five new home design trends for the fall for your home.

1. Go Natural- natural and organic patterns are now in this fall! This includes branch-patterned textiles and wall coverings for a dose of whimsy. Swirled and marbleized patterns works well on accent pillows or bedding.

2. Glamour-ize- change out your hardware on your accent chest or dresser, or hang a fun light fixture in your rooms. Mix your gold with bronze and black finishes that are used in your home.

3. Create coziness- add décor and accessories created from reclaimed wood to create the cozy feel in your home.

4. Add sparkle- adding large mirrors and mirrored surfaces add depth and interest to your room. Adding a mirror to a smaller room can even make it feel bigger. For a big “WOW” factor, add a collection of vintage mirrors along a hallway or staircase to create a gallery display.

5. Mix it up- mix and match your décor and fabrics in your home. Bring a mix of styles, old, new, and crisp/soft to create a home look lived in and to add a designer touch.

What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal?

Here are 6 tips you can do to your home to make it more appealing to buyers and they won’t cost you a fortune. These tips could make the difference in your home being sold versus your neighbors.

1. Clean the yard. Take the time to clean up the yard. Rake the dead leaves and grass. Put away any tools or equipment that may be lying around. If buyers see a mess in your yard, they will think twice about wanting to see the inside of the house as it may be indication of what else may await for them.

2. Paint the house/fence. A new coat of paint can go a long way to making your house look newer. Bold colors can reflect your personal taste, so make sure you choose a neutral color that will appeal to the most number of people.

3. Enhance your walkway. You can boost your homes look by adding brick or a stone paved walkway to the front of your house. Dress it up even more by adding some solar powered walkway lights.

4. Plant new flowers and trees. Adding some new color can make a big difference in brightening up your homes appearance and make it look more cheery to prospective buyers.

5. Add window treatments. Add some decorative shutter to keep your home from looking plain and boring. You could also add some plant boxes.

6. Replace your front door. Changing the front door can change the entire look of your home.

These small changes can go a long way to spruce up your homes curb appeal.

Can I child proof my house and still sell it?

There are some subtle and inexpensive ways to child proof your house that won’t bother most buyers. In fact, some buyers will be grateful and feel like it increases the value if they have young ones or plan to.

1. Cabinet locks. Install these in areas where potentially dangerous items are stored, such as under the kitchen sink cabinet.

2. Appliance locking straps. These are easy to install and prevent kids from opening ovens, dishwashers and toilets.

3. Fireplace gates. Living room fireplaces are a common fixture in many homes. The preventative measure can be a great way to ease the initial fears of people viewing the home.

4. Smoke detectors. Make sure you install one near every bedroom and in common areas throughout the house. Consider adding a carbon monoxide detector as well.

5. Electrical outlet covers. These plastic inserts for electrical outlets are an inexpensive and easy fix that can go a long way in helping a potential buyer visualize their child playing or living in that space.

6. Curtain/blinds cord cleats. Install these cleats next to window and wrap around them the cord used to draw the curtains or blinds.

Each of these are subtle and inexpensive ways to amp up the level of interest home buyers with kids may have in your home.

What is a CMA and why do you need one?

CMA is real estate shorthand for Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA is a report prepared by a real estate agent providing data comparing your property to similar properties in the marketplace.

The first thing an agent will need to do to provide you with a CMA is to inspect your property. Generally, this inspection wont be overly detailed, not does the house need to be totally cleaned up and ready for an open house. It should be in such a condition that the agent will be able to make an accurate assessment of its condition and worth. If you plan to make changes before selling, inform the agent at this time.

The next step is for the agent to obtain data on comparable properties. This data is usually available through the Multiple Listing Service and the agents knowledge of the market and area. This will give the agent an idea how much your property is worth in the current market.

Please note that the CMA is not an appraisal. An appraisal must be preformed by a licensed appraiser. The CMA process takes place before your home is listed for sale. This is a good assessment of what your house could potentially sell for.

Should I Buy Furniture to Stage My House?

Staging is about emotion, not furniture. You need to stage your home with the goal of creating a strong emotional bond. Retail merchandising experts have long understood this. Selling any product to a savvy consumer means crafting a positive customer experience. Integral to that experience is creating a strong emotional bond between the consumer and the product.

There have been a sufficient number of articles written on the science of staging-on how to depersonalize your home; neutralize colors; eliminate odors; and the like. What’s difficult to communicate is the absolute importance of the art of staging. The often elusive process produces a strong emotional bond between home and buyer. The ability to inspire a person so they can imagine their day to day lives in the home is a critical success factor in selling residential real estate in today’s market.

Staging your home typically results in a faster sale. By differentiation your property from the competition; evoking a strong emotional attachment; and creating a positive customer experience. Just buying nice furniture won’t be enough, engage a professional stager to help before you put your home on the market.

What are the biggest open house mistakes?

What are the biggest open house mistakes?

1. Leaving the pets at home during the open. Not only is it dangerous, but many buyers are not as pet friendly as we might be. Pet’s being home may make them not even enter the house.

2. Staying home during the open house. Buyers are intimidated by the presence of the owner while looking at the house.

3. Cooking food right before the open house. Smells bother people.

4. Leaving clutter. Try to de-clutter before the open house. Many people cannot see beyond the laundry and messy beds.

5. Dirty carpet. Try to have your carpets cleaned before the open.

6. Leaving expensive jewelry out in plain sight. Agents do try to watch all visitors, but they can’t be everywhere. Protect yourself by taking your valuables
with you.

If you take the time to prepare properly and avoid these mistakes you will have a successful open house.

What are the top 6 reasons a house does not sell?

What are the top 6 reasons a house does not sell?

Some homes stay on the market for a long time, and often sellers don’t understand why their house is not selling. One reason may be that they are not marketing the home effectively. However, there are other reasons.

1. The home could be overpriced.
2. Could be a bad location.
3. Overall bad market.
4. The home could be in poor condition.
5. The home could have an off-putting odor.
6. The home owner could be inflexible in price or terms during the negotiation.

Be sure you hire the right agent who knows how to overcome these obstacles and get you the results you’re looking for - a house that sells quickly and for the best price possible.

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

According to MSN Real Estate, the average credit score for approved mortgages dropped to 727 in December 2013, down from 748 one year prior. FICO credit scores run on a scale from 300 to 850.

It appears that borrowers are having an easier time applying for a mortgage compared to a year ago. Lenders may be getting more comfortable easing standards since home prices have been increasing over the past year.

All lenders have different requirements. Your credit score will determine the best mortgage loan product for you. In most cases, a higher score will allow for a lower interest rate resulting in an overall better loan.

If you are thinking about buying a home now or in the next 12 months, find out what your credit score is today! Meet with a mortgage professional to be prepared and plan for the best loan product for you. Call me for a referral if you need one! 402-305-4335

How Can I Make A Move With Pets?

How can I make a move with pets?

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.

2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.

3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.

4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.

5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.

6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.

7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air, check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size, but you’ll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.

8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.

9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.

10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

Source: The Pet Realty Network

What Should I Ask My Home Inspector?

What should I ask my home inspector?

When making an offer to purchase a home, most of the time that purchase is contingent upon the home being inspected by a professional. The inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make informed decisions. As a buyer, you will choose the home inspector. I found this list of 10 questions provided from the American Society of Home Inspectors, which covers what I feel you need to know when you’re making your selection. If you need help buying or selling your house or finding a home inspector, please call me! I would be happy to help you purchase a home and give you the names of some inspectors my clients have been happy with in the past.

1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as the one adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. Customers can view each group’s standards of practice and code of ethics online at www.ashi.org or www.nahi.org. ASHI’s Web site also provides a database of state regulations.

2. Do you belong to a professional home inspector association? There are many state and national associations for home inspectors, including the two groups mentioned in No. 1. Unfortunately, some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a fee. Insist on members of reputable, nonprofit trade organizations; request to see a membership ID.

3. How experienced are you? Ask how long inspectors have been in the profession and how many inspections they’ve completed. They should provide customer referrals on request. New inspectors also may be highly qualified, but they should describe their training and let you know whether they plan to work with a more experienced partner.

4. How do you keep your expertise up to date? Inspectors’ commitment to continuing education is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important in cases in which a home is older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

5. Do you focus on residential inspection? Make sure the inspector has training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection, which is very different from inspecting commercial buildings or a construction site. If your customers are buying a unique property, such as a historic home, they may want to ask whether the inspector has experience with that type of property in particular.

6. Will you offer to do repairs or improvements? Some state laws and trade associations allow the inspector to provide repair work on problems uncovered during the inspection. However, other states and associations forbid it as a conflict of interest. Contact your local ASHI chapter to learn about the rules in your state.

7. How long will the inspection take? On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything significantly less may not be thorough. If your customers are purchasing an especially large property, they may want to ask whether additional inspectors will be brought in.

8. What’s the cost? Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. The national average for single-family homes is about $320, but customers with large homes can expect to pay more. Customers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

9. What type of inspection report do you provide? Ask to see samples to determine whether you will understand the inspector's reporting style. Also, most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

10. Will I be able to attend the inspection? The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer. An inspector's refusal to let the buyer attend should raise a red flag.

Source: Rob Paterkiewicz, executive director, American Society of Home Inspectors, Des Plaines, Ill., www.ashi.org.

What can I do to make my house more desirable?

What can I do to make my house more desirable?

• Declutter
Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines.
Pack away most of your small decorative items.
Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier.
Clean out the garage.

• “Lighten Up”
Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

• Keep it Clean
Wash fingerprints from light switch plates.
Mop and wax floors.
Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

• Fresh Air
Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells.
Open the windows.

• General Maintenance – Inside and Out
Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they'll give buyers the impression that the house isn't well maintained.
Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks.
Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.
Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
Clean your gutters.
Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

If your house has been on the market for a long while with no offers, it could be these little things. Take the time to make the effort, and it will go a long way. The way you live in your house and the way you present it to be sold are two different things. Please share this and my contact information with others you know working to sell a house or planning to list it this year. I’m here to help!

What Are Five Things I Can Do To Speed Up The Sell Of My House?

What are 5 things I can do to speed up the sale of my house?

1. Price it right.

2. Get your house market ready BEFORE you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings. It can be disruptive for you to have last minute showings, but the more often you show your home, the sooner you’ll find a buyer.

4. Be ready for offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.

5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price.

Please share these tips with others you know looking to get their home sold quickly.

How Should I Prepare For An Open House?

How should I prepare for an open house?

1. Clean your house top to bottom; a spotless home is essential.

2. Mow the lawn or clear away the ice, and be sure to put away all toys and yard equipment.

3. Lock up your valuables. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it’s not possible to watch everyone all at once.

4. Turn on all the lights - even in the daytime.

5. Remove all pets from the house.

6. Leave the house. It is awkward for prospective buyers to look around and express their opinions of your house while you are there.

Take the time to prepare properly for the open house to ensure its success. Make it clean and inviting. Please pass this on to others you know working to sell their homes. Call me at 402-305-4335 anytime with any questions!

What regrets do home owners have?

What regrets do home owners have?

According to Truila April 2012, the top 5 home owner regrets are:

• 34% - I wish I had chosen a larger home.

• 27% - I wish I had done more remodeling when I bought the house.

• 22% - I wish I had more information about the home before I decided to buy.

• 18% - I wish I had put more money down for the down payment.

• 16% - I wish I had been more financially secure before I decided to buy.

Working with an agent to buy your next home can help you avoid having regrets. I talk with all my clients about their concerns and current overall situations before we start the buying process. We work to resolve what we can along the way. Buying a home is most likely the largest investment of your life. Make sure you work with someone who really cares about you and helps you get into the right home.

Should I reject a lowball offer?

Should I reject a lowball offer?

It is important to keep in mind in the market we are in right now, there are less buyers vying for more homes so they will try to get the best deal possible. You need to not take it personally, and discuss with your agent what the best way to respond to the lowball offer is. Any offer received is a good offer. Negotiations begin with the understanding that an offer is the first step, a starting point.

Buying and selling real estate is a business transaction and should be treated that way. The sell is not possible without negotiations and negotiations are not possible without an offer.

The process of selling or buying a house is somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. There are many ups and downs that can occur in the process, it is usually something that can be overcome in a way that all parties are satisfied.

Do not underestimate the power of making a counter offer. Not only does it communicate to buyers that you value your home, but that you believe you have priced it effectively, but it also brings to light just how serious the buyers is about purchasing the home.

The key is communication. As long as there is an open line of communication between all parties, no matter how low the offer started at, if this is the right home for the buyer, the sale will most likely happen.

Why Do Families Buy a Home?

Why Do Families Buy a Home?

Everyone has an opinion of why the dream of home ownership is so important to most Americans. Study after study reveals the same five reasons families decide to buy a home.

1. Want a good place to raise children.
2. Want a place where their family feels safe.
3. Want more living space.
4. Want control of that living space.
5. Realize that owning makes better financial sense than renting.

If any of these five reasons apply to you and your family, perhaps it is time for you to buy a home. With both prices and interest rates raising, waiting will only increase your monthly cost.

Call me today and let’s set up a time to go over the process and get a plan in place to make your dream of home ownership come true!