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.