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Wednesday, 23 February 2011
If you're anticipating selling your smaller-than-average home, do not despair, because the days of the overly sized and overly priced McMansions are shrinking in the rear view mirror! Buyers these days are looking for ways to save money on utilities and taxes, as well as save time on yard work and maintenance.
Your smaller property offers benefits to first time buyers and those with an eye towards conservation. Be sure to highlight your lower utility costs, and if your home sits on a small lot, research property taxes on larger lots in the neighborhood and show how much money buyers can save with yours.
People who are downsizing or buying for the first time want easy maintenance, so you should absolutely list any new appliances or systems you've installed, like heating and/or air, and Energy Star refrigerators, water heaters, and the like. First time buyers are usually accustomed to the landlord fixing any problems, so new appliances with a home warranty are very attractive to that segment.
Buyers who are downsizing will be rethinking their space, so make sure you make your rooms look larger and show off your storage space. Cut the clutter, remove some furniture, and let in the light!
If you live within walking distance to shopping, the library, the Y and other activities, be sure to promote that, and emphasize that location and function offset your home's smaller size.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
As it always has been, in any kind of market or economy, buyers will find the best deals while looking at homes that are less than perfect. While stretching your home-buying dollar is Priority Number One, keep the following features in mind when determining a home's potential.
While you've heard it a million times, I would be remiss not to mention "location, location, location." Just remember that you get the best deal by buying the worst property in a fantastic neighborhood, instead of buying the best home in a less desirable community.
Also pay attention to the age of the home, If you're looking at something over fifty years old, don't be surprised by issues with outdated wiring and plumbing, or problems with the roof.
As far as a home's basic design goes, look for three things: a livable floor plan, plenty of natural light, and ample storage space. If you've got to move walls, you're going to have to invest a sizable amount in renovation. And you can never have enough closet and storage space in a home. Adding on storage is never cheap, so seek out homes with plenty of it already built in.
Begin by consulting your agent and creating a check list of the features you'd most like to have, but always be prepared to compromise when the right deal comes along.
Tuesday, 08 February 2011
If my recent column about the three types of foreclosures peaked your interest in making such a purchase, read on to learn a few of the common mistakes to avoid when you're ready to make an offer.
First, don't get caught up in a bidding frenzy. Banks may under-price their offering, hoping to generate multiple bids and drive the selling price up over the asking price. This happens more often than you would expect.
Second, don't ignore the comparables for similar properties in the area. If there are abundant foreclosures in the neighborhood, be sure that you have the latest home prices to compare against, and keep your offer at those figures.
Third, don't underestimate your repair costs. Be sure to factor in an additional 10 - 20% of the purchase price for unexpected repairs.
Fourth, if you're buying for the short-term because you may relocate or upgrade in a few years, don't go house hunting in a neighborhood full of foreclosures. These properties may continue to decline in value, meaning you may have to sell at a loss if you have to sell the property again in the near future. Protect your investment by purchasing the only foreclosed home in a better neighborhood.
Finally, do secure loan pre-approval before you start shopping for that home, because you'll need it to move quickly once you've found your ideal property. If you have to wait for a few days to get that pre-approval, the property you want to bid on may already be under contract with a buyer who was prepared with their pre-approval letter. With your agent as your field guide, your hunt should be successful!
Tuesday, 01 February 2011
Recent Piqua Real Estate Sales 2/1 to 2/28/11
The local Multiple Listing Service lists these Piqua area homes as sold with real estate agents.
10400 Duncan, Piqua, 4 bed, 3.5 bath, list price $236,900, sale price $223,500 63 days on market
526 Riverside, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, original list price $50,000, list price at sale $42,500, sale price $34,000, 133 days on market
835 Manier, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, original list price $49,900, list price at sale $42,900, sale price $30,000, 246 days on market
8430 Moffett, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, list price $169,000, sale price $148,000, 70 days on market
846 Manier, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, original list price $74,900, list price at sale $64,900, sale price 47,250, 59 days on market
308 Glenwood, Piqua, 3 bed, 1 bath, list price $71,900, sale price $71,000, 207 days on market
210 High, Piqua, 4 bed, 1 bath, list price $40,000, sale price $37,702, 33 days on market
707 Manier, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, original list price $54,900, list price at sale $46,900, sale price $35,000, 172 days on market
612 S Sunset, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, list price $71,900, sale price $70,000, 84 days on market
708 Lambert, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, list price $130,000, sale price $128,500, 8 days on market
Keep in mind that the seller may have paid for the buyer's closing costs which reflect in the sales price. For more information on these Piqua homes or any homes in Miami or Shelby Counties, please contact Kathy Henne at 937-778-3961 or Kathy@KathyHenneTeam.com
Tuesday, 01 February 2011
Real Estate For Sale in Piqua Area
Homes For Sale in Piqua, Ohio
1876 Springwood, Piqua, 3 bed, 2.5 baths, $115,000
5713 Wright Puthott, Sidney, 3 bed, 2 bath, $135,000
614 Michigan, Troy, 4 bed, 2 bath, $40,000
814 North, Piqua, 2 bed, 1 bath, $68,000
480 Glendale, Troy, 3 bed, 2 bath, $85,000
509 McKaig, Troy, 4 bed, 1 bath $45,000
1116 Miami, West Milton, 4 bed, 2 bath, $75,000
For more information on these homes or any homes in Miami or Shelby Counties, please contact Kathy Henne at 937-778-3961 or Kathy@KathyHenneTeam.com
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