Posts in category Buying Tips

Quick Budget Friendly Kitchen Updates!

Mar04
2020 Written by mary.w

The open design of most contemporary and recently renovated homes, places the  Kitchen as the centerpiece of the layout.  It’s important to note that the Kitchen is one of the rooms of most importance to potential buyers. Do you want your kitchen to radiate a contemporary and upgraded appearance that will be remembered, without the hassle of draining your bank account?

Here are some quick upgrading tips that will allow your outdated kitchen to show off some modern flare:

• Upgrade the lighting. A simple task like this will brighten the entire room, while diminishing the old fixtures that look like rusty antiques. Scattered track lighting is the Image result for small kitchen recessed lighting ideasbest approach, and adding dimmers will provide even more lighting options. If you have a little bigger budget or are handy yourself, recessed lighting is always a plus because it automatically creates the sense of higher ceilings and an expanded space. Put on dimmers for an added bonus that buyers love!

• Upgrade the cabinets, without replacing them. If new lighting displays more nicks and stains than you knew existed, sand the cabinets and paint a glossy finish over them. Or paint them white. To add a unique feature, replace a few cabinet doors with glass doors that allow you to show off your fancy dishware. If the finish is in good shape, you can create a whole new look by changing up the hardware. Check current magazines and online articles to see what kind of hardware their decorating articles are highlighting.

• Upgrade the seating arrangements. If your kitchen includes a breakfast nook, upgrade the light fixture or the window treatments. Add a rug, in order to separate it from the rest of the kitchen. Purchase new breakfast bar stools or add pendant lighting over the bar. If your large kitchen displays wasted space, add an island! This doesn’t have to be expensive. There are so many portable islands on the market that are quite affordable.

• Upgrade the sink. A dirty, scratched up sink doesn’t allow a potential buyer to imagine a clean environment. Polish up the existing sink, purchase a new faucet for the sink. You might even consider adding a garbage disposal or a water filtration system.

• Upgrade the countertops. Decorative laminate is available for a reasonable price, and the décor looks much like the expensive options, such as granite. Laminate also lasts forever and is easy to clean, which a potential buyer should appreciate. If your area has many competing homes with granite check on prices on a basic bullnose style at a wholesale granite business. This eliminates the middle man costs of buying from a big box or design store.

If you’re really adventurous, try shopping at stores like “Restore” which benefits Habitat for Humanity. This is a great place to find that new cabinet hardware, portable island, light fixtures or even some new cabinets or cabinet faces.

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

Holiday Marketing Pros and Cons

Dec05
2019 Written by mary.w

The holiday seasons are upon us and inevitably, whether selling or buying, you may be asking yourself; “Should I continue to market my home/search for my new home from post-Thanksgiving until post-New Years. Review the pros and cons of both.

SELLING PROS:

  • Many other sellers remove their homes from the marketplace during this time which reduces your competition. Lower inventory means that you can stand out to those that are shopping and possibly be rewarded with a higher price.
  • The fact is that regardless of the season, there are always buyers in the market to purchase due to job transfers, divorces, end of leases, seasonal closing on their own home that they’ve sold and people who want to take advantage of the current low interest rate before it goes up.
  • As long as you don’t go overboard, the sights, sounds and aromas of the seasonholiday-dinner cause buyers to imagine what it will be like to enjoy their own holiday gatherings in front of your roaring fire and beautifully displayed Dining Room table.

SELLING CONS:

  • The number of buyers shopping during the holidays is smaller than in the more active spring season.
  • If you live in an area that experiences extremes of cold, snow and ice, you have the added task of making sure your exterior areas are clear and safe to travel. You also need to prepare yourself for the frustration of no shows and reschedules in the event of inclement weather.christmaslights
  • If you do a lot of entertaining, you might have to be more diligent with regard to keeping your home “show ready”.
  • In many areas affected by the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more challenging thus you should prepare yourself to be doing more weekend showings.

BUYING PROS:

  • The reason someone may have their home on the market during the holidays is because they have a “need to be sold by” deadline ie: starting a new job, moving to help out with a family situation, downsizing due to a job loss or reduction in income, etc. This may provide a great opportunity to purchase your dream home at a reduced price.
  • Due to less homes being sold during the holiday season, title companies may have a more open schedule to ensure the closing date you prefer.
  • Like the “Greek restaurant dilemma” of a menu that is so large it’s hard to make a decision, by having fewer homes to choose from, your shopping process may be far less stressful and more effective.

BUYING CONS:

  • Since many people take their homes off the market at this time, you will have less inventory from with to choose.
  • Due to holiday entertaining, viewing appointments may be more difficult to schedule BUT keep in mind if someone is choosing to sell during this season, they will most likely work with you to find a convenient time.
  • If you live in an area with inclement weather, getting to and from appointments might be more challenging.
  • In many regions, with the time change, it gets dark a lot earlier making evening appointments more difficult (hard to see addresses, hard to see exterior negatives about the home) which means you will most likely want to schedule viewings for the weekend, which can be more difficult. That said, if the seller is motivated, they will understand the local weather impediments and most likely be willing to be accommodating.

Whether you’re selling or buying, you can take advantage of the holiday season to achieve your desired result and toast in your Happiest New Year!!gift

Posted in General Information, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

PAY ATTENTION BECAUSE YES YOUR CREDIT SCORE IS A BIG DEAL!

Nov05
2018 Written by mary.w

As anyone who’s applied for a credit card, a loan or a lease (not to mention a mortgage) can tell you, your credit rating matters. And while it’s important to remember that you can’t raise your score overnight, there are some steps you can take that will improve it over time. Consider these:

1. Always pay your bills on time. This factor carries a lot of weight in how your credit score is factored so don’t allow yourself to believe that being late once in a while doesn’t really matter because it really does! This essentially is what good credit is all about. When you’ve established yourself as someone who can consistently pay what you owe, you prove you are a responsible credit user. Also, the longer you’ve been paying on time, the better.

2. Pay down your debt. If you haven’t been paying your credit cards on time (thus the problem with your credit in the first place), the best way to repair the damage is also the simplest: pay down the debt! Simplest in getting results but this can seem impossible and overwhelming. Taking the time to do some reading and studying on what will be the best method for you to follow to reduce your debt will definitely pay off with a less stressed lifestyle and the ability to make life decisions such as buying a home with confidence.

3. Don’t apply for multiple cards at one time or within short spans of time. It’s a common misconception that having many cards = better credit. In reality, the key is establishing good credit over time, and that’s why it’s not smart to open lots of cards at once. Doing so may red flag your credit rating that you may be not handling your money well. Better to have only a couple of cards that you consistently pay on time or off monthly which will allow you to see credit increases on those cards which then in turn will show you are a low risk buyer.

4. Know the facts. Did you know paying off a collection account won’t take it off your report? Not for seven years. Did you also know closing unused credit cards can possibly lower your score? This can negatively change your debt to credit % causing your score to drop even though you, in essence are still a good risk. Knowing these things can make a difference in how you approach credit.

5. Check your reports. Want to know what your current credit report reveals? The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires three reporting agencies — Trans Union, Equifax, Trans Union and Experian—to provide you with an annual report, free of charge. For more information, click here. Most credit cards now offer free monthly or quarterly FICO scores that you can review online. This does not include your full report but does give you your score and what is positively or negatively affecting it. It also typically will notify you if there has been a change up or down in your score.

6. Dispute errors. One of the reasons it’s such a good idea to check your credit is that there may be errors affecting your score. When you check your annual reports, be prepared to dispute any incorrect items. If you receive a notification from one of your credit cards that your score has changed check it out immediately so you can get the problem resolved asap. This is especially important in the event your identity has been compromised.

So, yes, your credit score matters a lot if you want to be a homeowner but don’t stress. Instead become actively involved in improving your score and then maintaining it so there is a history of great progress and upkeep. Unlike what you might have heard, you can control your score. You just have to control your mind focus on getting it done!

 

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized

Pros & Cons of Moving to a 55+ Active Adult Community

Oct08
2018 Written by mary.w

So, you’re thinking of retiring, downsizing or just trying a new adventure and you’ve heard that a 55+ community might be a great option. But is it right for you and your lifestyle? Let’s explore some pros and cons to help you decide.

Advantages of 55+ Active Adult Communities

  • Security is a common reason many people give for choosing to live in a 55+ community. Many are gated w/24 hour manned gated entry plus security patrols while others have unmanned yet still secure gated entry to the neighborhood.
  • The opportunity to meet other people in the same age group with common interests and enjoy an active social life is a huge draw to these communities.
  • A vast array of social activities within the community ie: golf, tennis, swimming, live theater, games (cards, board games, outdoor games such as bocce, horseshoes, etc) art classes, wine tastings, hobbies, book clubs and much more provide a constant ‘active’ lifestyle.
  • Very often lawn care, exterior home maintenance and security alarm systems are all included in the HOA fees.
  • Many housing options include single family homes, townhomes and condos, many with handicap accessible features.
  • Depending on where you live, many 55+ communities are very close to shopping, dining, entertainment and medical facilities. Plus many of these communities offer free transportation to all  these amenities.

Wow…right? Why wouldn’t everyone want to move right in?! Well, let’s review some reasons why this might not be the option for you.

Disadvantages of 55+ Active Adult Communities

  • Many people, even retired folks, love living in the diversity of a neighborhood consisting of all age groups from infants to elderly. The restrictions of a 55+ community most likely will very quickly override the positives listed above.
  • Many Active Adult Communities have strong restrictions with regard to adult children or grandchildren living with them or even in some cases restrictions on extended visits. It’s important to completely understand these bylaws before buying and moving into an age restricted community.
  • If you’re in your 50’s or 60’s you might not be happy in a community that caters more to retirees in their 70’s, 80’s or older. Do your homework before you buy!
  • One of the biggest disadvantages of many 55+ communities is that, due to the vast level of amenities, the HOA fee might be very high. If you’re only interested in one of two of the activities offered, you might want to consider either a different community or a regular neighborhood otherwise you may end up spending a lot of your savings on activities you never use.

So, is a 55+ Active Adult Community a good option for you? Only you can decide. What’s good for your close friend might be a horrible choice for you. Explore fully what the communities you’re considering offer and determine if they will enhance or inhibit your desired lifestyle. Then move forward with confidence into the next phase of your life journey!

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

You Can Find Your Happily Ever After Home!

Mar23
2018 Written by mary.w

So you’re moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone but want to find a home in a neighborhood that suits your personality, lifestyle and family needs. How do you find your perfect home?

  • Family Friendly:  If you have children and are hoping to find a neighborhood where there are other children close in age and schools that are ranked for excellence then spend some time driving through areas you’re considering on a Saturday or Sunday.  Look for people with strollers, kids on trikes or bikes, parks where kids are playing sports, etc. Also research school districts online. All  pertinent information regarding recognition, class size, or problems are readily available via multiple websites. If you really want your kids to be able to walk to school, remember to do a walk from the home you’re considering to elementary, middle and high school.
  • Community Involvement: If you’re seeking an area where block parties are  common, community parades, events and social activities are the norm then        pumpkincheck out the city’s website. They will have details of recent and upcoming events plus typically include a photo gallery to let you know how much fun it is to live there. If you don’t see any of that on the city’s website, you might want to reconsider your location.
  • Singles Amenities: Check out the area on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Are you seeing active night life in restaurants, bars or clubs? Maybe you want to partylive near a sports stadium…ie: Wrigleyville in Chicago offers night time games, lots of bars and restaurants and lots of into the night activities. So, if that’s what you seek, check it out in the evening or late night. If you’re looking for a quiet night neighborhood, you’ll know this isn’t the place for you even if you like the homes available.
  • Automobile Friendly:  If you’re looking into urban areas and you own a car, you might want to check out included garage or deeded parking spaces. If there’s permit street parking that could be good for you but could be a problem if you like to entertain. Check out accessibility to highways and public transportation if commuting is going to be a factor in your decision.
  • Access to Shopping: Do you want to be able to run to the grocery store in under 5 minutes? Then a rural area is probably not a good fit for you and both suburban and urban areas might offer their own challenges so if you find a neighborhood you like, take the extra time to explore how close you are to stores and malls. Too close because you don’t want the added retail traffic? Or too far because you don’t want to have to run 20 minutes away for some needed milk or bread.
  • Crime: There are numerous sites online where you can simply put in an address with crime rating and you will be able to learn a lot.
  • Walking Score: Typically this is more specific to urban areas and includes neighborhoods agreeable to both families and singles.

Urban vs suburb vs rural vs acreage…..Sit down before you even begin looking and decide what type of area(s) fit you and suit your wants, needs and don’t forget…your budget. Take your time to research both online and in person. Make an educated vs emotional decision and you can live your happily ever after!

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

ADVANTAGES TO PURCHASING A BUYOWNER.COM PROPERTY!

Mar16
2018 Written by mary.w

When you’re looking for a new home, you have a lot of options. With online marketing offering the best and fastest way to find a home, stats show that over 92% of all home searches begin online. Why is it to your advantage to purchase a home being sold by owner on BuyOwner.com?

1. View homes throughout the country from the comfort of your couch: It’s no longer unusual to move from one part of the country to another as frequently as people used to move from city to city within their ‘home’ state. But it’s costly to travel to your new location to begin to search for your new home. You may go all the way out there and not find anything and be right where you were before you left. With BuyOwner.com you can search for a home throughout the country, before you ever get on a plane or head out on a road trip. We do not limit our ads by region or state.

2. Easy access to property information: While a seller may be sleeping in New York, you, a buyer in Hawaii or California or anywhere in the world with a different time zone can be actively walking through their property online. This may give you just the advantage you need to be the first to show interest and be the next owner of that home you fell in love with online.

3. Detailed advertising: BuyOwner.com ads offer all the information you need via ample photos and text  regarding the property, community, walking scores, location benefits, area amenities, etc.  After viewing a BuyOwner.com property and reading about its features, you’ll have seen it, learned about it and have a good idea about whether it is or isn’t the type of property you’re seeking. This will save you from wasting your time physically viewing properties that don’t suit your needs or desires. If you’re also a seller, this will be a feature you’ll love as well because it will save you from wasting your time with look-e-loos.

4. No real estate commission: There are many sites you can search and our BuyOwner.com sellers have the advantage of us syndicating them to all the same sites a traditional realtor would BUT without the daunting 5, 6, or 7% commission. Why does that matter to you as a buyer? When that huge amount is eliminated from the seller’s debit column at closing, they are able to price their home more competitively which means you can get more home for less money.

5. Seller Contact Info: The listed phone number on a BuyOwner.com property as well as the email contact form connects you directly with the seller, allowing you to eliminate the middle man from the transaction. You can get all your questions answered quicker and more thoroughly by being able to ask the people who know the answers  first hand. Again, without the middle man costs, the seller will be more agreeable to negotiating a fair price.

So, why should you buy a BuyOwner.com advertised home? To ensure you’re finding and acquiring the home of your dreams that you’ll love for years to come!! And then when you’re ready to move again, you’ll be able to sell it with the same confidence as a BuyOwner.com seller!

Posted in General Information, Uncategorized

Hardwood, Engineered & Laminate Flooring

Jun15
2011 Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

Love the look of hardwood floors but not sure if you want to spend the money for solid wood? The alternatives of engineered wood and laminate flooring confusing you? Let’s take a look at the similarities and the differences.

Solid wood flooring is exactly like it sounds, planks of solid wood through and through. This is the most expensive of the three options and offers several choices. The type of wood can play a major role in your cost. Brazilian cherry, at the higher end of the spectrum, is often found in more upscale homes or as a border or inlay with other wood choices. Oak, the most common is very durable and looks as rich in natural tones as it does in the darkest stain. Maple, though a hardwood, is a bit softer than oak and great for standing on for extended periods of time which is why you find this in the kitchens of many century old homes. This is also currently very popular with its minimized grain and lighter appearance. Bamboo is very popular due to its environmentally friendly properties, light and airy appearance and more affordable cost.  All costs will be further affected by the thickness of the planks and whether you lay it straight or at an angle, which requires more cuts.

Engineered flooring starts with a man-made core, commonly plywood, then is topped with a thin layer (about 1/8″ thick) of real wood.  Adding to the convenience is the fact that it does come pre-finished which means that it is ready to use as soon as it’s installed. Another advantage is that the real wood layer is thick enough to allow it to be sanded and refinished once or possibly even twice before needing to be replaced. Though more expensive than the laminate alternative, this choice offers the appearance of real wood (because the top layer is real wood) while costing less than solid wood options.

Laminate flooring also begins with a man-made core but is covered by paper imprinted with a photographic image of a wood plank. This photo makes the floor look very realistic. A finish layer on top protects the image and adds to the durability of the floor. The downside of this choice is that laminate is not real wood and so cannot be refinished. Once it is worn it must be replaced. On the other hand, it is far less expensive than real wood and available in styles that replicate the look of almost any type of wood, including rare and exotic species.

When deciding which option to choose, consider the look you’re desiring, the durability you need and how much you want to spend. That way once you have completed the project you can sit back and enjoy the view!

Posted in General Information, Home Improvement, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas

Using BuyOwner.com to Buy Your Home

Jul21
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

There are so many great reasons to buy your own home. Are you ready? Wondering how to get the best deal and how to make the most informed decision? Maybe it’s time to consider Buy Owner!

As the nation’s leading for-sale-by-owner marketing company, Buy Owner provides the strength of an established advertising company and the resource of thousands of for-sale properties nationwide. Buy Owner sellers are great to work with, as they’re looking to cut commissions/costs just as much as you are, in order for everyone to get the best deal.

Ready to get started?

Here’s how to buy a home with Buy Owner:

  1. Go to BuyOwner.com and search!
  2. Narrow down your criteria and choose which homes you’re most interested in.
  3. Contact the Buy Owner sellers of those homes, and ask questions you may have.
  4. Schedule private showings of the homes.
  5. Make an offer on the home you want.
  6. Negotiate.
  7. BUY! And in the process… Save money. Enjoy being in control of your purchase. Reap the rewards for years to come.

Of course the prospect of buying a home, whether it’s your first one or not, can be daunting. But with Buy Owner, you have the comfort of knowing you’re dealing with motivated sellers and saving commission costs! That’s why using Buy Owner to buy your home makes so much sense.

What are you waiting for? Get started today!

Go to BuyOwner.com.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

Featured City: Deltona, FL

Jun22
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

Deltona

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s City: Deltona, FL

Thinking of buying a home in Deltona? Located in the heart of southwestern Volusia County, Deltona is a principle city in Florida’s Fun Coast. Diverse in its cultural makeup, this dynamic community has about 90,000 residents according to the city’s official website.

Not only does Deltona offer a city website but also a 24-hour government-access T.V. channel (DTV) through Channel 199 on BrightHouse Networks and an Emergency Radio Station at 1610 AM. The WebPage, DTV channel and radio station offer a multitude of opportunities to stay informed about activities and issues throughout Deltona!

Image credit: RealEstate.AOL.com

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Featured City: Bradenton, FL

Jun15
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Bradenton

Today’s featured city: Bradenton, FL!

Located along U.S. 41 between Tampa and Sarasota, Bradenton is a beautiful Florida community loaded with waterways, bordered on the north by the Manatee River and separated from the outer barrier islands of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key by the Intracoastal. Enjoy beaches, water sports, boating and more! Plus, this area also features several golf courses.

Cultural attractions in Bradenton include Riverfront Theatre, the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium, Parker Manatee Aquarium, ArtCenter Manatee and Village of the Arts, a neighborhood that’s specifically designated for residents to live and work in their homes. The Myakka River State Park is just seven miles east of Sarasota and

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Bradenton!

Image Credit: Byron Packwood

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , ,
« Older Entries

About the BuyOwner.com Blog

Welcome to the BuyOwner.com Blog, your source for regularly updated market information!

Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

You can read more about BuyOwner.com here.

Article Archives

Blog Roll

Real Estate Top Blogs Real Estate Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Add to Technorati Favorites Find the best blogs at Blogs.com. Blog Directory Home Improvement Blog Directory

Subscribe

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner