Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent
Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 28, 2010
YOU”RE INVITED!
Learn the process for the recent tax revaluation in Princeton. This free session will be presented by Attorney Jeff Gordon, Esq. from Archer Greiner and Weichert Manager, Josh Wilton.
Today, April 28 at 6:30 pm
RSVP only
Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 21, 2010
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
First impressions count! Do you remember your first impressions of your present home? What made you want to buy it? The features or amenities that first impressed you are probably the same ones that will sell the house when you decide to move on.
When preparing your home to sell, try to emphasize the unique features that are especially attractive and would make a good first impression on prospective buyers. Highlight unusual architectural features such as bay windows or gazebos with freshly painted trim. Landscaping with trees or flowering shrubs can soften structural lines, or call attention to a beautiful entrance. Whether your home is modern or traditional, the approach to your home makes a statement.
Since most buyers are looking for a home that displays both charm and refinement, it pays to keep your grounds well maintained and attractive. If the exterior appearance of your home and yard is pleasing, buyers will want to see the interior.
Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – April 7, 2010
A POSITIVE APPROACH
Some buyers and sellers arrive at the settlement feeling terrific about the transaction”‘”‘they like each other, their new home, their Realtor, and even the lender. Others come to the settlement table feeling stressed out by the process. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, your approach will play an important part in determining which of these scenarios characterizes your settlement.
The professionals who conduct real estate transactions work hard to ensure that things proceed as smoothly as possible. However, the quality of the transaction often depends not so much on what happens, but how you react to what happens. If you communicate confidence in the professionals who are helping you, the atmosphere will remain positive even if there are complications. Problems are more effectively resolved if both seller and buyer trust the Realtors to guide them through the inherent complexity of a real estate transaction to finalize the sale, even if everything that could possibly go wrong occurs.
Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 31, 2010
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
It is common for homebuyers to ask about utility costs and the energy efficiency of a home they are considering. One way to reduce energy costs is as simple as changing your light bulbs–from standard ones to compact fluorescent bulbs that are designed to fit most standard light fixtures and lamps.
The initial purchase price of compact fluorescent bulbs may seem a little steep–they average between $13 and $20 per bulb — but they last at least 10 times longer than a standard light bulb and will reduce your energy bills significantly. Manufacturers estimate that during the life of a single fluorescent bulb you will reduce your electric bill by over $40. As an added bonus, the electric company will be able to reduce carbon dioxide emission by approximately half a ton per replacement bulb. Compact fluorescents don’t work with dimmer switches, and if used outdoors, you should make sure that the fixture is well ventilated and protected from rain.
Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 17, 2010
WHEN TIME IS IMPORTANT
Your Realtor has just brought you an offer on your home, and you want to think about it. You would like your agent to contact the other people who have shown an interest in your home before you respond. Whether your
home has been listed for two days or two years, there is always the temptation to hold out for a bigger offer, and sometimes sellers feel a lot of resistance to making a decision.
Some buyers will include a deadline for getting a response to their offer, but even if there isn’t a deadline, you should reply to a buyer’s offer quickly. The period of time between submitting an offer and receiving a response is a crucial one because the buyers are free to withdraw from the transaction. Even though they are mentally landscaping your yard and arranging their things in your rooms, they may also be afraid that they will get the house and, therefore, are extremely vulnerable to buyers’ remorse.
Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 10, 2010
DISCLOSE! DISCLOSE! DISCLOSE!
You just listed your home for sale, and you withheld a few “little” problems from the Realtor. The family room leaks, but only when it rains; the outlet in the back bedroom won’t spark unless something is plugged in; and the area
rug in the living room covers a stain in the oak flooring.
It is a mistake to think that your home will sell more quickly by concealing its defects. These seemingly insignificant items can escalate into major issues that can threaten a sale, and possibly result in litigation. Many states have
passed laws regarding concealing defects from an agent or buyer.
The essence of these laws is–DISCLOSE! If something in your home is not working properly or needs to be repaired, fix it or make sure that your agent discloses it to the prospective buyers. The court will probably not be lenient if
you claim ignorance about a problem after having lived in the house.
