5 Things You Should Do When You Move Into a New Home

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1. Change locks

Unfortunately, you can’t assume the keys you’re holding are the only keys to your home that could exist out there. Play it safe and have all the locks changed as soon as you can.

2. Re-program garage door opener

Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the security of your new home. Most garage door remotes have a reset button that you can hold down to reprogram the opener. If you want more concise instructions, note the make and model of the opener and contact the company to walk you through the steps.

3. Replace furnace filter

Most manufacturers recommend that a furnace filter be changed once a month during the heating season to ensure the most efficient performance. While there are higher-quality filters that may not require monthly replacement, it’s still a good idea to check the filter monthly and, of course, replace it when you move into a new place.

4. Install new batteries in smoke alarm and carbon dioxide detector

You have no way of knowing when the batteries were last changed and if the home has been unoccupied, it’s probably been awhile. Test the alarm and detector and put new batteries in each. This investment of time and a few dollars is well worth it, given the stakes.

5. Replace toilet seat covers

We probably don’t need to go into specific details, but most people insist on swapping out toilet seats.

Great Expectations – Real Estate Forecasts for 2012 and Beyond

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Now that everything’s back on track after a busy holiday season, we finally have a moment to step back and admire what a fantastic year 2011 happened to be. Wow – was it incredible! Despite reports of supposed “doom and gloom” and even though the economy was not doing very well, we had a great year and we have you, our valued clients and supporters, to thank for all that. With over 200 homes sold last year, we’re ready to begin 2012 with a bang.

What Makes a Good Market “Great”?

The main thing that we can attribute our selling success from 2011 to is having motivated sellers and serious buyers. It’s as simple as that. So, what exactly makes a good market “great”? We find that the perfect combination of the right price, excellent condition and accessibility, makes any home a strong contender in the crazy competitive property-selling world today. In fact, that’s exactly what we expect to see more of in 2012.

Low Interest Rates Continue and Inventory Moves 

Our prediction for 2012 is that as buyers continue to reap the benefits of our current market and unbelievable interest rates right now, inventory will begin to level off and we will start to see more stabilization in the market. 

Fewer, But More Serious Buyers Dominate the Season

Now that we are officially in our spring season (though it sure doesn’t feel that way from the looks of it outside) real estate is going to move at a really nice pace. And though there may be fewer buyers now than we might see a couple months from now, the ones that are out there are downright serious about purchasing a home. This is great news for sellers right now since there is less selling competition to have to worry about and at the same time a potential for more serious offers.
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As we move into what seems to be the hopeful next phase of our real estate journey beginning the past several years, it is with great confidence that we forecast an amazing year ahead. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like a custom consultation to learn how we can assist you with your real estate endeavors today or even if you just have some questions you would like answered about any of this. We look forward to hearing from you!

For 4th Quarter Market Statistics click here! >>

Tips On Getting Your Home Sold Better, Faster and At a Great Price

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Though almost anyone you ask will tell you that the best time to be selling a home is in early spring and in the summer, the truth is that many experienced Realtors would advise otherwise.  As the leaves continue to fall and the weather gets colder, fewer homeowners end up putting their home on the market for sale.   In actuality however, so-called “off seasons” are better times to sell because of several reasons. 

First, there is less competition which means there will be more buyers vying for fewer homes and the chances of your home getting sold faster at a price you are more comfortable are higher.  Second, savvy buyers these days know when a good deal comes their way and though it is a soft market nationwide for the most part, good homes that are in great condition are the fastest to go and of course the most in demand.

Making Sure Your Home Is A Cut Above the Rest

Considering that during the cooler months more buyers have less to work with in terms of inventory, one of the best opportunities you have to stand out in the crowd is to be that one house on the block (or area) that is in perfect condition.  Make an effort starting now to prepare the home so that when it comes time to put it on the market, the property is in perfect showing condition. 

Take care of any scuffmarks, moving dents in the case of a vacant home or other surface blemishes on the walls.  Apply a fresh coat of paint in all areas where it is needed.  Have carpets that are in reasonably good condition professionally steam cleaned or replace carpeting altogether.  Refurbish, polish and professionally clean all wood, laminate and tile floors.  Power wash exterior windows and siding.  Update any outdated appliances or fix and/or replace anything that is not in working order.  Assign some attention to curb appeal,maintain the outdoor areas making the home’s exterior inviting.

Price Your Home Effectively

The single biggest reason that homes do not sell easily or quickly is that they are overpriced.  Be conscientious when determining the price of your home.  In fact, as a proactive measure, many sellers are paying for an appraisal as part of the process so that they can get a professionally accurate idea of what their home is valued compared to other like homes in the vicinity.  This also serves as an excellent selling and negotiation tool when it comes to price haggling. 

The attached article illustrates 7 Deadly Sins of Overpricing, courtesy www.trulia.com some of the things sellers do that get in the way of selling their homes.  The list includes things like paving the way for your competition’s success when buyers compare your high price to lower prices in neighboring homes.  Another problem that occurs as a result of overpricing is market stagnation where the home sits on the market way too long and then fails to attract enough attention.

Don’t Wait Till the Snow Melts

By placing your home on the market as early as mid-January to early February, you will be able to take advantage of the early buyers out there.  Keep in mind that real estate agents also scour the MLS listings out there and communicate them with their buyers. Many times in this case, the early bird definitely gets the worm.
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The three main factors in any market that will result in a home sale are location, condition and price.  There is little that homeowners can do about their location when reselling their property however condition and price are two areas that are very much in their own hands.  With the guidance of an experienced Realtor you can achieve your home-selling goals and do it very effectively!

Harnessing the Sun’s Energy to Stay Warm This Winter and Operate Efficiently Year-Round

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It’s no surprise that many homeowners continue to seek time, energy and money-saving energy options for their homes – and one of the best options remains using solar energy.  Solar panels have been around for a while, in fact, for many decades and as with any technological advancement, they have progressed over the years.

In today’s world of hybrid cars, paperless offices, digital communication and so many other energy-efficient tools and techniques – solar panels have also evolved to keep up with the times.  In this article, we share with you the benefits verses risks of installing solar panels in your home, as well as touching on other important things too such as price and installation considerations.  Hopefully you will soon be on your way to harnessing the sun’s energy to light up and warm up YOUR life.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Sunlight is converted into energy through the use of Photovoltaic cells – when the sun’s rays hit the Photovoltaic panels on a solar panel.  The energy can then heat water and air – providing ample energy to operate a home, including its heating.  Air conditioning units can also run using Photovoltaic technology when the sun’s energy is converted into electricity.  Ideally, to obtain the most sunlight exposure, panels are typically placed in places getting the most direct sunlight such as rooftops or other elevated areas on or around the home.

What Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?

The cost to install solar panels will vary depending on a few factors.  First, the amount of energy needed to run the home will need to be assessed.  Some homeowners use this technology in designated areas of their home while others get all their energy through this source. Of course, the more energy needed, the more it will cost, as a greater number of panels will need to be installed.

There are ways to cut costs; discounts are offered through major membership warehouse retailers like Costco.  Another way to make it affordable is to assemble and install the system(s) on your own.  A sizable amount of labor costs goes into the installation of solar panels.  For homeowners interested in self-installing their system there is information available online or they can request installation guides from manufacturers, distributors or retailers.

Economic and Environmental Benefits to Homeowners

• Solar panels provide a free source of renewable energy – not to mention a clean and environmentally save source of fuel.

• Solar energy saves homeowners a significant amount of money on home utility bills.

• Housing values jump up, increasingly sizably with the installation and operation of solar energy units.

• The government provides tax credits to homeowners utilizing energy-saving techniques and systems in their homes.

MORE MONEY SAVING AVENUES THROUGH SOLAR ENERGY:

• When more energy is produced than needed, in some cases the utility company will buy extra energy from you and generate a credit on your account.  This concept is called net metering.
• No fuel is required to generate energy using solar panels.
• Since fuel is not needed to produce energy from solar panels, the cost of gasoline and the corresponding supply and demand of fuel that drives prices up do not affect homeowners who use solar energy panels.
• Once the initial investment pays for itself, energy from the sun costs absolutely nothing.

ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ASPECTS OF SOLAR ENERGY

• Solar energy does not create any pollution through the release of harmful chemicals or by-products such as carbon dioxide, mercury, sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide.
• Using solar panels contributes to the decrease of green house gas emissions.
• Energy is generated only where it is needed and used.
• Since solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy it is a sustainable form of energy that does not add to the perils of global warning threats, acid raid or smog – making it one of the most sustainable form of energy.

Disadvantages of Installing Solar Panels for Solar Energy Use

Though the benefits outweigh the disadvantages there are still a few drawbacks to installing solar panels in a home for energy.

• The high cost of installation usually is the biggest deterrent to most homeowners who want to use solar energy in their homes.
• Solar panels are quite large and require a lot of space for installation in order to run most efficiently.
• Weather patterns can and do affect solar energy efficiency so a backup system is needed.
• Efficient operation depends largely on the position of the home and where the panels are installed so that maximum exposure to the sun’s rays can be accessed.
• Energy is only produced during the day.
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For people who know they will be living in a home for several years, or even those who plan to sell their home soon after installing solar panels – it is largely a matter of being able to recover the cost of installing the solar panels needed.  Once recovered, the cost of energy is almost non-existent.  Add to that the fact that there is little to no maintenance required once installed (assuming proper installation), if homeowners can afford it, this is an excellent way to save money while giving back to the environment at the same time!

Images by: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659

Debbie is Moving to Keller Williams!

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Why Keller Williams?

- Fastest growing Real Estate company in North America
- #1 office in Bucks County in terms of listing and sales in units and volume.
- Training and Education
- Culture..who you in business with matters. DS and KW can contribute to lives in untold ways  A Culture of Caring.  Keller Williams Realty is a company that changes lives. The culture is as diverse as the countless ways in which associates and market centers commit themselves to finding and serving the higher purpose of business, and is united by cohesive understanding of our Mission, Vision, Values, Beliefs and Perspectives.
- Best technology…forefront of transforming the industry.. winner of 2011 Inman Innovations Adward for Most innovative Real Estate Website of Service
- Luxury Homes Division
- Resulting in Superior service and Stellar Results  for you, my clients

The Keller Williams Belief System

At the core of Keller Williams Realty is a conviction that who you are in business with matters. We believe that the company we keep can contribute to our lives in untold ways. To help cement this understanding, we’ve formalized a belief system called the WI4C2TS that guides how we treat each other and how we do business.

Win-Win:  or no deal
Integrity:  do the right thing
Customers:  always come first
Commitment:  in all things
Communication:  seek first to understand
Creativity:  ideas before results
Teamwork:  together everyone achieves more
Trust:  starts with honesty
Success:  results through people

How Low Can Rates Go?

The silver lining on our sluggish economic cloud is that mortgage rates are at a new record low.  Please see the following article and feel free to share with your clients.  For those looking to make a move, the time is NOW.

Bloomberg News – Mortgage Rates Fall to Lowest on Record, Freddie Mac Says – Lowest Since 1950s

Sept. 15 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. mortgage rates fell for a second week to the lowest on Freddie Mac records as a slowing economy and concerns that Europe’s debt crisis is worsening drove investors to the relative safety of Treasury bonds.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan dropped to 4.09 percent in the week ended today from 4.12 percent, Freddie Mac said in a statement today. That’s the lowest in the McLean, Virginia-based company’s records dating back to 1971. The average 15-year rate fell to 3.30 percent from 3.33 percent.

Yields on 10-year Treasuries, a benchmark for consumer loans including mortgages, are near all-time lows amid signs that the U.S. economic recovery has stalled and the euro region is struggling to contain its debt burden. Low borrowing costs have done little to improve the housing market as foreclosures mount and the unemployment rate remains above 9 percent.

Data from the National Bureau of Economic Research measuring Federal Housing Administration loans indicate that long-term borrowing costs are the lowest since the 1950s, according to Chad Wandler, a spokesman for Freddie Mac.

Mortgage applications rose for the first time in four weeks as rate declines encouraged purchases and refinancing, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. A gauge of refinancing climbed 6 percent in the week ended Sept. 9, while the purchase index gained 7 percent, the Washington-based group said yesterday.
Please let me know if you have any questions or wpuld like to speak to a mortgage professional.

Stay Within Your Means to Get the Best Value When Buying a Home!

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Before you make any kind of investment in a home, check your financial "pulse" to make sure you're financially healthy and able to comfortably afford both the down payment and the monthly payments. Below are common-sense guidelines to follow in this regard:

Guideline 1: Check your credit rating!

One of the first things lenders will check before loaning you money is your credit rating. If it’s good to excellent, your chances of borrowing money for a mortgage are very much improved. Currently, depending on circumstances, you need a credit score of at least 620 and the money for a down payment (the percentage varies with the type of loan).

If you have a credit score below the 620 benchmark, then additional documentation (and more time) will be required to prove to the lender that you're worthy of a loan - and even then there's no guarantee that the mortgage will be granted.

So, as you can see, it's important to know what your credit score is before you approach a lender. You can find out this information from one of the "Big Three" major credit reporting agencies shown below:

• Equifax (equifax.com)
• Experian (experian.com)
• Transunion (transunion.com)

If you're wondering exactly what such agencies do, the best explanation is that they act as a clearinghouse for lenders. That means they collect financial information. They then sell it to banks, credit card companies, mortgage companies and other lending agencies. In essence, lenders use that information to decide if you’re a good financial risk.

So, if you have a credit score of 620 or better, no problem! But what if that score is below 620? What can you do then? Follow the guideline below.

Guideline 2: Reduce or Eliminate Debt!

The only method of raising your credit rating is to pay off credit cards or any other kind of debt you have.
Now, no matter what you hear or see on television, radio or the Internet, there's no "magic bullet" for reducing or eliminating debt. It has been and always will be a matter of personal discipline on your part! You can accomplish that discipline by taking the following steps:

Step 1: Pay your bills on time—all the time.
Step 2: Don’t open unneeded credit card accounts to increase available credit.
Step 3: This is the most important step. You must figure out where you stand financially by budgeting. In other words, you have to reduce unnecessary expenditures so you can apply saved monies to your debt and improve your credit score.

In this step, you must analyze your current financial situation. The first question to ask yourself is, "How much debt is too much?"

There’s an easy formula for coming up with an answer to that question. It’s called the debt to income ratio. It’s a simple method of measuring your net monthly income against your debt.

For purposes of illustration, let's assume the following: Your net monthly income is $2,000. Your monthly debt payments are $500. Divide $500 by $2,000, and you’ve calculated your debt to income ratio:

500÷2000 =.25 (25%)

Financial experts generally agree that debt expenses should be 25% or less of your income. A ratio of 10% or less is great. Anything above 25% waves a red flag in the face of lenders in general. In that case, you definitely need to reduce or eliminate debt.

So, what is your debt to income ratio? Answer that question by doing the following:

• Review last month’s bills. Add up all the fixed expense items (rent, mortgage, car payments, child support, loan payments, etc.)
• Review your credit card bills. Add up the minimum payments owed on each card.
• Figure your monthly take-home pay (net salary).
• Now divide monthly fixed expenses by monthly income.

What percentage did you get? If it’s 25% or greater, then it's time to take action to reduce your debt. It’s time to budget!

Okay, let's assume that your credit rating is in the good to excellent category and you have the money for a down payment on a house. That's great news!

But, you still need to stay within your means! So, upfront decide what you want in a home (two bedrooms, attached garage, etc.) and then stick to those guidelines!

Don't get swayed by an ultra-beautiful home with, say, four bedrooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen. If such a house is beyond your means, it won't look very beautiful when you can't make the monthly payments!
The best approach to take is to tell your realtor upfront about your guidelines and ask him or her to show you only homes that meet them.

Believe me, I or any other realtor love to work with customers who know what they want! It not only helps you but us as well because we can locate such properties faster and easier and get you into a new home that much more quickly!

Please contact me so I can answer any more questions you might have about buying a great new home within your means!