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Real Estate Sellers Blog  Sellers ... Stay Informed on the Local Market
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3 Things You Must Know About Hiring a Contractor in , by Real Estate Expert Kim Dove |
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3 Things You Must Know About Hiring a Contractor in , by Real Estate Expert Kim Dove
If you're a seller or investor who wants to get the best price for your property, chances are at some point you're going to have to work with a contractor. In this article, we'll go over 3 essential things you must know about working with contractors to ensure the most affordable, most timely, and highest quality work.
Tip #1 - Be Very Specific
When you're requesting a bid or when you're talking about a job with a contractor, be very very specific about what you're looking for.
After you've agreed on a number, you should also be very meticulous about being specific in what you put in writing.
Taking this precaution will ensure you get exactly what you want, no more and no less.
Tip #2 - Find a Good, Reliable Contractor
Speak with several contractors before you decide on one for sure. Get a feel for the quality of the contractor's quality of work and integrity. Don't just decide based on price.
If your contractor is experienced, they should have references you can check. Check them.
Once you find a contractor you might want to work with, double check their license with the Secretary of State website. Remember, you're entrusting your property with this person, so it absolutely makes sense to do careful due diligence beforehand.
Tip #3 - Payment Tips
In general, it works in your favor to pay your contractor by project rather than by hours. A contractor can estimate how many hours it will take to complete a job, but that's just an estimate and the contractor can always exceed that estimate.
Rather than overpaying because your contractor billed by hour, agree to pay per project only.
Do not release payment until the job is complete. Once a contractor has been paid, often times they won't finish the job or the finished work will be of lesser quality. Even if the contractor asks, do not pay release payment for the job until the work is complete.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in real estate. For complete information about the real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything real estate at www.CallKimDove.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at (904) 962-8404 or email me at kimsellsjax@gmail.com. |
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Are you selling your house in , find the best most practical tips here. |
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As a real estate agent who has experience in I have been the agent for many clients in either selling their home or the purchase of a home. I'm about to show you some of the most useful suggestions that will help you sell any house in the following article. market. After reading this article, you will know how to go about selling your home fast with a minimum of stress.
Staging your home will lead to more success than not staging it.
Even if you have not staged a home before, you will find that it does not require any previous experience; you will be able to do it with a minimum amount of effort.
1. Creating fixes. Before showing the house, any repairs needed to the house, floor, appliances and fixtures should be taken care of.
2. You should probably clean your stuff out. You will need to remove and store anything that doesn't fit the overall look.
3. You should make your home really sparkle. Wipe down the windows daily, steam wash the carpet, and beautify the front yard.
Price is key. Underpricing can cut into your profits, or even end up costing you money. Most people selling their homes make the mistake of pricing their property out of the market. Many believe that they can take a lower offer if they start out first with a high price. If the price is too high, that might scare potential buyers away. Selecting the correct asking price for your home is crucial.
If you want a smoother and easier experience with selling your home then make certain that you are working with an experienced real estate agent. On top of this you can save about 16% on average by over selling, which can make up for the commission you pay out.
It is very difficult to select the right real estate agent. Of course you desire to find an experienced agent. area. You will want to find an agent that is trustworthy. What you want in an agent is someone who can market and sell.
On the chance you have yet to find an agent in the who can get things done for you; please call me for a consultation that is free for you. I am able to be reached by (904) 962-8404 or write to this email address: located at profile email_link |
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The Top 5 Aesthetic Mistakes Sellers in Make when Selling Their Home, by Kim Dove, expert real estate agent. |
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The Top 5 Aesthetic Mistakes Sellers in Make when Selling Their Home, by Kim Dove, expert real estate agent.
Aesthetics play a huge part in a successful sale. A large part of a buyer's decision to buy a house is based on emotions. Aesthetics have a powerful ability to affect emotions. In this article, we'll go over some of the top aesthetic mistakes sellers in the area make, so you can avoid these mistakes and fetch a higher price for your house.
Mistake #1 - Poor Lighting
Lighting is crucial when showing your house to a buyer. A brightly lit house with natural light seems bright and inviting. A dark house seems dark and gloomy.
Open all the windows and pull back all the curtains. If the house is naturally poorly lit, get some extra lights in the house to help with the lighting.
Mistake #2 - Lack of Attention to Scent
The subtle taste of how your house smells has a big impact on the buyer. While it's nice to have a faint, clean scent to the house, what should absolutely be avoided are any noticeable strange smells or odors.
The last thing a buyer wants is to inherit the seller's odors. It could go a long way to use some soft air fresheners before showing the house.
Mistake #3 - Poor Exterior First Impression
The inside of your house is not the only place you should pay attention to. The exterior, including the paint and the front yard, both play an important factor in the buyer's decision making process.
Remember, the exterior gives the buyer a first impression of the house.
Mistake #4 - Strange Colors
Perhaps you have a teenager who's painted his walls orange. Perhaps pink appeals to you or matches with your paintings. However, for the buyer the colors may or may not suit them.
Why take the risk? Before showing your house, make sure all the walls are painted a neutral color.
Mistake #5 - Not Making Obvious Repairs
Spray WD-40 on any squeaking hinges. If any major utilities equipment isn't working, have it fixed beforehand. If any of the kitchen cabinets or counter tops are chipped or look old, they should probably be replaced.
Tiles must be scraped of all grime. Often times it could even pay to replace old windows.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in real estate. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at (904) 962-8404 or email me at kimsellsjax@gmail.com. |
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Expert Real Estate Agent Kim Dove Reveals the Number One "Trigger" to Quickly Get a Buyer to Make an Offer on Your House in |
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Expert Real Estate Agent Kim Dove Reveals the Number One "Trigger" to Quickly Get a Buyer to Make an Offer on Your House in
What is it exactly that sells a house? Is it the price? Is it design? Is it the kitchen, bedroom, or the bathroom? In reality, it's none of these. What really sells a house are the buyer's emotions. In order to sell your house quickly, it's very important to learn to trigger your buyer's emotions. Based on years of experience in the real estate market, here I'll share with you some of the best ways I know to get an emotional response from a buyer.
Appealing to Emotions - The First Impression
The first impression of your house will most likely be the most powerful impression you'll make on your buyer.
The first impression isn't a conscious, rational decision. When a buyer first sets eyes on your house or sets foot in your house, your buyer will immediately have a reaction. That reaction could be a "Wow!" reaction, or a "There's nothing special here" reaction.
To get that "Wow!" impression, it's important to create the best impression possible.
Creating the Best First Impression
Your front yard, the exterior of your house and what your buyer first sees when he/she enters your house is crucial.
Imagine if your front yard was poorly kept. What would the buyer think? Naturally, the buyer would assume the rest of the house was kept equally poorly. Likewise, if the front yard is kept spectacularly, they would assume the same about the interior.
Again, this usually isn't a conscious process. Your buy will just make an immediate, emotional decision instead.
Inside the House
Needless to say, once your buyer is inside everything should be in spectacular condition. The tiles should be clean, the house should be well lit and anything that needs to be repaired should be repaired.
It also helps a lot to have a focal point. For example, an unusually beautiful ceiling. Or perhaps an amazing balcony. If there isn't naturally a focal point, you could drastically increase your chances of a sale by creating one.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in real estate. For complete information about the real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at (904) 962-8404 or email me at kimsellsjax@gmail.com. |
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5 Tips for a Successful Open House in - Real Estate Expert Kim Doveís Tips on Appealing to Buyers in the Market |
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Having an open house has been a proven marketing tactic for decades now. Giving a lot of buyers the chance to look at your house is a great way to gain exposure and interest among buyers. In this article, weíll discuss in dept how to appeal to buyers in the market using the open house.
Tip #1 ñ Meticulous Staging
Stage your house beautifully. Everything should be spotless and clean. The house should be well lit and lightly scented. The overall impression should be that the house is in top notch condition.
Tip #2 ñ Collect Contact Information
To increase the likelihood that a buyer will make an offer on your house, itís important to collect their contact information so you can follow up. Ideally, you want to get their name, phone number and email addresses.
The best way to do this is to have a sign in sheet.
Tip #3 ñ Provide Snacks
Remember that the home buying process is an emotional one. By providing snacks, cookies, water and/or fruit juices, youíre associating a feeling of pleasantness to visiting your house.
Tip #4 ñ Have an Amazing First Impression
As an experienced real estate agent, I can tell you that buyers make their decision on a home within seconds. Itís vitally important that you keep your front yard and the entrance to your home in tip top condition. A plastic bag thatís lying around can literally cost you thousands of dollars.
Tip #5 ñ Have the Price in Mind
Make sure your agent knows what your price range is. This gives your agent to talk about price to qualified buyers on the spot if theyíre interested.
These tips will take you a long way towards having an amazing open house. As always, make sure that youíre working with a real estate agent that really knows what theyíre doing when youíre selling your house.
There is a lot of free information available to you about selling your home in . For complete information about the real estate market including selling tips and current market values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything real estate at www.CallKimDove.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at (904) 962-8404 or email me at kimsellsjax@gmail.com. |
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Deducting Property taxes |
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Are Jacksonville and Orange Park FL property taxes deductible?
Property taxes on all real estate, including those levied by state and local governments and school districts, are fully deductible against current income taxes.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 August 2008 )
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property taxes - how they work |
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How do property taxes work?
Jacksonville and Orange Park FL
Property taxes are what most homeowners in the United States pay for the privilege of owning a piece of real estate, on average 1.5 percent of the property's current market value. These annual local assessments by county or local authorities help pay for public services and are calculated using a variety of formulas.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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Are seller-paid points deductible? |
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Are seller-paid points deductible?
As of Jan. 1, 1991, homeowners have been able to deduct points paid by the seller. This deduction previously was reserved only for points actually paid by the buyer.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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tips for negotiation |
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What are some tips on negotiation?
The more you know about a seller's motivation, the stronger a negotiating position you are in. For example, seller who must move quickly due to a job transfer may be amenable to a lower price with a speedy escrow. Other so-called "motivated sellers" include people going through a divorce or who have already purchased another home.
Remember, that the listing price is what the seller would like to receive but is not necessarily what they will settle for.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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what's seller financing? |
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What is seller financing?
Seller financing is when a seller helps to finance a real estate transaction by taking back a second note or even financing the entire purchase if the seller owns the home free and clear. Usually sellers do this when a buyer has difficulty qualifying for a conventional loan or meeting the purchase price.
Seller financing differs from a traditional loan because the seller does not give the buyer cash to complete the purchase, as does a lender.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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two most important factors when selling a home |
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What are the two most important factors when selling a home?
Price and condition are the two most important factors in selling a home, even in a down market. The first step is to price your home correctly. Use comparative sales information from your agent, or pay for a professional appraiser (usually $200 to $300), to objectively evaluate your home's worth. Second, go through the house and repair any obvious cosmetic defects that could deter a buyer.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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list vs. sales prices |
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What is the difference between list and sales prices?
The list price is how much a Jacksonville and Orange Park FL house is advertised for and is usually only an estimate of what a seller would like to get for the property. The sales price is the amount a property actually sells for. It may be the same as the listing price, or higher or lower, depending on how accurately the property was originally priced and on market conditions.
If you are a seller, you may need to adjust the listing price if there have been no offers within the first few months of the property's listing period.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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How does someone sell a slow mover? |
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How does someone sell a slow mover?
Even in a down market, real estate experts say that price and condition are the two most important factors in selling a home.
If you are selling in a slow market, your first step would be to lower your price. Also, go through the Jacksonville and Orange Park FL house and see if there are cosmetic defects that you missed and can be repaired.
Secondly, you need to make sure that the home is getting the exposure it deserves through open houses, broker open houses, advertising, good signage, and listings on the local multiple listing service (MLS) and on the Internet.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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How is the price set? |
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How is the price set?
It's very important to price your Jacksonville and Orange Park FL home according to current market conditions. Because the real estate market is continually changing, and market fluctuations have an effect on property values, it's imperative to select your list price based on the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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low offers info |
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Is a low offer a good idea?
While your low offer in a normal market might be rejected immediately, in a buyer's market a motivated seller will either accept or make a counteroffer.
Full-price offers or above are more likely to be accepted by the seller. But there are other considerations involved:
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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how to get financing for foreclosures |
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How do you get financing for a foreclosure?
One reason there are few bidders at foreclosure sales is that it is next to impossible to get financing for such a property. You generally need to show up with cash and lots of it, or a line of credit with your bank upon which you can draw cashier's checks.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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closing costs - who pays? |
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Who pays the closing costs?
Closing costs are either paid by the home seller or home buyer. It often depends on local custom and what the buyer or seller negotiates.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 July 2008 )
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Contact Information
Kim Dove Watson Realty Corp.
Office: (904) 962-8404 Cell: (904) 962-8404 Fax: (904) 212-0148
Lic. #: SL3137324
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