HOW TO CONDUCT A SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION

In my mind, a successful negotiation is not where one side has pulverized the other. You don't "win" a negotiation; you get the best possible outcome for your clients while doing the least harm. 

No one should leave a negotiation angry. After all, you never know when you might have to negotiate with the same people again.  When it comes to negotiating on behalf of my clients, I keep the following in mind:

Set the stage: I like a location that's quiet, neutral, pleasant, and away from distractions and confusion.  It’s best if everyone turns off their devices, and refrains from calls or texts during negotiations.

Be prepared: I never enter without my homework. I verify any outstanding facts before the negotiation begins. (Later fact-finding can cause a negotiation to bog down!)

Present a united front: I represent clients and have been hired to act on their wishes. At times I may not agree with their position, but I never share that with the other side. If I feel a client’s position is less than optimal, I only discuss it with them in private

Leave attitudes at the door: It’s very simple... treat everyone in the negotiation with respect, regardless of personal opinions. If anyone disagrees, disagree with the idea, not the person.

Watch non-verbal cues and body language: (Sorry, but I can’t reveal all of my secrets here... suffice it to say I take it all in!)

Hold something in reserve: I discuss concessions with my clients before hand and only offer these concessions when we absolutely need to concede something.

I don't harp about points that don't matter to my clients: Negotiations should never choke over a minor point.  I like to get agreement on major points such as price and terms and put lesser items aside to return to later.

Never volunteer too much information: Knowledge is power in a negotiation. Telling the other side any information, however insignificant seeming, could weaken my clients’ position. On the other hand, I learn as much about the other side as I can.

If you ever need someone on your side in a real estate negotiation, feel free to email me directly: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

WASSAIL

As the winter solstice creeps in upon us, longer nights and colder temperatures also mean the holiday season is in full swing.  

I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a happy and joyful holiday season.

As the song says, may all your days be merry and bright.  And to help keep your spirits warm and festive, here's my favorite recipe for a Christmas classic, wassail.

Blessings, 

Wassail

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple cider

27 whole cloves

8 cinnamon sticks

1 quart pineapple juice

1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients in a large crockpot and simmer.  Serve hot.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING IDEAS

Along with the Christmas festivities comes the desire to decorate your home with twinkling lights, wreaths, trees and even yard ornaments featuring the theme of the holidays.  If you want to make your next Christmas decorating venture a real holiday treat, consider the following ideas:

Homemade Wreath Decorations

Create your own lighted wreath by taking a short strand of mini-lights and wrapping them around a plain wreath.  You can use either multi-color or clear lights, and this approach can easily be used for both indoor wreaths and garland decorations.

Creating A Modern Centerpiece With Classic Holiday Style

Use a clear glass vase or bowl as a centerpiece and fill it with round glass ornaments.  For Christmas, the combination of silver and gold or red and green will be ideal.  When paired with the beauty of a simplistic glass holder, the ornaments will add a very modern twist to a very traditional color combination.

Holiday Decorating Scents

A nice bowl of fresh fruit, including oranges, tangerines and apples will give a nice welcoming holiday scent to your home.  For many, the smell of fresh fruit is reminiscent of the December season as fruit baskets are common gifts that are exchanged during Christmas.  You can place the bowl on your dining room table or in the family room, both of which will offer guests the ability to appreciate your style.

Display Your Christmas Cards

Take some felt or fabric and create a hanging decorative piece to show off all of the Christmas cards you receive.  You can use a small safety pin to attach the cards to the fabric, so that the beauty of the front of the card is seen.  This can be hung on a wall, or support post or beam or the railing leading up your stairs.

Turn Out The Lights

Turn out your normal overhead lighting each night, light up the tree and burn candles throughout the house for a peaceful and relaxing setting.  Watch your favorite Christmas movie, sing carols and just share good times together.

I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family at this wonderful holiday season!  I truly hope that you have a HAPPY AND JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON.

DOORWAYS TO BETTER LIVING SPACES

When people renovate or remodel a room, they almost always overlook the door. However, changing the style of an interior door, or adding a new one, can dramatically change the look of a living space – often for the better.

The most common type of door is the traditional solid 6-panel door. But there are many other choices available. Want to add light and a greater sense of space to a room? Consider a door with glass panels. Do you have an interior door that gets in the way when opened? Change it to a bi-fold door, which cuts the distance of the swing in half.

There are also specialty doors that are designed to block noise, and sliding doors that tuck neatly into the wall when opened.

Interior doors are typically much less expensive than their exterior counterparts. So making the decision to upgrade or add a door to a room is an affordable design option.

Visit a door showroom and explore what's available.

NOVEMBER HOME SALES NOT AFFECTED BY OLD MAN WINTER

The sudden onslaught of winter did not slow real estate sales in November according to figures released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. One month sales in November were the highest in five years. The figures are based on sales through the Multiple Listing Service® System in the Edmonton CMA.

The number of all-residential sales in the Edmonton CMA in November (adjusted to account for late reported sales) was 1,116 (1033 reported) which was the highest number of sales in the month since 2009. There were 672 (622 reported) sales of single family homes, 349 (323 reported) condo sales and 83 (77 reported) duplex/row house sales in November. Total residential sales were up 10.5% over November 2012 with SFD sales up 7.9% and condos sales up 13.7%.  

“The Edmonton market continues to perform well with sales up and prices rising,” said RAE President Darrell Cook. “While home sellers welcome the active market, buyers, with good employment prospects and higher than Canadian average salaries, are not deterred as they enter the fairly stable market place.” The number of homes available for sale on the MLS® System is at the lowest level it has been in five years. There were 4,047 homes in inventory at the end of November.

The all-residential average price (representing SFD, condo and duplex/row house sales) was $346,388, up 2.6% from last month and 3.5% from November 2012. The average price for a single-family dwelling in November was $405,826 (up 2.1% M/M) and an average condo sold for $240,630 (up 2.1% M/M). The average price for a duplex/row house was $327,027 (up 0.3% M/M). Compared to November 2012, SFDs were up 2.8%, condo prices up 6.9% and duplex/rowhouses up 5.2%.

The average days-on-market was 57, up four days from last year. The sales-to-new listing ratio was 75% as compared to 77% in November 2012.

“The cold and snow make it more difficult to list and view homes at this time of year but the market is still very active with over 1,000 properties listed in November,” said Cook. “REALTORS® are always prepared to discuss your housing needs with you and advise on pricing, marketing and negotiation strategies.”

LIGHT YOUR WAY TO A FASTER SALE

Remember the last time you visited an upscale furniture showroom? The furniture and fixtures on display probably looked great. The colours and textures jumped out at you. It was a feast for the eyes!

There is a good reason for this: lighting.

Of course, the quality of the products has a lot to do with how appealing they look when on display. But smart retailers know that proper lighting is key to making those products look their best. In fact, some retailers even hire lighting consultants!

What does this have to do with selling your home quickly, and for the best price?

Obviously, when showing your property to potential buyers, you want your home to look its very best. Proper lighting can be a big help.

When preparing your home for sale, review the lighting in each room and make sure the space is sufficiently well lit. You want the lighting to be strong enough to prevent dark or shadowy areas, yet not so strong that it's uncomfortable for the eyes.

As a rule of thumb, the total wattage of lights in a room should equal the room's square footage times 1.5. So, if a room is 120 square feet and has three light sources (ceiling light and two lamps) then the bulbs in each should be 60 watts.

Pay particular attention to traditionally dark areas, such as the garage, basement, and closets. Make sure those areas are well lit.

If you have a viewing scheduled during the day, take advantage of natural light through windows. Open the curtains! 

Finally, one of the most important areas is the foyer. Always make sure the entrance has sufficient lighting. You don't want buyers to think they've entered the home of classic TV's The Adam's Family!

Want more ideas for preparing your home for sale? Visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com and email me today.

Q & A: ALL CASH HOME PURCHASE VS MORTGAGE

Debating whether or not to buy that next home with cash or not? I know, what a problem to have! But it’s a serious decision, especially for Baby Boomers who have significant equity in their current home.

Many of my clients (especially Baby Boomers who are downsizing or relocating) ask me if they should pay cash for their next house or finance it with a new loan. While the idea of owning a home free-and-clear is certainly appealing, I always present them with a series of questions to help them clarify the big picture. Perhaps you or someone you know may benefit from these as well:

How much will you be left with after an all-cash purchase? Maintaining a safety net of three to six months’ worth of living expenses can be a real comfort after you’ve done well on the sale of your home. How comfortable will you be if an all-cash purchase brings you near zero?

Are you retiring soon? This goes to two issues: First, whether or not the absence of a mortgage will significantly improve your monthly position, keeping in mind you’ll still need to make insurance, tax payments, and maintenance. Second, if you’re thinking about applying for a loan. It can be a challenge to qualify for a loan after you’ve retired, so if you think you’ll need a loan, it may be better to get it in advance.

What’s your tax and income situation look like? For some people, the mortgage interest deduction on income taxes has a significant impact on their annual tax bill and overall cash flow picture. It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial professional before you “write off” the write off.

Might you need to help someone out in the near future? Sometimes having the liquidity to help family members or close friends in need is important. Are you planning to help someone else with a down payment on a home? Is it likely you’ll have to help a close friend or relative through a tough time? Having cash on hand can be a comfort.

How important is “free and clear” to your mind? For some, there’s nothing that compares to the idea of owning a home free and clear. Sometimes the feeling of “no debt” simply can’t be overpowered by tax or liquidity benefits. It’s important to be honest with yourself, and if you’ve always dreamed of dodging a house payment, it could be the right emotional move.

For all of these reasons and more you’ll want to choose wisely before you go in for an all-cash purchase of your next home. Naturally, if you need any help selling your current home or looking for the next one, I’d be happy to help. Write to me at valerie@valeriemcconville.com or visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com

DO I NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT TO BUY FROM A BUILDER?

Do you need a real estate agent to buy a new home from a builder? Legally, no. But here’s what you might be missing out on if you don’t.

Q: Do I need to hire a real estate agent to represent me when I buy a new home from a builder?

A: Legally, no. But if you don’t, you might be missing out on some tangible benefits that impact your wallet and how much you get for your money.

There are many reasons why an agent is a sound investment during the purchase process with a builder. While some of them can be quite complex (and go beyond the scope of this blog post), here are a few highlights:

Market Value Compared to Purchase Price: How much money are you going to be able to come out of pocket for your down payment? If you don’t want a nasty surprise when it comes to disparities between your agreed upon purchase price and the actual market value of the home, you’ll want an agent with access to information which will help you accurately assess the true value of that brand new home.

Negotiation Power: Real estate agents are professional negotiators, and often an agent can get more from a builder than you would on your own. While some of this might be related to purchase price, other perks may include property or home upgrades.

Financing: It’s probably no surprise that your builder will have preferred financing partners to work with. Many of those “partners” pay good money for the opportunity to handle your loan. But is it the best loan at the best rate? An agent can be both a sounding board for financing terms and a source for trusted alternatives.

Contract Expertise: While your real estate agent isn’t an attorney, they know a great deal about the ins-and-outs of property contracts. This includes builder’s contracts, which may have provisions that put you in dicey territory should something unforeseen happen. Protect yourself with an agent.

These four reasons are a good place to start, but there are plenty more. The bottom line is: The builder will have their own system in place to maximize their profit and minimize their costs. Shouldn’t you?

I’m more than happy to help you buy from a builder: Contact me today at valerie@valeriemcconville.com

MAKE YOUR HOME LIGHT, BRIGHT & CHEERFUL

December is a great month to cozy things up at home.  The brighter and warmer a house looks and feels, the happier you will be.  That's why I'm including with this letter a few tips to make your house as cheery as possible!

And don't forget, if you have any real estate questions, you can always reach me by email at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com or visit my Web site at www.valeriemcconville.com!

FIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME BRIGHT, COZY AND CHEERFUL

Fix it up: The light fixtures in your home are a reflection of your personal style and taste.  Adding additional fixtures or replacing ones that aren't your favorites can be a fun and creative way to brighten up your home!

Candlescaping: Candles are generally inexpensive and are extremely versatile.  Adding various candle arrangements to different rooms in your home will instantly create an atmosphere of warmth and style.  Get creative!  You might also favor scented candles to add a pleasant aroma to different areas of the house.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall: Mirrors not only create the illusion that your rooms are even more spacious than they already are, they also reflect light!  Make your house warm and cozy by adding a few inexpensive mirrors in hallways, bedrooms, and living spaces.

Light the way:  Lighting isn't just for indoor decorating-it's also a valuable addition to the exterior of your home. Line your walkway or garden with cost-efficient solar light fixtures (no electricity needed!) to create a brilliant nighttime landscape outside your home.

Open up: During daytime hours, keep your draperies and window coverings open.  This will not only allow your home to absorb heat, but it will brighten up the winter days that you spend at home.

SLEEP AND YOUR DREAM HOUSE: INTERESTING FACTS

A good night’s sleep is more important than you might think. While rising early and burning the midnight oil are worn like badges of honor in this “always on” culture of ours, the truth is that sleep is crucial.

Did you know...

Sleep loss can mean the decline of mental skills, including attention span, memory, mood, logical reasoning, and math skills.

Sleep deprived people have trouble recalling pleasant experiences, but can easily recall negative experiences.

Sleep improves your mood and in a recent study of professional violinists showed that a good night’s rest was more important than nutrition!

Sleeping on a decision measurably improves our ability to make better choices.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to improve the quality of our sleep. While a drink or two might put you to sleep, it can actually disrupt sleep later in the night. Other methods are much more effective. Exercise during the day, a cool shower at night (to lower body temperature), and turning the lights lower about 30 minutes before bedtime can help you sleep better. So put those glowing iPads and laptop screens away!

Of course, your home can have a dramatic impact on your ability to catch those elusive Zs. Ambient light, highway noise, or even nearby neighbors can cut into your ability to turn off your mind and start that all-important dreaming.

While this tends to be more of a problem for renters in apartment buildings and those in urban environments, even single-family home owners can find themselves in sleep-negative situations.

Don’t settle for a sleep-deprived life! If your living situation makes a good night’s sleep difficult, consider looking for a new place. Sleep is too important to ignore.

Need a nice, quiet house? I know where to find them. Let’s have a chat today: email me by clicking here: http://www.valeriemcconville.com/contact.html

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter.

Tip # 1: Do Your Homework

Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009.

Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a home, the Government of Canada has increased the Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal limit to $25,000 from $20,000 per person for withdrawals made after January 27, 2009.

CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) also provides mortgage loan insurance that enables you to buy a home with a minimum down payment of 5% — with interest rates comparable to those with a 20% down payment. Obtain a 10% premium refund, and a premium refund for a longer amortization period (if applicable) when using CMHC-insured financing to purchase an eligible energy-efficient home. This can add up to savings of $688 for a typical $250,000 mortgage with a 5% down payment amortized over 25 years. Ask your mortgage professional about CMHC.

In the United States, there are also some programs to help first-time homebuyers. An FHA loan, for instance, is especially appealing to first-time home buyers. To learn more about a FHA loan, click here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/buying/loans

Also, various states may have programs to assist first-time homebuyers. Click here: http://www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm

For more information on buying a home in the United States, click here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/buying_a_home

The best way to find out what's available, in terms of down payment requirements and interest rates, is to do your homework by comparing offerings from various lenders.

Tip # 2: Save Money

Although many loans are geared toward offering lower down payments to first-time home buyers, it's important to save as much money as possible so that you will have enough to provide an earnest money deposit (if applicable), pay for closing costs and still have the funds to furnish and decorate your new home.

Tip # 3: Get Your Credit Profile In Order

When you apply for a loan, the lender will access a copy of your credit report and will use the information to determine your creditworthiness and/or interest rate.  This means that you will want to make sure that the information contained in your credit report is accurate and up-to-date.  You can do this by requesting a copy of your file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

In addition to past credit history, lenders will also look at your current debt ratio in order to determine whether or not you can afford the home.  This means that you may want to consider paying down some of your existing credit card debt and avoid taking on any new debt before applying for a mortgage.

Tip # 4: Start Your Search

With the World Wide Web being what it is today, it's no surprise that many potential home buyers start their search online.  A Realtor's Web site is designed to not only list real estate, but also to educate a buyer as they move through the process of searching for a new home.  In addition, the internet offers a way for consumers to browse through color photos and virtual tours, both interior and exterior, along with information pertaining to the homes themselves.  The convenience of being able to find a home that you like without having to wait is just one of the many benefits to shopping for a house online.  When you are finally ready to meet with a REALTOR®, you will already have one or more prospects in mind.

Tip # 5: Have Patience

Perhaps you will find the perfect house this week, or maybe it will take a little longer.  Some buyers find exactly what they are looking for right away, while others have to do a little more searching to find their dream home.  As a first-time home buyer, it's a good idea to begin the process with an understanding that good things really do come to those who wait.  You may see a number of homes, take numerous photos and may even make an offer or two, but patience may very well be the key to finding your new home.

Tip # 6: Take Notes

If you see a lot of homes, it will be impossible to remember the features of each.  For this reason, you should consider taking a notebook and writing down each unique or defining aspect that you like or dislike about a particular house.  This information, along with any photos that you take, will help you greatly when it's time to make a choice.

Tip # 7: Don't Settle

A home is a big investment and it could, quite possibly, be the largest you will ever make.  For this reason, along with the fact that you will be living in the home every day, make sure that you get what you want.  There could be an instance where you need to make some type of compromise, but you may want to avoid choosing something just because it's within your price range or you feel as though it's your only option.  New houses are placed on the market every day and, as a buyer, the next one listed may just be your dream home. 

For more information on how to buy your first home, please visit my website at: www.valeriemcconville.com.

Or if you prefer, email me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

4 TIPS FOR MOBILE SAFETY

The convenience of mobile devices also comes with risk. As you check-in, text, share photos, and increasingly run your life on the go, you may inadvertently expose private information or make yourself more likely to be a victim of a crime. Here are four things you should be aware of as you use new mobile and social technology that might spare you expensive or embarrassing lessons:

1. Beware of how often you "check in" through social media.

Apps like Foursquare and websites like Facebook allow you to "check in" when you're out and about in the world, effectively broadcasting where you are... and where you're not. Be especially sensitive to checking in from airports and locations far from home. Enterprising thieves can use this information to target your home or business.

2. Beware of the photos you're sharing.

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what are your pictures on Facebook saying to friends, family, and co-workers? Just like checking in when you're out of town, vacation photos posted in real time can inadvertently let people know you're not home. 

3. Remember to log out of public computers

If you've ever checked your email in an internet cafe or hotel computer, did you remember to log out? Closing a browser window isn't usually enough. People who open the browser can often waltz right into your email account because your "session" is still active. Remember to click "log out" or "exit my account" any time you log into private accounts through public machines.

4. Protect your devices

Smart phones now carry the sort of data you used to keep under lock and key in your home office or closet safe. If your devices are lost or stolen, how much of your private information could be exposed through your device?

First and foremost, add password protection to your device in case it is lost. Most have a setting you can activate which forces someone enter a code before access the apps and data on the device.

Second, consider adding an app or service which will track your device via GPS if it is lost or stolen. Depending on your device, there are an array of options to help locate your smart phone if it disappears. To find an app specific to your device, try Googling (without quotation marks): "app tracks stolen [device name]" where [device name] is replaced with your brand of smart phone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.).

TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING SMALL LIVING SPACES

Clutter driving you nuts? Did you move in with someone only to find you have duplicates of everything from headboards to can openers? 

Here are 7 tips to help you make the most out of small spaces:

1. Weed out the extras. A yard sale will alleviate some clutter and a trip to the local Goodwill even more. A good rule of thumb: Anything you haven’t needed in a year can go.

2. Bookcases are for more than books! Your walls are your vertical friends for storage, and good book shelving can include plants, valuables, artwork and more.

3. Wall-mount entertainment systems. Television / cable / DVD cabinets are so pre-2000! Free up floor space by going with sleek bolt-in mounts. (Just make sure they’re anchored properly!)

4. Don’t pile it, hang it! This is especially true in kitchens where you can use pot racks, hanging baskets, and even wall-mounted shelving units.

5. Maximize cabinets and closets with organizers. Poor use of cabinet space can easily waste more than 30% of usable “hidden” space. There’s great hardware out there to tune up the interior of your cabinets and closets.

6. Go below. A raised bed is a great way to free up storage space equal to the square footage of your bed. Using baskets and drawers can ensure the below-the-bed storage remains tidy as well.

7. Paint light. Dark walls make small rooms feel smaller. For those rooms that feel a little too close for comfort, dial up the brightness with a fresh coat of a light colored paint.

Remember: Organization and smart storage can turn a tiny home into a cozy abode.

Of course, if you’re ready to upgrade your home rather than squeeze the last few inches out of your existing space, get in touch! I’d be happy to help you search for a new home today.

You can write to me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com or visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com

REDUCING THE DAMAGE OF DRAFTS

Can a draft through a window or door cause damage? It can. 

Damage to your bank account! A single, seemingly minor, draft through a window can increase your energy bill by as much as 3%. In addition, a damp draft can make a room feel colder than it really is, while a dry draft can cause dry throats and skin.

So it pays to pay attention to drafts in your home.

Drafts are most commonly found at windows and doors, but they can also occur through walls with poor or old insulation.

Ideally, a draft should be eliminated through a repair or renovation (such as replacing old windows.) When that's not possible, there are a variety of products available that will help you stop drafts in the short term – such as replacement insulation strips for doors.

Visit your local home improvement center. They can recommend products and solutions that can help your particular issues. 

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME?

Wondering when the time is right to buy your home? How about now? Low interest rates and affordable housing make it a great time to buy now. Call me today at (780) 700-8638 to get me started in finding the right home for you!

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER SHOWINGS

There is no doubt about it! Even if the weather is relatively pleasant, your home won’t show as well in the winter as it would in the summer, especially from the outside. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your home look more attractive and appealing to buyers during the winter season.

First, before showing your home to a potential buyer, clear your front walkway. Make sure fence doors and gates open freely. Also, clear off the backyard deck or patio area. You want buyers to be able to explore around your property without any obstructions.

In short, do everything you can to make the experience of walking up to your front door and around your property as pleasant as possible.

Second, clear away any boots, shoes and other outerwear from the front foyer. You want buyers to focus on your beautiful home, not a cluttered entranceway. Also, have mats on both the outside and inside of your main entranceway. This will give buyers – as well as you and your family – a chance to wipe their boots and shoes.

Next, adjust your thermostat. You want your home to feel warm, cozy and comfortable for potential buyers.

Finally, remember that in the winter, homes show much better during the day. In the evening, it may be too dark to fully appreciate your property. So work with your REALTOR® to schedule viewings during the day whenever possible. If you can, also have pictures of your property available that showcase what it looks like in the summer. That takes planning. So if you're even just casually thinking of the possibility of selling your home, take some good "summer" pictures.

Want more advice on how to sell your home in the winter? Call me today!

MAKING YOUR KITCHEN MORE ATTRACTIVE TO BUYERS

What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen."

That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.

Here are some ideas:

First, clear the counter tops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire counter top area seem as spacious as possible.

If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com, "The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware."

Replacing the counter tops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn.

Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward.

There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers. Contact me for more ideas.

FIVE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY IN THE COLDER MONTHS

November is a great month-the holidays are fast approaching, we get to visit more often with family and friends, and colder weather makes us feel like getting cozy in our homes.  

Since you'll want to keep warm in the coming months, I'm including a list of tips for you this month that will help you to save money on your energy bill, while still staying warm and cozy!

Set the timer: Program your thermostat to reach lower temperatures while you're sleeping or out of the house.  This simple action can save you a lot of money-and will ensure that your house stays at a comfortable temperature at all times.

Open and shut: During daytime hours, keep your blinds, draperies and other window coverings open.  This will enable your home to absorb the warm afternoon sunshine and will effectively add heat to the entire house.  Close all window coverings at night to keep the heat in!

Installation time: If you have a window or two that feels drafty no matter what you do, consider installing tight, insulating shades to those particular windows.  You'll be surprised what a little bit of extra insulation can accomplish!

Light a fire: A fireplace is an easy solution to add extra heat to your home without adding to your energy bill.  Capable of warming the entire room, you and your family can relax at home while keeping the thermostat at a lower temperature.

No leaks allowed: Check doors and windows for drafts and places where air might escape.  Weatherizing windows and doors is a simple task that you can perform; your local home improvement warehouse will have all of the materials you need!

I hope these tips help you as much as they've helped me.  If you have any home or real estate questions, please feel free to call me at (780) 700-8638 at any time or visit my Web site at www.valeriemcconville.com!

BUYER BEWARE: 3 HOME BUYING MISCONCEPTIONS

I’m here to save you pain, buyers. There are myths about the home shopping experience that must be addressed. I like to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible, so please hear me out on these three big myths about home buying:

Myth #1: “That house has been on the market so long I bet we can work the seller down easily.”

Not necessarily. Exceptionally high days on market could mean almost anything. The seller could be bullheaded about their price. The seller may not be particularly motivated to sell for emotional or other personal reasons. Don’t forget: A sales-weary seller isn’t likely to respond to your host of rational reasons why their house should be a bargain.

Myth #2: “I want to look at foreclosed homes because they’re a real bargain and the banks need to unload them.”

Banks, like entrenched sellers, don’t always make decisions which seem rational based on obvious information. You can have a hard time divining the reason a bank chooses to reject an offer for a foreclosed or distressed property, and their decision may be based on financials which seem counterintuitive. The truth is, many distressed sales can be longer and more fraught than regular sales.

Myth #3: “I liked this house a lot, but with this market, I bet it will still be there if I decide to buy it.”

It’s very, very painful to see a client love a home but fail to make a move to purchase that home. If you fell in love with it, why wouldn’t someone else? Just because a property has been on the market a little while doesn’t mean it will stay on the market. The bonus myth in this one? Your “perfect” home is probably going to be a home with some small compromises. If you don’t make an offer on a home, you’re effectively saying, “I’m comfortable losing this home.”

My job as an agent is to represent your interests and do my best to protect you along the way. If you’re pursuing a home purchase in the near future, please get in touch. There are many other ways I can lower your stress and help you find a great home.

For more information, you can contact me

by clicking here: http://www.valeriemcconville.com/contact.html

KEEPING YOUR LITTLE GHOSTS & GOBLINS SAFE

Halloween is a lot of fun for adults and kids, but nothing ruins the ghoulish night like a trip to the emergency room or a lawsuit. 

This is also a good time to make sure your homeowner’s insurance is current! 

In that “spirit,” I thought I’d share 11 tips to help you balance spooky and safe this year:

1. Survey all approaches to your home, beginning from the property line. Keep an eye out for hazards, including loose bricks/stones, or holes in the yard.

2. Resist using open flames inside or outside. Use electric light effects, glow sticks, or electric candles instead.

3. Check your smoke alarms and make sure all exits to the house are clear of clutter.

4. Before dark, check for exposed extension cords and make sure cords avoid wet areas.

5. Determine how much darkness you really want. Lighted pathways and porches are both inviting and safer for your guests.

6. Make sure children can see in their costumes! Obstructed vision from masks can keep them from noticing cars, hazards, or other excited kids.

7. Also make sure children can be seen by others. Glow sticks are fun “high visibility” items, especially when costumes are dark (also: reflective velcro bicycling bands around ankles or wrists can be a good idea).

8. Never let a child trick-or-treat alone. If they’re going out unsupervised, make sure they stay in a group.

9. Don’t let pets run loose! Halloween is a scary time for pets and they may become aggressive in protecting your home or themselves.

10. Be allergy-sensitive and skip treats with nuts or peanut butter (or offer allergen free alternatives).

11. Do a “treat check” before letting kids dive in, chucking anything questionable either for safety concerns or spoilage.

Have a ghoulishly safe Halloween this year!

RECOGNIZING PREDATORY MORTGAGE LENDERS

A predator is defined as one that preys on others, which is why some lenders have fittingly earned the title as predatory mortgage lenders.  Excessively high interest rates, questionable and/or hidden fees and high pressure tactics used to direct borrowers to a larger loan than they may be able to afford are trademark characteristics of a predatory mortgage lender.

Prey Verses Predator

When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, the rules of the jungle often apply.  If you aren't careful, you may find yourself in the grasp of a questionable foe.  If you are someone who has had past credit problems or simply find yourself struggling to obtain a mortgage, it may seem like a good idea to sign on with any lender who can close the deal.

But wait, jungle etiquette suggests that you should be knowledgeable of your surroundings and always look before you leap.  Before making a quick decision on a loan that nobody else would approve, ask yourself whether or not the deal is a good one for you.

Measuring Up

If you suspect that you have been subjected to a predatory mortgage lender, look at how they measure up to other lenders.  Were you charged fees up front and, if so, how much were they and what were they for?  Do the lender's interest rates compare to current market rates or do they exceed them?  When reading the fine print, do you notice fees that were never mentioned before but have now suddenly appeared in the paperwork?  An honest lender has nothing to hide and will not surprise you with unexpected costs.

Who's At Risk

To put it simply, anyone is at risk for dealing with a predatory mortgage lender.  This likelihood increases, however, if the home buyer lacks the proper knowledge in how to identify an unscrupulous lender who preys on the misfortune of others.

Individuals who are especially vulnerable include those that have been turned down by other lenders and have little or no hope of obtaining a conventional loan.  This may include individuals with severe past credit problems, accounts in collections, first-time home buyers with little or no credit history and the elderly who have difficulty understanding the loan process or reading the fine print.

When it comes to obtaining a home loan, the process can be both exciting and confusing.  There is a lot of paperwork to be signed, details to be worked out and numbers to be crunched.  Your REALTOR® can help to steer you toward a lender that will help you to get the best value for your dollar.