CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS AFFECTS US ALL

A changing society is certain to affect almost everything surrounding it, including real estate. For example, as more divorces occur, more older singles enter the market for a home.

Many of these newly single buyers are downsizing, even though they need to accommodate children on a full-time or part-time basis. It’s one of many realities affecting the typical use (and size) of the so-called family home, as well as its market value.

Logically, a general trend of downsizing to affordable accommodation for smaller families will have an impact on demand for smaller homes. This, in turn, will create selling opportunities for owners of townhouses and condos (e.g. two-bedroom, one-bedroom, or even bachelor units with hideaway beds). However, owners of smaller homes wouldn’t necessarily be the only benefactors of this trend.

Meeting the needs of divided families will, no doubt, fuel other changes. A significant shift of owners of larger homes to smaller urban units will precipitate an influx in large suburban homes entering the market, some that would be available for immediate occupancy.

This could offer unique opportunities to growing and established families ready to move into a larger home at a very attractive price.

Are you experiencing a life style change? Your local REALTOR® can help! Call one today!

THE IMPORTANCE OF READING AND UNDERSTANDING AN OFFER

When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it's important that you read and understand every clause. 

It is especially important to understand any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer. 

An offer may contain several types of conditions. 

The most common are "conditional upon arranging financing" and "conditional upon passing a professional home inspection." However, there may be other conditions as well. 

You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them. 

In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well. 

A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to ensure you know and approve of what you're signing. 

A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement. 

You don't want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and understand an offer. 

Want to make sure everything goes smoothly with your next move? Call a REALTOR® today!

Visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com

DECK OUT YOUR BACKYARD

Summer will soon swing into gear and that means more time outside enjoying friends, family and fun.

For many homeowners, the deck provides a great platform for backyard BBQs, pool parties and more.

Today’s homeowners, especially first-time buyers, are taking a great deal of pride in their outside living area, and are investing in quality products to ensure longevity and improve design. Many decks are more than just a patio with furniture; they often incorporate recreation areas, hot tubs and pools and have become a place where families are spending more and more of their time.

Whether you’re considering selling your home, or simply want to spruce up your outside space, the deck is a great place to make low-cost improvements that add curb appeal and set your property apart from others in your neighborhood.

Here are a few tips to get the most bang for your buck:

• Check out your neighbors’ backyards. The best way to ensure you are able to recoup some money from your initial investment is to be competitive with other homes’ decks.

• Choose a deck finish wisely. Clear deck finishes provide adequate protection, and typically need to be redone as often as every year. Oil-based finishes provide longer-lasting protection, however many homeowners think the tinted version hide the natural beauty of the wood. There are quite a few options and you’ll want to investigate before investing in your final finish.

If you're not prepared for a DIY deck project, hire a professional. A good REALTOR® can provide you with names of several contractors in your area that they trust and would recommend to any of their clients.

Should you decide to hire a contractor to build your dream deck, do your homework first before hiring anyone. Not sure how to select the right contractor? 

Go to this link: http://www.hiringacontractor.com/ to learn more about selecting the right contractor for you!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Buying a home involves many nuances: kitchen size, bedroom count, backyard space, etc … One factor that can trump even the most perfect home is the neighborhood.

Finding the right combination of home and neighborhood hospitality that fits your unique needs can be difficult if you’re not entirely sure what you want, or if you’re new to town. 

It’s critical to do your research before deciding to buy, and often your REALTOR® can help you find the neighborhood that’s right for your lifestyle and that fits your budget. 

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Jot down a list of your daily activities. For example, you might write down work, church, coffee, grocery stores or the dry cleaners. How far would you have to travel to each destination from your home? Do you mind the commute? As you begin to look at neighborhoods, keep the location of these frequent errands in mind.

• Research the school district. The school or the city’s education department should be able to provide you with class size, test scores, special enrichment programs, extracurricular activities and the percentage of students that go on to college. No kids yet? It’s still a good idea to consider school districts. When the time comes to sell your home, schools could be an important to factor to potential buyers.

• Economic Stability. Is the neighborhood new or old? Are home prices rising, falling or are they stable? Check for vacant homes and apartment complexes as these could potentially affect the value of homes in your area. Remember, your REALTOR® is a good source for this kind of information.

• Check crime. You’ll want to be sure crime levels aren’t high in your new neighborhood. Check with the local police department for crime rates. Be sure to ask about regular criminal activity. If burglaries are high on the list – you might consider looking elsewhere.

• Take a tour. The best way to get to know a potential neighborhood is to walk or drive around. Talk with people at local businesses or ask folks in the neighborhood. Test out local restaurants and get to know the environment.

Want to find the right home? Talk to a REALTOR® today!

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Looking for a unique approach to a cash-flow positive investment property? Here are a handful of approaches beyond the traditional landlord/tenant relationship.

Now is an excellent time to invest in a property. Whether you’re an all-cash buyer or looking to lock in a favorable rate on a loan, there are perfect properties out there you can leverage into a cash-flow-positive asset.

If you’ve ever considered owning a rental property, but haven’t much liked the thought of a traditional tenant/landlord relationship, perhaps some of these alternative ideas will spark your imagination.

1. Vacation rental: There’s no need to take on long-term renters when you use your investment property as a “bed and no breakfast” accommodation for travelers. Services like AirBnB and HomeAway are great places to list your property, or you can arrange for local marketing and management yourself. If you’re considering this type of rental investment, be sure to look for properties close to amenities that tourists would consider a plus. (Especially restaurants, parks, shopping, etc.) 

2. Corporate housing: Are you in a city with big business handy? Forming a relationship with local firms is a great way to generate cash flow for short-to-intermediate term occupants. Executives or small teams visiting from other cities can get tired of the hotel life, and having a residential option close to the office is great option.

3. Dorm-style rental: Rather than rent to a single tenant, consider providing a furnished living space for multiple tenants who might not be able to afford a house on their own (and don’t mind sharing communal spaces). The aggregate rent from 2 - 4 tenants can often exceed the rent you might secure from a single occupant. Naturally, there are somewhat trickier management hurdles with this option, but the extra cash annually can make it worth your while.

If you're curious about properties in the market which may be ideal for any of these three scenarios, get in touch today. I'd be happy to help you optimize your investment property strategy by helping you with your search: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

"CLOSING DAY" TERMINOLOGY YOU NEED TO KNOW

Closing day is an exciting time. After all, you’re moving into your new home! 

However, it can be stressful as well. The last thing you need is to be confronted with something you don’t understand. So here is a quick list of common “closing day” terms.

Disbursements. This is the allocation of funds to the appropriate parties, such as the seller. Your lawyer will take care of this for you.

Possession. This is the moment on closing day when you are legally able to take possession of your new home. It’s usually when your REALTOR® or lawyer hands you the keys.

Title. This is a legal document that identifies the property and its owner.

Closing costs. These are expenses, excluding the selling cost of the property, that are due on closing day, such as legal fees, reimbursement for pre-paid utilities, utility deposits, insurance, and taxes.

Closing adjustments. These are expenses pre-paid by the seller that need to be reimbursed on closing.

There may be other terms you come across on closing day as well. Don’t worry, a good REALTOR® can help make the day go smoothly for you and your family.

MAKING THE MOVE EASY FOR YOUR PETS

Moving can be an unsettling experience for everyone in the family, and for pets the event can be traumatic. 

Here are some essential tips for making the move easier on your beloved animal companions.

Moving is stressful. Organizing, packing, cleaning, scheduling… the number of tasks can seem overwhelming. One thing that makes the stress worthwhile is the idea that soon you’ll be settling into your new home.

But what about your pets? For them, moving is an extremely unsettling experience. While you know the big picture, your furry and feathered friends only see their world falling apart. This can result in stress-related behaviors or even illness. So how do you preserve your pets’ sanity during the change?

Here are some tips for moving with pets:

1. Pack gently and slowly. Nothing will stress out your animal more than a sudden uprooting of all they know. If possible, give yourself a long period of time to gradually box up your possessions. Whatever you do, leave your pets’ most cherished possessions and spaces untouched until the last moment.

2. Decide who will watch your pet during moving day. If you have a friend or new neighbor who is willing to pet-sit for you on moving day, take advantage of this opportunity. Preferably it will be someone your pet is familiar with. If all else falls through, consider using a service like rover.com to locate a pet sitter.

3. Introduce your pet to the destination beforehand. Sometimes on a final walk-through before closing you might be able to bring your pet over to the new house for a “sniff test” of the property. It’s not even a bad idea to let them mark a bush or two outside on the sly so that when they arrive after moving day, the destination won’t feel quite as foreign. Walk the new neighborhood with your dogs and introduce them to neighbors you see along the route.

4. Check your new house for pet hazards. This might include lawn chemicals, pest poisons, escape holes in the fencing, or other formerly ignored danger zones.

5. Update all your pets’ ID tags and/or chips. You’ll need your new contact information (including your new vet) on collars, etc. Some pets will try to find their way to an old house after a move, so make sure if they get lost they’ll be returned correctly.

I want the transition to be as smooth as possible for everyone in your famil. If you're looking to buy or sell soon, let me help you and your animal companions find your next home: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

HOW TO START A NEW GARDEN

Congratulations on your decision to start a new garden.  

Regardless of whether you are a novice or seasoned expert, you can enjoy the benefits of a garden with nothing more than a little knowledge, some seeds and the proper tools. 

Step # 1: Pick Your Plants 

Before you start a new garden, the first and most obvious step is to choose your plants.  Some things to consider when making your selection include your geographical region, climate, soil condition and the size of your space. 

Different climates demand different plants, which means you must choose wisely in order to get the most out of your garden.  Your soil condition is important because most gardeners find it best to have a flat planting surface with a soil that has the nutrients necessary for a healthy garden.  You can always add fertilizer, which can help to make up for any lacking nutrients in your own soil.  The size of your space is important because seeds should not be planted too close together or too close to a wall. 

Step # 2: Prepare Your Soil 

Whether you are planting seeds or transplanting a garden, it's important to loosen your soil to allow for the proper marriage of your plants and the earth's nutrients necessary for survival.  Some gardeners prefer to till their soil, while others simply dig and leave the surface loosened for planting. 

Step # 3: Water Your Garden 

Once your seeds are planted, it's time to have patience.  There's nothing quite like the hurry up and wait feeling that every gardener experiences when they have made all of the necessary preparations for their new garden and then the waiting game begins.  The proper watering can help your hard work to materialize in a healthy way.  Most experts recommend watering a garden in the early morning hours when the air is still cool.  Instead of applying the water directly to the plants themselves, try adding it to the soil instead. 

Step # 4: Maintenance Matters 

It's important to keep all clutter away from your plants and/or garden area.  Toys, yard tools and even gardening supplies can cause damage if left lying about.  Always remove items from the area once you are done using them and make sure that the area is free of any items that don't belong. 

Step # 5: Know Your Plants' Maturity 

As a successful gardener, you will need to know at what point your plants will reach maturity.  This is especially true if you are planting fruits or vegetables, which you can collect when ready.

HOW TO DISCOURAGE BUYERS FROM BUYING YOUR HOME

If you're listing your home for sale, then of course you’ll want to make the best impression possible on potential home buyers. But, just to have a little fun, say you don't want to sell your property. What could you do to discourage those who view your home?

Well, you could have your pets in the home during viewings. That will certainly make it uncomfortable for some buyers – especially those with pet allergies.

You could also leave personal items around, such as family pictures and trophies. That will make it more difficult for a buyer to imagine himself and his family living there. It might even make him feel a bit like an intruder!

Clutter in bedrooms, closets and other areas of the home will make those spaces feel less spacious than they really are, as well as make visitors feel uncomfortable.

If you really want to turn off a buyer, then put off doing any minor repairs. A dripping tap, flickering light, dent in the wall, or other maintenance issues are certain to gain a buyer's attention.

If all that doesn't shoo away a buyer from your home, then stick around during a viewing and follow him and his family from room to room. That will certainly make him feel uneasy.

Of course, we're just having a bit of fun here. When you put your home on the market, you want to sell it.

It’s easy to avoid all the pitfalls described above and ensure potential buyers appreciate the full value of your home.

So when you’re preparing for a showing, think of ways you can make your property appear its best, and make the buyer feel welcomed and comfortable viewing it.

Want more ideas on how to sell your home quickly and for the best price? Visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com and call me today!

6 HOT OUTDOOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2015

As summer approaches, the outdoors beckon with images of casual entertaining in the open air and afternoons spent by the pool or gathered around the grill. 

At this time of year, buyers shopping for a new home will shift their attention to outdoor living spaces. 

If you are hoping to sell your home this summer, consider the following popular design trends in order to boost the allure of your backyard oasis:

1. Low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscaping: with several Western states facing a serious drought, homeowners across the country are trending towards sustainable plants that are native to the region. Many are even replacing grass with artificial turf, the pinnacle of low-maintenance landscaping. These options are a win-win situation for the environment as well as your budget.

2. In keeping with the sustainability trend, homegrown edibles, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, are increasing in popularity. If your yard is tight on space, consider planting some microgreens: they are packed with nutrients and may be grown in very small containers, making them a favorite choice of apartment or condo dwellers.

3. Bring the indoors out. Homeowners have long sought to bring the outdoors in by incorporating elements of nature into their interior designs, but recent trends have focused on carrying the comforts of the home to the backyard. Outdoor living spaces on the more luxurious end of the spectrum may include full kitchens and alfresco dining rooms, while a humbler makeover may be achieved by adding durable, weather resistant furniture. Homeowners are increasingly viewing their yards as ideal spots for year-round entertaining, and patio heaters and cooling systems are easy ways to extend the outdoor living season. Large windows and glass doors leading from the home to the yard are also popular to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

4. Fire pits and fireplaces are hot. Available in a vast range of styles and at price points to suit every budget, fire pits or fireplaces provide warmth in cooler months and a cozy centerpiece around which family and friends may gather.

5. Celebrate a contrasting element with the addition of water features. Ranging from simple, inexpensive fountains that may be purchased at most hardware stores to more elaborate waterfalls and ponds, water features create a sense of tranquility, instantly transforming the yard into a Zen oasis.

6. Add a splash of color. Pantone color of the year for 2015 is Marsala, a red brown shade that serves as an attractive complement to other earth tones. Incorporating Marsala via accessories like pillows or cushions adds a rich, warm hue to outdoor spaces. Black backdrops are also popular this year. Consider painting one wall or fence black to create an appealing contrast to colorful landscaping or wooden furniture.

Summer is the ideal season to entice potential buyers with a backyard retreat that effectively blends beauty and functionality. Fortunately, you do not need an expansive yard or budget: adding some touches of the latest trends can help you create a stylish outdoor space to enjoy with friends and family.

SCORING THE SCORELESS: NEW FICO APPROACH

What do you do if you’re financially responsible, but don’t have a credit score? How do you get started on the path to home ownership if your score is low due to traditional credit reporting? FICO believes it might have the answer. (Others think it might not.) 

Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re in the market for a home, you’re probably in the market for a mortgage. With the exception of all-cash buyers, most buyers will find out soon what their FICO score is and what banks think about it.

The FICO score has a huge impact on whether or not lenders consider you an acceptable credit risk, and yet there are more than 53 million Americans out there who don’t have a credit score at all. This doesn’t mean they’re a bad risk, necessarily… it just means they haven’t used credit cards, held a previous mortgage, or had an auto loan. They may be perfectly responsible financial citizens. So how do they apply for a mortgage?

In an attempt to broaden access, FICO has begin to factor new data sources. Announced in April, 2015, FICO will now include two additional sources: A national utility database, presided over by Equifax, and LexisNexis, which relies on public records.

The idea behind the change is this: First, the timeliness of utility payments can be used as month-to-month evidence of financial health. Second, FICO will be looking at LexisNexis address changes to determine how often people have relocated. In theory, frequent moves may be an indication of increased risk.

Though the impulse may be good, the changes are not without some controversy. Some argue the accuracy of the Equifax database may be a concern. It also adds one more credit reporting database which must be monitored. There’s also a worry that the “frequency of move” may unfairly punish people and provide a disincentive for relocations, downsizing, and upsizing of homes, provided FICO only uses the LexisNexis information in a punitive way.

More details are sure to emerge, but one thing is for sure: The era of Big Data in the cloud will be sure to cast their shadow on the way financial institutions assess risk in the years ahead. One hopes that they ultimately let in more sunshine than shade when it comes to helping buyers attain the dream of homeownership.

Are you ready to explore the dream? Contact me today. I'd be happy to help you navigate the home buying or selling journey: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

UPGRADES THAT HOLD THEIR VALUE

Do you have a renovation project in mind – and wonder how much value it will add to your home? Remodeling Magazine recently did a study of renovation projects, comparing costs to added value. Here are some of the results:

Replacing a main entry door has a return on investment of over 95%. After all, the entrance to a home is one of the first things a prospective buyer notices.

Adding a new deck also adds a lot of value. Depending on the materials used, you can expect to get back three-quarters of the money invested.

Another high-payback project is the garage door. This once again demonstrates the importance of a home’s “curb appeal.”

If you’re tackling a big project, such as a basement renovation, you’ll be glad to know that, according to the study, a project like this adds a lot of value.

Finally, minor improvements to bathrooms and kitchens – such as adding new countertops or cupboards, can also be good investments that mostly pay back when you sell your home.

Of course, these figures are averages and can vary widely depending on location, type of property, and other factors.

Need help determining how a particular home improvement might impact the selling price? Visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com then give me a call!