Actor Richard Kiel tells you how to sell your house 100 times as fast! • Find out how you can have your very own website all about your house and your area using as many as 50 photos and for a few hundred dollars. • Discover how you can run a small inexpensive newspaper ad in several newspapers with your website address in it and attract buyers who can see everything about your house and area over the internet. This eliminates “Looky Lou’s” and helps you sell your house faster and for more …

Once you decide to sell your home, there is a lot more to worry about than signing a contract with your realtor. Your house must be ready for a stream of potential buyers. And a mere surface cleaning will probably not be enough to encourage people to rush in with an offer, unless they can see beyond cluttered rooms and minor faults such as required paint touch-ups.

However, there are several suggestions that can make your house stand out in a long list of showings, and keep your privacy secured at the same time.

Less is more:

* Try to create a scene in your home that says cozy but detached from any particular person. Store all photos, awards, diplomas and other personal identifying items.

* Take excess clothing from closets and drawers (yes, people will open your dressers and snoop) to create a more spacious look. This includes kitchen cabinets – store dishes and cooking utensils you don’t use on a daily basis. You’ll have to pack them anyway when you move.

* Leave just enough furniture in each room to define its purpose, creating the appearance of additional space. Change a table for six to a smaller, four-seat version by taking out a leaf (if possible) and store the two extra chairs. Put a chess game on a side table in the family room.

* Remove fixtures that you would like to keep, such as built-in shelving or ceiling fans, so buyers do not expect to have that included in the sale.

* If you have pets, make sure the animals, their toys and food dishes have all been removed from the home while buyers are touring.

Make it sparkle:

* Clean every corner of every room. If necessary, hire a cleaning service to ensure your house is spotless.

* Put new towels in your bathroom. Add a basket with mini soaps or light, fragrant potpourri.

* Set a dining table with inviting dishes and crystal glasses.

* Clean all of your windows to let the sun brighten your rooms. Polish all mirrors.

* If you have a lawn, put the sprinkler on for a few moments if possible, half an hour before the buyers arrive.

* Put fresh flowers in attractive vases to add color to rooms.

* Fluff any duvets you have on beds.

* Make sure stainless steel sinks and appliances are polished.

Keep your privacy and your valuables safe:

* Remove all jewelry and other valuables from your home to avoid any possibility of theft.

* Keep all mail locked in drawers or otherwise hidden well.

* Business papers should also be locked out of sight during showings.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/be-prepared-for-an-open-house-1401965.html

You may be noticing a distinct chill to the air with the end of the year creeping up on us; with the change in the weather there should be a change in the way that you stage your home for prospective buyers.

The staging that takes place in the warmer months can have a much different focus than the staging that takes place in the fall and winter due to the different ways that home owners utilize their space at different times of the year. In the warmer months the focus is often on outdoor living spaces while in the cooler months when people want to feel cozy and warm in their homes.

There are a few things to consider when staging your home for the cold weather; not only do you want to make sure that any prospective buyers feel welcome and at home but you also want to protect your home from the coming and going of people through your house.

To set a good mood for cold weather home tours, consider what would make you feel good coming in from the cold or the damp into a welcoming home. Probably the first thing that you’d want to notice when you first come in is warmth; so don’t skimp on the temperature when you know that your home is going to be shown. Don’t make your home steaming hot, not everyone is comfortable in a very warm home, but it should be pleasant. If you have a gas fireplace, consider turning it on to give your home that additional ambiance.

Another good mood setter that is popular with home stagers is that of smell; incorporate this with baking if you have the time to give your home an even more welcoming feel. Even if you have to buy bakery items like cookies to set out for your “guests”, you can pair them up with some hot mulled cider on the countertop to set up warm and comforting smell in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to take care of your home with all of these prospective buyers coming through to tour as well. Make sure that you have a welcome mat outside of the front door so that buyers and agents can brush their shoes off; don’t be afraid to ask agents to have their clients remove their shoes when they come through as well. If you want buyers to take their shoes off though, make sure you have a clear area for them to do that with places for them to hang coats and a seat to assist them in putting on and taking off their shoes.

Remember that the best way to make buyers feel at home when they’re touring your house this fall and winter season is to make them feel like welcome guests in your warm, cozy home.

If you’re interested in checking out some of the Nashville new home construction, visit NashvillesMLS.com to search for Nashville real estate.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/staging-your-home-for-a-cold-weather-sale-1397371.html

Many people dream of building a house; customizing each room and the particulars that go into each part of the house can be very exciting. However, what most people do not know is that you can not only do this in a spec home, but there are qualities about this sort of home that simply cannot happen with a home that is constructed on the worksite.
Now, we are not talking about a double wide trailer here. Spec homes are pre-fabricated homes that are designed piece by piece in a factory and are finally out together on-site. What is even better is that in the current housing and financial crisis, this sort of home has incredible positives that a piece of traditional new construction does not!

Spec Homes Give You Customization and Affordability

Spec homes give you some incredible choices that are simply not seen in a house built at a construction site. The reason being is that since these homes are produced in a factory and not on-site with typical building methods, each piece is designed through computer aided drafting. This allows you as the buyer to have much more flexibility when it comes to customizing your home. In fact, the architecture of many spec homes is featured in architectural magazines and digests that highlight the creativity and specifics of these incredible dwellings.

Next, another great reason to buy a spec home is because of the affordability factor that is involved with this purchase. Not only are spec homes more cost effective to purchase but they are also less expensive to maintain. The reason behind this is that there is an abundance of technology available in making spec homes “green” and energy efficient. Truth be told, the construction industry has very few options when building new construction and it is increasingly expensive to a new home builder to have their new house custom built with energy efficient principles. However, a spec home is manufactured with all of these principles in line and once the house is assembled, it is more likely to have cheaper energy bills that its counterpart. In fact, a typical heating bill could be over thirty dollars less per month! Just think of what that adds up to over years!

Get in Your New Spec Home Fast!

Finally, one of the best reasons to buy a spec home over building a new home is because the turnaround time on a spec home is much less than if you are building new construction. A spec home allows you to be in your new house within weeks as opposed to the months and months that can drag on when building in a traditional method. Also, since a spec home is produced in a factory and is only assembled on-site, you do not have to worry about weather factors slowing down the process to get you into your new house which is incredibly typical when you are waiting on construction to be finished.

Spec homes are the way of the future and will give you incredible variety when designing your home and fantastic happiness once you are in the home. Create some wonderful memories today and see if building a spec home is right for you!

Michael Taylor is the broker / owner of Red Door Real Estate and focuses on Fishers Indiana real estate and Broad Ripple Homes.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/instead-of-building-a-new-house-invest-in-a-spec-home-1393558.html

www.9DayHouseSale.org What if you COULD sell a house every weekend? What if you could flip short sales as easily as brushing your teeth? The problem with most folks in real estate today is they do not know the simple, proven way to sell a house at or near market price over a single weekend. You are about to learn this…and it could change your life forever, in the best way possible.

Many people try to time their purchase according to market conditions. Obviously, buying during a down market, or a ”buyers market” is best, but just when is this? Estimating what the market will do in the future especially the real estate market is virtually impossible. A down market is usually short-lived anyway, so if you’re ready to buy, do it now. We believe you should buy when it’s best for your personal situation.     

We’re not saying to disregard present market conditions, as this may affect the amount you offer. In a buyers market, you can usually get away with low-ball offers. Conversely, in a sellers market, homes are frequently purchased at full list price, so offers need to be higher. Market conditions should not affect your decision to buy or the timing of your purchase.     

Like any investment or long term relationship a smart real estate purchase involves commitment. Your decision to buy should be partially based on your level of devotion to the purchasing process. Buying a home takes hard work, time, research and reliance on many real estate professionals. Finding a home involves more than just driving the streets and searching for a property that appeals to you. You must set a budget and apply for a loan. You must be familiar with the market, the real estate valuation process, the types of properties and mortgages from which to choose and what to look for when shopping for a home.     

Sales agents, attorneys, inspectors and appraisers must be hired. These individuals may not be looking out for your best interests, so choosing the right ones will take time. Negotiating, contracting, inspecting and closing on a property can take even more time. The entire process of purchasing a home, from the time you begin actively searching until closing, can take as little as one month or as long as six months or more. This largely depends on your needs, buying experience, financial status, level of participation and the inventory and availability of properties in the marketplace.     

Once the decision is made to buy, be prepared to devote yourself 100 percent to the purchasing process. Make the time to do it right. Allocate certain hours each day to investigate and work with service individuals, inspect properties or meet with lenders. Choose a time of year that makes the most sense for this effort. Make sure to plan ahead and enlist the help of family and friends if necessary.

Denver Real Estate
Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/decision-making-when-buying-a-house-1390493.html

Just when you thought that the only word that you need to keep in mind when it comes to Boston foreclosure houses is “foreclosure,” you realize that there are a lot more. You also need to understand “real-estate owned (REO)” and “short sale.” Why? Because these terms can have some effect on the entire processes of your Boston foreclosure houses.

What is foreclosure?

Foreclosure happens when the borrower or the home owner goes on default, and he can no longer make the repayments to his loan. As a consequence, the lender will have to take action and consider his property as foreclosed. Depending on which state the house is found, the lender may go to court or not. The only goal he has in mind is to sell the house to the one who bids the highest in a public auction. This way, he will be able to obtain a small amount of profit while recover the default payment.

Nevertheless, not all properties will go through a public sale since there are some of owners who will make back payments. The rules on these will differ from state to state.

What is short sale?

This happens when the lenders of the Boston foreclosure houses would have to agree to accept an amount that is less than the default payment. This also occurs before the property goes into public auction. This is ideal for those who are buying foreclosed properties at a much less price since they don’t need to pay any existing loan or make some back payments. Normally, lenders would accept this too, so they don’t have to wait for a very long foreclosure process. They just need to forgive or write off whatever the difference is.

What is real estate owned?

By this time, the property is already at the hands of the lender, and the foreclosure action is complete. The only problem is that the Boston foreclosure houses are not bought, and they are assumed by the banks. They are then sold by these lenders for a price way less than the balance. It’s better that way than never earn anything from the foreclosed home.

Joseph Smith has been educating buyers on the finer points of Boston Foreclosure Properties at FindForeclosureProperties.com for over five years. Click here to visit and read more advice on finding Massachusetts Foreclosure Properties.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/boston-foreclosed-houses-1388285.html

A short guide helping you to understand the basics steps of the Italian conveyancing process

When purchasing a property in Italy you should go through 3 stages:

1) Proposta irrevocabile d’acquisto (reservation offer)

2) Contratto preliminare di vendita (preliminary contract)

3) Atto di vendita (deed of sale)

Once you have chosen your property you should engage the services of a solicitor, whether you buy through a real estate agent or directly from the vendor. An Italian solicitors knowledge of Italian Real Estate Law is invaluable and he is there to look after your interests and your interests only!

When buying a property in Italy the first document you will be called upon to sign is the so called”proposta irrevocabile d’acquisto” (reservation offer), this is normal practice when purchasing through an estate agent. On the other hand when purchasing directly from the vendor (private sale) this document is not normally used. This is one of the many reasons why a solicitor should always be engaged.

By signing the proposta irrevocabile d’acquisto you will be taking the property off the market fora limited period of time, normally 15 days. During which time your solicitor, and where necessary assisted by a surveyor, will make all the necessary searches to ascertain that the property is without any debts, mortgages, claims etc. Thereby assuring that there will be no unpleasant and possibly costly surprises during the last stage of the purchase. At this stage you will be required to pay a small deposit , which is normally held by the estate agent or solicitor until the offer is formally accepted (signed) by the vendor. Should you finalize the purchase, this deposit will be considered as partial payment of the purchase price. If the vendor does not formally accept the offer your deposit shall be returned to you. It is important to highlight the fact that the reservation offer is only binding for the buyer until formal written acceptance of the vendor. Once signed by both parties it becomes a legally binding contract.

Normally at this stage, buyer and vendor having agreed to go ahead with the conveyance will formalize their agreement with the “contratto preliminare di vendita” (preliminary contract).Some estate agents and especially private sales choose or recommend leaving out this particular essential part of the purchase process. This legal document is essential because insets detailed terms and conditions of the sale. This is why its highly advisable to engage the services of a solicitor as one of the services they offer is to draft this contract where possible and when not at least examine it very carefully before you sign it.

One of the essential legal elements of the preliminary contract is the payment of a deposit (caparra confirmatorio),normally equivalent to a minimum of 10% of the purchase price. This deposit will not be returned if you back out of the contract without a valid legal reason on the other hand, if the Vendor changes their mind about the sale he/she will under Italian law have to refund your deposit in full. You have the right if you wish, to also claim an amount equal to the deposit through the Italian courts.

In the preliminary contract the parties also set the date to finalize the conveyance in front of the notary public.

The Notary is a public official who has the authority according to Italian law to validate contracts transferring the ownership of a property, he is also charged with paying all registry fees and cadastral taxes and carrying out the relevant searches on the property. But having engaged a solicitor beforehand you will be confident that no unpleasant surprises will be revealed at this late stage of the purchase process.

The notary is supposed to be an absolutely neutral and impartial party in the transaction. This is why he cannot be a substitute for a solicitor in the defence of the interests of the buyer. The only way to be assured of total impartiality is to engage the services of an independent solicitor.

The final step of the conveyance is the so called “atto di vendita” (deed of sale). The deed is drafted by the Notary in his office, it has to be fully compliant with the preliminary contract. So it is the preliminary contract that is the document setting all the essential elements of the transaction. Once the Deed has been signed by all those present at the signing, the balance of the purchase price is paid to the Vendor and the keys are handed over to the new owners.

A copy of the Deeds will then be given to the new owners approximately one month after the signing. This is because it takes approximately one month for the new deeds to be registered at the relevant Registry Office.

If one of the parties does not understand the Italian language, according to the law the deed of sale must be drafted in both Italian and English.

If the buyer cannot be present in front of the Notary he can give power of attorney to his solicitor who will sign on his behalf.

The notary will read and explain the contract, the buyer will be able to read the English version and through the support of a bilingual solicitor, is entitled to ask questions.

GLOSSARY:

Proposta irrevocabile di vendita: This is where an initial formal offer is made and a small deposit is left. The price you are willing to offer has been determined and also any conditions you may wish to make.

Contratto preliminare di vendita: This is the contract that sets out in detail the terms and conditions of the sale and also all the relevant cadastral and registry information. It is also known as a Compromesso. Atto di Vendita: The moment when in front of a Notary public the exchange of contracts is made, the outstanding amount of the purchase price will be paid and the keys to the propertywill be handed over to the new owners.

Caparra confirmatoria: This is a deposit that is regulated under art.138 of the Italian Civil Code. If a deposit is defined as a “caparra confirmatoria” it endows legal rights upon both parties.

This article was submitted for and on behalf of De Tullio Law Firm, who own the copyright in the above text adapted from http://www.detulliolawfirm.com/pdf/property-buying-guide.pdf

Piers Winstanley wrote the above article for How to Buy a Home in ItalyArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/how-to-buy-a-house-in-italy-1384838.html