Now that summer is here, its time to take care of some things that need getting done on the outside. Guys, surprise your wives by doing some of these things before they ask.  Just a suggestion, to keep everyone smiling.

Flashing, which is typically a thin metal strip found around doors, windows, thresholds, chimneys, and roofs, is designed to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two different building surfaces meet.

Vents: All vents, including clothes dryer, gable vents, attic vents, and exhaust vents, should have hoods, and  be in good working order.

Exterior Siding:

Replace any wood siding and sheathing that appears to have water damage.

Inspect any wood sided walls to ensure there is at least 8″ between any wood and the earth.

Exterior Walls:

Exterior walls should be kept well painted and sealed.

Don’t place compost or leaf piles against the outside walls.

Landscape features should not include soil or other bedding material mounded up against walls.

Landscaping:

Keep trees trimmed so that branches are at least 7 feet away from any exterior house surface. This will help prolong the life of your siding and roof and prevent insects from entering your home from the tree.

Vines should be kept off all exterior walls, because they can help open cracks in the siding, which allows moisture or insects to enter the house.

Irrigation: Inspect the sprinkler system,

To prolong roof life, have a professional roof inspection annually. Request a detailed inspection report that includes the condition of the flashing, roof covering,  and drainage system.

By the way, the best way to do some research on your own is to drive by neighborhoods at different times of the day and night. Chances are, you’ve seen a house in that neighborhood, or had your eye on a home and wished you could buy there.  Now you have your opportunity and one pops up that you don’t want to miss.

Ever wonder if other people might be thinking alike?  Is there a perfect house? No. But there is a perfect house for every buyer and this could be your lucky day.

So you cal your trusted real estate professional on the phone and you have a zillion questions.  How much, how long and how many offers has this property had.  After all, the signs been outside for months.  It’s probably a dump inside. Right?  Wrong.

Turns out the property is a short sale in excellent condition with plenty of upgrades.  Problem is seller has to sell due to financial difficulties…………but the bank is not responding fast enough.  There are offers on the table, and more coming in daily, but no word from the bank.  You would think they would want to sell the place and get it off the books!

Wrong again.  They have their reasons for delaying.  The reasons are too great to mention here, but if you want a free consultation on a short sale property or any other that interests you, then call me.   I do weeknight and weekend appointments to suit your schedule.

Thanks for reading my blog.  I wish you success. Serena Russell, Realtor®

serenarussell.com

The stair stepping mode we’ve experienced in 2009 and 2010 will continue into 2011.  As we head toward an election year politicians will continue to  build  favor with the voters and with this strategy, the economy is headed toward a turn around.  The mist of the past is about to dissolve, and be replaced with  optimism and a new outlook.

What does all of this mean for home buyers, sellers, investors and the professional real estate arena?   Along with these positive economic trends, Americans will be able to put away greater wealth in 2011.  Many consumers have learned to curtail spending and to live more reasonably within their means. Credit companies have raised rates and decreased credit limits to stay in business.  Banks have learned how to move the inventory caused by foreclosures and short sale activity.  Rents are on the rise.  We are in recovery and  are headed back to a more normal pre-recession economic climate……………

SPENDING POWER:   Unemployment rates are lower now than a year ago and expected to keeping declining. This is good news for the economy. Consumers have achieved  greater spending power over the past 2 years, mainly due to fall prices.  Consumer confidence is rising, and this trend is expected to continue for 2011.

The downward spiral of the past is past.  Business has a healthier outlook for the year ahead, as consumer seek to get market share.

Take for example: Ford Motor Company, the second largest auto manufacturer in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world.  Ford experienced a dramatic decline in market share following the mid 90’s, caused by costly manufacturing facilities, pension obligations, high fuel prices, and stagnant sales.  In the past several years, Ford has launched a massive turnaround by improving operational efficiencies, developing a smaller, more fuel efficient product line and consolidating its brands.

• On October 1, Ford announced its monthly sales report for September.  The company said that Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales were up 46% versus a year ago and that its retail market share increased for the 23rd time in the last 24 months.  Ford credited the results to its expanding line of fuel-efficient vehicles and a strong international growth strategy.
• Following the September sales release, Morgan Stanley issued a very bullish outlook, naming Ford its “Best Idea” and placing a $20 price target on the stock, nearly 50% higher than the current price tag.
• The long awaited initial public offering for General Motors is set to be among the largest ever…………..click here to read the entire article

I leave you with some quotations from the famous cartoon rabbit Bugs Bunny, perhaps the most famous fictional and loved rabbit of all time.

Quotations:
I don’t ask questions. I just have fun!’
&
‘Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive!’
What’s up Doc?  and
I aint upside-downy Doc,YOU are!
I dares ya ta’ step across this line.

Unga bunga binga inga binga binga bunga
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The answers to these questions depend on  market conditions at the time of your offer. 

For example, if investors are rampan in the market , then you can expect to face competition with cash offers.

Your offer should be one that the seller cannot refuse.  What does this mean?  How do you make your offer creative?  Some all cash offers are too low for the seller so they might get rejected.  The seller might have a set price in mind under which they are not willing to go.  Some buyers think that making an all cash offer makes their postion stronger.  This is not always the case. 

Price and terms matter.  What does this mean?  Make sure you are working with an experienced real estate agent, who can advice you on up to the minute changes in the marketplace.  Your  professional agent works in your best interests and can  negotiate with your lender, the sellers agent and other parties to your advantage.

Simple Budgeting: Start with is a detailed expense breakdown. Analyze what you spend — at least get a full month’s snapshot. You’ll see where you may have wiggle room in your budget and what you can afford for housing. (Be sure to count all those little incidental expenses like dry cleaning and yes, those mid-afternoon Starbucks lattes count in the budget, too!)
Debt-to-Income Ratios
If you figure out that you can afford your projected budget, chances are you’ll qualify for a mortgage in your range. Lenders will determine how much loan you can afford by using something called your debt-to-income ratio.

If your credit is stellar, you will be rewarded. Lenders may stretch these ratios allowing you to purchase more home and take advantage of more lending programs.

So go ahead and get qualified today. It is simpler than you think.