Through my experience as a REALTOR, I have learned what’s important to prospective home buyers.  although many factors ultimately play into the purchase decision, let’s begin with the buyer’s ability to visualize.

There’s a good reason why most model homes have minimal furnishing and wide-open spaces: so buyers can easily see how their family will fit.  Providing that same open landscape when selling your own home allow people to put themselves in the picture.  The result?  You will likely sell you home in a shorter period of time and for a better price.

Whether you are just considering a move, already have the “for sale” sign up or aren’t planning to go anywhere for a along time, spring cleaning is a great way to combat the clutter.  Simply take stock of what you have, decide what you don’t need or want, and clear out the unnecessary items by hosting a Yard sale or giving them to charity.

If you’ve definitely decided to sell your home, get packing early! The benefit of boxing yourcherished possessions and other “space takers” is threefold: It will keep them out of harm’s way while your property is being shown, it will give you a jump start on packing for the big move, and it will provide the “clean slate” that helps prospective buyers visualize.

If you’re on the fence about moving or just need to clear some clutter, start by getting rid of the things that truly don’t matter.  Go room by room, and gether the “dust collectors” that have no sentimental value.  Magazines, newpapers, old binders, worn linens, chipped dishes and that third set of measuring cups all are candidates for the first cut. Remember to lift that dust ruffle and pitch the forgotten-about items under your bed.  Then use the long arm of the vacuum to eliminate those hard-to-reach dust bunnies!

Tackle the bathroom cabinets and medicine chests next.  With a garbage bag in hand, toss those old prescriptions, half-used products bobby pins, outdated makeup, etc.  As a general rule, if it is expired or hasn’t been used int hree months — or if you’re not even sure what it is–out it goes!  When you’re done, put new liners on your shelves and in your drawers for a fresh feel and sense of accomplishment!

Next, open your closets and get rid of anything that hasn’t been worn in two years, broken/scuffed-up shoes and other items that are simply taking up precious room.  Storage areas such as closets rank high in the minds of buyers, so showing space will surely make their faces light up as they consider how of their stuff will fit!

When you’re ready to begin, be sure to get the family involved! Make a game of it for the kids, or make it a contest for the whole family.  Turn the music up, offer incentives, and get into the spirit of spring cleaning.  Whether or not you are selling your home, de-clutting will make you feel refreshed, revitalized and ready for the new season!

We have what some consider a perfect storm offer first time home buyers, consumers considering moving up into a bigger home and certainly investors.  Interest rates are at an industry low, inventory is high, sellers are motivated and the credit freeze is starting to loosen.  There’s no better time to buy.  Top that with new statistics that state eight out of ten economists predict that home prices will rise in the next five years, and you start to put a time-table to how long that perfect buying window will last.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about real estate investment strategies, buying options and smart”window shopping” for your family, I invite you to give me a call today.  From college funding to retirement planning to moving into your dream house, your answers are a phone call away.  Check my About page to see how to contact me.

Virginia Gruver

In today’s tightening times, finding innovative ways to save a dollar and stretch a budget is a must for most families.

While you can’t control THE economy. most people can at least control THEIR economy with few simple steps, a real grasp of their budget and the ability to think outside the box! Here are just a few ways you can start saving today:

1. Get a handle on your budget. While it is not the most fun exercise in the world, it is a vital part of planning for today, tomorrow and your future.  Spend the next month strictly monitoring where your money is spent.  Break out the checkbooks, the bank statements and the receipts (it’s time to get ready for taxes anyway) and analyze how much you have coming in, how much has to go out for necessities and where your extra funds are going.
2. Pay off those credit cards! Make it a goal to pay off your credit cards. Trim from your monthly miscellaneous expenses, and begin paying more than the minimum on each card as quickly as possible.  Paying off credit card balances could be one of the highest-paying investments you can make.
3. Use direct deposit.Sure, we all say that we want to save money.  But when it comes right down to it, it’s hard to make the choice to save rather than spend.  That’s where direct deposit comes in handy.  You can have your bank withdraw a pre-set amount of money from each paycheck and deposit it directly into a savings account or IRA.  By having even a small amount deposited from your paycheck on a regular basis, you’re beginning to create a solid savings fund that you can use to invest later.
4. Review your insurance policies.  When was the last time you took a look at your policies?  You may be paying for more coverage than you need.  Websites such as www.quotesmith.comallow you to do some comparison shopping for virtually any type of insurance policy, including life, homeowners, disability, dental, even small-business coverage.  A little homework could mean big savings for your family business.
5. Understand your utility bills. Did you know that taking even a few simple steps can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings? For example, lowering your water heater to 120 digress (the recommended temperate for families with small children) can save 10% to 15%. Check with your electric or gas company to see what peak hours are, and save by doing laundry or running your dishwasher during non-peak times. Turn off unused lights, and unplug appliances that are not in use.  You may be surprised how much wattage is being pulled from appliances and electronics you believe to be “off.” contact your water and energy companies today.  Most are happy to provide you with free information on saving vital resources AND dollars.
6. Make one extra mortgage payment per year. Write “to principal” in the memo portion of the check so your bank will know you want to apply the entire amount to your principal.  By lowering your principal, you’re also lowering the amount of interest you owe on your mortgage…which can lead to substantial savings and cut years off your mortgage.

March is a great month to start saving for your own “pot of gold” for all the days ahead.  I wish you all the “luck” in the world in reaching your financial goals.

While it’s true that this market will make it difficult to get as much for your current home as you would like, the price of that larger home you’ve had your eye on also has gone down.  If you consider the price decreases in percentages, NOW is the BEST time to BUY!

For example, if your current home is worth $200,000. and the home you want to buy has a value of $600,000, the difference in value is $400,000. Right?

Not necessarily! With home prices decreasing roughly 10% on average in today’s market, your current home would be worth $180,000, and the home you want to move up to would be worth $540,000.  So while your home value has decreased only $20,000, the home you want is now $60,000 less!

Understanding exactly how the shifting economy affects your buying and selling power is not just my job, it’s my passion.  While you might hear a lot of media hype expounding on bad-market syndrome or buyer’s market vs seller’s market, know that in ANY market, I am here to bring you real information… in real time… with real answers on how you can achieve your real estate goals.

For the most accurate look at how you can best meet your real estate and financial goals in today’s market, please give me a call.  Together we can take a look at all of the possibilities and determine the best time and circumstances for you to make a move.  I’m here to help!

In real estate, “agent” refers to the nature of the fiduciary responsibility that exists between you and your chosen real estate professional.  Having a complete understanding of the relationship is the first step toward working together to achieve your real estate goals.

A real estate professional becomes your agent only after a legally-binding document is signed by both parties.  As your agent, the REALTOR has a legal obligation to protect your best interests in every facet of the transaction.

Real estate professionals traditionally worked as agents of the seller, not the buyer.  Their loyalties and responsibilities were only to the seller.  REALTORS working with buyers acted as “sub-agents” of the seller.

That has changed.  Today’s buyers often retain real estate professionals to represent their own financial and legal interests when purchasing a home,  The term is “buyer’s agent.”

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, call me today to learn more about the benefits of having an agent on your side for all of your real estate transactions.

Do you have a real estate question that I can answer for you?  Contact me today and maybe I can make it the subject of a future blog.

In today’s swiftly changing market, understanding the factors that determine whether your house sells is essential.  Here are three of the top five reasons homes do not sell:

1. Location. You’ve probably heart that there are three things people look for when buying property: location, location, location.  There are two sides to every location, however, and having a professional who knows how to market your property effectively no matter where you are is key.
2. Condition.Making a good first impression is important in getting a property sold. Painting the front door and trim, making sure the doorbell works, putting furniture and clothing in storage and cleaning off counter-tops are just a few of the little things I suggest to my customers and clients to make properties more marketable.  I would be happy to provide you with a free Merchandising Review that lists 18 factors that cause properties to sell. I spend the extra time necessary with every client to ensure all of the little details are taken care of. It’s that attention to detail that sets me apart and enables me to get properties sold.
3. Price. How soon you want to sell has a direct relationship to the price you receive for your property.  A very important statistic to look at when pricing your property properly is the average sales price to list price percentage.  This gives you a realistic guideline as to what’s really happening in the marketplace.  It may not be what you want to hear; however, call me for an honest analysis of your property and a good idea of what you can expect to get for it in today’s competitive market.

Contact me today for the most accurate look at what will and won’t get your home sold for the most money in the shortest period of time. Together we can meet all of your real estate needs.

In today’s competitive real estate market, some agents are offering to cut their commissions in an attempt to attract more business. The truth is, they want to be listing agents.  Here are some questions to ask before listing your home with an agent who’s willing to take a “pay cut” to work with you.

What is the agent’s primary motivation for cutting their commission? In all likelihood, it’s because they are in a position where they simply need the business that badly.  Do you really want to trust the sale of your property to someone who is desperate for your business?  There is a difference between wanting your business and needing your business.

If you property doesn’t sell, what have you accomplished? There is a difference between listing a property and selling a property.  What the agent didn’t tell you is that they will make less money selling your property than if they sell another property on the market.  You want an agent who’s going to be excited about bringing you an offer.

Which services are they going to cut? If you cut your commission, then you have to cut service.  Many factors come into play in finding the right buyer who’s willing to pay your price.  To get top price for a property, you need as many services going for you as you can possibly get.

Would you really be excited about a 15% pay cut? A 1% reduction in commission equals more than 15% of the total commission.  How can the agent really be excited about working for you? Is the agent being honest with you when he or she tells you that they’re excited about getting your property sold?

Are they going to cooperate with other brokers? What are they going to pay the other brokers? Why are those brokers going to be excited about taking a 15% pay cut? To get top price for your property, you need to have all brokers in the marketplace excited about selling it.

Is the agent a skilled negotiator? If the other broker is willing to let you negotiate them out of 15% or more of their income from the sale of your property, will they also let the buyer negotiate 15% or more from the purchase price of your property? What is that other broker’s sale price to list price ratio? You might be costing yourself tens of thousands of dollars by trying to save a couple thousand dollars in commissions.

What’s the most important thing to you in the sale of your home? Is it paying a lower commission, or is it getting top dollar for your home? Call me to understand more about commissions and selling your home, a Comparative Home Analysis or my Merchandising Review.

Happy Valentines Day!

 

February is the perfect time for celebrating all the things we love in life-right? From that special someone and family and friends to all those little things along the way that make us smile or brightens our days.

For me, it is also a great time to truly appreciate the job that I do.  As a real estate professional, I get to help families like yours as resource, and advocate, and many times, a friend.  They say that true success comes when you love what you do, and I thank you this month, and every month for the privilege of being the REALTOR you turn to.

I wish you and yours a very Happy Valentine’s Day and a wonderful February! May it bring you great joy, memories and success in your business as well.  Take good care and call me anytime! I’m here to help!

Like so many of us, you probably have a nagging to-do list at home that never seems to get done.  As a gift idea, find something that’s symbolic of each task, wrap it up, and give it to your partner with a note promising to get it done.  Remember to follow through!

Your creativity and commitment to tackle those “to-do’s” should work magic on your mate and make life a little simpler in the process!  Oh, and feel free to throw a box of chocolates in, too!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Closet control.You will find lots of handy closet-organizing tools at your local home improvement center.  whether you use easy-to-install wire components or hire a professional service to build a more permanent solution, having a place for everything in your closet should put a smile on your loved   face.
2. Drop the drip. Fixing a leaky faucet will not only eliminate a minor irritation, but it also will save countless gallons of water each month.  the repair often is simply a matter of replacing a washer or “O” ring.  Check with your local handyman or home improvement center for the best fix.
3. Make it rain.Update your old shower head with one of today’s top-of-the-line models.  It will turn your daily shower into an oasis that reminds your partner how very much you care!
4. Bop while you chop. Install an under-the -cabinet stereo/CD player in the kitchen so your partner can enjoy tunes while preparing meals.
5. Update his workspace.Wow him with a garage or workroom makeover, just don’t move the tools! Add a TV or stereo, or create a mini-fridge or coffee pot corner.  If you’re unsure of what he would like, wrap up a home improvement center gift card so he can update his pegboard or get the new saw he’s been eyeing!  Making his space a great place makes for a happy mate!
6. Bloom where you’re planted.Take a day to re-mulch landscaped areas, plant seasonal flowers and spruce up your front door area! A fresh look is sure to brighten everyone’s day.
7. Maid to order. Take your spouse away for a little rest, relaxation and pampering.  While you’re gone, send a cleaning service in to scrub those floors, buff up those bathrooms and refurbish the refrigerator.

Even if you’re not handy around the house, there are plenty of local contractors who would be happy to cost-effectively check some of the headaches off of your to-do list! You also can find helpful resource books and guides at your local home improvement center.

If you would like my recommendation – My husband, Steve is a General Contractor in the Des Moines area. S and G Contracting is available to give you a bid for whatever you need done.  Nothing is too big or too small.  He has 30 + years in the remodelling and home building business.  He has a Master Builder Designation and if he can’t do it for you personally, he has quality contractors on hand to do the job right in a timely manner.  Just contact me – Virginia Gruver at 515/577-2412 and I will have him call you.

It’s February 2nd and do you know where your New Years Resolutions are?  Don’t let this year get away from you.  Review the past month.  Have you let something slide that is a change you truly want to make this year? Review the past month and re-evaluate your goals.  If a change whether it be weight loss, exercise, financial goals, or writing that book, now is not to late to start over again.  Write it down where you will be able to see it every day.  Focus on what is important and make it happen this year.   

A buyers market happens whenever a supply of something exceeds demand.  When the term is applied to real estate, it means that a six-month or greater supply of inventory is available.

What Does This Mean to You as a Prospective Seller? – It means that if you are considering selling your home, you need to meet specific marketability factors to get the price, terms and timing you need to realize your financial goals.

What Does This Mean To You As A Prospective Buyer? – It means that the number of homes you have to choose from is larger than it has been for years.  And, with interest rates still low, the odds of finding your dream home–and facing less competition for it when you do–also are better than they have been in years.

Effectively listing and selling homes in today’s market requires an educated approach. If you would like to learn more about how today’s trends affect your buying and selling strategies, please feel free to call me.  I have the answers you are looking for.

Fresh New Beginnings - There is a “clean slate” feel to each new year.  A chance for each of us to be more, learn more and do more than we have ever dared.  A fresh beginning is possible for relationships old and new, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those we care about await.

I care about you and your family’s needs and dreams.  I will do all I can to be of service to you.  What a tremendous blessing it is to have the experience and knowledge to help people find the homes of their dreams, locate the investment property that makes the most sense for them, and celebrate in the new-found friendships I discover with each and every customer.

What do you dare to do this year?  How will you change your world, your life, your everyday experience?  It is different for everyone, isn’t it? I am excited and thrilled about the year ahead.  I look forward to mastering the knowledge necessary to help my clients stay ahead of the economic shifts and ever-changing laws that govern us.  It gives me the opportunity to do what I do best which, in turn, gives you the opportunity to do what you do best.

Here’s to the year ahead! I wish you an amazing journey as you celebrate your world, your family, your job, your life.

1. Don’t take your bills at face value.  Too often, we assume our credit card bills are accurate and pay them without taking a good look at the detail.  It’s a smart idea to spend some time each month ensuring the itemized charges on your bills are legitimate.  Many consumers find that they have been double-billed, fraudulently charged or have questionable entries–especially following the holidays.  A little investigation up front can save you a lot of money in the long run.
2. Check the fine print. Before moving your high-interest credit card balances to one of the “all new low-interest cards” featured to save you from holiday debt, be sure to check the fine print.  Many of the “deals” come with hidden clauses that escalate your interest rates astronomically if you fall behind or are late making even one payment.
3. Know your options.Telephone and cable companies are forever adding to and changing their service options. Routinely contact your service providers to find out what options are available to you.  eliminating services or channels you don’t need could make the savings “connection” you are looking for.
4. Look into refinancing. With today’s low interest rates, mortgage refinancing is on the rise again.  Contact me or your mortgage professional to find out how you can save on your monthly mortgage while still building for your financial future.
5. Update insurance policies.Call your auto and home owner’s insurance agents to find out what policy changes you can make to lower your monthly debt.  Raising your auto deductibles on collision to at least $500, especially on older vehicles, may help.  For mortgages, make sure you are only insuring your home, not the land, and see if raising your deductibles will help your monthly costs, as well.  It’s a good idea to have a credit card set aside to use only for deductible purposes on both your home and your auto.
6. Become a savvy grocery shopper. Even if you are not a “coupon clipper,” you can save on your weekly grocery bill by planning ahead and making a list.  Take some time this month to learn about the grocery stores in your area, and tap into the ones that offer great “two-for-one” specials or bonuses such as $10 off your next purchase of $75 or more.” Make your list, check it twice, and stock your freezer with “two-for-ones.
7. Do a home energy check. Check your home for energy savers such as setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, (we’ve had ours set at 68 this winter), setting your water heater to 120-140 degrees, setting your refrigerator at 38 degrees, and setting your freezer at 10 degrees.  Also have your home checked for the proper insulation.  A small investment in the right insulation now will save you thousands in air conditioning and heating costs over the lifetime of your home.

Real Estate Tip:

Did you know that first time home buyers can get a $7500.00 credit toward buying a home?  It is possible to work with your Income Tax company to receive that money to use that money as a down payment now.  There are guidelines and the property must be purchased before June 30th to qualify.  For details, please contact me at 515/577-2412