Madison WI, Real Estate and Residential Rental.
Posts tagged the lighter side
The New Year
Jan 5th
The new Real Estate year started yesterday, the 4th of January, 2010. The first business day of the year was a cold one, the low temperature was the same as the date, 4. By the days end I would see as many as 20 new listings in the area surrounding my home. These few square miles blossomed like a spring garden even though the sun only shone for 13 hours. What’s the rush you ask? Here is how I see it. The extended tax credit, $8000 for first time buyers and $6500 for move-up buyers, has a sunset of April 30th. That’s just 4 months away and I don’t think any sellers want to miss this opportunity. The new credit it written that there must be ab accepted offer by that date, and the closing will need to happen in the subsequent 60 days. I am certain the first few months of 2010 will be busy ones. My fear is that it will be busy like a be hive is busy, lots of buzzing, bumping, flying, and constant activity. The real story I want to know is how much honey will they make.
Weekend Perspectives
Dec 22nd
Coming to real estate from advertising has several advantages. I learned invaluable marketing skills, how to cut through the clutter, negotiating, the sales process front to back and top to bottom. These are all things I can now use to help my clients achieve their goals. I also get top be on the radio once in a while. Here is a link to my December 2009 radio interview.
Click Here to Listen
A special thank you to Adam Elliot of 94.9 WOLX, Weekend Perspectives host and Ben Anton advocate.
Like when you buy Mums, that’s it.
Oct 31st
When I help buyers find a home they will often hear me refer to a home as being “maximized.” For the most part this means that every opportunity to make additional living space, a better kitchen, updated baths, and cutesy finishes has been taken. What sometimes surprises them is that I think this is a bad thing.
You see, if you buy a home and hold it, your home will simply appreciate at the rate that property appreciates in that market. If you buy a home that has already been maximized, that is what you will do. If you buy a home that has some simple needs, ugly wallpaper, needs a little sprucing up in the kitchen or bath, and you do that work, then your property will appreciate not only as much as the others around it but also exponentially based on the sprucing up and improvements.
Think about buying Mums. You want to pick a plant that looks healthy, has a nice pot, a nice color but has not fully bloomed. You want to get the most out of that plant.
Now, not all investments in a home return exponentially, or more than they cost originally, but most simple updates requiring more sweat than equity do.
So as you shop for a new home, and you walk into one that has been maximized, have a look around and get some ideas. They did all the things you should do to the “Grandma House” that I will hope we uncover in our search.
