Low-cost Ways to Modernize Your Kitchen and Bath Before You Sell

05/15/2015 | Author: Bryn Huntpalmer, guest expert

Two of the biggest concerns for any homebuyer are a house’s kitchen and bathrooms. If you update those spaces before you list, potential buyers will feel that they won’t require a ton of work once they move in. Here are places to focus your updates to ensure that your house stands out.

Upgrade the lights
Lighting is a critical part of any good kitchen. One of the simplest upgrades is installing task lights, which are lights directed at parts of the kitchen where prep and cooking work take place. Placing task lights under cabinets or over the kitchen island will draw the attention of buyers and add a desirable design element to the room. Swapping out existing fixtures is easy to do, or you can install battery-operated LED lights—some of these have adhesives that stick to any surface.

Paint rather than replace tile
Hiring a contractor to tear out and replace old bathroom tile can be expensive. An alternative approach is to paint them yourself. Ceramic epoxy adhesive coverings are relatively cheap, look good,

Install a pedestal sink

Vanities and sink cabinets eat up a lot of space in smaller bathrooms. Free up some territory by replacing the existing sink with a pedestal sink. Not only will it create a sense of space, but it’s less boxy with artistic lines, adding visual appeal to a bathroom. You can get back lost storage space by adding a small cabinet over the toilet or replacing a mirror with a mirrored medicine cabinet.

Stain or paint kitchen cabinets
Don’t replace old kitchen cabinets—stain or paint them. The results will completely transform the space. This is a time-intensive but easy project for you to accomplish.

Revitalize your floors
Are your hardwood floors showing wear and tear? Restore them—it’s simpler than you think. Like refinishing cabinets, stripping and restoring hardwoods requires more time than anything else. Make sure you identify any compromised sections of flooring before starting the process, since restoration of bad wood will make the job look cheap.

If your home has carpet, consider tearing it up and staining the concrete underneath. This cost-effective way to modernize your living space attracts buyers who view carpet as an outdated flooring option.

CALL me TODAY to schedule a FREE consultation on listing YOUR home!

TINA BACKUS, REALTOR

Red Apple, REALTORS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com

3 ways to prepare for homeownership while renting

6/26/2015 | Author: Summer Mandell

You may not be quite ready to buy your first home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing now. Here are three actions you can do while renting that will put you in a better position when you’re ready to buy.

Take a homeowner’s budget for a test drive. While you can’t predict all homeownership costs down to the last penny, you can come up with a rough estimate of how owning a home will impact your budget. A Texas REALTOR® can help you figure out how much home you can afford, the potential mortgage payment you’d make, your local property taxes, and repair costs you might want to consider as a homeowner.

Check your credit report. Before you apply for a loan, you should request a free credit report to find out what a lender would see. If your report has errors, you can correct them before they affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. And if you find legitimate flaws, you might be able to take steps to improve your credit before purchasing a property. Your Texas REALTOR® may be able to help you find resources to repair your credit.

Create a realistic wish list. There’s probably not a home that will offer every single amenity you desire, but you should have a general idea of what you’re looking for. So while a home with fewer than two bathrooms may be non-negotiable, perhaps you’d see the potential in one with a smaller kitchen or a not-so-appealing exterior paint job.

If you would like more information about the home buying process or where to get pre-qualified, I would love to help you with both of these!

Tina Backus, REALTOR

Red Apple, REALTORS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com

Tips for Buying

 Is an HOA right for you? 

Homeowners associations help protect property values and create a pleasant living environment, but they also impose certain rules on residents. Here are four questions to ask before buying property in an HOA: Can you afford it? HOAs are funded by member dues paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Be sure to ask the seller how much dues are and when they’re assessed so you can factor the cost into your purchase. Will you follow the rules? All members of an association must adhere to a set of rules known as the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These rules regulate many facets of homeownership, such as lawn maintenance, architectural design, and where you can park vehicles. Review a copy of these guidelines before you decide to buy. Will you use the amenities? HOA dues are often used to maintain common areas and amenities, such as swimming pools or hike and bike trails. These can be selling points for some buyers, while others may not expect to use them. Even if you don't swim, these features could add to the property’s future resale value. Do you work well with others? You may be able to get involved in the association by volunteering for a committee or by serving on the board of directors. These can be great ways to lead the association and meet your neighbors. If you’re looking to buy a new home, talk with your Texas REALTOR® about the pros and cons of living in an HOA to determine if it’s the right decision for you.

If you would like more information about HOA's or the home buying process, call me to schedule a FREE consultation!

Tina Backus, REALTOR, ABR, GRI, TAHS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com

Information provided by Texas Association of REALTORS.

DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A DIFFERENCE???

So, you hear the terms customer and client being said by REALTORS, but do you know what they actually mean?  Yes....there is a difference...a BIG difference!

Here's a visual aid for you.  Which would YOU rather be!?!?

BUYER - CUSTOMER                                                                BUYER - CLIENT

*Honesty                                                                                  *Honesty

*Complete loyalty to seller's needs                                          *Complete loyalty to buyer's needs

*Relay to seller all information received                                 *Keep information confidential -

from buyer                                                                                  buyer can talk freely

*focus on our seller-client's needs in selling;                          *Consider alternative solutions in find-

limit properties to MLS only                                                     ing property to fit the buyer's needs 

*Less attention given in searching new listings;                     *Given first opportunity to view new

show buyers properties listed strictly within buyers's               listings

pre-qualified affordability range                                              *All properties are available for

*Disclose just material facts regarding                                      showing consideration

properties discussed                                                                 *full disclosure of all facts and 

*No advice regarding property, only the facts                           pertinent information

*Get the best price for the seller and                                       *Advice and opinion along with facts;

 fulfill the seller's needs                                                             educate the buyer

*Cannot give an "opinion of value" (CMA)                           *Make every attempt to find the best

 unless it supports the seller's listing price                                property for the buyer and fulfill the 

*No price counseling                                                                buyer's needs

*Suggestions made regarding financing or                             *Volunteer an "opinion of value"

any other terms must benefit the seller                                      (CMA)/specific property value

*Prepare offer on behalf of seller                                            *Provide price counseling

*Attempt to strengthen the seller's                                          *Suggestions made in buyer-client's

negotiating position                                                                   best interests

*Attempt to solve problems and close                                   *Prepare offer on behalf of buyer

the transaction to satisfy the seller                                         *Negotiate on behalf of buyer

                                                                                               *Attempt to strengthen the buyer's

                                                                                                 negotiating position

                                                                                              *Attempt to solve problems and close the

                                                                                                transaction to satisfy the buyer

As you can see....you are only represented when you have a buyer's representation agreement signed with the REALTOR!  Don't let the largest purchase you will ever make be handled by someone that represents the seller!

If you are in the market to purchase a home, call me to help you with this process and REPRESENT YOU!

Tina Backus, REALTOR, ABR, GRI, TAHS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com

149 Tempest, Abilene, Texas

$259,900

Got lots of stuff and need lots of space? This wonderful Wylie ISD home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Great size breakfast area so you could use the formal dining room as an office or playroom! Sitting on 2.79 acres, there's plenty of room for guy stuff! Don't want him coming in the house filthy? There's a sink in the garage workshop area for clean up! You can also have your own orchard...fruit trees and grape vine are already in place! Wonderful subdivision with only two streets, so you can let the kids go explore! Sit on the back patio and enjoy the wonderful view! Don't miss it!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Dining: 2

Sq ft per CAD: 2166

Acres: 2.79

Call me today to schedule your private showing!

Tina Backus, REALTOR, ABR, GRI, TAHS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com

Is now a good time to sell your house? As a Texas REALTOR®, I can assist you with this important decision.

There are many reasons people consider selling a home. Whether you’re thinking of upgrading, downsizing, or simply making a change, you may be wondering if the timing is right. Here are several reasons why this may be a good time to put your home on the market. Housing prices in Texas have been steadily rising at a moderate pace for many years, even while other states have experienced wild price fluctuations. Chances are that your home is worth more than even a few years ago.   Record-low interest rates motivate buyers to act on their desire to purchase a home and give them more purchasing power. Unlike several other states that experienced wild price fluctuations and skyrocketing foreclosure rates, Texas does not have a glut of unsold homes. According to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M, the statewide supply of homes is at a level that leads to a fairly balanced market. Individuals and businesses continue to move to Texas, and this ongoing population growth feeds a strong demand for housing. As a Texas REALTOR®, I can show you how our current housingmarket conditions factor in to your goal of selling your home. You can count on me to put your interests first while I assist you during this exciting process. For more information about buying or selling a home, call me to schedule a FREE consultation!

Tina Backus, REALTOR

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com

This information is provided by Texas Association of REALTORS.

20 REASONS TO HIRE A REALTOR

1. Homes are bought by comparison. I have a large inventory at my disposal through MLS while you have an inventory of one.

 2. I am very familiar with competitive houses so I can help you position your home well.

 3. It is hard negotiating for yourself. I have lots of experience in writing contracts and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

 4. Buyers are not always forthright about their financial situation. I insist on prequalifying before I even bring you an offer.

 5. My lender contacts and mortgage experience help buyers get the financing they need.

 6. Most buyers don’t want to tell the seller why they don’t make an offer. I can probe the buyer or his agent for that information.

 7. Any follow up you do with a buyer can be seen as desperation. I follow up as part of my job so that you are not perceived in a compromising light.

 8. I can showcase your improvements better so that you don’t appear like you are “selling.”

 9. Most sellers who spend their time as a For Sale By Owner end up by listing in the end. A recent NAR survey found that only 11% of sellers nationally ended up selling by owner. Why spend your time and money if in the end you will hire a REALTOR®?

 10. Unqualified buyers can tie up your home. I make sure that doesn’t happen. 

11. Personality conflicts with a buyer can get in the way. I come between the buyer and the seller so that personalities don’t enter in.

 12. Most buyers use a REALTOR®, which increases the number of buyers who will see your home. 13. I can mobilize my company agents and other area REALTORS® on your behalf.

14. An NAR survey of recent closed sellers found that REALTOR®-assisted sales brought in 20% more sales price than For Sale By Owner sales.

 15. A FSBO sign makes you vulnerable for any curiosity seeker or unsavory character. When you list, only buyers accompanied by a REALTOR® will get into your home.

 16. Being accessible to show your home limits your personal time and cuts down the available showing time. When you list, your property will be available during normal showing hours and the prospect will always be accompanied by me or another REALTOR®. 

17. Additional exposure through MLS and the Internet brings you a higher price.

 18. I orchestrate the contract-to-closing process, including the appraisal, buyerloan process, title, inspections, pest control, survey, etc., taking this burden off of you.

 19. I make sure that you are compliant with all laws relating to the sale of your home.

 20. I only get paid when I get the job done. 

This information is provided by Texas Association of REALTORS.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO SELL YOUR HOME, I WOULD LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT DOWN WITH YOU TO DISCUSS MY MARKETING PLAN!

Tina Backus, REALTOR, ABR, GRI, TAHS

Red Apple, REALTORS

(325)513-6990

tina.backusrealtor@gmail.com

www.tinabackus.com