33 Ways To Sell Your Home Fast - Part I

 

Helpful Hints on Marketing and Selling Your Home

Tip #1: Make a checklist

Make a checklist to review any time a Realtor is bringing someone in to look at your home. Nothing fancy, just something to remind you to do all the little preparatory tricks on this list.

 

Tip #2: First impressions

First impressions are always critical, and your driveway is one of the first things a buyer will see. Here's a quick tip that may be the solution for your cement driveway: Try Drano or any high-powered liquid drain cleaner and sweep those oil stains away! Please use caution and read all manufacturers' warnings before you begin this task.

 

Tip #3: Replace the garage door

The garage door is one of the largest, most visible elements of a home. If you want to instantly enhance the overall look of your home's exterior and increase its value, replace your garage door before listing your house. After all, what's the use of a clean, organized garage if the door itself is warped, cracked, broken, or in need of painting?

 

Tip #4: Paint front door and entry way

A fresh coat of paint will always help sell the house faster, but if you can't afford it, try this instead: paint the front door and, if needed, the entry area around the front door. If you don't have any matching paint around to use, see if there is a plate fixture or some other item you can remove. Then take a chip of that paint store to obtain a paint color that matches.

 

Tip #5: Bake cookies

 

Keep a package of ready-made cookie dough on hand. Pop a few cookies in the oven just when a hot prospect is expected to arrive to view the home. The smell of freshly baked cookies will conjure up a lot of great memories! Try to trigger emotions that will work toward the sale of your house. Not to mention, they'll love the treat!

 

Tip #6: That makes good scents

If you don't have any cookies to pop in the oven to fill the house with a pleasant aroma, spray a little vanilla air freshener. This particular scent has a great impact. Potpourri around the house is a good idea, too. Remember, we're trying to appeal to as many senses as possible.

 

Tip #7: Clean the carpets

When you are ready to list your home, it's always a good idea to have the carpets cleaned. A clean home will always sell faster, and you should accentuate the fact that you take care of your home. Leave a few pairs of shoes just inside the front door to imply that you are meticulous about the appearance of your house.

 

Tip #8: Paint walls a neutral color

If your home is decorated in dark or unusual colors, you're going to scare off a lot of potential buyers. It will be worth your while to paint your walls a neutral color, such as off-white. If you're not up to painting your entire house, at least paint the areas that make the biggest impression, such as the entry/foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, and master bedroom.

 

Tip #9: Clean or paint appliances

Appliances should be clean at all times. If your kitchen appliances have broken knobs, replace them. If your stove is green, your dishwasher is gold, and the trash compactor is black, have a professional come in and paint them one matching neutral color. This is much less expensive than buying all new appliances, and it will add dramatically to the "salability" of your kitchen.

 

Tip #10: Polish fixtures

Polish all fixtures, brass, chrome, glass, etc. with a high polish.  This will add a sparkle to your home.

 

Tip #11: Buy some new furnishings

Now is the best time to replace old, worn-out items with something new. Use your best judgment as to which items will actually make your current house look better to a prospective buyer.

 

Stay tuned for tips 12-22

4 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 30 2008 02:05PM

Preparing Your House for the Market

If you're selling your home, make sure your home has "curb appeal." Remember, you can't change a first impression. If your home looks like a diamond in the rough, think about putting a small investment into cleaning up the outward appearance.

Imagine that you are seeing the property as a potential buyer. You'll want to do a little yard work - clear away dead shrubbery, and trim your trees and lawn. Weed the flower beds or plant some flowers that will bloom in season. Make sure the driveway is not stained, and if you can't afford to paint the home entirely, at least make sure the front door and immediate entryway is immaculate.

Fresh and clean are still the keywords to making a good first impression once the potential buyer walks through the door. Unless a particular window is facing an eyesore or a neighboring building, open the drapes and let the sun shine in! Put your dog in the back yard or garage so he's not jumping on the new people who just walked in.... they might have allergies! There is much you can do to improve the look of your home, without investing a great deal of money.

Call me to get a copy of my pamphlet, "33 Ways to Sell Your Home Fast." I'd be happy to share more tips with you and assist you in obtaining financing for your next home as well.
Mortgage Interest Rates*
Rates as of Monday, 29th December, 2008:
  Conforming APR Payment per
$1,000		 Jumbo APR Payment per
$1,000
30-Yr. fixed 5.000% 5.131% $5.37 5.625% 5.716% $5.76
15-Yr. fixed 4.875% 5.101% $7.84 5.250% 5.402% $8.04
7-Yr. fixed ARM 5.375% 5.509% $5.60 5.375% 5.465% $5.60
5-Yr. fixed ARM 5.000% 5.131% $5.37 5.125% 5.213% $5.44
3-Yr. fixed ARM 4.750% 4.879% $5.22 5.125% 5.213% $5.44
5-Yr. Interest Only 5.250% 5.383% $4.38 5.375% 5.465% $4.48
*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower's eligibility.
Superior Home Mortgage Corp. licensed in DE, FL, GA: Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #14511, MD, MI, NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NY State Banking Department, NC, PA, SC, VA: Virginia State Corporation Commission License # MLB-566, & DC. Superior Mortgage Corp. licensed in CT, MA: Mortgage Lender License # MC3208, NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking, RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender & Broker, & TN. SHM Mortgage Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department
12 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 29 2008 11:37AM

Top Qualities of Top Assistants

 

 


What to Look for When Hiring an Assistant

Your business has grown by leaps and bounds, and to continue on that upward spiral, you realize the need for a personal assistant. Keep in mind that your new hire will become as vital as your right arm, assuming if you choose wisely. There are several key qualities to look for during the interview process.

Professional recruiters at Hudson Global Resources & Human Capital Solutions, a worldwide office staffing service, surveyed several hundred of their clients, from small companies to mid-size and large corporations. They sought to identify those traits which employers deemed most important. Nearly 50% of the respondents noted that the role of the personal assistant has changed drastically in the past five years, especially regarding the level of responsibility.

First and foremost, the personal assistant is now viewed as a "key member of the team" whose input has merit. Some of those employee's suggestions can make a boss shine if taken seriously, or at least serve as a springboard for brainstorming sessions. Thus today's informed employers realize that skilled, intelligent personal assistants add value to the business.

Personality and cultural fit. Believe it or not, employers weighted these characteristics as highly important aspects that they look for in new hires. They want someone with a positive attitude that helps build morale in the workplace; not quite a cheerleader, but someone who spreads enthusiasm rather than doom and gloom. And, they want someone suited to the work environment who can effectively take on a leadership role.

Experience. Ideally, candidates hired to support executives and senior management should possess a minimum of six to 10 years of related work experience. Of course, there are always exceptions. Aptitude and attitude both count. Though there is a need for business sense and some experience, remember that technical skills can be learned by eager and willing employees. So, never bypass a superior prospect who doesn't know some computer program such as Microsoft PowerPoint that is easy to learn. Carefully evaluate all of the individual's qualifications.

Urgency - The rule of now or never. Does the prospective hire understand the phrase, "I need it yesterday," and can he or she deliver? Deadlines must be met. Missed deadlines can result in lost business.

Initiative. A true asset to any boss is the employee who can assess a situation, think on his or her feet, and require little to no guidance when following through on a project. Executives and managers who can rely on their assistants to handle all the finite details are free to go out and grow their business with the reassurance that they left the office in capable hands.

Stay tuned for more Business Boosters coming your way!


Superior Home Mortgage Corp. licensed in DE, FL, GA: Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #14511, MD, MI, NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NY State Banking Department, NC, PA, SC, VA: Virginia State Corporation Commission License # MLB-566, & DC. Superior Mortgage Corp. licensed in CT, MA: Mortgage Lender License # MC3208, NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking, RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender & Broker, & TN. SHM Mortgage Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department

 
4 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 28 2008 12:22PM

Why Now Is A Great Time To Buy A Home

For quite some time I have been hearing people offer their theories as to when we will hit the bottom of the housing market.  So many are trying to time things just right so they can get the best possible deal.  The reality is that we will not know when we've hit the bottom until after that time has passed.  Only then will we be able to look back and point at a specific moment as being the bottom.  Today we saw two economic reports released that illustrate why this is such a great time to buy a home.

 

Existing Home Sales:

This past year the median sales price of an existing home fell 13.2%.  This is the single largest drop in the 40 years this statistic has been tracked.

There is currently an 11.2 month supply of unsold existing homes.

 

New Home Sales:

Reported at the lowest levels in 27 years at 407,000.

There is currently an 11.5 month supply of unsold new homes.

 

Why is this good for buyers:

The only way the home values will stabilize and move higher is if people start buying home and reduce the amount of inventory.  Just think supply and demand.  As interest continue to hover at historic lows and housing inventories are at historic highs, this is a great opportunity for buyers to get a home at a tremendous value. 

 

0 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 23 2008 10:31AM

ARM Indexes: A 10-Year Comparison

ARM Indexes: A 10-Year Comparison

Licensed Mortgage Banker, NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. Licensed Mortgage Banker NYS Banking Department. Licensed by the PA Department of Banking and pursuant to the Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. Not an offer to enter an interest rate lock-in agreement under MN law. MA Licensed Lender #MC3208. GA Residential Mortgage License #14511. Corporation also operates as Superior Home Mortgage Corp. and services CO, CT, DE, FL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NC, SC, TN, VA, WI.
0 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 22 2008 08:59AM

Can't Afford to Fly?

Cheap Alternatives for International Travel

 

We all know that international travel can be very expensive, but here are a few alternatives you may not know about.

Consolidators - A consolidator is nothing more than a company which purchases large quantities of unsold airline tickets and passes the savings on to the customer. It is one of the more popular means of finding a cheap domestic or international flight. These companies are fairly ubiquitous and usually only a Google search away.

The downside to consolidators is the rigidity of the ticket(s). Most of the time, the ticket you purchase cannot be returned, changed, or exchanged. Receiving any frequent flyer miles may also be out of the question.

Two companies specializing in these types of tickets are Air Broker International, located on the net at www.airbrokers.com, and Cheap Seats Travel located at www.cheapseatstravel.com.

Couriers - Courier is a fancy name for cargo companies that buy airline tickets for the purpose of shipping time-sensitive items overseas. The item ships as "checked baggage" and therefore clears customs in a fraction of the time it would if shipped as cargo. The ticketed seat is then sold at a major discount. These companies offer a great savings (sometimes up to 85%) but work best for single travelers or those with a flexible schedule.

The downside to courier flights is threefold. For starters, many companies require membership, charging anywhere from $20-$50 dollars a year. Second, the ticket is usually carved in stone in terms of times and dates. And lastly, expect to work for your discount. There are usually stipulations like early arrival to the airport and a baggage limit attached to the ticket. Courier departures are also relegated to major cities.

Two companies specializing in this type of travel are Courier Travel Inc., whose website is www.couriertravel.org, and the International Association of Air Travel Couriers, available at www.courier.org.

Space-Available Flights - Instead of selling tickets, these companies sell flight vouchers guaranteeing you a flight between two regions and taking place within a time period you specify. Think of this method as flying stand-by with somewhat of a guarantee.

The downside here is the inability to specify a departing or arriving airport, as well as the possibility of waiting at an airport for a seat to open up. Once again, this method only works if you are extremely flexible with your schedule.

Two companies that offer space-available flights are AirHitch, located on the net at www.airhitch.org, and Air-tech located at www.airtech.com.

These options may not be the answer to your travel needs, but they make a great first stop (pun intended).

I'd love to hear about your money-saving travel tips.
Please feel free to give me a call!

 

Karl Peidl                  

Senior Loan Officer

Lincoln Mortgage Company 

251 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 102

Hammonton, NJ 08037

  1-609-878-7013

1-609-878-7008 (fax)

1-609-254-6687 (cell)

kpeidl@linc-mort.com

Pennsylvania: Licensed by the PA Department of Banking as a First Mortgage Banker and licensed pursuant to the PA Secondary Mortgage Loan Act. New Jersey: Licensed by the N. J. Department of Banking and Insurance Maryland: Authorized Mortgage Lender by the State of Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Florida: Licensed Mortgage Lender by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. Delaware: Licensed Lender by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
0 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 22 2008 08:54AM

Mortgage Rate Update

Choosing a Fixed Rate Loan

 

Fixed rate loans generally come with one of two options; the 30-Year Fixed and the 15-Year Fixed. If a borrower is planning on being in the same home for a long period of time, a 30-Year Fixed may be more attractive because it offers stability. The monthly payment will remain consistent over the life of the loan. If interest rates are at historic lows at the time the borrower is seeking to obtain financing, this is a good program to consider.

A 15-Year Fixed loan program offers the same stability, but the accelerated amortization schedule makes the monthly payment substantially higher. While the interest rate may be lower on this type of loan, the borrower must be willing to commit to a higher monthly payment. If the borrower wishes to retire in 15 years and be debt-free at that time, this loan program may be more suitable to the borrower's long-term needs.

It is also possible to make pre-payments on a 30-Year loan and reduce the life of the loan, as well as the overall interest payment, without committing to the higher monthly payment of a 15-Year program. As long as there is no pre-payment penalty associated with the 30-Year mortgage, pre-payment offers the borrower the latitude to make additional payments when it is affordable. If cash flow becomes difficult, this arrangement will not put the borrower in a compromising position.

 

 

Conforming

APR

Payment per
$1,000

Jumbo

APR

Payment per
$1,000

30-Yr. fixed

5.000%

5.131%

$5.37

5.375%

5.465%

$5.60

15-Yr. fixed

5.000%

5.227%

$7.91

5.000%

5.151%

$7.91

7-Yr. fixed ARM

5.375%

5.509%

$5.60

5.500%

5.590%

$5.68

5-Yr. fixed ARM

5.000%

5.131%

$5.37

5.250%

5.339%

$5.52

3-Yr. fixed ARM

4.750%

4.879%

$5.22

5.125%

5.213%

$5.44

5-Yr. Interest Only

5.250%

5.383%

$4.38

5.500%

5.590%

$4.58

*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower's eligibility.

Superior Home Mortgage Corp. licensed in DE, FL, GA: Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #14511, MD, MI, NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NY State Banking Department, NC, PA, SC, VA: Virginia State Corporation Commission License # MLB-566, & DC. Superior Mortgage Corp. licensed in CT, MA: Mortgage Lender License # MC3208, NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking, RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender & Broker, & TN. SHM Mortgage Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department

Mortgage Interest Rates*

Rates as of Friday, 19th December, 2008:

 

0 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 19 2008 12:29PM

Credit Repair Service: What to Expect



Google the term "credit repair" and 19 million results are instantly generated. With so much information available, and so much of it conflicting, how do you know which credit repair company is legitimate and which ones are really just looking to take advantage of desperate consumers?

The following are steps you can take to know exactly what to expect from a legitimate credit repair company and the valuable services they provide:

Get a referral from your mortgage professional. Not only do we work with credit repair specialists on a regular basis, our business depends on your success. It's in our best interest to make sure you are represented by professionals who are experienced in dealing with creditors, the credit bureaus, and collection agencies.

Interview your candidates. Make sure they understand and can explain to you how credit scores are calculated. Remember the 5 factors that make up a credit score that we discussed in a previous article? Without a detailed knowledge of the specific elements that make up your credit score, how can they possibly create a successful strategy to increase your score?

Don't believe the hype. Credit repair takes time. Don't fall for advertisements from companies promising miracles in just a few days or weeks. Remember, it took time for your score to get where it is, and it will take a legitimate credit professional time to fix it, depending on your situation. For the most part, expect 3 to 6 months for the best results, and up to a year or more if you have more serious problems like bankruptcies or identity-theft issues.

Don't spend more than $1,500. Depending on your situation, expect to spend between $800 and $1,500 for a legitimate credit repair company. Again, if you have major issues, expect to be in the higher range and vice versa. In today's market, where FICO scores one point below 680 could cost you thousands of dollars in interest and monthly payments, you'll be glad you made this investment in your financial future.

Monitor your progress. Be sure to communicate with both your mortgage professional and your credit repair representative throughout the process. To ensure success, we all need to be on the same page. With the right team of professionals, you can expect your credit score to increase between 10 to 220 points over the course of 6 weeks to 6 months. That's going to save you a lot of money on your mortgage, credit cards, auto loans, and even student loans.

Credit repair is a valuable, worthwhile service when you're working with the right company. If you have questions about credit repair and how it affects your chances of securing a mortgage or refinance, don't hesitate to call. We'll be glad to review your credit and see what, if anything, needs to be done to help you meet your financial goals and needs.

If you or anyone you know has any questions about credit scores or what can be done to repair them, please don't hesitate to call.

Superior Home Mortgage Corp. licensed in DE, FL, GA: Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #14511, MD, MI, NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NY State Banking Department, NC, PA, SC, VA: Virginia State Corporation Commission License # MLB-566, & DC. Superior Mortgage Corp. licensed in CT, MA: Mortgage Lender License # MC3208, NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking, RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender & Broker, & TN. SHM Mortgage Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department
0 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 18 2008 11:50AM

All Realtors Must See

Thanks to Nancy Larson for sharing this video.  Everyone should watch this one.

Via Nancy Larson (M & T Bank):

A very dear friend of mine, sent me this video and I do believe every Realtor on Active Rain should see this.

This is the best video I have seen in a very long time.

Please feel free to reblog this and send it to all your Realtor friends who aren't on Active Rain as well.

All comments welcomed!!!!!
2 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 17 2008 08:21AM

The Federal Reserve and Mortgage Rates

The Federal Reserve is expected to announced a cut today so it seems like perfect timing for this piece...

 
Understanding What Causes Interest Rate Movement


The Federal Reserve constantly evaluates the US economy and, when necessary, takes steps to address inflationary concerns and avoid economic recession or depression. The mass media, in turn, reacts by providing a wide range of opinions and interpretations of the Fed's monetary policy. This can make it very difficult for consumers to decipher how such actions will influence interest rates in general and mortgages in particular.

And although actions of the Federal Reserve can have a direct impact on the Prime rate, mortgage interest rates are dictated by the trading of mortgage-backed securities, which are similar to bonds and trade on a daily basis. This means that the real dynamic at the heart of interest rate movement is the competitive relationship between stocks and bonds.

Stocks, bonds, and mortgage-backed securities compete for the same investment dollars on a daily basis. There is literally only so much money to be invested. When the Federal Reserve feels that interest rates need to be decreased in an effort to stimulate the economy, this reduction in rates can often cause a stock market rally. When the market becomes bullish, the money to invest in stocks comes from the selling off of other investments, including mortgage-backed securities.

Unfortunately, when mortgage-backed securities are sold off to fuel stock market rallies, this causes interest rates to go up, not down.

Historically, there have been many instances where the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates, arousing fears that corporate profit margins would be affected. This resulted in stocks being sold off, leading money managers to search for a place to invest their newly liquidated assets until the next market rally. One such safe haven has been mortgage-backed securities, which cause mortgage rates to drop.

The daily ebb and flow of money is what matters most when it comes to the movement of mortgage interest rates. I make it a point to continuously monitor interest rates for my clients and advise them of opportunities to manage their mortgage debt at a better rate. This is the foundation of my business model as a trusted advisor.

If media reports have led you to second guess whether it's a good time to purchase a new home, give me a call. We'll analyze your financial situation together and create a plan that's right for you.

Superior Home Mortgage Corp. licensed in DE, FL, GA: Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #14511, MD, MI, NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NY State Banking Department, NC, PA, SC, VA: Virginia State Corporation Commission License # MLB-566, & DC. Superior Mortgage Corp. licensed in CT, MA: Mortgage Lender License # MC3208, NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking, RI: Rhode Island Licensed Lender & Broker, & TN. SHM Mortgage Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department
2 comments • Karl Peidl - Accredited Loan Consultant • December 16 2008 10:41AM