Category Archives: real estate

Interesting Facts, real estate, Real Estate Career, Realtor

Agent Feedback on Ferguson Realtors

I have worked for Ferguson Realtors for 16 years and they have promoted, supported and help grow my professional career in real estate. Ferguson Realtors is always on the cutting edge of technology with high quality video, photos, websites and creative ideas in advertising to get homes Sold! Their ethics and integrity, that is the Ferguson name, is also unparalleled in the business. Ferguson Realtors has a personable and friendly atmosphere to work in, while being one of the leading Realtors in the industry. Ferguson Realtors is a company that I am proud to say that I hold my license with and plan to continue my career with for years to come.

Are you considering a career in real estate or a firm change, then check us out at www.TopofKnox.com.

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Interesting Facts, real estate, Real Estate Career, Realtor

Demand for Real Estate Agents Increasing

More people are securing careers in real estate as the housing market shows signs of improving. Many REALTOR® Associations are reporting an increase in membership applications. The picture of just how many people are making the move into real estate is still unclear at this point.

The real estate industry lost a number of real estate professionals over the last four to five years, because there were not enough sales to support them. Many have remained in the business, but on a part time basis. They’ve been forced to take another job, just to make ends meet. As the market continues to improve, many of these folks will return to the business full time.

If you are considering a career in real estate or returning to the business, then check us out at www.TopofKnox.com.

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Financial, Financing, Home Buying, housing, Interesting Facts, Mortgages, real estate

Keep Your Mortgage Application on Track

Follow these tips to improve your odds of getting a mortgage application approved:
•Do not quit or change jobs.
•Do not make any large purchases.
•Do not have your credit pulled.
•Do not deposit large sums of money.
•Do not open, close or transfer asset accounts.
•Do not increase your credit balances.
•Do not stop making payments on anything.
•Do not start a home improvement project that would require a loan.
•Do not co-sign a loan for anyone.
•Do not fudge on any of the facts on your loan application.

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Home Buying, housing, Interesting Facts, real estate

Younger vs Older Buyer Trends

Here’s what a recent survey revealed about the differences between younger and older home buyers:

Younger Buyers
•Typically bought homes built around 1986
•Bought a home within 10 miles of previous residence
•More likely to purchase in urban or central city
•Bought because they desire to own their own home
•Chose neighborhood for convenience to jobs, better affordability and quality schools
•Made more concessions regarding home purchase
•Found the home they purchased through the internet

Older Buyers
•Typically Bought homes built around 1996
•Moved longer distances, more than 20 miles
•More likely to move out of state or region
•Bought a home to be closer to family and friends
•Chose neighborhood for health care facilities and to be closer to family and friends
•Generally did not make any concessions on their home purchase
•Learned about the home they purchased through their real estate agent

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Home Selling, housing, Interesting Facts, real estate, Staging

Enhanced Landscaping Will Add Value to Your Home

Making improvements to your home’s landscaping will enhance its marketability and increase the value. Stand in the road and take an objective look at your home so that you can develop a plan for improvements. Below you will find some helpful tips: 

Clutter
Remove any items from your yard that look out of place, such as, bikes, balls, unused lawn furniture, trash cans and the like. 

Lawn Care
Take a look at your lawn. How does it look? Is it well groomed and green? A great looking yard is the key to increasing your curb appeal. Don’t cut your yard too high. Most yards do best when cut at a height of at least three inches. If your yard is in poor shape it may need to some seeding and fertilizing.

Plants
How do your planting look? Do you have the right balance? Are they too large for the space? If so; you may want to remove them and start over. Do you have enough color? If not; set out some flowers that are appropriate for the time of year. If trees are overgrown and hiding the house, then give them a good trimming or have them removed altogether.

Focal Point
Figure out what is the focal point of your yard, and work extra hard to make this area stand out

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Financing, Home Selling, Home Staging, housing, Interesting Facts, Mortgages, real estate, real estate market, Realtor

The Six Elements that Determine if a Home Sells

Price – This is probably the most important element of the six items listed. A property needs to be properly priced to attract buyers in the first place. Pricing a home too high will most often lead to a lower sales price and longer market time than if priced right in the beginning.

Property Condition – Properties that are in tip top shape will usually sell much quicker than a property that’s in disrepair or needing updating. Properties that are in substandard condition will often draw low ball offers from investors and those folks looking for fixer uppers. Additionally a property that’s not up to certain minimum standards will not be considered for government backed loan programs, which significantly reduces the pool of available buyers if your limited to cash or conventional buyers.

Terms – This item rates high on the list of elements because if a buyer is unable to locate the needed financing, then they will not be in a position to purchase your property in the first place. If interest rates are at an attractive level and lending standards are reasonable, then terms should not be an issue. If you have a hard to sell property, then you might consider offering seller financing. This would open up your property to those buyers that are unable to secure traditional financing.

Agent Marketing – Selecting an agent and firm that has your best interest in mind is most important. You want someone that will provide you the necessary information, so that you can make informed decisions throughout the process of buying and selling. Visit www.KnoxSold.com to find out more about agent marketing.

Market Conditions – This is one of the elements that you have little to no control over. Market conditions will determine a property’s value at any given time based upon the law of supply and demand. The market is ever changing as the supply of available properties for sale rises and falls. Values will rise as the supply of available properties dwindles, and values will fall if the supply of properties exceeds buyer demands.

Property Location – Location greatly affects the value of a property. Property values are mostly influenced by neighboring property values. Usually you will find like valued properties in company with with one another. When pricing property you will usually need to be priced in relationship to other properties in the immediate area.

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