How can I save on landscaping?

Ensuring that your home has curb appeal is a surefire way to attract potential buyers and enhance your chances of obtaining a quick sale. Though sometimes overlooked, a home with a well-landscaped yard can have a drastic impact on those who view it. Although professional landscaping isn’t cheap, taking the time to do the work yourself can have many benefits. A recent article posted on CNNMoney outlines several steps you can take to get your home looking picture-perfect at a fraction of the price. Several of the tips are listed below.

1. Broaden the beds
2. Focus on foliage
3. Accent the architecture
4. Trim with technique

For more information on how these steps can contribute to your curb appeal (including a full description of each of the items listed above), please click the full article link below. As always, contact us today for all of your real estate needs in Greater Lafayette!

Source: CNNMoney | Full Article

Distressed Properties: Working with Buyers

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Keller Williams offers world class training for its agents. Today was the second of three short courses on Distressed Properties designed to explore Keller Williams University’s online complete course for Distressed Properties. Each of these brief introductory courses offer a free downloadable student manual of over 100 pages per topic. Topics include: Listing REO’s, Working with Buyers, and Listing Short Sales. Keller Williams gives our agents the tools they need to master the Market of the Moment. It’s a great day at Keller Williams!

This Month in Real Estate Video – June 2011

June’s “This Month in Real Estate” video has been released. This edition”s top story concerns the most common repairs made to a home prior to its sale. Several market statistics for the year thus far are also included, revealing that the median sales price for homes nationally is $164,000 with mortgage rates continuing to decline. For the full story and more, click the “Play” button below.

For more information on the real estate market or to speak to one of our agents about buying or selling a home, contact us today!

Nationwide Open House Event Kicks Off This Weekend

This weekend, real estate agents throughout the country will participate in the 2011 REALTOR® Nationwide Open House event during what is typically considered prime buying season for those in the market for a new home.

One of the main goals of the weekend – in addition to spotlighting homes for sale – is to increase awareness about the benefits of home ownership for potential buyers. Locally, many open houses will be held both on Saturday, June 4 as well as Sunday, June 5. Click here for a list and maps of open houses which will be taking place this weekend.

According to a National Association of Home Builders report, home affordability recently reached its highest level in 20 years, signaling a great time for buyers to take advantage of the significant purchasing power available to them.

For more information about the open houses taking place this weekend or to schedule an appointment with one of our agents, please contact us.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine | Full Article

Staging Tips to Brighten Your Home For Spring

With spring in full swing, now is a great time to take some simple steps to brighten your home for potential buyers. Here are a few tips for spring staging courtesy of HGTV’s FrontDoor.

1. Do some spring cleaning. It’s natural to want to spruce up your space in the spring, so scrub away! A sparkling home will impress buyers and make your home seem even more appealing.
2. Box up your winter wardrobe. Bulky winter clothes take up lots of space, so move them out as you de-clutter your closets. You’ll impress buyers with all that space.
3. Spruce up the entryway. If your welcome mat is covered with winter dirt, pick up a new one. A clean, pretty doorway will help set the tone for the entire showing.

For the full list of tips, please click here. To speak with an experienced real estate agent about putting your home on the market, please contact us.

Source: HGTV’s FrontDoor | Full Article