photo credit: Brave Heart

No matter what market were in we are always looking for creative ways to improve our chances of selling our listings. There are the obvious improvements that anyone can add and even small improvements can make the difference between sitting on a listing for months and months at a time or selling a home in a reasonable time frame. Everyone knows that a coat of paint can make a big difference, but what about going that extra steep?  Sometimes if you install a spa you can sell your house.

Sometimes adding a deck or even putting a spa on that deck can sell a house. These little extras make a huge difference in a buyers mind, which translates to sales. Many people purchasing a home dont really have vision to transform their new home into something they want. Most people want to buy a home, maybe throw up a coat of paint, and start making themselves at home. So its a good idea to add these little amenities that your prospective homebuyer doesnt have to install themselves.

There are of course things to be aware of when installing and shopping for spas. You also need to consider whether the extra work is worth the effort. Deck spas range in price greatly and installation can be cumbersome. Make sure you have the space for a spa and then do the research on the costs of the units, how practical installation will be, and installation costs. If it all works out, a spa is always a seller in the minds of potential home buyers.

Read more about spas and insanitation from RealtorMag

Posted in Metro Brokers, Denver Colorado Real Estate, Real Estate Market Conditions, Real Estate Industry Trends, Home Selling Services

photo credit: Stewf

Imagine your first meeting with a new client. They sit across form you anxious to start browsing the myriad of listings you have and purchase their first home from you. You pull out your iPad, stocked with photos of homes and full of videos of your latest listings. You hand them the iPad loaded with the first video playing full screen.

They say presentation is everything, not a bad way to present your video listings, video in the palm of their hand. Its not just a handsome and convenient video player; its a quick, handy, and powerful tool you can use to advertise and promote yourself and your business any time and anywhere. How many times do you have chance encounters with potential new clients? If you pulled out an iPad on the spot and showed them a video of a property similar to the one they were just describing, would that help you sell a property or at least help present yourself as efficient and prepared?

You can also use it to help you function throughout your day, at the office and on the go. Driving directions, presentations, note pads, social media, photo editing and presentation, calculate and figure, search engine, communicate, travel reservations, I could go on, but Im under space restrictions. Technology isnt everything, but it sure helps, and its kind of cool too.  Read more about how the iPad helps people in the real estate industry.

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Posted in Headlines, Blogging, Home Selling Services

In the latest installment of the Wheel Estate Cam series on Inman News, Frank Llosa shows 10 things under $100 for improving your home, including many green features, like LED and CFL lighting, water alarms, push-button door entry, and "warm" Dura Ceramic tiles, all of which will save time and money over the long haul.

View the original post on Inman News.

Posted in Real Estate Industry, Real Estate Industry Trends, Technology And YOU, Home Selling Services

In a question submitted to Inman News' "Homesale Hindsight," it is confirmed that backup offers that are submitted prior to April 30 can qualify for the first-time homebuyer tax credit, but that all depends on the wording of the contract.

In general, the backup contract applies for the credit, so long as it was actually executed by the seller on or before April 30. The IRS website states: "The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extends the deadline for qualifying home purchases from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010. Additionally, if a buyer enters into a binding contract by April 30, 2010, the buyer has until June 30, 2010, to settle on the purchase."

The specific verbiage of this binding agreement is key, so sellers should make certain with their real estate brokers, attorney and accountant that their contracts apply. In order for the agreement to be viewed as binding, both parties must have signed these agreements by the April 30 date.

Read more at Inman News.

photo credit: The-Lane-Team

Posted in Real Estate Market Conditions, Real Estate Industry, Home Selling Services, National News

Most boomers headed into retirement age aren't planning on actually retiring. Building company Del Webb, which specializes in housing for residents 55 and over, has conducted 10 extensive opinion surveys on the boomers since 1996, and has seen significant changes.

In their 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, they found that the median retirement age is up to 67 from 63. Some boomers simply want to continue working in some capacity, be it as a consultant or on a part-time basis, and others simply out of need. As a result, fewer are planning on moving and, if they do, the traditional retirement states, like Arizona and Florida, are not of interest, mainly due to the cost of living. Also, more boomers are attracted to urban areas with shopping, entertainment and cultural amenities.

What boomers are looking for in a house is also changing, as they're more open to less square footage and interested in spaces that can be used in multiple ways. Instead of looking for all-inclusive features, it's best for realtors to help them find simplicity, then build on that.

Read more about the survey and its findings from the Del Webb Boomer Survey online and at Inman News.

Posted in Real Estate Industry Trends, Home Selling Services, National News