Fall Is An Excellent Time to Sell Your House

Sunny, crisp, energizing days make fall an excellent time to sell your home. With the summer doldrums over, buyers are eager to make the rounds and see what's new on the market. Homes show well in the bright, clear light of fall. Breezes ruffling curtains through open windows make a home come alive and the air smells fresh. Late summer rains green up the lawn and colorful fall flowers decorate planters. With the pressure of the holidays still months away, buyers can focus on looking for a home.

If you're looking for a home or if you're ready to sell, now is the time to call John Day. A top-seller with prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate, John can help you find your dream home or sell your home now. You can move in and get settled before the holidays and entertain this year in your gorgeous new home.

With years of experience in Maryland real estate, John knows the character and ambiance of its towns and neighborhoods. He can help you find the perfect match -- a home with everything on your wish list in the perfect community. Easy to talk to, John gets to know his clients and works closely with them every step of the way to ensure their satisfaction. You'll value his knowledge and appreciate his expertise, particularly when you're negotiating the sale. John Day's website is packed with valuable information on Maryland schools, communities, activities, recreation and more. Read his helpful tips for buyers and sellers and check out the newest listings. Then give John a call and start hunting for your new home this weekend.

Real Estate Myths Debunked!

With home inventories up, sellers need to make their home stand out in the crowd. This doesn't mean you have to strip all the personality out of your home to make it salable. Maintaining the unique character of your home will make it more memorable to buyers. In a white-walled, beige-carpeted world, buyers will be more apt to remember the richness of your deep wine-walled kitchen with its gleaming hardwood floors, says experienced realtor John Day.

In an interesting article in the Albany Times Union, Kristi Gustafson debunks some common home selling myths (click the post title to read the article):

Myth: Red walls must go!
Reality: Not necessarily. If wall colors carry a consistent theme, a bold wall or two won't shock buyers.

Myth: You must update your kitchen to sell.
Reality: Sometimes, but it is more important to maintain the character of your home. The incongruity of chrome and granite in a 1920s Craftsman kitchen could actually damage your home's value. Upgrades should match your home's style and character.

Myth: Strip the wallpaper.
Reality: Most of the time, yes, because wallpaper is usually dated and often worn. The 80/20 rule stands. 80% of the time stripping it off will enhance the sale; 20% of the time newer wallpaper that augments the home's character can be an asset. Trust your realtor on this one.

Myth: A vacant home sells better than a furnished one.
Reality: It depends. A clean, uncluttered, tastefully decorated home can be an asset in helping people envision their belongings in your home. But a cluttered, furniture-packed home can have the opposite effect, making rooms feel small and cramped. This is another place to trust your realtor.

An expert at staging homes for sale, Maryland realtor John Day works closely with his clients to get their home ready to sell. A top seller for prestigious Long & Foster, John Day has the experience and expertise to know what will sell a house and what may become a stumbling block. You can trust John Day to let you know which features will attract buyers in your neighborhood and where your money is best spent to make your home stand out in the crowd. Contact John Day today to sell your house in Maryland. Visit John's website for more tips for sellers and buyers and check out the latest listings.

Getting Ready for the Home Inspection

Most home sales these days include a visit from a home inspector, whether hired by the buyer or seller. "It's best to be thoroughly prepared," says Elizabeth Weintraub on About.com (click the post title to read the article). She offers the following tips on getting ready for the inspection.

1. Clean the house.
2. Be on time.
3. Leave utilities connected so the inspector can test them.
4. Clear some workspace around the furnace and water heater.
5. Keep pilot lights lit.
6. Provide attic and garage access.
7. Leave keys to outbuildings and electrical boxes if you won't be home.
8. Clear brush from exterior inspection points and move trash cans away from the house.
9. Provide documents for repairs, remodeling projects, and new major appliances.
10. Expect inspections to take about 3 hours and try to be out of the house during that time. Take the kids and the pets with you (or crate pets if you must leave them).

A few simple precautions and your home inspection will go smoothly, says Maryland realtor John Day. A top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate, John is dedicated to helping his clients every step of the way. Visit John Day's website for more tips for buyers and sellers, information on Maryland schools and community activities, and the latest listings in Prince George's, Ann Arundel and Calvert Counties. Let John Day help you find the home of your dreams.

What Upgrades Should You Ask For When You Build?

When buying a new home should you upgrade it a lot? Maryland realtor John Day says it depends on how long you plan to live in the home.

"If you expect to live in the home forever and ever, then buy what makes you happy and what makes you feel like you're at home."

On the other hand, John Day advises, if you are only going to live in the home for a few years, you probably won't get your money back at resale, particularly if you upgrade beyond the typical home in the area. John suggests asking the tract sales agent which upgrades other buyers are purchasing. "Keep in mind, of course," he warns, "that upgrades are high-profit items for builders so they may push some options that you do not really need."

John Day publishes a monthly newsletter packed with information for buyers, sellers and residents of the community. (Just click the post title to read John's informative August issue.) In each issue he shares his years of experience as a top-selling realtor with prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate. You'll find articles on what's happening in the housing market, mortgage rates, a Q&A section, even movie reviews.

John Day is dedicated to guaranteeing his clients' satisfaction. His newsletter is just one of many ways John stays connected to his clients, even after the sale. When you do business with Maryland realtor John Day, you get not only the expertise and experience of a respected, savvy realtor, but a friend who will see you through every step of buying or selling your home and acclimating to your new community in Maryland. Visit John Day's website for a look at the latest listings, his dynamic advice for buyers and sellers, information on schools and community activities, and much more.

What to Bring to the Closing

We may be moving toward a paperless society but you'd never know it from the stacks of paperwork you get at closing.

"When you buy, you should get a closing book, your mortgage documents, warranties, proof of how the seller resolved problems, and any condo, co-op or homeowners association documents," says Ilyce Glink who writes about real estate for Tribune Media Services (click the post title to read the article).

When you sell, you'll need to gather that information and more, including:

• closing book (sales contract, title insurance policy, HUD-1 sheet detailing closing costs, loan documents)
• mortgage, home-equity loan, home-equity line of credit or refinance documents
• home warranty, if you purchased one to help sell your home
• home repair data and receipts to prove repairs were made
• home improvement project plans, receipts, permits, surveys, contractors
• warranties and manuals for appliances that will stay with the home
• current tax information
• current utility bills as buyers will want to know what to budget

Buyers will ask for some of this information as soon as a purchase price is agreed on, so it is best to have it handy early. You'll also need it to figure your net profit after you close.

Closings go smoothly when you work with realtor John Day. From staging your Maryland home for sale, to negotiating the contract, through closing, and even helping you acclimate to your new neighborhood, John Day is with you every step of the way. Dedicated to his clients, John has the experience and expertise to help you buy or sell your home in Maryland. You can rely on John Day to sell your home quickly and at top dollar; or if you're buying, to find your dream home in the perfect neighborhood at a price you can afford. You can place your trust in John Day. Visit John's website today to view new listings, check out his tips for buyers and sellers, and get information about different Maryland communities. Contact John today.

Take the Stress Out of Moving

You've sold your house and are off for new horizons, or you've just bought your dream home and can't wait to move in. The only thing that stands between you and wonderful new beginnings is THE MOVE.

"I think they rank moving as the No. 3 most stressful thing behind divorce and the death of a family member," Carl Cazalet said as he watched his possessions being loaded into a moving van.

"The biggest mistake people make is they don't plan far enough ahead," says David Sparkman, a spokesman for the American Moving and Storage Association in an Albany Times Union article by Tom Keyser. Sparkman recommends getting at least three estimates, both to find a company you're comfortable with and as protection against a disreputable company. If your three bids are in the same ballpark "then you get an estimate way below the others; that's a red flag," he warns.

While summer is the busiest time in the moving industry, and often the most convenient time for families with school-aged children, consider moving during another season, suggests Keyser. Many movers offer discounts and can schedule your move within the week, whereas in summer they are booked 3 and 4 weeks in advance.

To make the move into your new home less stressful, clean up and throw out as you go. Force yourself to eliminate unused and unnecessary items as you pack. Cazalet suggests renting a dumpster. "We're not pack rats, but it's amazing what you accumulate," he said. Consider donating useful items in good condition to charity. Many will pick up large loads and non-profits will provide a donation letter for tax purposes.

You can take a lot of the stress out of moving if you plan carefully and give yourself plenty of time says Maryland realtor John Day. A top seller with Long & Foster, John has helped a lot of clients survive moving day. Keep a positive attitude and don't let the job overwhelm you; focus on one task at a time, he suggests.

John Day prides himself on providing superior service to his clients, from navigating the complexities of selling or purchasing a home to getting to know your new neighborhood after the move. Visit John's website for tips on buying, selling, mortgages and more gained from his years of experience in Maryland real estate (just click the post title). On John Day's website you'll also find information on Maryland communities, schools, new listings, special information for buyers and sellers, and lots more. Contact John Day today, your key to a successful home search or sale in the Washington DC area.

Competitive Pricing Earns Quick Home Sale

"The Price is Right" is the name of the game in a buyer's market. John Day has the experience and expertise to competitively price your Maryland home so it will sell quickly in today's tough market.

Many sellers fall for an agent's "win the lottery" pitch, allowing themselves to be convinced that their home can sell for thousands more than other homes on the market. Too often their home languishes on the market for months before their agent suggests dropping the price, then dropping it again, and again. The best selling time is in the first 30 days your home is on the market. The longer a home sits on the market, the less appealing it is to buyers which will drive down the selling price.

You want a realtor with an intimate knowledge of Maryland real estate markets who can price your house competitively to sell in the first 30 days. John Day is that realtor. A top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate, John Day has developed the contacts and resources to sell your Maryland home in 30 days. Contact John today or visit his website for a free market analysis.

John Day Can Find Your Dream Home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Homes being built today are bigger with more amenities on smaller lots. Analyzing census data from the past 30 years, the Washington Post concluded:

"The typical American home is built with more bathrooms, more bedrooms and more amenities than in the past -- but on average shelters fewer people."

In the past, middle-class Americans purchased larger houses to accommodate growing families and the need for more space. Over the past 3 decades the size of the average single-family home has grown by 48% while family size has decreased from 2.94 people (1975) to 2.6 people (2004). The average lot size has shrunk by 13%, reflecting both higher land costs and busier lifestyles. (To read the article, click the post title.)

Today, desire for more luxury amenities, not need, drives the market trend toward larger houses. Among the more sought-after features:

• 2+ bathrooms
• 3 bedrooms
• fireplace
• 9-foot ceilings on the first floor
• 3-car garage

Many homes in Upper Marlboro, Maryland offer these and many more luxury features, says realtor John Day. A top seller with prestigious Long & Foster, John has the resources to find you the home with all the features on your wish list. With many years of experience in real estate, John Day is intimately familiar with every Upper Marlboro neighborhood and subdivision. He can find you a home with the location you desire in a welcoming community in beautiful Prince Georges County, Maryland. Visit John Day's website to view listings in Prince Georges, Calvert, and Ann Arundel Counties. John Day is your first step toward finding your Maryland dream home. Contact John today.

What Makes a Small House Feel Spacious?

Ready to downsize but still want a home that feels roomy? Maryland realtor John Day suggests you look for a home with these features:

• Large windows bring the outdoors in and make a room feel bigger.
• Vaulted ceilings with energy-efficient skylights make a small space feel enormous.
• An open floor plan with fewer interior walls between rooms produces longer lines of sight which makes a space feel larger.
• Tall, flat ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness.

With numerous years of experience in real estate, John Day knows what to look for. Dedicated to his clients, John will find you the perfect house, one that fulfills your expectations and meets your needs. John Day knows the Maryland real estate market and is intimately familiar with the individual characteristics of its many neighborhoods and subdivisions. John will listen to the features you desire in a home, the type of community you want to live in, the kind of neighbors you'll feel comfortable with and show you homes that meet your criteria. Working with John Day, you will find your dream home. Visit John's website today and tell him what you're looking for.

Shaded Lot Reduces Energy Costs

Trees are nature's air conditioners. With heat waves roasting the country this summer, a well-shaded lot can help homeowners keep their cool. A mature shade tree blocks up to 90% of the sun's radiation which can significantly reduce your home cooling costs. Air conditioning needs can be reduced by up to 75% by shading a home with trees. As few as 3 shade trees can save an average household $100 to $250 or more in energy costs each year, according to Department of Energy models.

"Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of a building" advises Peter Gerstenberger of the Tree Care Industry Association. "Those are the sides where the sun's rays are most intense."

John Day can help you find the perfect home on a beautifully shaded lot, surrounded by mature trees in scenic Maryland. With 30 years experience in real estate, John is intimately familiar with every neighborhood and development and can help you find a home with everything on your wish list. A top-seller with Long & Foster Real Estate, John Day has the resources and expertise to find you the home you want at a price you can afford. John Day can help you find your dream home; visit his website today.

John Day Will Stage Your House for Quick Sale

To insure a quick sale, stage your house advises Maryland realtor John Day.

"Staging a house means preparing it for viewing, akin to preparing a stage for a performance," explains Rosemary Friedmann of Scripps Howard News service. "You need to make it look its best for the audience."

With numerous years of real estate experience, John Day is an expert at staging homes for sale.

• Outside: Clean debris and dead plants from the garden and edge the lawn to give it a manicured look. Corral the kids' toys. A pot of bright flowers by the front door says, Welcome!
  
• Inside: Clear out the clutter. Buyers are looking for spacious, not lived in. Let in the light to brighten up your home. Clean your home so it shines. Fresh paint and fresh flowers make a home inviting. Straighten cupboards and drawers. A good rule of thumb is to remove half the contents to make storage appear more spacious.

A well-staged home will outshine the competition and sell faster says John Day, a top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate. John has the expertise and experience to stage your home so it sells quickly and at top dollar. John Day recently sold a well-staged Upper Marlboro home in less than 30 days and can do the same for you. Visit John Day's website for more tips on getting your home ready for sale (click the post title). Contact John Day now to sell your Maryland home.

Don't Do These Things Before You Buy A House

Home buyers should take care to strengthen their financial position before applying for a mortgage says Maryland realtor John Day. With many years of experience in Maryland real estate, John Day has discovered several typical buyer financial mistakes. Any one of these common errors can add weeks to the time it takes to get your loan approved and can even sabotage your ability to get the loan amount you want. A few simple precautions in the months prior to home buying can prevent problems with your lending agent. Here are the biggest don'ts buyers need to be aware of:

• Don't buy a car or furniture, appliances, electronic equipment, jewelry, vacations, expensive weddings -- don't make any major purchases or any kind. When you apply for a mortgage you want your credit rating to be as high as possible. Credit card debt or protracted payments due to a large purchase lower your income to debt ratio and can easily affect your credit score and the amount of the loan for which you can prequalify.
• Don't move money around. Lenders are concerned about the source of your downpayment funds. When you apply for a mortgage, your lender may ask to review the last few months of activity on your checking and savings accounts, money market funds, certificates of deposit, stock statement, mutual funds, even your company 401K and retirement accounts. Large deposits or withdrawals will have to be explained and a paper trail provided. You may be required to produce cancelled checks, deposit receipts, etc. which can be time-consuming and tedious.
• Don't change banks. It only makes more work for you and your lender when you have to document major financial changes.
• Don't change jobs. A move up in the same company to a position of greater responsibility and higher income won't affect your loan, otherwise a job change can be a red flag for your loan officer. Workplace longevity is a plus when applying for a loan.

Visit John Day's informative Homes Buy Day website for more tips on buying and selling a home in the Washington DC-Maryland area. A top seller at prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate, John has created a website and monthly newsletter packed with tips for both buyers and sellers gained from his many years of experience in real estate. Whether you're buying or selling a home in the Washington DC-Maryland area, you want John Day by your side. John Day has the expertise and experience to effortlessly guide you through the complicated maze of real estate issues involved in either a purchase or sale. John is dedicated to the satisfaction of his clients and will be a tireless and savvy ally on whose expert advice you can rely. Contact John Day today and take the stress out of buying or selling your home.

Determining Your Home's Fair Market Value

Determining a realistic selling price is key to selling your home as quickly as possible. To set a selling price, your real estate agent will determine your home's fair market value, explains Maryland realtor John Day in his August newsletter. "Fair market value is the price at which a home would sell to a ready, willing, and able buyer within a reasonable amount of time," John explains (click the post title to read John's informative newsletter).

Several methods can be used to determine the fair market value of your house:

• An instant valuation can be obtained by a seller with tools on the internet at sites such as zillow.com or realestateabc.com. Valuations obtained will be extremely general at best. Even Zillow's founders admit their tool is just a basic starting point.
• A Broker's Price Opinion is prepared by a real estate agent generally for use by other professionals such as mortgage lenders. It contains information in language and format standard to the mortgage industry.
• Most real estate agents will provide a seller with a Competitive Market Analysis that contains the same information as a BPO in a more user-friendly format. Comparable sales information is usually included to help the seller judge his property against others that are for sale or have sold recently in the area.
• Appraisals are more detailed assessments and are prepared by Certified Appraisers for a legal purpose generally for lenders, attorneys or co-owners. Appraisers assign a dollar value to each feature of a home, but the appraised price will not necessarily reflect the market value which is driven by demand and volume.

Each of these valuation methods is important and has a different purpose, but as John Day reminds, "all opinions of fair market value are just that -- opinions." In pricing your home to sell, you need an experienced realtor who has an intimate knowledge of the local market. With numerous years experience buying and selling homes in Maryland, John Day knows what's moving and at what price. John cautions sellers that "overpricing a house will usually get it ignored, extending the time it takes to sell, potentially decreasing your market value." The longer a house sits on the market, the lower its market value.

A top seller with prestigious Long & Foster Real Estate, John Day provides his clients with a free, professional Competitive Market Analysis. With his experience and wide knowledge of Maryland real estate, John is an expert at determining fair market value and will price your home to sell in the shortest time possible at the greatest possible profit. If you want to sell you home today, contact John Day at 410-507-2909 or 301-395-1489 or visit John's website for more information and a look at the newest listings in Maryland.