Wednesday, September 30, 2009
TIP#14 OF BUYER: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
-TIP#14 CLARIFY WHO YOUR AGENT IS.Make sure you know who the agent you are talking to represents. Any agent has a responsibilty to be open and honest with you and let you know who he or she represents - the buyer, the seller or both. --Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:28 PM
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
TIP# 13 OF HOMEBUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
-TIP#13 ONCE YOU ARE READY TO BUY, MOVE QUICKLY Good properties move fast. Once you've made up your mind to buy a home and you've lined up a Realtor, be prepared to make decisions quickly. If you find the right home today but aren't ready to buy until tomorrow, you may already be too late.- - Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:04 PM
Monday, September 28, 2009
TIP#12 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH.
-TIP#12 CHOOSE A HOME WITH AN EYE TOWARD FUTURE NEEDS.- Buying a home is a big investment. If you can stretch a little today to buy a home that you can grow in - whether it is having a child, running a home-based business, or having room to build an addition - do it. In the long run, it will probably be less expensive than moving up to a marginally larger home when the need arises.Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 12:58 PM
Thursday, September 24, 2009
*Lovely Home In Smithton with Inground Pool*
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MLS#2909793 $230,000 You will appreciate the care this 3bedroom, 3 bath home has received. The living room, dining room, and family room, along with the bedrooms alllow plenty of space for activities and comfortable living. Imagine lounging for hours by your own inground heated pool! The front and backyard are landscaped and the backyard has a brick patio that is perfect for get togethers for family and/or friends. A large master bedroom, brick fireplace, wood floors, and a full basement for storage makes this home a must see!
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:25 PM
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Beautifully Maintained Mobile Home
 44 Lake Ridge Dr, Belleville MLS#2910972 $45,000 Imagine having your own private deck to have friends and family over for barbeques or just lying under your own large shade tree. This home with it's large kitchen, that is great for entertaining, and along with it's spacious living room has it all. By all, we mean all appliances stay. That's right the refrigerator, stove,microwave, dishwasher, and washer and dryer all stay with the home! Being on a corner lot, it has privacy and more and you'll be able to enjoy for years to come. The lot is rented. Call for more details. - Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation--- # posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:53 PM
NEW PRICE!!!! 10 TIMBER WATERS
.JPG) --- MLS#2903230 $300,000 NEW PRICE!!!!!!!This fabulous home in Lake Lorraine has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. Situated on the lake, this 5235 sq foot home has plenty of room for everyone in the family.With a master bedroom suite and a changing area, marble master bath & walk-in closet this home has it all. In the large open kitchen you'll have no problem entertaining friends and family for hours. You’ll find yourself relaxing on the large deck in back overlooking the lake. As you walk out from the finished basement you’ll find the inviting inground pool. Family and friends will love to come over for barbeques or just to lounge around soaking up the rays and taking a dip. After you see this home you might not want to leave.-
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 3:45 PM
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
TIP#11 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
-- TIP#11 NOT ALL FIXER-UPPERS ARE GOOD BUYSYou may be the sort of person who looks at a home in need of significant work as a challenge and an opportunity to make money. Many people have brought fixer-uppers at below market rates, invested a little sweat equity or more than a little money on renovation, then eventually put it back on the market at a profit. But if it is not priced low enough, you won't recoup your investment of time, trouble, and expense. Before you proceed, do a careful evaluation of what you willl have to invest, and consult with your Realtor to learn what you can reasonably expect to make when you put the home back on the market. Be sure to include the unexpected - there is no such thing as a "sure thing". Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:10 AM
Monday, September 21, 2009
TIP#10 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
-TIP#10 HIRE A PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR--In my experience, spending a few hundred dollars on a professional home inspection is the best investment you'll ever make. A professional inspector brings experience in examining a great many homes, good evaluation standards and unbiased perspective. And a written report can be an excellent negotiating tool. A TYPICAL INSPECTION LOOKS AT: . Foundation (slab,crawlspace,basement,etc.) . Electrical, heating and plumbing systems . Floor, walls and ceilings . Attic . Roof . Siding and trim . Porches, patios and decks . Garage . Property drainageMake sure you accompany your inspector on the tour. You will learn alot about the home you are thinking of buying. Once you have your evaluation, the decision process is yours. A home inspector only gives you a professional opinion of the home's condition, not advice as to whether or not you should buy. Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 12:52 PM
Friday, September 18, 2009
TIP#9 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TO MUCH
--TIP#9 DON'T IGNORE RED FLAGS WHEN EVALUATING A HOME'S PLUSES AND MINUSES.When evaluating the advantages and the drawbacks of a particular property, be sure you know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable problems. Some issues ----peeling paint, worn carpeting, ugly wallpaper---are cosmetic and can be easily remedied. In fact you can use these problems during negotiations to lower the asking price. After all you need to spend money to bring the house up to snuff. Make a careful note of what you see and can be used to your advantage. Don't nit-pic, however. If taken to extrems, you could end up alienating the seller and creating a hostile atmosphere. -Other problems may be warnings to walk away. Major foundation cracks, evidence of previous water damage, signs of serious dry rot or termite damage, antiquated electrical syatems or plumbing, any of these may be cause to reconsider your interest. Don't let a house's positive attributes blind you to very real problems, If you do, the chances are good that you will end up spending much more money than you ever expected down the line. Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 4:16 PM
Thursday, September 17, 2009
TIP#8 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP # 7 SHOP WITH YOU HEAD NOT YOUR HEARTDon't forget the purpose of your "Needs and Desires" lists. Shopping for a home is an emotional process. Your heart will cost you money; using your head will save it.---
Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 11:29 AM
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
TIP#7 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
--TIP#7 SHOW A LITTLE INTEREST IN EVERYTHING YOU SEE.As you tour the homes on your "short list", find something to admire in each one. If you don't show any interest until you finally fall in love with a home, then you've just put yourself at a competitive disadvantage. Never let anyone know how badly you want a home - it will cost you money! Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 1:22 PM
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
TIP#6 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP #6 USE YOUR AGENT TO NARROW THE PROSPECT LIST- A good agent brings to the table an in-depth knowledge of current housing inventory in his or her area, and continually updates that knowledge by touring homes as they are placed on the market. This is to your advantage. Trying to personally see every available home that might fit your needs would be an overwhelming process. If you are thorough in communicating your needs and what you can realistically afford, then your agent can help you narrow down the list of prospective homes to those that best suit your needs. This will save you much time and energy. When the time comes to settle on one home, you can do it with the confidence that you've made a well informed choice. - Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:06 PM
Friday, September 11, 2009
HOME BUYES: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
- TIP#5 It's a cliche, but ....location, location. location- The desirability and resale value of your home-to -be depend on location more than any other single factor. Again don't let emotion get in the way of a wise investment. No home is an island and the value of yous is affected by the homes that surround it. Assuming you've already considered the elements that make up a desirable community - character, quality of schools, access to work places and services, recreational facilities, etc, there are several elements that combine to create a good location. Your first consideration is the neighborhood. Every neighborhood has it's own unique character; you need to make sure you would be comfortable in the one you are thinking of living in. Take a long walk and observe carefully. Do people take care of their yards and homes? Are the yards fenced? Do children play in the streets? Talk to neighbors and ask questions that give you a better feel for the area. But be careful not to appear judgemental- you may be talking to a futur neighbor. If the neighborhood is to your satisfaction, look at homes on the market in the area. Extreamly large homes surrounded by smaller ones tend to appreciate less than a large home among other large homes. Conversely the smallest home in the neighborhood tends to be "pulled up" by the other homes on the block. However, it might take longer to sell a smaller home when the time comes because many prople are unwilling to pay extra for the neighborhood. The outer edge of a neighborhood is usually not good for resale value. There are noticeable dividing lines between unlike neighborhoods. It can be a difference in architectural styles, home size, property use or something else. Look for a home in the middle of a community of similar homes; it will hold it's value better. An exceptiont to this rule ia a house on the edge of a neighborhood bounded by woods, park land, a golf course or other open space. Natural bounderies appeal to buyers, and these "edge" homes can actually command a better price. Of course, the exception to this rule is when there is an unpleasant use planned for the open space. An open field with a babbling brook is nice; a new freeway, strip mall, or factory isn't. Other things that can effect property values are traffic, sounds, smells,etc. Be sure to give the neighborhood a long hard look. The home you are interested in may be perfect, but if the neighborhood has problems, your investment won't be worth as much when the time comes to sell. Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation--- Labels: The
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 10:23 AM
Thursday, September 10, 2009
HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
--- TIP # 4 MAKE SURE YOUR REALTOR KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.Once you have a clear, detailed picture of the home you want, make sure your agent has the same picture. This communication is critical. Otherwise, you will both waste your time looking for homes you are not really interested in. Also, make sure your Realtor knows your priorities. Your shared goal is to find a place that meets all of your needs; your Realtor will then try to satisfy as many of your desires as possible. A good Realtor will ask you several questions about what you are looking for and what you can afford. Then they will listen carefully to your answers. Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:23 PM
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
--- TIP#3 PICK A WINNING TEAM TO HELP YOU. From picking a mortgage to finding the right home, to inspections, to negotiating the best deal, it can be exhausting for even the hardiest of souls. That's why most people have a Realtor in their corner. A good agent has the knoweledge and experience that come from years of helping both buyers and sellers. He or she has a team of other professionals to put at your disposal; lenders, lawyers, home inspectors, movers, etc. Most sellers you encounter are certainly going to have professionals in their corner. Having a pro on your team is the best way to make sure you get the best deal posible. Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 11:52 AM
Friday, September 04, 2009
TIP #3 HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
-TIP#3 PICK A WINNING TEAM TO HELP YOUFrom picking a mortgage, to finding the right home, to inspections, to negotiating the best deal, it can be exhausting for even the hardiest of souls. That's why most people have a Realtor in their corner. A good agent has the knowledge and experience that come from years of helping both buyers and sellers. He or she has a team of other professionals to put at your disposal: lenders, lawyers, home inspectors,movers, etc. Most sellers you encounter are certainly going to have professionals in their corner. Having a pro on your team is the best way to make sure you get the best deal possible. --Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation--- Labels: professional, Realtor
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 12:42 PM
Thursday, September 03, 2009
TIP#2 HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVIOD PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP #2 SHOP FOR A MORTGAGE BEFORE YOU SHOP FOR A HOMEGetting a loan preapproval is the smart way to shop for a home. It tells sellers you are a serious prospect, and you know in advance the maximum mortgage that you can afford. Make sure you get a commitment in writing. I've seen too many buyers make the mistake of learning what they qualify for but not getting the preapproval in writing. The good news is that it's easier than ever to qualify for a home loan. Lenders have modified qualification rules and created programs designed to help people even if they have problems in their credit or employment histories. Many programs call for dramatically reduced down payments, the biggest obstacle for the first time home buyers in particular.- -- Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:22 PM
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
TIP#1 HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP #1 KNOW WHAT YOUR SHOPPING FOR BEFORE YOU STARTBefore you begin shopping, understand that there are two basic homes out there vying for your interest, the one that meets your needs vs. the one that fulfills your desires. In a perfect world you would find a home that satisfies both, but since this is not a perfect world, you are going to find yourself confronted with choices. Do you choose the three bedroom home with room for your family to grow, or the one with the big back yard and deck that is perfect for entertaining? Is having a big kitchen more important to you than a few extra rooms? When you start shoppong, you are going to find homes you fall in love with for different reasons. That is why you should list the features you want before you start shopping. Break you list into two categories, "needs" and "desires", and prioritize the items you come up with. Understanding what you really need as opposed to what you would like to have will help you keep your priories straight as you shop around. I have seen people fall in love with a home for the wrong reasons and the regret their purchase when the home fails to meet their needs. Don't let emotion cloud your judgement. Satisfy your needs first. If you find a home that meets your needs and fulfills some of your desires, so much the better. The important thing is to know the difference before you get caught up in the exitement of the hunt. -- Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 4:11 PM
HOME BUYERS: How to avoid paying too much
-Whether you're a first time buyer or an old pro at the real estate game, buying a home can be a daunting process. It's an emotional time filled with difficult choices and each decision you make has money riding on it. Finding the right home to meet your family's needs is hard enough but knowing how to avoid paying too much for that home once you have found it is another job entirely.- As someone who has helped countless buyers find their dream homes and save money at the same time, I've developed this guide to help you avoid the pitfalls inherent in the home buying process. I will show you not only how to make sure you have found the right home, but also how to negotiate a price to your advantage. In today's complex, fast paced market, you can't afford to learn these lessons through trial and error. The tips contained in this blog will go a long way toward making you a savvy buyer.- Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate (618) 355-5824 --- O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 4:00 PM
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