Friday, October 30, 2009
STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE: 6 CRITICAL BUT EASY STEPS
TIP#2 CLEAN LIKE YOU'VE NEVER CLEANED BEFORE-- Pick up, straighten, unclutter, scrub, scour, dust......well you get the idea. If your living room feels crowded, take out every piece of furniture you can get away with. If your home still isn''t ready to appear in "House Beautiful" then clean some more. Remember you are not just competing with other prople's homes - you're up against brand new homes as well.-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 @ 11:08 AM
Thursday, October 29, 2009
STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE: 6 CRITICAL BUT EASY STEPS
#1 - MOST IMPORTANT - DE-CLUTTEROur mission is a clean surface everywhere in your home. All stacks of papers, piles of magazines, DVD collections - out of site- out of mind. Below is a breakdown room by room of potential cluttered areas: ENTRYWAY/FOYER: This is probably going to be the potential buyers first glimpse of your home. First impressions are lasting and set the stage for the entire visit. Stand where they will stand and do a scan of anything that detracts from the elements of your home. Remove excessive shoes, coats, and any other items in your line of vision to other rooms, they may distract from your home. KITCHEN: Once again, we want the impression that no one lives here. Clear all dishes from the sink, de-clutter all countertops, tuck away bulky appliances and breakfast muffins. Make sure all cabinets and pantries are clean and well organized. We want the look of spaciousness! BEDROOMS: Your goal would be to have it feel like a nice hotel room when you walk in; you know someone has slept there but there is no trace of it. Have all beds made laundry hidden away, all closet doors closed. CLOSETS: Yes, the buyer will look in your closets! They want to see if your belongings fit. If your closets are crammed with clothes, overflowing with toys and have no floor space, they will envision that this space will be too small for them also. Try to remove any unused items(seasonal, outgrown, etc) to create an illusion of more space. TOYS: Our children are our joy, but we certainly don't want toys to be part of our decorating palate. Before each showing try to collect all toys and place them in organized baskets or containers. If possible, larger Little -Tyke like items would be best if removed from indoor rooms. It will surprise you how much bigger the room will appear! BATHROOMS: Finally - here's that special occasion to bring out your best towels! Next, remove all personal products from view, Be especially aware of makeup and toiletries on sink tops, bathmats, and robes and pj's hanging on hooks. Toss extra shampoos and soaps into a plastic bin and stash under the sink before each showing. Also, be sure the trashcan is empty! HALLWAYS & UTILITY AREAS: Be sure your laundry room is neat and tidy. Potential buyers don't like to see "dirty laundry". Also be sure things like claeaning supplies and vacuum cleaners are hidden away. You want it to appear that your house always sparkles! BOOKSHELVES: Remove some books from crammed bookshelves to create the illusion of "if they have extra space, the so will I". DE-PERSONALIZING: Once again, we want the potential buyers to focus their attention on the details of your home, not your personal belongings. Large groupings of family photos, sports schedules, and dental reminders on the fridge are all reminders that you live there. Try to put these items away so their focus wll be where it is supposed to be. Obviously, some of these items will still need to be used daily umtil you move from your home. The idea isn't to toss anything you need to use, but instead to be able to quickly and painlessly put them out of sight. Here are some tips to get you started: QUICK TIPS TO HIDE CLUTTER Laundry Baskets work for quick pick ups such as toys and shoes Rubbermaid boxes come in all sizes. Use containers with lids to organize smaller items, extra large bins for storing clothes, and flat versions that can be slid under beds for sports equipment, toys, etc. Wicker baskets work great for toiletries, stacks of papers, etc. bins for sorting clothes, shoes. etc. HINT: Be sure to label containers so when you need the items you don't have to spend valuable time searching! MOVING BOXES shouldn't be in view during showings. this gives the potential buyers the impresion that you are eager to sell and they may use this as a bargining chip for pricing. --- 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 @ 10:58 AM
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE - 6 CRITICAL BUT EASY STEPS
Staging is simply creating the illusion while showing your home that no one lives there. Sound crazy? Read on. Over the years I've been surprised at critical mistakes homeowners made time after time without even realizing it. By not having the knowledge to stage properly, it has cost homeowners thousands of dollars, delaying the sale by weeks or even months. These tips will help you avoid critical mistakes and sell your home faster and for more money. Staging is something you've done many times before but on a smaller scale. Before you have company you "set the stage" in may ways such as: lighting candles, putting on soft music, placing fresh cut flowers on the table or putting out your best china. If you've ever traded a vehicle you've also done some "staging". Most people would vacuum, remove personal items and wash the car. If your car looks disorderly and chaotic you may not get as much money on the trade. The same holds true when selling your home. Staging can literally add thousands of dollars to the sale price of you home, or, if undone, could have an adverse effect on your negotiating power. Staging gives the potential buyers a great "first impression" of you home from the moment they walk in until they leave. You want to make them feel like you home is spacious so they can envision their own belongings in your rooms. In a sense, your gaol is to give the illusion that no one lives in your house. By following the easy steps below, you can direct the attention of potential buyers where it belongs, on your beautiful home.- -- 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 @ 10:03 AM
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
TIP#24 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#24 KNOW YOUR HIDDEN COSTSThere's more to buying a home than the mortgage. Don't forget to factor in mortgage insurance, appraisal fees, inspection fees. transfer taxes, title insurance and every other dollar you will have to spend in order to know what you're really paying for your new home. --- 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 @ 9:40 AM
Monday, October 26, 2009
TIP#23 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#23 MAKE SURE YOU GET A WRITTEN DISCLOSURE OF ALL KNOWN DEFECTS.The good news for homebuyers is that the law now requires sellers to make complete disclosure of known material defects. Make sure you get it in writing. Carefully consider how these defects might affect what you are willing to pay. --- 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: defects, written disclosure
# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 11:38 AM
Friday, October 23, 2009
TIP#22 OF HOMEBUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#22 STAY OUT OF BIDDING WARSSometimes, the seller's Realtor will try to scare a hesitant buyer with the threat of another serious buyer. Don't fall for this trap, it will only cost you money. If there is another buyer, then the seller's agent will try to get a bidding war going. In these situations, whoever wins also loses because the buyer ends up overpaying. If there isn't another buyer, there is a good chance that "the other deal" will fall through and the seller's agent will come calling. Be sure to let the other side know that you might be interested if that happens before you walk away. 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 @ 10:35 AM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
TIP#21 OF HOMEBUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#21 DON'T BE AFRAID TO NEGOTIATEYou may be the type of person who prefers a hard-and-fast price tag on everything. "I don't like to haggle"you say. But negotiation is the key to getting a good deal. If your goal is to get the best home possible for the least amount of money, then you better be prepared to play. --- 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 @ 12:48 PM
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
TIP#20 OF HOMEBUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#20 DON'T BE PRESSURED INTO A QUICK DEAL IF IT DOESN'T FEEL RIGHTWhile you want to move expeditiously once you are in negotiations, don't let the other side pressure you into a quick close. It may be a sign that there's something you should know but don't, and the reason could be worth 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 @ 1:11 PM
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
TIP #19 OF HOMEBUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
--TIP#19 CHECK YOUR EMOTIONS AT THE DOOR DURING NEGOTIATIONS-One of the costliest mistakes you can make is letting the sellers know how much you love their home. Once you let it slide, you can just about forget about negotiating the price - the other side knows how motivated you are. In fact, a seller may see it as an opportunity to squeeze a little bit more money out of you, even when you have made a good offer to start. No matter how wonderful a home is, no matter how much you want it, keep it to yourself.
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 @ 2:40 PM
Monday, October 19, 2009
New!! Meticulously Kept Ranch in New Athens
 MLS#2913772 $125000Anyone looking for an attractive, meticulously kept ranch home will love this one. The great room with its cathedral ceiling gives the room that spacious feel and for those cold winter evenings the gas fireplace makes it warm and inviting. The bright, cheery kitchen has a large eating area that over looks the generous back yard, accessed by a sliding door. The open floor plan is great for entertaining and sharing time with family and friends. --- 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 @ 11:14 AM
Thursday, October 15, 2009
TIP#18 OF HOME BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#18 USE TIME TO YOUR ADVANTAGEJust as you have a time frame in mind in which you wish to buy, the seller almost certainly has a deadline of his own. If you can learn the seller's deadline, it is another piece of information that can be used to negotiate a better deal. 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 @ 1:31 PM
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
NEW PRICE!!!! WHISTLE STOP TAVERN
 mls#2913483 $345,000One of Swansea's hidden secrets!! Almost all of the inside of this bar has been redone and since this is a turn key sale, everything you see goes with the the property. Pool table, sound equipment , etc. With a great location ( over 18,000 cars daily) you will find yourself owning a bar rich in the tradition of making money!!
Bryan Vogt
Strano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate
(618) 355-5824
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O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Swansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Bellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for Sale
Scott AFB PCS Relocation
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# posted by Bryan Vogt @ 2:12 PM
Monday, October 12, 2009
NEW! NEW! NEW! 1203 N CHURCH, BELLEVILLE
 MLS#2913532 $65,000 You need to take a look at this charming two bedroom home. Updates: Newer roof, remodeled kitchen and bath. This home has an inviting covered porch, 9ft ceilings and main floor laundry room. There is a bonus room with French door to the back yard leading to a brick patio. Plenty of storage in the partial basement. Stop and take a look! --- 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 @ 2:12 PM
Friday, October 09, 2009
Fabulous New Listing!! 1121 Danzig, O'Fallon Illinois
.jpg) MLS# 2913394 $220,000 This home has it all! Imagine entertaining friends and family for hours at a time in the large kitchen. It flows into the family room with its brick fireplace and windows that allow plenty of light. It has a spacious master bedroom with a large walk in closet. The roomy master bath has a separate shower and tub. And guess what?! No walking up or down stairs for laundry with the washer and dryer located on the 2nd floor! The inviting deck is covered by a pergola and the backyard is fenced so that kids can be safe and adults can be entertained for hours upon hours. Call to set and appointment today! --- 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 @ 3:20 PM
Thursday, October 08, 2009
TIP#17 OF BUYERS: HOW TO AVIOD PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#17 KEEP YOUR OWN SITUATION TO YOURSELF--- Information can be used against you as well. How much you are willing to spend, the size of the mortgage you can afford , your move-in deadline - it all can be used to extract more money out of your pocket. Be sure to tell your agent everything he or she needs to be effective on your behalf - how much you have for a downpayment, the size of the mortgage you can afford, etc. However, keep your personal circumstances and timeline to yourself. 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 @ 10:29 AM
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
TIP#16 OF BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#16 LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT THE SELLER'S SITUATION.--- It is true what they say: Knowledge is power. the reason behind a sale can often be used to your competitive advantage during negotiations. For example, a seller whose company has transferred him to another city is probably more motivated to sell than someone who is still looking for a new home. Other signs of a motivated seller include a vacant home, or a house that has been on the market for several months with several reductions in the asking price. 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 @ 1:54 PM
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
TIP#15 OF BUYERS: HOW TO AVOID PAYING TOO MUCH
TIP#15 ASK FOR A WRITTEN COMPARATIVE ANALYSISOne way to ensure that you don't offer too much for a home is to ask your agent to prepare a written comparative market analysis. A CMA will show you the sale prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood. It also lists the asking prices of other homes in the area currently on the market. You may find that the asking price is above what the comparable homes in the neighborhood are actually selling for. Or you might even find another home in the area that is a better bargin. When you make an offer, you can use the CMA as evidence to show the seller why you believe your offer is a reasonable one. --- 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 @ 1:43 PM
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