Tuesday, April 20, 2010
3311 Mill Park Ct, Millstadt Illinois
$229,000MLS#300581 Look at this 4 bedroom, 3200 sq ft ranch located on a cul-de-sac, next to a park. Vaulted ceilings give this home a spacious, airy feel. A sliding door leads to a concrete patio overlooking a large green space contributing to the privacy of this home. The finished basement, with a bedroom, allows plenty of space for family and/or friends. At only 3 yrs old, this home will need no updating. Come in and take a look! http://bryanvogt.com.idxre.com/idx/listings.cfm?cid=4294&pc=MLS&sr=1&gsr=1&sb=pd 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 @ 1:56 PM
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
SQUEEZING EVERY LAST DOLLAR FROM YOUR HOME SALE
MAKING THE BEST SECOND IMPRESSIONAs with the exterior, I have found that there are plenty of interior tricks to punch the right emotional buttons in prospective buyers. In all rooms certain minimum standards should be met:- Make sure all plumbing and electrical systems are in good working order
- Repair cracks in the wall
- Paint - as is the case outside, a fresh coat of paint throughout the house will more than pay for itself
- Remove wallpaper - if one of a kind
- Replace missing molding
- Replace cracked or broken window glass
- Make sure window and door hardware match
- Install new floor coverings
- Install new light fixtures
- Make sure switch and outlet plates match from room to room
- Upgrade insulation in drafty or hot rooms
As is the case outside, a coat of paint can literally make the difference between a sale and no sale. Be sure to stick to neutral colors - white or off white. It tends to make everything look new, clean and bright. Be sure to paint everything: inside closets, cabinets, pantries, etc. If a prospective buyer opens a door and sees dirty walls or shelves, you have just wasted the advantage you gained by painting in the first place. Like paint, new carpeting should also be in a neutral shade. This helps buyer visualize their own furniture in your home. Many buyers value good wooden floors, so sand and finish yours if they can be restored. Otherwise you might consider new flooring, If your home is short on storage space, consider how you might add shelving, cabinets or other storage systems to remedy this deficiency. You may also consider replacing windows, and doors with more energy efficent models. Taken individually, each of the above improvements may not seem like much. You will find that the cumulative effect on fixing even relatively minor problems will be dramatic. A crack in the wall, a carpet or a light switch that doesn't work can send a negative signal that results in the loss of a buyer. I have seen it happen. 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 @ 3:16 PM
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
SQUEEZING EVERY LAST DOLLAR FROM YOUR HOME SALE
DON'T NEGLECT THE MINOR DETAILSIt is often the little things that really stand out. If your mailbox is in poor shape, replace it. Varnish or repaint you door if it needs it. A door knocker and a brass kick plate can also be a nice addition. Spruce up the entryway with new light fixtures, potted plants and other decorative touches. With the exception of adding a deck or patio, most of the steps I have touched on here can be accomplished in relatively little time and without alot of money. But the difference in the impression your home makes on prospective buyers will be dramatic. Ironically, some of the big budget items yiou might consider spending your money on will do little to enhance the marketability of your home. Aluminum siding for example, is prized by some and loathed by others. Hot tubs may or may not appeal to potential buyers. Watch out for changes that you may find appealing but end up limiting your home's appeal to others. Besides swimming pools, other investments you probably won't see a return on are tennis courts and automatic sprinkler systems. Unless they are for your own enjoyment, don't waste your money. One major expense you may have to consider is a new roof. If you think you can pass the cost along to a buyer, forget it. Everyone expects a good roof, and they are not going to pay extra for it. A roof in poor condition can kill a deal quickly. 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 @ 11:26 AM
Thursday, April 08, 2010
SQUEEZING EVERY LAST DOLLAR FROM YOUR HOME SALE
THE DRIVEWAYBecause it is big, dark and usually takes up significant portion of the property in front of your home, a driveway can affect a buyer's first impressions. If yours is in good condition, make sure you keep it swept and neatly edged where it meets the lawn. If yours is cracked, buckled or oil stained, fix it. Patching concrete can be a problem because matching color is difficult; tar and asphalt are relatively easy to match. Whatever you do , be careful you do not create a bigger problem through quick-fix solutions. Use high quality patching materials and sealers. DECKS AND PATIOS These can be popular additions that add value, especially with smaller homes, because they add living space. Make sure whatever you do is consistant with your home's architectural style and integrates well with your outdoors areas. THE GARAGE If you garage has that rough, unfinished look, consider drywall and matching switch and outlet plates. At a minimum, make sure all switches and outlets work and give everything a good cleaning. 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 @ 11:17 AM
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
11 Cross, Belleville, Illinois Breathtaking Custom Home
New Price!!!$200,000 MLS#2915122 You will love the breathtaking setting of this custom home one nearly ½ acre with mature trees. Located on quiet cul-de-sac with other custom homes, this energy efficient home features plaster walls, large family room with fireplace, and bar, that opens to the kitchen and breakfast area. The living room/dining room has a cathedral ceiling giving it an open, airy feel. The home has a large multi-level deck, and covered side porch. The master bedroom has its own private balcony. The gourmet kitchen and breakfast area overlook the main deck and allow you inviting glimpses of nature. An open floor plan lends itself to entertaining family and friends. There are quality features throughout this home including extra attic and wall insulation and double glazed windows. If you feel you need more space, the full, daylight basement is waiting to be finished and has a rough-in for a bath. Storage space is not a problem: there is 400sq ft of walk-in storage over the garage, accessible from the second floor. http://www.idxre.com/idx/detail.cfm?cid=4294&pid=2915122&bid=72 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 @ 11:42 AM
1121 Danzig, Beautiful 2 Story on a Corner Lot in O'Fallon
New Price!!!$210,000 MLS#2913394 This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, home has it all! Imagine entertaining friends/ family for hours at a time in the large kitchen. It flows into the family room with brick fireplace & windows that allow plenty of light. It has a spacious master bedroom with large walk in closet. The roomy master bath has separate shower and tub. And guess what?! No walking up or down stairs for laundry! Washer and dryer are located on the 2nd floor! The inviting deck is covered by a pergola, the backyard is fenced so that kids can be safe, and adults can be entertained for hours. Call to set and appointment today! http://www.idxre.com/idx/detail.cfm?cid=4294&bid=72&pid=2913394&CFID=13343447&CFTOKEN=89620567Bryan 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 @ 11:31 AM
Monday, April 05, 2010
SQUEEZING EVERY LAST DOLLAR FROM YOUR HOME SALE
LANDSCAPINGAnother key first impression is made by the grounds of your home. If you can improve the attractivness of your landscape without spending a lot of money, you can add a good 5 to 10 percent to the value of your home. Minimally, you should prune existing trees, shrubs, and bushes, clean out dead plants and weeds from the flower beds, and replace them with colorful flowering plants. Because landscaping can become a high-maintenance headache if not done carefully, choose hardy perennials that require minimal care. If you have a damaged lawn, you may need to take additional steps. The easiest step is to repair damaged sections with new sod. While seeding is cheaper, it won't produce grass overnight. A good patch job can make for a quick fix. Other lawn problems - dead areas due to lack of sunlight or a tree's root system - can be solved by planting ground cover or creating additional flower beds. Like a new paint job, a relatively inexpensive upgrade of existing landscaping can bring far greater returns than what you spend. Don't do anything that will be deemed excessive by neighbohood standards. The idea is to make your home more attractive, not stand out as an oddity.
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 @ 3:25 PM
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Mini 5 Acre Horse Farm in Troy, Illinois
New Price!!!!$235,000 MLS# 3001934You will love this mini horse farm. The 40x120 barn has 12 stalls, tack room, water, electric, & ½ bath. There is a fenced pasture and riding arena. This home has three bedrooms and a walkout basement with a bath. For those winter evenings, a wood burning stove in the living room adds a cozy feeling. An atrium door leads to the deck that overlooks beautiful wooded land, great for entertaining or for quiet time, enjoying nature. http://www.propertypanorama.com/91110Bryan 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 @ 4:40 PM
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