A Home Warranty Advantage

Homeowners Insurance is great

It covers a lot of things like fire, theft and vandalism –
and in case there is a storm that causes significant damage, the policy’s right
there to protect the owner. But what about a policy that looks after the
interests of the property while it listed on the market and one that works to
the advantage of both sides of the buying and selling fence? A home warranty is
a perfect supplement to a homeowner’s insurance policy and it broadens the
overall coverage in a variety of ways. Here is a rundown of the variances
between the two and how a seller getting a warranty policy on their home for
sale is a great tool!

Benefits of a Home Warranty Policy

While home insurance largely covers catastrophic incidences and damage, a home
warranty policy goes far beyond in that it address the home including wear and
tear items. Also, maintenance and repair is typically includes in a home
warranty policy. As a selling tool, this is fantastic, because during the
process – or even after the home is sold – for up to 13 months, the areas of the
home covered under the policy are warranted. Oftentimes, a buyer will come
across an issue with something in the home that could become a deal breaker but
with the added peace of mind of a warranty, the seller can sit back and relax
knowing that most things will likely be covered. Examples of things that fall
into range of coverage on a home warranty are flooring, plumbing systems,
electrical systems, and wear and tear of these areas plus also the furnace and
in come cases, the roofing or other major components of the home.

Home Insurance Policy Advantages

The single biggest difference between a home warranty versus a home owners insurance policy is that the latter covers the basic replacement value in general if there is a major catastrophe such as a storm that cause damage, fire, theft or vandalism or personal liability. There is not personal
liability coverage under the home warranty policy, rather it focuses on the “used” contents of the home.

How a Home Warranty Policy Helps in a Real Estate Transaction

ServiceOne is a company that provides very good coverage under their policy including 12-months of free seller coverage, with coverage beginning on the first of their home being
listed for sale. The free coverage period for the seller lasts for up to 180
days and the policy is only paid for upon sale of the home at closing. The best
part of a home warranty policy is that even after the buyer has taken possession
of the property, the coverage continues. That means that as a seller, you will
not have to contend with any last minutes issues that can and do come up. When
applying for the warranty, be sure to choose coverage that address all potential
concerns you may have for the home so that if there were a need for repairs or
coverage, you would have it provided as a benefit.

An industry association held a study in which it was determined that not only do
homes sell up to 50% faster when there is a home warranty policy in place, but
also the selling price typically comes within three percent of the list price.
In today’s real estate market – this is an advantage that any seller would want
to avail!

Warren Buffett and Single Family Homes

The news spread like wildfire. No, it’s not another politician’s sex scandal or the
latest (definitely not greatest) gas prices. It is the monumental statement
made by Warren Buffett that he would buy up “a couple hundred thousand”
single-family homes. The catch is that he would do that if it were something he
could practically manage. He may not be able to practically manage it but
individuals certainly can.
Think about that. For months, if not more than that, countless Realtors have been
urging their clients and potential clients that now is the perfect time to buy.
Now that it comes from one of the biggest investors of our time, it brings new
light to the subject for many investors and has generated widespread industry
buzz from the moment the billionaire uttered those words.In
an interview where he discussed several topics, soon into the discussion with
Becky Quick of CNBC’s Squawk Box, he said that in addition to equities,
single-family homes are probably the most attractive investment there is out
there right now. With the low rates that seem to be heading further down still,
he suggests buying at these low interest rates and then for homeowners to
refinance if and when the rates dips even more. He cited that the only reason he has not purchased as many homes as he would have liked is because of the practicality of managing the transactions and properties. Apartment units might have been more manageable and in his words, he said he would “load up on them” had that been the case. But for the everyday
investor it makes perfect sense to seize this opportunity and Warren Buffett
highlights this repeatedly in his most recent discussion on CNBC.Mr.
Buffett shared his perspective on the idea of buying homes at distressed prices,
fixing them up and renting them out as an ideal way to get a solid return on
investment. Referring to the changing trends and attitudes within the housing
market, he also said this is the perfect way to “short the dollar” because with
a 30-year fixed rate mortgage it can go two ways; either the interest rate is
too high down the line after which you can go and refinance or if it’s too low
the other guy’s stuck with it for 30 years. Could this be the return of the
house-flipping craze that we saw boom in the mid 2000s? Mr. Buffett’s statement brings new light to something that so many agents and mortgage consultants have been saying all along. Buy now. At a time when stocks are just now rebounding after four years of inching their way back up, he says that consumers should acquire 30-year fixed rate mortgages and then
refinance when rates go down further. If homeowners can hold on to their property for a long time after purchasing it at the lowest rates the industry has to offer they are sitting on the best
investment possible of our time. Of course equities are still very strong but
they have come up quite a bit and Warren Buffett says owning a home is a
“leveraged way of owning a very cheap asset”, making it quite possibly the most
attractive investment that you can make.

Four Reasons to Sell Now!

There is so much real estate buzz these days but how do you know what you can trust? On the one hand we hear about the market being down and how it’s heading further south. On the other, we’re bombarded with news about how now is a great time for buyers in the market. Well, it is true that buyers have a lot of control these days with interest rates being so low and consequently buyers having that much more buying power. But for sellers the news is not so good and now is definitely not the most ideal time to sell your home.  

Still, many people are faced with no choice and have to sell – to relocate to another location or simply to move to another stage in life like retirement or downsizing.

If you are on the fence and don’t know whether now is the time to list your home, consider this: things have been bad but they could easily get worse. Here are four reasons why I believe selling now makes more sense than waiting it out.

Shadow Inventory Will Soon Crowd the Market

Industry experts often refer to supply and demand as a market barometer for real estate and nothing indicates market health more than inventory levels. Anything above 6 or 7 months of inventory is high since that indicates the number of months it would take for the current inventory level to sell and the market to be balanced.

Most normal markets can endure that many months of inventory but as soon as shadow inventory is unloaded on the market things will change significantly. Currently there are about 500,000 bank-owned properties on the market. However, with all the foreclosures pending plus homes that have been issued a Notice of Default, the number of bank owned properties is expected to rise to as many as 4 million properties in the next one to two years. Once that happens, home prices are projected to decline even further.

Interest Rates Are Low But For How Long?

No one can predict how long the current historically low interest rates will remain. Whatever homes are selling these days is due to the immense buying power buyers are tapping into. When you combine low prices of homes with these interest rates lots of buyers are “flocking” to get into their dream homes. Still, there is a reason we are where we are in the first place and an even stronger reason that we’ve been lurking in this precarious position for some time. Until and unless our economy strengthens, despite the added buying power there is still trepidation about getting into major purchases. Before buyers lose the confidence they have these days and before interest rates start shooting back up, it’s a good idea to sell while you still have a fair amount of chance of selling successfully. Once shadow inventory hits the market and these factors come into play, the probability of selling a home quickly and at a favorable price will definitely go down.

The Future of Our Economy Continues to Be An Enigma

No one really knows the impact this year’s Presidential election will have on the economy. Nor can anyone tell how well the national jobs market will improve over the next several years. But one thing is certain – though there is improvement, it’s moving a snail’s pace. To avoid any unforeseen ramifications of our economy declining in the coming months and years I strongly advise sellers contemplating listing their home to go ahead and sell now. Right now, we are seeing sales and before that changes there are better prospects of selling now than there may in the future.

 

Why Put Your Life On Hold Any Longer?

Imagine the freedom you will feel to be able to do what you have wanted all along. This could mean getting into a better home while paying the same payments you are currently making or it could mean being able to retire. Regardless of your motivation, by holding on to your property until the market springs back to what the home was once worth, you may end up losing out on many things in life. If the market is going to stabilize it will not happen until at least three, five or even seven years down the line. Can you wait that long to move to the next stage in your life?

 

If you decide that selling now is right for you, contact Tracie Weaver today to find out how I can help you sell your home with resounding success!

SOLD in 8 Days @ Full Price! 18701 S Street/ Millard Schools/ $130,000

3 Bedroom/2 Bath/2 Car Garage/ Fireplace

 From the moment you walk into this well-cared for home you will be amazed.  Vaulted ceilings, neutral paint throughout and white trim makes this house look brand new. 

Great patio and deck for entertaining and a nice flat back yard with partial fence!

Additional storage in the lower level.

Wonderful in every way! Even the pickiest buyer will be pleased!

Living room features a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, neutral carpet and a bay window.
Kitchen features custom cabinets, tile backsplash, vinyl flooring, vaulted ceilings and a breakfast bar.
Dining room has carpeting, vaulted ceilings and a balcony that overlooks the living room as well as access through the sliding doors onto the deck.
Master bedroom is carpeted, has a walk-in closet, ceiling fan, a 3/4 master bath with vinyl flooring,  shower and double sinks.
2nd and 3rd bedrooms are carpeted.
Lower level has carpeting and daylight window.

Refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, disposal and range/oven included with acceptable offer.

For a Private Showing:

TRACIE GONZALEZ

(402) 812-2626

Stage Your Home Before You Lose the Sale!

If you’ve shopped for a home, chances are you’ve come across one that you really wish you hadn’t visited in the first place. True, houses for sale ought to have a certain “lived in” quality to them, because they are to be lived in after all, but the art of tactfully balancing just the right amount of homeliness with neutrality is not so simple. You need to know what you’re doing when you prepare to set up your house and show it to potential buyers. We’ve put together some great tips for home-sellers so you can get the same results you’d get by hiring a professional staging company.


Fix Up the Place


One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make before putting their house up for sale is to neglect areas in the house that need attention. Folks, don’t leave that faulty step unrepaired, only for a potential buyer to step on, slide off of or worse, get injured on – FIX IT! You might think potential buyers won’t notice but they are walking around on your premises like hawks, noticing each little detail. The good news is that they are noticing the first-rate stuff too, so as long as you have the home’s amenities in order and other major areas in tip-top condition, you should be in good shape. Here’s how:


Get Rid of the Clutter


If you want to successfully sell your house, you need to get those potential buyers to imagine they already live there. Too much clutter, hobby-oriented items or personal possessions that most people may not be able to identify with, can easily get in the way of that vision. Organize things in stylish storage bins or better yet, have a garage sale before the open house and get rid of unwanted stuff. You have to move soon anyway, why not kill two birds with one stone? A clean and organized home will seem like a clean slate to buyers, who can then see themselves moving in without much hassle and settle in effortlessly.


Stay Neutral


Skip the tie and dye sofa cushions, shaggy 70s rug and don’t light incense on the day of your open house. While you’re at it, don’t fill the space with gender-specific things either. Buyers should walk into a neutral ground – literally. Light to medium colors, preferably in beige tones, are the simplest way to pull buyers’ attention away from other personal aspects of your home that they may not be able to identify with. Beige goes with almost anything so if someone considering purchasing your home can imagine their things in the space, then you’ve just crossed one of the most major hurdles in home-selling – making a buyer identify with the home.


Make It a Modern, Inviting Environment




If you don’t already have them, invest in a few modern decorative accessories to improve the look of your space while lending an air of style and taste and making it more enticing. It doesn’t have to take much but depending on how you set it up, you can enhance a given space with a few simple additions and deletions. Take your over-crowded study and rearrange the bookshelf to display only a few strategic but essential books, like a leather-bound set of encyclopedia or some literature classics. In the same way, leave a few children’s toys in a child’s room but be sure to display them tastefully.


Put a Few Finishing Touches in Place


The idea is that you want your house to be sold – and you probably want it sold fast. If you are careful to respect the people who are visiting your space to decide whether it’s the right one for them, then you are doing something that a lot of homeowners neglect to consider. Taking down a piece of controversial artwork that may make a potential purchaser uncomfortable could be the one bargaining chip that could make or break the sale. Arranging for all those who currently live in the home to be away during the open house and while showing the house being dressed in a way to present a good impression are also great ways to tip the scales in the right direction.


It’s very simple. You need to make the potential buyer feel right at home from the get-go. If from the moment they walk in and smell cinnamon cookies baking makes them wish this was already home – then you’re already two steps ahead and can call the open house a success! Of course, a signature on the dotted line is where the real success lies and as long as the buyer feels at home, chances are that if everything else lines up – the sale is a winner!

I Love Technology!

Technology

Using technology is essential to successful selling. Iam a very progressive agent with the most advanced and up-to-date tools available.
My mission is simple: constantly work on ways I can help my clients stay ahead of the curve. I understand that technology changes quickly and what was used yesterday is today a history lesson.

I also understand that using technology is one of the most important features of a highly successful sales associate. That is I believe that keeping up-to-date with technology is so important.

From search engine optimization, to listing syndication, mobile solutions, cutting edge website tools, on-line agent services, social media, and personal web site, I am always looking for ways to use technology to assist my clients. I do all of this while never charging any additional media or technology fees!

Search Engine Optimization

A website is only as good as the content you offer, and the traffic you can drive to it. TracieWeaver.com is the area's best real estate website offering all of the options that consumers want. I am always updating your information, advertising the website in many different places, and using various techniques to keep your listing towards the top. The better job I can do at driving customers to your listing, the more showings this will mean for your home. This is something you should expect from your broker.

Listing Syndication

This is what my customers want, and my clients expect. With over 85% of consumers shopping for homes online, it is important to optimize exposure for all of our listings. This is why I syndicate my listings to the top local and national real estate websites. In addition to local real estate websites,

all of my listings are on popular sites such as Yahoo, Trulia, Google, Zillow, hotpads, frontdoor, Realtor.com, Omaha.com and more. I provide your listing feed to the most quality real estate websites, and I am adding more all the time.

Online Agent Services

My Realtor Resource section provides our associates a virtual office where I can access all of your forms and contracts, vendor information, flyer templates, message boards, and much more. Of course all of this information is available at my office locations, but for the agent on-the-go it is incredibly convenient to have everything in one place.

Mobile Solution 

Tracie provides the area's best mobile solution for information on the go. By accessing listings, users can get instant information on any MLS listing. Users can view pictures, detailed information about the home, and search by various items including address, MLS number, agent name, or open houses.

Office Technology
I have access to computer labs, multi-function copy/fax/scan machines, and wireless network. A conference room equipped with computers to make it easier to serve clients. I can scan and e-mail contracts, make both black and white and color copies, access the internet from my laptop, and print from any computer (including laptops) to our multi-function machines. This technology is essential in doing business efficiently in today's real estate industry.
I am constantly working on new technologies, and improving on existing ones. I even have training classes on effectively using technology to increase business.

Spruce it Up! Sell it Fast!

If you have made the decision to sell your home and will be listing it soon, especially as we continue to experience this challenged market lately, you want your home to sell as quickly as possible and at a price closest to your asking price.  By following these tips, you are sure to be successful in your home-selling endeavor, and most likely with an edge over other sellers who may not have taken the time to prepare their property for sale. 

Get Your Home Ready So It Shows Its Very Best

Curb appeal is a very important aspect of attracting serious buyers.  Beginning with what they see as they drive up, to what their experience is walking up to the front door – as a seller, your greatest opportunity to grab their interest lies in those very first moments.  Make sure there are no dirty corners, cobwebs, mildew, stains or other unattractive visible signs of neglect that will catch prospective buyers’ eyes. 

Tip: Pressure-wash the area, clean up weeds, add shine to pavement blocks with some sealant, make sure the storm door is in good shape and that the door bell operates.

Clean, Mark-Free Walls and Windows Are Essential

Regardless of whether you are still living in the space or the house is vacant, it’s important to have the house cleaned and devoid of all marks and blemishes.  Windows and glass should be clean and smudge-free.  Walls should be without any scuffmarks, moving dents or other signs of wear and tear.  

Tip:  Hire a cleaner to clean the house, the bathrooms, fixtures, kitchen, appliances, floors, walls and windows -- patch up dents in the wall and apply a fresh coat of paint throughout the home.

Address Aged Aspects of the Home

If you have some areas with older appliances, tiles with loose grout or any other things that need some updating, try to do so before putting up the house for sale.  Without taking on too large an expense, do make an effort to make the home presentable. 

Tip:  Clean grout on older tiles, have loose tiles re-grouted, and freshen up shower stalls and bathtubs with new caulking.

Don’t Ignore Hard-To-Reach Areas

Pool cages are often ignored within a home because homeowners cannot easily access the insides where mold and mildew can accumulate.  Cleaning the pool cage will make all the difference when a buyer walks through the home and imagines their family using the space.

Tip:  Pressure-wash the inside of pool cages for a quick, bright spruce up.

The Home Should Be Warm and Inviting

Depending on where you are located, keep the temperate of the home at a comfortable level.  If it is too hot or cold, buyers will leave too quickly without getting ample time to walk through, see all the features and visualize themselves in the home.  If the home is still occupied, cook a pot of apples and cinnamon on the stove a few hours before the showing, so there is an inviting aroma throughout the house.

Tip:  In the summers, keep the air conditioning on at a comfortable 68 to 70 degrees.  In winters, leave the heating on at about 73 or 74 degrees.

Exterior Aesthetics Are Also Important

Pay attention to overgrown shrubs, trees, flowerbeds and hedges.  When the outside of a home looks unkempt it can give off a false impression of the rest of the home too.  You want your prospective buyers to see the home and fall in love at first sight – and that begins from the exterior. 

Tip:  Make sure grass is watered, fresh and green. Clean up your lawn and driveway area.  Trim overgrown trees and vegetation, add some mulch or decorative rocks and flower pots for some color.  Decks should be stained.


Get a Second Opinion

Since you are used to the environment in the house, you may have turned a blind eye to some aspects of the home without even realizing it.  If you can ask someone to walk through the home and make a note of any issues that may be visible then before the showing you can get an additional perspective on how the house presents.  Heed that person’s advice as much as possible and repair or address the issues that are brought up.

Tip:  Request a close friend, family member or your listing agent to walk through the home once you have prepared it for showing and provide a list of any issues or concerns that need addressing.