Thursday, January 31, 2008

When Is It Time To Replace My Roof?

Most experts agree that one of the best ways to avoid roof trouble is to inspect your roof twice a year: In the Fall, for sun damage and in the Spring for Winter damage. By doing this, you will be able to identify any problems early, before you start having leaks. Use binoculars from the ground to check for problems.

If you have asphalt shingles (petroleum based material covered with sand-like granule), look out for a roof surface that is not smooth and the edges of the shingles are curled and warped. Check for crooked shingles. Scan the roof for any shingles that may have been lifted by the wind or are missing altogether. Bumps can indicate that the roofing nails below have become loose. Look for bald spots where the mineral granules have worn away.

With wood shingles, check for curled, broken, and split shingles and for spots where nails have become loose or rusted.

With tile or slate, individual tiles can chip and break and require replacement.In valleys and in flashings around the chimney and vents, check for broken seals along the flashing's edges and for rust spots in the metal.

Check rafters and the underside of the roof for dark wet spots. These are signs of rot and will need to be replaced.

Climbing into your attic or onto your roof to inspect your home can be very dangerous. For that reason, we urge you to use the services of a professional contractor to conduct a close-up roof inspection.

Related Links:
Hometime has a whole roofing section for do-it-yourselfers that is great information.
ImproveNet has a calculator to help you determine the cost of a new roof.
Home Restoration & Remodeling Magazine offers advice on choosing a roofing contractor.

I hope you found this help full.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit http://FreeReports.AnnapolisHomes4You.com

Pat Ogle and The Annapolishomes4You Team
Champion Realty, Inc
410-224-0660
http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You

Your dedicated Real Estate Professionals in Annapolis Maryland , Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Eastern Shore, and the surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Annapolis Relocation, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County Real Estate, Arnold Real Estate, Severna Park Real Estate, and Edgewater Real Estate. We specialize in Annapolis Waterfront Real Estate, Arnold Waterfront Real Estate and Severna Park Waterfront Real Estate.

National/Maryland Weather Forecast!

Champion Realty has place on YouTube.com a great little ad on the National Weather(Real Estate) Forecast. To take a look Click Here tell me what you think.

For Valuable Real Estate Information visit http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

Pat Ogle and The Annapolishomes4You Team
Champion Realty, Inc
410-224-0660
http://www.annapolishomes4you.com/
PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You


Your dedicated Real Estate Professionals in Annapolis Maryland , Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Eastern Shore, and the surrounding areas in Maryland. We specialize in Annapolis Relocation, Annapolis Real Estate, Anne Arundel County Real Estate, Arnold Real Estate, Severna Park Real Estate, and Edgewater Real Estate. We specialize in Annapolis Waterfront Real Estate, Arnold Waterfront Real Estate and Severna Park Waterfront Real Estate.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

SEVEN SELLING MISTAKES YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE

SEVEN SELLING MISTAKES YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE!

Mistake #1 -- Pricing Your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price.

Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value

Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your Realtor for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 -- Forgetting to "Showcase Your Home"

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.

Mistake #4 -- Trying to "Hard Sell"

While Showing Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.

Mistake #5 -- Trying to Sell to "Looky-Loos"

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a "for sale" sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a Realtor are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate. Your Realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your Realtor fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new Realtor.

Mistake #6 -- Not Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws will affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kind of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7 -- Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

Your Realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques. Your Realtor should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your Realtor is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job, too, so you may not be able to get in touch with many potential buyers.

The Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist With 25-Years Experience Selling Real Estate and Homes for Sale in AnnapolisAnne Arundel CountyEastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland
Pat Ogle, Gary Orders and Jenn Morgan the AnnapolisHomes4You.com Team Knows Real Estate - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600

Annapolis Real Estate and Relocation in Anne Arundel County, the Eastern Shore, and Surrounding Counties

TOP RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT:  LICENSED SINCE 1986
 Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, Internet Marketing Specialist, REALTOR Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Certified Internet Marketing Specialist (e-PRO) Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) Certified Residential Investment Specialist (CRIS) Certified Historic Property Specialists (CHPS) Champion Certified Buyer Representative (CCBR) Member of the Champion Realty Hall of Fame Champion Realty Lifetime Achievement Award Awarded the Realty Alliance National Sales Award (2003,2004,2005,2006,2007,2008,2010) Awarded Best-of-the-Best by Champion Realty in Settled Real Estate Transaction Sales Life Time Member of the Distinguished Sales Achievement Club of the Anne Arundel County Board of Realtors (DSAC)
711 Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 Business:            (410) 224-0660       Toll Free:(888) 204-0535       Cell Phone:        (443) 569-2736       PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com

Pat Ogle amd Gary Orders are e-PROs - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a GRI - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a Life Member of DSAC - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600
Pat Ogle is a CRS - Pat Ogle, Associate Broker is a Certified Residential Specialist and he sells Real Estate and Waterfront Homes in Annapolis Anne Arundel County the Eastern Shore and Maryland Pat Ogle is a Real Estate Agent with Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road Annapolis MD 21401 410-224-0600