American Home Styles - Splits

Now let se what our friends at Wikipedia have to say about Splits.

Split-level homes

A split-level home (also called a tri-level home) is a style of house in which the floor level of one part of the house is about half way between a floor and its ceiling of the other part of the house. The one story section typically contains a family room, living room, dining room, and kitchen. There are typically two small sets of stairs that attach the one story section of the house to the two story section. One set leads up, typically to bedrooms and a bathroom. The other set leads down to a large family room and basement area. Often, the basement level also includes the garage and is level with the driveway. The first floor is built halfway between the basement and second floor, with the second floor being above the basement. Alternately, both halves of the house may be two stories tall, with a basement beneath the "first story" section described above. Additions to the house are possible by adding a third floor above the first or expanding outward from any side.

A sidesplit is where the split level is visible from the front elevation of the home. A backsplit is where the split level is only visible from the side elevation. The front elevations shows only a single story and the two stories are in the back.

Includes two short sets of stairs and two levels. The entry is between floors. The front door opens to a landing. One short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor; another short flight of stairs leads down. The top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms. The lower floor often has lower ceilings and is partially below ground. However, in many modern split foyer homes the lower level is at grade, which necessitates an outdoor staircase to reach the front door. These homes often also have very high ceilings on the lower level to accommodate the home's HVAC ducting.

Stacked Split Level

The stacked split level has four or five short sets of stairs, and five or more levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two levels. The front door opens into a foyer, and two short sets of stairs typically lead down to a basement and up to some sort of living area (often the kitchen or the living room). The next living area is on top of the foyer (containing either the kitchen or the living room), and another short set of stairs typically leads to at least one bedroom, located on top of the first living area. Often additional bedrooms are 'stacked' on top of the second living area, hence the name 'stacked split level'. This type of construction is typically used for townhouses.

Split Level

The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors. The front door opens directly into what is usually the formal living area. This mid-level floor houses Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, and has a short flight of stairs leading up to bedrooms, and another short flight of stairs leading down to informal living areas and garage.

Split Entry-Foyer

The Split Entry has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry between floors. The front door opens in a foyer or entry area located in a wing off the main house. From the entry, a short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor and another short flight leads down. Usually resembles a three-level or split-level from the exterior, but is actually a bi-level with an entry wing. In most cases this entry area is part of a garage wing. In others, the entry area might be a separate living room wing.
Raised Ranch

The raised ranch has one full flight of stairs, and two levels. The entry at lower floor. A full flight of stairs, usually near the front door, leads up to the living level. Top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and Bedrooms. Lower floor often has lower ceilings. Although door is at or nearly at grade, sometimes the back and/or a side of the house is partially below ground. Many have the appearance of a ranch house that has been stretched upward and had the door lowered.
Advantages

The split-level home offers a convenient way to accommodate uneven property during construction. Since the main floor is about halfway above the basement, the house can be built into the side of a slope or soft hill, providing a very efficient use of space.

Moving throughout this type of home can be easier for people with disabilities, since fewer steps are required to go from the bedrooms to the rest of the house when compared with a traditional two-story house.

In an area where the amount of floors is limited by local law, split-level home offers more floors while in the same time adhere to the local law.

Disadvantages

Since the first floor and driveway are at uneven levels, stairs must be built to connect the entrance to the driveway, which can pose safety threats in icy conditions. Also, this type of house tends to include many stairs, which can be a problem for the elderly and others with impaired mobility, children must also be watched more attentively due to the many flights of stairs that they could fall down.

Homes may also be more prone to uneven heating and cooling, but this varies from house to house. The split-level design, however, aggravates the problem.

In contrast to traditional and historic homes, the primary focal point for pedestrians of a split level home tends to be the large garage doors presented to the street, rather than the doorway. Many architects and urbanists have been critical of this element due to its celebration of cars rather than inhabitants.

The garage to the front's resemblance to a snout and bedroom windows to eyes have led to the nickname 'pig houses' in some circles.

Regional Variance in Usage

In some regions such as the Northeastern United States, the term "split level" is used to refer to a bilevel house with a split entry. This style of house is also known as a "split foyer." This is a two-story house that has a small entrance foyer with stairs that "split"—half a flight of stairs go up (usually to the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms) and half a flight of stairs go down (usually to a family room and garage/storage area). This style is very popular in other areas of the country as well.

PS: You can do it and we will help you!

TOP RESIDENTIAL AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®

Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist

Gary Orders, e-Pro, REALTOR®

Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Jenn Morgan, REALTOR®

Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales

Champion Hall of Fame

Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

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American Home Styles - Colonial

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One of my clients asked me the difference between the different styles of home. Now that is a good question, so I looked it up on Wikipedia. What I found i am going to cove in the next couple of post. I hope you fimd the information helpful.

American colonial architecture

American colonial architecture includes several building design styles associated with the colonial period of the United States, including First Period English (late-medieval), French Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Dutch, German Colonial and Georgian Colonial.[1] These styles are associated with the houses, churches and government buildings of the period between about 1600 through 1850.
First Period English (late-Medieval)
Developed from two earliest English settlements at Jamestown, Virginia (1607) and Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620), and later in the other British colonies along the Eastern seaboard.
These buildings typically included medieval details including steep roofs, small windows (usually due to a scarcity of glass in the colonies), minimal ornamentation and a massive central chimney[2]

French Colonial

Developed in French-settled areas of North America beginning with the founding of Quebec in 1608 and New Orleans, Louisiana in 1718, as well as along the Mississippi River valley to Missouri.
The early French Colonial house type of the Mississippi River Valley region was the "poteaux-en-terre", constructed of heavy upright cedar logs set vertically into the ground. These basic houses featured double-pitched hipped roofs and were surrounded by porches (galleries) to handle the hot summer climate.
By 1825, in areas prone to flooding the "raised cottage" was developed with the houses being constructed atop raised brick walls, typically eight feet tall for protection from flood waters. In dry times, the basement remained cool and was used for cooking and storage.
By 1770, the basic French Colonial house form evolved into the "briquette-entre-poteaux" (small bricks between posts) style familiar in the historic areas of New Orleans and other areas. These homes featured double louvered doors, flared hip roofs, dormers and shutters.[3]

Spanish Colonial

Developed with the earlier Spanish settlements in the Caribbean and Mexico, the Spanish Colonial style in the United States can be traced back to St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest established city in the country, founded in 1565. The style would also develop in the Southwest and in California with the founding of the missions by the Spanish between 1769 and 1823.
The early type of dwelling in Spanish Florida was the "board house", a small one-room cottage constructed of pit-sawn softwood boards, typically with a thached roof.
During the 1700s, the "common houses" were covered whitewashed lime mortar with an oyster shell aggregate. Typically two-story, the houses included cooling porches to accommodate the Florida climate.

Dutch Colonial

Developed from around 1630 with the arrival of Dutch colonists to New Amsterdam and the Hudson River Valley in what is now New York.[5] Initially the settlers built small, one room cottages with stone walls and steep roofs to allow a second floor loft. By 1670 or so, two-story gable-end homes were common in New Amsterdam.
In the countryside of the Hudson Valley, the Dutch farmhouse evolved into a linear-plan home with straight-edged gables moved to the end walls. Around 1720, the distinctive Gambrel roof was adopted from the English styles, with the addition of overhangs on the front and rear to protect the mud mortar used in the typically stone walls and foundations.

German Colonial

Developed after about 1675 or so, when the Delaware River Valley area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware) of the United States was settled by immigrants from Sweden, Finland, Scotland, Ireland, Germany (Deutsch) and several other northern European nations. The early colonists to this region adapted the "half-timber" style of construction then popular in Europe, which used a frame of braced timbers filled-in with masonry (brick or stone). However, the colonists modified the method to typically include a first floor of field stones, and a second floor and roof system of timbers or logs. Eventually, field stones became the building material of choice for the entire homes, as they grew from one-room cottages to larger farmhouses.
The "bank house" was a popular form of home during this period, typically constructed into a hillside for protection during the cold winters and hot summers of the region.
The two-story "country townhouse" was also common around Pennsylvania during this time.

Georgian Colonial

(New England and mid-Atlantic Regions) (1720-1780) The defining characteristics of Georgian architecture are its square, symmetrical shape, central door, and straight lines of windows on the first and second floor. There is usually a decorative crown above the door and flattened columns to either side of it. The door leads to an entryway with stairway and hall aligned along the center of the house. [8] All rooms branch off of these. Georgian buildings, in the English manner were ideally in brick, with wood trim, wooden columns and entablatures painted white. In the US, one found both brick buildings as well as those in wood with clapboards. They were usually painted white, though sometimes a pale yellow. This differentiated them from most other structures that were usually not painted.
A Georgian Colonial-style house usually has a formally-defined living room, dining room and sometimes a family room. The bedrooms are typically on the second floor. They also have one or two chimneys that can be very large.

PS: You can do it and we will help you!

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Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Jenn Morgan, REALTOR®

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Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

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Some Money-Saving Tips for Your Home

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Thinking of saving money, according to the Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, American consumers and businesses spend some $21 billion annually, on lighting alone, and could cut their costs in half with energy-efficient light bulbs and fixtures while improving the environment. Installing efficient lighting in American homes and businesses would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 140 million tons each year--as much as eliminating all the carbon dioxide produced by the state of New Jersey! Isn't that amazing?We found a website (sponsored by the EPA and the DOE) that shows how to save money on energy bills by incorporating their energy efficiency suggestions. It's http://hes.lbl.gov/.

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Mistakes Of Beginning INVESTORS!

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Investing in real estate provides many owners with positive cash flow, tax benefits and the satisfaction of making an impact in others' lives. Like any investment, real estate has market trends that, if ignored, can cause an investor tremendous headaches.

Many first-time investors part with their hard-earned money without taking the time to study their investment. They rely on traditional trends and gut feeling. Before you risk your money, take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional, you can avoid these twelve common mistakes and ensure an excellent return on your money.

1. Failure to determine your time needs. Money, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity pay down and simple pride of ownership are a few of the things that must be addressed before you make that first investment. A service-minded real estate professional can be a tremendous asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and make sure you've got all your bases covered.

2. Not checking out the seller or seller's agent's numbers. Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don't get caught up in a wave of excitement regarding a property. Check every detail - rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, future modifications - everything regarding the finances of a potential investment. Be certain you are working with a good agent - it's like an insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but very important details.

3. Don't get emotionally attached, it's just business. Owning investment property carries with it a great potential for creating and holding wealth, but you may also be forced to make potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property, and time management all need careful consideration. Real estate investment is not a "hand's off" type of business - it will require your vigilance.

4. Avoid negative cash flow. Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital rapidly. This can create stress, frustration and become painful over a period of time. Expecting constant appreciation and positive cash flow may be unrealistic for a novice investor. A strain on your bank account may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever fully realized.

5. Failure to do a thorough inspection. Look everywhere! Hire a professional inspector. Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or recurring problems and don't overlook anything. A value-driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid costly mistakes.

6. Failing to have adequate insurance. Investment properties bring liabilities such as tenants, cars, parking lots, cleaning facilities, property liability - the list can be both extensive and daunting. Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must. Be sure to consult with an insurance professional to protect your assets.

7. Inspect, approve, and confirm all documents. The list of documents that need to be proofed can be overwhelming to the first-time investor. Building permits, zoning laws, rental and lease applications, health licenses, inspection reports, title policies - the list is long and you can't risk oversights on any of these. The right real estate professional will work with you to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

8. Get a bill of sale for all personal property involved. Many types of personal property (appliances, furniture, draperies, fixtures, etc.) can be involved with an investment sale. Be very detailed and know who owns what.

9. Charge fair rents. Vacancies, turnovers and lease terminators are your biggest expenses. Charge fair rent, treat your tenants with respect and respond quickly to their needs. It's a lot less costly in the long run to take care of the little problems while they are still little rather than waiting. A vacant property doesn't make you money.

10. Select qualified, good tenants from the start. You must take the time to check references. Previous landlords, employers, financial references, credit and judgments are all vitally important. If there are any questions, do a thorough investigation. Drive by their previous residence. A little work up front can save you all sorts of problems later on.

11. Make sure you get estoppel letters. Get letters from the tenants confirming the status of tenancy. Make sure their version of the rental agreement or lease corresponds with the seller's interpretation.

12. Don't spend positive cash flow. Most successful investors have free and clear properties. Be sure to re-invest your positive cash flow back into the property payment and speed up the amortization schedule. This decreases your debt load and increases your equity, which in turn increases your net worth. Investment property can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your financial portfolio. Be sure to be as knowledgeable as possible before risking your money. Do your homework! Consult with a professional real estate agent and protect yourself from the hidden troubles that can plague first-time investors.

13. Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Does your agent work with a good lender that has the reputation of excellent service and low rates to assist you in obtaining financing? Does your agent ask questions of you in order to have a full understanding of what you are looking for and to help you to find the best property for you?

PS: You can do it and we will help you!

TOP RESIDENTIAL AGENT: LICENSED SINCE 1986

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Gary Orders, e-Pro, REALTOR®
Certified Internet Marketing SpecialistJenn Morgan, REALTOR®

Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google
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Monetizing the $8000.00 tax credit

The clock is ticking to have the $8000.00 tax credit available at the time of settlement will make a big difference to the first time buyer that needs their cash for their down payment and or closing costs.

At the mid year meeting NAR and the federal government agreed to make this a reality. Since the $8000.00 Tax Credit is a real credit and not a loan. It is a terrific opportunity for a home buyer that has not owned in the past 3 years.

Since the buyer must close by December 1, 2009, the monetizing of the credit to give the maximum benefit needs to occur quickly. The first time buyer is the first in a line of transactions. Their entrance into the market unlocks a chain of contingent contracts.

For those that have already purchased this year and are entitled to the credit they can amend their return and get the credit now. The form needed is Form 1040X available at http://www.irs.gov/

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

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
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A Great 'How-To' Website

We're happy to be able to share more information with you that we think you may find interesting. Have you heard of the web site that provides step-by-step how-to information for thousands of common projects, from how to replace a leaky faucet to how to plan a dinner party? It's http://www.ehow.com/. We enjoy being able to share Internet sites that we think may be useful.

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

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

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Kiss Your Landlord Good Bye - Own Your Own Home!

The biggest problem many people face when making the move from renting to owning a home is the down payment. You've been making regular payments every month for rent and can't seem to accumulate enough capital for a more permanent home. Many times homes in your area appreciate in value faster than you can save. You should explore all possibilities and make every effort to purchase a home now and begin benefiting from the home's appreciation and the income tax deduction that come with home ownership. But saving for your down payment doesn't need to be the mountain you've made it out to be.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Veteran's Administration (VA) and many other government programs or grant programs are available for homebuyers with zero or little down. Hundreds of thousands of homebuyers are realizing their dream of home ownership every year and you can too.

1. You can make a much smaller down payment than you think.Certain government programs, such as first-time buyers programs, are intended to assist people in getting into the housing market. Even if your spouse is a former homeowner, as long as your name was not on a home loan, you can still qualify as a first time buyer. It's vital that your real estate agent has knowledge of this area and can provide you with relevant information.

2. Your lender may be able to help with your down payment and closing costs.Even if you do not have enough cash on hand to make a down payment, provided you own an asset (car, for example) free and clear and have no debt, your lender may be able to secure a loan against that asset to cover the down payment.

3. A seller may help you buy and finance your home.Some sellers might consider holding a second mortgage for you in what is called a "seller take back." Under these circumstances, the seller acts as a lending institution. Rather than a large lump sum payment, you pay the seller a monthly mortgage installment.

4. Create a cash down payment without going into debt.There are ways to borrow money for certain investments that can generate major tax refunds that you can use as a down payment for a new home. While money borrowed for these investments are technically a loan, the monthly amount paid can be small, and the money in both the investment and the home will be yours when all is done.

5. You do not need perfect credit to buy a home.Provided you can come up with more than the minimum down payment or can secure a loan using other equity, many lenders will consider you for a mortgage. If you have a less-than-perfect credit rating, seeking a seller that will take back the mortgage can also be very helpful.

6. You should get pre-approved for a loan before shopping for a home.It is very easy to get pre-approved and by doing so, you can shop for a home in peace. Mortgage professionals can obtain a written pre-approval in very little time, often over the phone. A written pre-approval certificate is like money in the bank. All it takes is a completed credit application and a certificate that guarantees you a mortgage to a specified level when you find the home you are looking for. This also strengthens your bargaining position when competing with other buyers on the home you want.

You should only work with a professional who specializes in home mortgages. Their services can make the difference between obtaining a home loan or being trapped paying rent forever.

7. Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold.

Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist you with financing a new home? Does your agent ask questions of you in order to have a full understanding of what you are looking for to help you locate the most home for the money?

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don't waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now!

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

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,

CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled

Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel

County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
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Selling Your Home is One of the Most Important Things You Will Ever Do in Your Life.

Selling your home is one of the most important things you will ever do in your life. This simple system will provide the tools you need to maximize your profits, maintain control, and reduce the stress that comes with the home-selling process.

Know why you are selling and keep it to yourself. The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What is more important to you? The money you walk away with, the length of time your property is on the market, or a combination of both? Different goals will dictate different selling strategies. However, it is critical that you do not reveal your reasons to anyone else, because it could come back to haunt you at the negotiating table. When asked, simply explain that your housing needs have changed.

Be sure to do your homework before setting a price. Settling on an offering price should not be done lightly. In a hot seller's market, should you set your asking price too low, be prepared to receive offers over and above your asking price. However, remember that pricing your house too high is very dangerous. The average homebuyer will view and compare dozens of homes on the Internet at the same time they are considering yours. This means that they have a basis of comparison, and if your home doesn't compare favorably with others in the price range you have set, your home will sit on the market and prospective buyers will not take you seriously. The longer your home sits on the market, the more likely people will think that there is a problem with it.

Work with your agent to find out what homes in your own and similar neighborhoods have sold for in the past three to six months. Research what current homes on the market are listed at. It's the same process that buyers will undertake when assessing the value of your home.

Find a good real estate agent that represents your needs. Nearly three quarters of all homeowners claim that they would not use the same real estate agent who sold their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to poor communication and lack of feedback, which will ultimately result in lower prices and strained relationships.

Be sure to maximize your home's sales potential. Each year, corporate America spends billions of dollars on product packaging and design. Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish to ignore this fact when selling your home.

You may not be able to change your home's location or floor plan, but you can do a great many things to improve its appearance. The look and feel of your home generates greater emotional response from prospective buyers than any other factor. Before showings, clean like you have never cleaned before. Scrub, scour, and otherwise make everything spotless. Fix everything, no matter how insignificant it may appear. Present your home to get the best possible reaction from those viewing it. Your home's condition and how it shows will greatly affect your sales price and time on the market.

Allow buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. The decision to buy a home is based a high level of emotion. Prospective buyers are trying on your home the same way they would try on a new suit before buying it. If you follow them around pointing out improvements or making excuses for a lack of upkeep, you make it difficult for them to feel comfortable enough to imagine themselves as the new owners.

Make it simple for prospects to obtain information on your home. You would be surprised to know that some marketing tools that most agents use to sell house (such as traditional open houses) are generally not very effective. In fact, only about one percent of homes are sold at an open house.

Prospects calling for information on your home value their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tag with an agent or unwanted sales pitches. Make sure the ads your agent places for your home are attached to a 24-hour information hotline with a specific identification number for your home which gives prospects detailed information at all times. It has been proven that three to five times more buyers call for information on a home when they have access to a free-recorded message rather than talking with an agent directly. Remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home, the better. It will set up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the driver's seat.

Ask your agent what he or she can find out about the buyers. In the negotiation process, your objective is to control the pace and direction of the sale. If you know the buyers' motivations, whether they need to move quickly, and whether or not they have enough money to pay for the home, will give you the upper hand once negotiations begin. Make sure that the contract is complete. For your part as a seller, you must be certain to disclose everything about the property. Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond legal requirements to disclose all known defects to their buyers in writing. If the buyer knows of a problem beforehand, they cannot come back to you with a lawsuit later on. Provide a detailed list and have the buyer sign for items that do not stay.

All terms, costs, and responsibilities have to be spelled out in the contract. Do not divert from this contract. For example, if the buyer requests to move in before the agreed upon date, you should say no. Once these terms are all in place, it is dangerous to deviate and could potentially lead to the collapse of the whole sale.

Finally, if you need to move out before you sell your home, steam clean the carpets, paint all the walls, and have a gardener water and maintain your lawn. Make sure that your agent markets it as being vacant, available for a quick close and immediate occupancy.

Choose your agent wisely. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing? A good listing agent can get your house sold quickly at TOP DOLLAR and help you find a new home.

For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:

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

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Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to

ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything

but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,

CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
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