• Buyer Tips, Home Buying, Resources

    Posted on August 22nd, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

    What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

    It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here’s a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through.

  • Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 21st, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    What to Have on Hand for the New Owners

    What to Have on Hand for the New Owners

    Owner’s manuals and warranties for appliances left in the house.
    Garage door opener.
    Extra sets of house keys.
    A list of local service providers — the best dry cleaner, yard service, plumber, etc.

  • Financing, Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 21st, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate

    Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate

    When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain — the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations.

    How to Calculate Gain
    In real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis. To calculate, follow these steps:

  • Home Buying, Resources

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

    12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

    1. Get at least three written estimates.

    2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

    3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

    4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

  • Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior

    Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior

    Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

    1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.

    2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.

    3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

  • Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

    Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

    1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.

    2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

    3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.

  • Moving Tips, Relocating, Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    Moving Checklist for Sellers

    Moving Checklist for Sellers

    □ Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks ahead of the move.

    □ Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of your change of address.

    □ Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified about your move.

    □ Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new home.

    □ Cancel the newspaper, or change the address so it will arrive at your new home.

    □ Check insurance coverage for the items you’re moving. Usually movers only cover what they pack.

    □ Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

    □ Check with your condo or co-op about any restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits for moving.

    □ Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors,

    hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

  • Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    How to Get an Offer on Your Home

    How to Get an Offer on Your Home

    1. Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

    2. Prepare for visitors. Get your house market ready at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

    3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show at the spur of the moment. But the more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you’ll find a buyer.

  • Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    Open House Safety Tips

    Open House Safety Tips

    An open house can be a great sales tool, but it also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Stay safe by practicing these guidelines.

    Call the local police department and ask them to have a squad care drive by during your open-house hours.
    Check your cell phone’s strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial. Carry an extra, fully charged cell phone battery.

  • Resources, Seller Tips

    Posted on August 20th, 2010

    Written by Captain Real Estate Group

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    Forms You’ll Need to Sell Your Home

    Forms You’ll Need to Sell Your Home

    1. Property disclosure form. This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property. Check with your state government to see if there is a special form required in your state.

    2. Purchasers access to premises agreement. This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities such as measuring for draperies before you move.

    3. Sales contract. The agreement between you and the seller on terms and conditions of sale. Again, check with your state real estate department to see if there is a required form.

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