Enhance pride in your house with these curb appeal projects

As warmer weather approaches, it's a great time to take a look out your windows and see what the view of your home is offering your neighbors. Are there any areas of your landscaping or home's exterior that could use a bit of an upgrade to help boost your home's curb appeal?

Whether you intend to live in your home for several years, or have plans to list your house on the real estate market soon, enhancing your home's curb appeal can boost your enjoyment of the property and attract potential buyers.

Plenty of projects can improve the look of your home without requiring you to spend a fortune on remodeling, changing the siding or landscaping the entire front yard. Here are a few ideas you can try on your house:

* Upgrade the mailbox. Mailboxes over time can start to look dingy and rusted from being out in the elements. Building a permanent brick or stone structure to hold a mailbox can add appeal to your yard, and also help protect the metal mailbox from additional rusting.

* Add or update the lights by your front door or along the driveway. A beautiful glow in the evenings welcomes visitors (and buyers) to your home, at the same time providing you with additional security. Many wall, overhead, post and hanging lights styles are designed to work outdoors to add panache to your home and landscaping.

* Brighten up your landscaping and decorate your house with flowers and maybe even some new shrubbery. If you can, add window boxes of vine plants mixed in with colorful blooms. Decorate along the driveway or around the mailbox with small green bushes. If you have a walkway through the front yard, consider lining it with a small and attractive fence. Or add a few pots of pretty flowers next to the garage doors to splash around a little color.

* Replace your old, worn-out windows with new replacement windows. According to Remodeling magazine's 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value report, installing low-maintenance replacement windows is ranked as one of the best home improvement projects for your money. They can help reduce energy bills and add instant appeal to your home. Plus, windows that meet ENERGY STAR performance criteria qualify for the 2011 tax credit, adding to the overall value of replacement windows.

Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen, says of all the improvement projects a homeowner can start, window replacement is one that actually takes very little effort on the homeowner's part, but can make your house more beautiful and energy efficient - two benefits you can enjoy for many years to come.

"Our experts help homeowners every step of the way," says Delahunt. "By selecting a professional company that can handle their entire replacement project start-to-finish, homeowners can sit back, relax and let us do all the work."

Delahunt adds that new windows can also help with those dreaded spring cleaning projects. Since Renewal by Andersen windows are made with Fibrex framing material, for example, they do not require upkeep such as ongoing scraping and painting. He suggests visiting renewalbyandersen.com to see how new, beautiful windows can elevate the look of your home.

Updating and enhancing the look of your house can do a lot for the pride you have in your home and for drawing prospective buyers if you decide to put your house on the market. Tackling some of these projects can go a long way in making your curb appeal stronger.

Are you considering selling your home this spring? Call the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000 for your personalize marketing analysis today!

Find us online, www.groveteam.com

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Shaping up for Selling?

Tips for making your home more attractive to potential buyers

First impressions are important and the same holds true when you are showcasing your home for a potential sale. While larger home improvement projects are often necessary to catch the eye of someone in the market for a new home, they require a great deal of time and money. Sometimes simple cleaning and organization is all that is needed for your home to become more appealing to potential buyers.

Home staging expert and TLC host Lisa Lynch says giving the perception of clean home is of utmost importance for people looking to sell or rent their homes. "Presenting a sparkling clean property gives the impression that it was well maintained," says Lynch. "This gives potential buyers and renters a feeling of security. Often they will pay a premium for a place that has been well-maintained and has a clean appearance." Lynch offers these tips to impress your guests and convince potential buyers that you took outstanding care of your home:

Simplify

Begin by de-cluttering your home. By removing personal items that might distract prospective buyers, you'll help them focus on how they think the home might look when they move in. You don't want buyers to focus on possessions that you'll be taking with you when you move.

Neutralize

When showing your home to others, it's best to set your personal tastes aside by decorating in a way that will appeal to a broad range of people. Think about replacing strong patterns with solid colors on items like bedding, carpets and drapes. It might also be a good call to store that dramatic piece of art somewhere out of sight. You can show it off again when you move into your new house.

A photogenic home

Many potential buyers will make decisions on which homes they would like to look at by looking at photos posted online. Do whatever you can to make your home sparkle in the images you and your real estate agent select for your listing. Focus on glass and metal surfaces that will add shine to your photos. For other bathroom surfaces, a bath scrubber like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber should be used to remove easy-to-spot and unappealing grime and scum from bathtubs and showers. Thoroughly cleaning these surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens can make your home look fresher and newer.

Areas that must sparkle

While it's important to keep the entire home spotless, there are two rooms in particular that require special attention: the kitchen and the bathroom. In a recent survey, Mr. Clean asked consumers which room they would clean first if moving into a new home. Of the more than 1,000 participants, an impressive 41 percent responded the kitchen and 38 percent said the bathroom. When selling your home, it is always important to make the extra effort in these two rooms; you'll never know if it will be a make or break a deal.

Scent

Whether they know it or not, people entering your home will notice more than just appearances. Attractive scents can create good feelings. Candles, diffusers, potpourri and cookies all offer inviting and familiar aromas. Use a cleaner with a pleasant scent to keep your home smelling fresh.

Details matter

Eliminate any small imperfections that might cause uneasiness with potential buyers by replacing broken light bulbs, fixing loose doorknobs or getting your closet door moving smoothly on it tracks. Even something as minor as a little mess in the microwave could turn off a prospective renter or buyer, so make sure every place you can think of is squeaky clean. Since first impressions are so important, having your home properly cleaned and staged will help you make a sale or rental more quickly and net the price you deserve.

For more information on preparing your home for showings, contact the Grove Team - (817) 337-0000

Find us online, http://www.groveteam.com/

Tips to make your current residence home sweet home

Are lower real estate values keeping you in your current home - even though you were hoping to upgrade? Or, maybe you can't bear the thought of boxing up all your belongings to move? You're not alone. More homeowners are staying in their current homes, but remodeling with the idea of improving their quality of life and adding more "live-in value," according to recent research from Consumer Reports. No matter what your reason for staying put, rest assured; you don't have to move to get the home of your dreams ... just make a few home improvements.

Ooh la la kitchen
Today's kitchens are no longer a place to simply cook and eat. Your kitchen is the "real" living room - for living, working and entertaining - and the ideal room to improve for added enjoyment. One project to improve your home and "live-in value" is installing a multilevel kitchen island. Not only does this provide an extra work area, but also an informal place for entertaining guests. Central island cooktops and sinks are another option, keeping cooking and clean-up areas within easy reach. Tying the overall look of the kitchen together will also help to make a style statement you can live with for years to come. Upgrading to stainless steel appliances is a common choice, especially with the latest technologies - such as built-in flat screen televisions or computers on refrigerators - all with a beautiful high-end finish.

Fashionable faucets
Just think of how much time you spend at the sink, from rinsing fruits and vegetables to filling pots and washing hands and dishes. So why not update this kitchen focal point with a new functional and fashionable faucet? High-arc models with pullout spouts are the most ideal since they allow ample room to fill or clean large pots and pans. Models with multifunction sprays are helpful when washing delicate fruits. Once you've found a model with these useful features, don't forget about style. Designer finishes, such as stainless steel will give your kitchen a professional look. And, for a designer look that maintains the beauty and brilliance of the faucet's finish in between cleanings, try Moen's Renzo pullout kitchen faucet with Spot Resist Stainless finish. This unique finish does just what it says - resists fingerprints and water spots. Moen's Renzo kitchen faucet is available at Lowe's.

Storage space explosion
No matter the square footage of your home, accumulating belongings over the years contributes to a lack of storage space. Try to solve this issue by first purging items that you haven't used within the past six months. Next, you can organize your necessities with a variety of storage systems - from drawer organizers to storage bins. And, if it seems like a task that you can't handle on your own, hire a company that specializes in organization, such as Closet World, to create a custom-designed solution.

Spa-tacular and sensible baths
Today's baths have evolved from a task-oriented room to become a private spa. Luckily it's simple to turn your bath into a private sanctuary. To start, update your current showerhead with a more luxurious and functional design. If you prefer a powerful, full-body spray, perhaps you'd like a rainshower showerhead. Or, if you like options, try a multi-function version that allows you to switch from a relaxing wide spray to an invigorating concentrated spray - or somewhere in the middle. You can find a variety of designs and finishes at your local home improvement store, such as Lowe's. And, as in the kitchen, the faucet is a focal point in the small space. Update your current faucet with a new designer style and finish ... and with water-saving benefits. Faucets account for approximately 15 percent of indoor household water use - more than 1 trillion gallons across the U.S. each year - so once you've found the perfect look, be sure that you choose one that is certified to meet WaterSense criteria. With these few home improvements you can start recouping your "live-in value" and make your current residence a home sweet home.

Are you considering buying or selling a home this spring? Contact the Grove Team to work with you through all of your real estate needs. Call us at the office, (817) 337-0000

Foreclosure Market in Texas

According to the Texas Realtor magazine, foreclosure sales are not as big a market in Texas as in most other states. Fifty-seven percent of homes sold in Nevada in 2010 were foreclosure sales, while Arizona hit the 50% mark, according to RealtyTrac. By comparison, foreclosure sales represented 13% of sales. Nationally, the share of foreclosure sales was 26% The average foreclosure sales price in the Lone Star state was $142,049, which is 27% lover than the average non-foreclosure price. Even in states with the highest percentages of foreclosure sales, the numbers are lower than the two previous years. Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Contact the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000. Our team's experience and customer service is unsurpassed when it comes to working with you, your family, and your friends.

Find us online, www.groveteam.com, Facebook and on Twitter

Texas Housing Market Springs to Recovery

Existing home sales in Texas trended upward over the last six months, as the housing market begins to show signs of recovery.

The average amount of homes sales over the last six months increased in every Texas major metropolitan area in January for the first time since the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit, according to a report by The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Thursday's report also showed that the six-month average for the whole state improved during the month as well.

Yingda Bi and Jason Saving, the authors of the report, said this alone suggests the residential real estate market "may have finally begun recovery," but other housing indicators also improved in January. According to the Fed's report, all major metros witnessed declines in housing inventory.

To sell all housing inventory in the Lone Star State would take 7.7 months as of January, down from eight months in December, the Fed said. The serious delinquency rate, anything more than 90 days delinquent, dropped on a seasonally adjusted basis to 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2010 from 3.4% the previous quarter. The Foreclosure Listing Service reported that year-to-date postings for foreclosure auctions in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex decreased for the first time in 11 years. Postings for the January to April auctions fell 4% compared to the same period of 2010.

"Over the past year, posting activity for this four-month period declined to 21,387 for the first four foreclosure auctions of this year, which includes January through the upcoming auctions in April," said George Roddy, president of FLS. "Last year, foreclosure notices for the first four auctions of the year reached a new record high with 22,305 postings."

The last time there was a decline in year-to-date foreclosure auction postings during this period was 2000, according to Roddy. However, underwater properties made up a larger portion of postings than in past months, up to 27% in April 2011 from 21% in April 2010.
Bi and Saving at the Fed remain cautious on the whole, as home prices will also be a large factor in market recovery.

"New data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency housing price index show slight declines in fourth-quarter housing prices from both the third quarter and year-over-year," their report said.

A special thank you to Sandy Shetty, Sr. Loan Officer with Benchmark Mortgage for her assistance with this new information on our housing market. For more information on pre-qualifying for a home loan, contact Sandy direct (817) 966-9446.

For all needs real estate, contact us on the Grove Team, (817) 337-0000. Find us online, www.groveteam.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

What happens if you fall behind on a mortgage payment?

Impact of Past Due or Missed Payments

The Lender
Every month, your mortgage company or servicer has an obligation to pay the owner or investor of your home loan. When you don’t pay your loan, the note still has the obligation on your behalf. Often the mortgage company or servicer will charge fees for past-due or missed payments to make up the cost of paying the obligations.

The Borrower
Late or missed payments can have a negative effect on your credit rating, which may make it more difficult for you to get credit cards and loans in the future. You also may have to pay a higher interest rate on loans and credit cards you do get.

Your mortgage company or loan servicer has an obligation to report past due or missed payments to credit bureaus. Reports to major credit bureaus are submitted every month. When payments are made on time, this monthly reporting has the advantage of building a positive credit history. Timely payment of your mortgage has the greatest impact – positive or negative – on your credit history.

Are you a homeowner and have had some challenges with meeting your mortgage note? Before you decide to walk away to foreclosure, know there ARE options. The Grove Team is experienced in assisting homeowners in distressed situations. We have extensive training working with mortgage companies and walking homeowners through a short sale process.

Contact us direct for more information on how the Grove Team can help. Reach us direct, (817) 337-0000 or find us online, www.groveteam.com.

The Complete Seller's Guide

Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

When interviewing agents it is important to understand the services they offer and how they help you. These questions are designed to help you select the right agent or team of agents with a strong marketing strategy that will get your property SOLD! Below are questions to have on hand when working through the interview process and the answers you will receive when talking to the Grove Team.

1. Do you work as a full-time Realtor®?

Yes, most team members are full time, licensed Realtors.

2. What aspect of the market do you specialize?

We specialize in residential and relocation real estate.

3. Do you have a written marketing plan specifically designed to sell my property?

Yes, our plan is covered in detail in our "Marketing" section.

4. How often do you market properties directly to buyers?

Our virtual marketing program markets your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, we respond to all sign and ad calls personally. We know and are committed to getting your home sold.

5. How many properties did you sell in 2010?

The Grove Team sold 81 homes in 2010 and is on track to sell over 100 in 2011.

6. What is your system for contacting me after you list the property?

In addition to automatic showing notifications and reports and regular website reports sent via email, you will receive a weekly personal phone call from our listing team.

7. How do you find potential buyers?

There are several aspects to our marketing. We prospect daily for buyers through our extensive Internet presence, consistent direct mail program, and personal phone calls. We target real estate agents that specialize in selling homes in your neighborhood. We also access other Realtors’ buyers through our membership in the local and National Board of Realtors and our multiple listing service affiliations. We target buyers and investors in our database that are looking for homes in your price range and area.

8. What stealth marketing techniques will you use to get my property sold?

The Grove Team hires a professional stager to give our clients an advantage over their competition. Additionally, we monitor the market place and refer professional contractors when needed.



Are you ready to put your home on the market? Contact the Grove Team direct, (817) 337-0000 or find us online, www.groveteam.com to schedule an appointment with our Listings Team today!