Seller's market success tips for buyers and sellers

Seller's market success tips for buyers and sellers


Key indicators point to conditions for a seller's real estate market this spring. With fewer homes on the market, low interest rates, rising home prices and lower unemployment rates, there will be increased competition for buyers and faster sales for homeowners looking to move. With some planning and understanding of the market, it's possible for both groups to make the most of this evolving marketplace.

Whether you're planning to sell your house or are in the market to buy one, here are some tips for succeeding in the emerging seller's market:

If you're selling

"Some rules of smart selling never change, no matter what the market is like," Kelly says. "Even with improved home prices and fewer homes on the market, sellers must still work to make their houses appealing to buyers who want to be able to envision themselves in the home."

Curb appeal is vital. Keep landscaping neat, well-groomed and appealing with bright flowers, cut grass and well-trimmed shrubs. Sidewalks and paths should be clean and free of debris, and entryways well-lit. To really spruce up your entryway, consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door.

Inside, repaint. Painting is a cost-effective way to freshen decor and gives you the opportunity to create a neutral environment that buyers will be able to picture themselves in. Declutter throughout the house, including closets, and remove personal photographs.

Choose a real estate agent who knows your area. A well-priced home sells quickly and helps ensure you get the most for your house. A knowledgeable real estate team, like the Grove Team, Keller Williams can help you set the right price - one that attracts buyers and maximizes your return. Agents also handle the legwork involved in selling a home, from effectively marketing your house to negotiating with the buyer's agent and facilitating the closing.

Finally, be patient. "We're again seeing cases of bidding wars in some markets," Kelly says. "With fewer homes on the market in many areas of the country, it's possible you could receive multiple offers. It may pay to take a "wait-and-see" attitude toward the first offer. Patience may garner you multiple offers and a better chance of getting your asking price."


If you're buying

Greater competition in a seller's market requires buyers to be able to move quickly and decisively. Before you begin home shopping, make a list of must-haves and want-to-haves. This list will help your agent narrow down the homes you'll be looking at.

Also, get pre-approved for a mortgage. "There's no worse feeling than watching your dream home slip through your fingers because your financing fell through, or because another bidder had a guarantee of financing and you did not," Kelly says.

While no one wants to pay more than they absolutely must, remember that in a seller's market homeowners may receive multiple offers. If your initial bid is too low, you may find yourself quickly out of the running.

Also, be flexible on closing dates - often, sellers like sooner rather than later. And avoid placing too many contingencies on an offer. Working with a buyer's agent can help you tailor an offer that will appeal to the seller as cost-effectively as possible. An agent will also be able to help you secure information on schools, entertainment, amenities and safety in communities you're considering.


For more advice on buying and selling homes, and listings of homes in your area, visit www.groveteam.com.

(BPT)

Thirteen smart financial steps to take in 2013

Thirteen smart financial steps to take in 2013

Many Americans dutifully make New Year's Resolutions, but unfortunately most get- broken or forgotten before too long. So let's not call these "New Year's Financial Resolutions." Instead, here are 13 smart financial steps that you can take to help get and keep your finances on track in 2013:

1. Establish a budget.

Many people bristle at the mere mention of the "B" word: budget. But budgeting is the first step in gaining control of your finances - and it usually isn't as difficult or painful as most people think.

2. Reduce your debt.

Excessive debt is one of the biggest obstacles to financial security and independence, as well as to saving for a financially secure retirement. So begin planning now to pay down your outstanding debt as soon as possible.

3. Control your credit card spending.

Credit cards are the biggest debt challenge for many Americans. If they are a big temptation for you, cancel them and only use cash and debit cards to pay for all future purchases.

4. Build an emergency fund.

Some financial advisors recommend saving anywhere from three to six months of living expenses or more. The money should generally be kept in a liquid savings account (like a bank account or money market fund) that can be accessed easily to cover unexpected large expenses.

5. Increase retirement plan contributions.

If you are saving money regularly in a qualified retirement plan, congratulations! Your next challenge is to increase your contributions - ideally, until you've reached the annual contribution limit for your plan. See if you are on track to meet your retirement goals with an online retirement calculator.

6. Think about long-term care.

You may want to consider purchasing long-term care insurance to cover major healthcare and nursing home costs after you retire. This will depend on such factors as your age, how much you're saving for retirement, and whether you will have retiree healthcare coverage from your employer.

7. Check your credit.

You can get one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. By ordering a free credit report from each bureau every four months, you can carefully monitor your credit all throughout the year.

8. Protect yourself from identity theft.

Identity thieves can wreak havoc on your financial life in no time. Be extremely careful not to inadvertently share personal information like your Social Security number or online banking logins or passwords with identity thieves, especially if you receive suspicious emails asking for this.

9. Save or invest your income tax refund.

Or use it to pay down debt. Decisions like these may prove to be more financially beneficial over the long term than spending the money now.

10. Prioritize your long-term saving and investing goals.

Many Americans today must choose between saving for retirement and for their children's college educations. Many experts say that retirement saving should usually be the priority, since other sources of financing (like loans, scholarships and grants) may be available to help pay for college.

11. Review your insurance coverages.

Sit down with your insurance agent and take a close look at your life, health, disability, homeowner's and automobile insurance policies to make sure that you have adequate coverage in each of these areas, based on your assets, income and number of family dependents.

12. Waste less money.

It can be easy to get into wasteful spending patterns without even realizing it. Daily stops for expensive cups of coffee, expensive cable packages for TV channels you never watch, and ATM fees are examples of seemingly small amounts of wasted money that can add up.

13. Strive for the proper work-life balance.

While not necessarily a financial step, this may be the most important step to achieving happiness and fulfillment in 2013. Sit down with your family now and talk about what kind of work-life balance will allow everyone to enjoy the New Year to the fullest.
(BPT)

Set yourself up for the perfect season of outdoor entertaining

Set yourself up for the perfect season of outdoor entertaining


As temperatures warm, many of us can't wait to get outside and rediscover the joys of our outdoor spaces. One of the best ways to ensure the enjoyment of your space all season long is with some spring cleaning and upkeep of your yard and outdoor living spaces.

There are a few spring cleaning projects that benefit every homeowner and make spaces much more inviting for the hours you'll spend enjoying the summer sun. The home improvement experts at Lowe's offer the following checklist of improvements that will have your outdoor space looking great in no time:

* Take the time to prune. Before the season heats up and the first leaves start to appear, it's the perfect time to shape up your trees and shrubs. Doing so before the growing season is less stressful for your plants, easier to clean up and will promote the type of growth you envision to keep your greenery looking great all season. Make sure your tools are sharp, as cleaner cuts are easier on plants.

* Clean up leftover leaves. While you probably spent much of the fall raking and mulching fallen leaves, stragglers collect throughout winter, clogging gutters and drains. In addition to cleaning areas of your yard blanketed with leaves, rake your lawn to rid it of matted leaves that can inhibit healthy growth. Break these chores into separate days so you don't have to do it all at once. Using a blower also helps you clean up your yard in short order.

* Bring out the power washer. Winter tends to leave its mark, and the exterior of your house, deck, sidewalks and driveway can all show grime once spring rolls around. A pressure washer is a convenient way to clean these surfaces.

* Check in on your deck. Once it's been pressure washed, it's time to see if you need to re-seal it. If you drizzle water on your deck boards and it beads up, your seal is still effective. If not, it's time to apply another coat of sealant. Pleasant spring days are ideal for re-sealing and staining and once you're done, you can enjoy the whole season without worry.

* Design your dream outdoor room. Once you've cleaned up your space, you might realize there's more that could be done to enhance it. Spring is the perfect time to consider a new patio set, or even a patio extension using decorative pavers. Dress up existing patio furniture by staining wood furniture or buying fresh new covers or cushions. This is also the perfect time to buy that new and improved grill you've had your eye on.

Spring is an exciting time to get back outside and take care of some of the improvements you've been dreaming of all winter. Visit www.lowescreativeideas.com for more inspiration on how to make your outdoor space great this year.  (BPT)

Coming Soon - 1412 Laurel Lane, Southlake

Coming Soon - 1412 Laurel Lane, Southlake

Attractive Mediterranean located in the private Laurelwood Park neighborhood in Southlake. Impeccable quality is found throughout the home with exquisite finishes. Originally built as the personal residence for a custom builder, the attention to detail is evident all the way through the home and begins as you enter to a dramatic split wrought iron staircase.

Enjoy private bathrooms for each of the five bedrooms, five fireplaces, and beautiful wood built-ins found throughout the home. Entertain in the exceptional chef’s kitchen complete with ample storage and counter space. Commercial grade appliances, granite counters, and quality constructed cabinets that extend from the counter to the ceiling.

The home is well positioned on this 1+ acre lot and highlights a beautiful backyard oasis featuring a crystal clear inground pool and attached spa. Relax in the separate gazebo, barbeque in the outdoor kitchen and enjoy the peace the pond and water feature provides.

For more information, call the Grove Team-Keller Williams, (817) 337-0000

Moving or improving? Tips for a flawless painting project

Moving or improving? Tips for a flawless painting project


Did you know spring is the best time to sell your home? And now that the housing market is bouncing back, there's never been a better time to do it. But even if you're planning to stay put for the long haul, chances are there are some much-needed touch-ups you could be doing to keep your home in tip-top shape. And you don't have to break your back, or the bank, to do it. In fact, adding a new coat of paint is a quick, affordable, and possibly the most impactful, way to get your project done.

Prep, prime and primp

Misusing color can be a surefire way to turn people off from your home. For a more inviting look that nearly everyone can enjoy, opt for neutral paint colors. A subtle beige, slight grey or even white can do the trick.

First, move furniture out of the room and place drop cloths to protect the floor. Remove any picture frames, outlet covers and wall decor. Then, gently scrub the walls with a mild detergent and water mixture using a soft sponge to remove any dirt, grime or lint. Don't forget to prime your walls before applying color to ensure the best end-results.

Paint like a pro

When applying paint, start at the top and work your way down. For superior results, you'll want to fill the well of your roller tray with paint, dip the roller in half-way and then roll it back onto the tray's angled platform to easily remove excess paint. This will reduce dripping and improve overall paint cover. The best approach for applying paint? Use your roller cover to make an overlapping "W" pattern in a 2-foot by 2-foot area; then fill in and repeat.

Keeping your color conviction

If you're still feeling deprived of color after your painting project is complete, never fret. There are several ways to add a pop of color throughout your home without slathering the walls with offensive paint colors. Try incorporating fun accent pieces in your favorite colors - think lamps, frames, pillows and rugs. You can even include larger focal pieces like royal blue armchairs or a patterned couch to make a bolder statement. By keeping the overall aesthetics of your home neutral and inviting, and enhancing them with a few sight-provoking embellishments, house guests will be asking you for home decorating tips. And if your end goal is to get your home sold, consider these minor improvements a step in the right direction. (BPT)

TV tip-overs a hazard for young children

TV tip-overs a hazard for young children


Many homes have new TVs decorating the living room, bedroom, den and even the kitchen. These TVs often feature the latest wide, flat screens, which give viewers great definition and clarity. But while they provide a beautiful viewing experience, flat screen TVs are top-heavy on a narrow base, and they can easily be pulled off an entertainment center or other piece of furniture.

Many families might be surprised to know that every three weeks a child dies from a television tipping over. And nearly 13,000 more children are injured in the U.S. each year. Alarmingly, over the last 10 years there has been a 31 percent increase in TV tip-over-related injuries.

A recent report by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS revealed that young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. The study, A Report to the Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs, includes data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and new findings from Safe Kids Worldwide primary research.

The research shows that seven out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. Sadly, this age group also accounts for nine out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization.

"Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child visits the emergency room because of a TV tipping over," says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "Dramas and tragedies should be on TV, not caused by them."

It's not just the newer flat screens that may cause a trip to the emergency room. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, a piece of candy, a video game, or anything else that attracts their attention.

According to the research, three out of four parents reported they don't secure their TV to the wall, either because they are not aware that securing a TV is an important safety measure, or they have concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.

What can parents do to ensure that their children stay safe?

* Check your TV. Assess the stability of the TVs in your home. Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.

* Secure your TV. Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child-proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.

"You wouldn't think to bring a baby home from the hospital without a car seat, or have your child ride a bike without a helmet," says Carr. "Mounting your TV will protect your TV, and most important, your child."

To learn more, visit www.safekids.org. (BPT)

Just Listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

Just Listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams

 9030 Clay Hibbins, Keller

This timeless, 2.45 acre heavily wooded lot in the heart of Keller melds old and new, history and rebirth into a one of a kind home.  The mood is set as you travel the tree lined driveway that is set back 300’ from the road and continues as you first see the expansive wrap around porches complete with beaded board ceilings. 

 

The well designed floor plan features three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and inspires the love of entertaining centered around the hearth of the home. 

  

Meticulous attention to detail is found throughout the home with fine molding, pocket doors, encased doorways, and four antique marble fireplaces. 

Enter into the generously sized kitchen complete with ample storage and counter space.  Enjoy the large island with built in cook top to gather around.  Spend time in the spacious breakfast area with abundant natural light from the large windows. 

Impressive custom built barn offers two 10x15 rooms currently used as a hobby room and workout room.  Generous in size, they are flexible space for any need.  Enjoy the 30x30 open bay area with air compressor that is equally as functional.  Don’t forget the additional attic storage available.  The entire property is fenced and cross fenced.  Horses are welcome.  Stunning design, fine appointments, extraordinary location and property setting will leave you awestruck.