Big Changes in Real Estate

The sub-prime loan lending collapse has had fallout in all areas of real estate. Recent changes in the guidelines for appraisals are a perfect example. New rules that took effect as of September 1, 2011, are:

• Days on the market - The appraiser must account for all of the days the property has been listed for sale. No longer can agents take a property off the market for thirty days and have that escape the appraiser's attention. The more the days on the market, the more likely the days on the market will effect the property's appraisal negatively.


• Offering price - The appraiser must report the offering price history and price changes.


• Sale type - The appraiser must report the type of sale from a list of choices.


• Financial assistance - All financial assistance including monetary and non-monetary assistance must be reported including gifts, payment of property taxes, and HOA dues for a period of time, etc.


• Property view - A view rating must be assigned. The appraiser has the choice of neutral, beneficial or adverse. In the past, unless a view was exceptionally good or bad, it went unnoticed, this change will require that each property be assigned a number value for review.


• Property style - Much more detail is required. One story and two story will not describe a property.


• Condition - Much more detail is required. This is a boon to sellers who have updated their properties. The work done to a house must be described as "not updated", "updated" or "renovated." Specific definitions are applied for these terms. This change gives a clear advantage to sellers who have updated their properties.


• Quality of construction - This change is also a plus for sellers who have purchased higher quality construction in a subdivision. Many times agents see subdivisions that are begun with one level of construction, but finished with a lower quality. This change is more accurate and saves the seller attempting to explain the change in construction or builders.

All change creates tension and apprehension. These changes are positive for the most part because they allow an appraiser to explain a property's value which might exceed the norm for the neighborhood . The downside is that appraisals may cost more. The upside may well exceed the downside for most sellers'.

Are you or someone you know looking to list your home for sale? Call on the experts at the Grove Team, Keller Williams to schedule a personalize appointment to meet with a listing specialist today, (817) 337-0000 or find us online, www.groveteam.com.

Small Changes with Big Savings

Want to reduce utility bills but not willing--or able--to spend thousands to do it? Look for leaks! Leaks of all kinds can cost you money and many cost little to fix.

• Water leaks: Fix leaking faucets. They can cost you 20 gallons of water a day.



• Electricity leaks: Unplug electronics when not in use. A cell phone charger still draws electricity if it's plugged in, even if it's not being used.



• Air leaks: Weather-strip and caulk around windows to prevent drafts. A gap of just one-quarter inch can let in as much air as a softbal size hole.

Take these steps and save now!

Are you or someone you know looking to buy or sell a home? Call on the Grove Team, Keller Williams today to schedule your customized real estate experience, (817) 337-0000. Find us online, www.groveteam.com.

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Offered at $110,000
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Curb Appeal After a Cruel Drought

Some homeowners just gave up on curb appeal during the drought and decided to start over in the spring. However, homeowners who are trying to sell don't have that luxury. Here are some ideas for those who want to spruce up for important guests or for buyers:

• Edge and trim to create a cared-for look. Get rid of plants damaged by drought.




• Mulch dresses off flower beds and creates defined edges.




• Plant inexpensive flowers--like mums--to add color. Pots are an alternative to planting and can add additional color.




• Paint or stain the front door for maximum imact.




• The front entry should be immaculate with an attractive welcome mat. Add a bench or small chairs and a table if there is room.




• Light fixtures should be replaced or cleaned and painted.

Taking these steps will create an immediate atmosphere of pride of ownership and will work to bridge over until spring. Next year will be better!

Are you thinking about making some changes to your curb appeal and the home? Call you local real estate experts on the Grove Team, Keller Williams today for ideas on the best marketing tips to sell your home today! Reach us at the office, (817) 337-0000 or find us online, www.groveteam.com.

We are looking for friends on Facebook!

Help Texans Affected by Wildfires

The wildfires of the summer left inestimable damage behind for thousands of Texans. Those who need to replace essential items or cover some temporary housing expenses can apply for relief provided by Texas REALTORS.

If you know of someone whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed by fire or smoke this year, let them know that they can apply for assistance at TexasRealEstate.com/web/Relief.cfm.

Donations are gratefully accepted by using this same link.

Pet Protection During Halloween

Halloween creates its own special challenges for pets. Take a few moments to review these ideas for pet safety during a season that can be dangerous for pets:

• Take extra steps to protect your cats, particularly if they are black. Some folks use Halloween as an excuse to be cruel to cats. Keep them inside if at all possible.




• Some pets are fine with costumes, but most aren't keen on the idea. Balance your own enjoyment with the stress that you'll put your pet through.




• Keep lighted candles and Jack-O-Lanterns off of coffee tables or other low surfaces where pets might come too close and start a fire or become burned.




• Have a quiet room set up Halloween night for your pet to avoid too many trick or treaters.




• Human candy--such as chocolate--can be deadly for animals. Candy wrappers can be a choking hazard.

Halloween can be one of the most creative and imaginative of holidays, but take some time for practical steps to protect all of the members of the family, including the four-legged ones.

Do you have some fun decorations for the house or great costumes for the family? Find the Grove Team on Facebook and send us pictures!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Lower temperatures have finally arrived and with them a list of maintenance chores to prepare your home for colder weather:

* Have your HVAC system serviced to protect against costly breakdowns when an ice storm blows in from the north.

* Change the direction that your ceiling fan's blades rotate. When moving in a clockwise direction, the fan will force hotter air downward.

* Clean your chimney to make sure the chimney is serviceable and vents are clean.

* Inspect your roof for shingles that may leak in winter weather. Check flashing seals, too.

* Seal any cracks and holes on the outside of the home to keep rodents from entering.

* Drain your hot water heater and remove any sediment from the tank.

* Clean gutters to prevent roof damage

Not interested in completing these chores yourself? Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams Realty, (817) 337-0000 for a list of contractors who will help

Find us online, http://www.groveteam.com/ or Friend us on Facebook!

Awesome new listing - 985 Quail Ridge Drive, Keller

Welcome home to

985 Quail Ridge Drive, Keller

Just listed by the Grove Team, Keller Williams - this home features 2,175 square feet, four bedrooms, two and a half baths. The split and open floor plan is functional and inviting.

Contact the Grove Team today, (817) 337-0000 to schedule your private showing.

JUST LISTED - 6837 Lyndale Drive

JUST LISTED!

6837 Lyndale Drive
Watauga

Looking for a pool, four bedrooms and two and a half baths for less than $170,000? Look no further! Call the Grove Team today to schedule your private showing of this awesome new listing, (817) 337-0000

Increase your home value, enhance your curb appeal

(ARA) - Whether you want to prepare your outdoor spaces for entertaining or you're trying to make a great first impression on home buyers, now is the time to get the outside looking great. From fixing up the deck on the front porch to adding some colorful flowers to the landscaping, there are plenty of elements to make your home look more inviting.

Start by determining your home's best exterior features, and then assess some improvements that you can tackle on your own and get the biggest bang for your buck. Here are some simple ways to help boost your curb appeal:

* Clean up clutter

Getting rid of clutter and scrubbing down grime should be the first steps in giving your home's exterior a fresh new glow. Start by removing any unused items or dead plants from the yard. Clean out the gutters and consider power washing the front of the house. It might not look dirty, but you'd be amazed at how much dirt can accumulate and cause a dingy, dull appearance.



* Spruce up landscaping

Take pride in your front yard and make sure to keep up with regular lawn maintenance. This could mean adding some new shrubs, plants or flowers to the house, but start by fixing up and trimming down all existing yard features. Consider lining walkways with an attractive fence or adding a splash of color with potted plants or bright flowers. A few garden fix-ups can go a long way to improve an outsider's first impression of your home.

* Add fresh features

If it's in the budget, hit up a local home and garden store to find some simple products to enhance existing elements. Maybe it's a new mailbox, trendy yard decor, or even a shiny new fixture for the front door. You can also add a couple pieces of furniture to create a more welcoming atmosphere to the front porch. Consider a visit to second-hand shops or garage sales; you never know when a fresh coat of paint can make one man's trash another man's treasure.

* Prep your deck

The exterior of your home doesn't stop at the front yard - make sure it looks inviting all the way around. Start by prepping the deck and applying a new coat of wood stain to enhance and beautify, while protecting your investment for the future. The Flood brand of wood care products provides a complete line - from prepping and cleaning to staining and sealing - to help you get the job done and make your deck the place to be.

There are plenty of projects that can make a huge difference to improve the look of your home without requiring you to spend a fortune on remodeling. Get a head start on a few of these weekend projects. Your home just might be the envy of all your neighbors this summer.

Are you ready to sell your home and looking for a customized market analysis? Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams today to schedule an appointment (817) 337-0000 or find us online, www.groveteam.com.

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Call the Grove Team, Keller Williams today to schedule your private showing. (817) 337-0000