Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Pause for Paws

With millions of dogs and cats as members of American families, there’s a good chance that you've got pets sharing the home you're trying to sell. Since not everyone enjoys the company of animals, there are some measures you should consider taking before prospective buyers come over for a showing.

Pet odors are the biggest problem sellers face, but they can be easily minimized with thorough cleaning and vacuuming, and vigilant duty with the litter boxes. Black lights are available that help you to pinpoint the origin of any mysterious smells. It also makes a good impression if you pick up and store toys, bedding, and food and water bowls while your home is being shown to buyers.

If at all possible, take your dog(s) out with you when an agent brings visitors, or ask a friend or family member to keep your pet during the initial listing period. This will help reduce the stress on your pet at a time when showings are usually more frequent.

Another way to put buyers more at ease with their purchase is to offer a cleaning credit or allowance. Even if you're certain you'll remove all evidence of your beloved pets before vacating your home, the buyers may not share your confidence.

Why not offer these gestures of good will, thereby encouraging a better offer from the buyers?

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

CBTR Gives Back to the Community Through SAFE Shelter


Savannah, GA—The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is when most people are on the hunt trying to find the best toy or the hottest gaming system. However for others in our community, this time of the year can cause stress and worry. The agents at Cora Bett Thomas Realty wanted to help those in need and contacted the Safe Shelter to adopt a family of four.

Even though the real estate market has been hit hard by the economic recession, the agents and staff at the luxury real estate firm continued a more than ten-year tradition. They put on their elf hats to fulfill the items on the family’s Christmas list by donating gifts, time, and money. The office celebrated the abundance of giving by hosting a wrapping party on Tuesday, December 16.

“We love being able to bring a smile to the faces of a family in need during the holiday season,” said Meg Albertson, Vice President of Marketing. “It’s so rewarding to give back to our neighbors in Savannah. We hope our gifts will help make this family’s Christmas even brighter.”

Cora Bett Thomas Realty has supported SAFE Shelter’s Adopt-A-Family program, which assists families affected by domestic violence by providing gifts and gift certificates during the holiday season. It is a wonderful tradition that the company looks forward to year after year.


Keep the Horse Before the Cart

While many buyers are aware that a mortgage pre-approval letter increases their buying confidence and power, most may not understand exactly why pre-approval is so important. Why should you jump through the application hoops before even beginning your home search?

First, you'll know exactly how much loan you can afford, making your initial home search much easier. Why waste your time looking at homes either out of your reach or well below your financial grasp?

Second, pre-approved buyers stand on solid negotiating ground with sellers. Sellers working with well-qualified buyers are more likely to accept the offer and less likely to stall on terms and conditions.

Notice that the topic of this column is "pre-approval," and not "pre-qualification." What's the difference? Pre-qualification is easy - you provide basic information to a lender, and in a few short minutes, you have an answer. Pre-approval requires strict verification of documentation relating to your employment, credit history, sources of income, etc. It takes more time, but is more accurate and carries more weight.

Understand that pre-approval is not binding, and is still subject to a satisfactory appraisal on the prospective purchase. If your financial situation changes, interest rates rise or fall, or the deadline passes, a recalculation will be necessary; but a little legwork now will pay off handsomely as you approach the finish line on your contract.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Move of a Lifetime

If you're in your fifties, sixties or beyond, you may be facing your first move in decades. The process may seem overwhelming, and you may be anxious about the future and the big changes coming up. However, a trusted real estate agent can help with all the steps along the way, especially with selling your home quickly in a competitive market.

If you've occupied your home for ten, twenty or more years, you'll want to enlist family members to get your home market-ready, and prepare for your move. Beyond the cooperation of friends and family, you might also consider a professional "move manager" to help you settle in to your new home.

These experts are well versed in the complexities associated with moving from a "lifetime home" - the preparation involved in staging your home for showings as well as the organization needed to get you moved with a minimum of hassle and confusion. You are in complete control, while they unclutter the house, pack and organize boxes, make the home sparkle, and arrange for moving, shipping, or donating belongings as you direct.

By showing your home in the best possible light, buyers will be able to picture their own families there. Combined with the real estate agent's marketing tools, this formula can provide a quick and profitable sale while you settle into your new residence!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Flex Your Buying Muscle

Regardless of the causes, most areas around the country are experiencing what is commonly referred to as a "buyer's market." That term might make sellers squirm, but for those purchasing a home, lower prices are just the starting point for negotiation these days.

During the recent "boom" years, buyers often accepted a property "as is," and asked for few concessions, even forgoing inspections and appraisals in an attempt to avoid being dumped for the next qualified buyer in the queue. Now, however, buyers are in the drivers seat and they know it, insisting on a variety of terms in their offers.

The most popular demand now seems to be the "home warranty," whereby the seller purchases a one-year service contract to cover any unexpected system and/or appliance repairs. Of course, this is on top of insisting that sellers pay for all needed repairs exposed by an inspection before closing, or at least an allowance paid to the buyers to cover the expenses.

Just one inspector doesn't seem to be enough, either. Now buyers are looking more closely at lead and radon levels, roofs and foundations, and looking into inspectors who specialize in these areas. Sellers find they need to be more flexible, or the buyers will simply move on to the next seller in the queue. Now is the time to boost your purchase power.

Friday, December 5, 2008

A North American FIRST... Right Here in Savannah!


Savannah is unveiling North America’s first hybrid streetcar - a fully restored, green-powered 1930’s era streetcar as a matter of fact - in operation in celebration of Local Climate Action Week, which begins on December 8th and runs through the 12th.


Pretty cool stuff Savannah!



Appoint An Equity Guardian

Planning to sell your home soon? Do you know how much equity you have? When preparing to sell, determine the amount of equity received from the sale - before marketing your home.

Equity is calculated by deducting the amount you currently owe from the present value of the property. The first step is to make a determination of present value. This can be done in two ways.

Ask your real estate agent to perform a "Comparative Market Analysis," showing the recent sale prices of other homes similar to yours. The purpose is to help you arrive at a reasonable selling price for your property. Another way to establish the current value of your home is to order a certified appraisal, an unbiased evaluation of the "fair market value" of your home.

Now, subtract your current loan balance from the present value. What remains is called “equity,” the part you get to keep upon the sale of your home. It should be carefully guarded from low offers and bargain-hunters.

Your best protection against loss of equity is the representative that you choose. It is the agent's responsibility to attract qualified buyers, and negotiate the highest possible sale price. As your representative, the agent has a fiduciary obligation to represent your best interests. The benefit to you is the enjoyment of the highest possible amount of equity.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Savannah Recycles!


2009 is going to start off with a decidedly "green" foot... YAHOO!!

After many years of negotiation, curbside recycling collection will begin Savannah the week of Jan. 5, 2009. Recyclables will be collected twice monthly on the same day as your regular household waste collection.

Of course, there are a few "rules" that need to be followed to make this project a success but they are the typical do's and don't's of all recycling collections so have no fear!

For more information on the program, visit the City’s website. And keep an eye out for a black and yellow recycling bin, coming to a curbside near you.