LIFT PUMPS?

What the heck is a lift pump? I learned the hard way just exactly how important a lift pump is this week when mine went out. We bought our home 8 years ago and for the first time had a basement. Wow, how wonderful to have so much extra space and there was even a full bathroom down there. No more kids fighting over who had been in the bathroom too long and who was next. It was sheer bliss until last weekend when I woke up and thought something smelled amiss. After sniffing around to find out where the offending odor was I was dismayed to see a pool of stinky water surrounding a little used area of my basement laundry room. Evidently the bathroom drains into the lift pump hole and is then lifted up through the pump system into the main sewer system and discharged through the sewer line. Well, the lift wasn't lifting anything but rather pooling around the pump area and making a rather strong statement in my basement and up the stairs into the main floor. NASTY! Luckily, the plumber was able to come by on Monday and spent about an hour replacing the old pump. It took another day but finally the house began to smell better and the kids were able to use the bathroom again. Who knew that a little pump could be so important. You can bet I won't take my lift pump for granted anymore. As far as I'm concerned it is one of the most important gadgets in the house.

I'm Going Green

Last week I completed classes to obtain the Energy Works Certification. This certification process taught me how to understand different "green" elements in a home and how to market those elements when selling the house. Topics covered included Heat Pumps/Geo Thermal units, energy saving lighting, designing energy saving homes and other components of building/buying "green". It was an interesting class and I believe it will help me better inform my clients on money saving improvements as well as help educate potential buyers who are looking to buy my green listings. It is amazing all the new technologies out there which can help families save money as well as the resources we have. I'm glad I took the time to attend and get certified.

1st Time Buyer Alert

Attention all first time home buyers! The deadline for closing a home purchase in time to qualify for the Federal Governments Tax Credit is fast approaching. As of today all loans must be closed by November 30,2009. The pipeline for closing these loans is becoming clogged and will soon be filled up. If you are waiting to buy a home you need to move quickly to find the right house and get an offer accepted. The length of time between contract and closing is 30 to 60 days depending on your loan type. I would venture to say that if you don't have a contract in process by mid October you will miss out on the tax credit. The government doesn't care if your loan closes one day or one week later than the 11/30 cut off date.When it's over - it's over! There has been some recent talk about whether or not the President will extend the tax credit option but I would not count on it until I see it signed. Get your realtor to work or call me and I'll get the ball rolling. TAX CREDITS DON'T COME AROUND VERY OFTEN, DON'T MISS OUT!

What a Summer

How in the world did I miss an entire summer? No trips to the pool with the grand kids, very few picnics, a few baseball games and BAM!, the whole summer is gone.
Actually, I spent a lot of my summer changing office locations and getting settled into my new office. I have relocated to Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate ( same great Coldwell Banker company, just a new boss and new office). You'll still received my stellar customer service and hard-hitting ( ha) newsletters, you'll just have to come visit me at my new office located at 13th and Tyler behind the Fidelity Bank Building. I recently sent out newsletter to all my friends on my mailing list but in case you missed getting your copy here is the same information:

Coldwell Banker Plaza Real Estate
8442 W 13th #102 Wichita, Ks. 67212
cell #316-253-6177 and email marsha@marshahuebert.com

The market in Wichita is holding steady this summer. Lots of first time buyers are out getting homes that will qualify them for the Federal Governments 1st time buyer tax credit of 10% of the sales price or $8,000 which ever is less. If you know of any first time buyers who need a realtor to represent them and get in on this one time offer let me know. They only have until November to get a contract in place.

Love Is In The Air

It's that time of year when lovers all over the world are walking down the aisle to say I DO! 2 of my favorite clients will be declaring their love and commitment for one another this next weekend as they say I DO. Congratulations to Brooks Provo and Andrea Neth as they marry May 16, 2009 and close on their new home shortly thereafter. I've had the privilege of working with them thru the whole process by counseling them in their pre-marital counseling sessions, and helping them find their new home. Being a realtor is such fun.

DID YOU GET YOUR BAILOUT?

With all the money being handed out by the government this year I'm wondering why I'm not being swarmed with new buyers. Why haven't you gotten in the market yet?

What The Heck Does A Realtor Do?

Do you know what a realtor does, besides showing you houses and collecting a commission check? Belton Jennings, CEO of the Orlando Regional Realtors Association has compiled a list of 180 typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful real estate transaction. These services are normally provided by full service real estate brokerages in return for their sales commission. I will list a few of these steps for your review.

Make appointments with sellers for listing presentations
Research all comparable currently listed properties
Research sales activity for the past 12 months from MLS and public records
Download and review property tax roll information
Prepare Comparable Market Analysis to establish fair market value
Compile and assemble formal file on property
Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgement & interpretation of market
Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan
Measure interior room sizes
Review current title information
Verify current loan information with lender(s)
Prepare showing instructions for buyers agent
Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options
Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller/buyer
Arrange for installation of yard sign
Add property to company's Active Listings list
Take photo's of home for MLS and Internet use
Have extra key made for lock box
Assist seller with completion of Sellers Property Disclosure
Enter property data into MLS data system
Create print and Internet ads with seller's input
Order Just Listed postcards
Provide Special Features brochures and brochure box
Negotiate all offers submitted
Help buyer find financing options
Order and attend all inspections
Work with Title company to insure clear title
Schedule closing time and location
Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
Respond to any follow up calls and provide any addl information required by office

As you can see there are many little details that must be completed for the sale to close successfully. As a realtor I know what needs to be done and when it must be done. There is much more to selling or buying a home then just looking at 15 homes and then moving in. Let your real estate professional walk you through the details and make the transaction as smooth as possible. The old saying is right "THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS"

NO/LOW COST WAYS TO TWEAK IT!

The January issue of Realtor Magazine has a list of 8 ways to tweak the look of your home to make it more appealing for potential buyers. There are probably more then a few items in your home that went out of style a decade ago, but your so comfortable that it's impossible to see them for what they are. However, everything needs updating eventually. Here are some ways to "tweak it" for little or no cost.
MOVE IT -Simply rearranging the furniture can re-energize a room. Add and remove furniture,rugs and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. PLANT IT- House plants are generally undervalued design components that can add texture, warmth and color to any room. Just make sure they are healthy and and well maintained. PAINT IT- Paint is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to make a substantial change. use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms and more neutral colors in living spaces. ORGANIZE IT - Clutter just has to go. Buy some storage tubs and fill them with unused items, photo's, anything that your not using in the very near future. HIDE IT - Use paintable wallpaper to help cover up an imperfect wall. It will hide an uneven wall and smooth out bumps. Caution, your intent should never be to mislead buyers, be sure to discuss flaws that would affect the homes value. REPLACE IT - Cabinet knobs, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Look for things in the home that look worn out or outdated. Faucets, light fixtures and sinks can be other mid cost upgrades. LIGHT IT - Try layering the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps to a room that is to dark. Add dimmers in the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen and family room for a cozy feel. CLEAN IT - Turn a critical eye to flooring, appliances and woodwork. It takes a little elbow grease but is worth the effort to clean things up for a sparkling shine. Buyers love a clean house.

CAN I BUY THAT FIXER-UPPER?

Happy 2009 everyone. As I was getting ready to start my yearly after Christmas cleanup ( everything looks so nice and clean (bare) after the holiday decorations are taken down) I noticed that there were several items around the house that could use some fixing up. I've also been working with several first time buyers that are looking at homes that could certainly use some work. With money scarce for many buyers the question is always asked " Can I finance some of the work on this house?"

According to information published by Fidelity Bank the answer appears to be a big YES, you can finance those repairs. FHA has a loan program called a 203KS loan that allows you to finance up to $35,000 for home repairs on top of the loan amount. Covered items are carpeting/floor finish, new roofs, painting, kitchen and bathroom updates/remodel, siding, windows, basement finishing and new appliances. Contractors must do the work and supply bids for each item. Once the sale has closed they have six months to complete the repairs. All of this without affecting the seller or the contract sales price.

Sweet! So don't let the possibilities of a home needing repairs keep you from getting the great price on an "as is" home. Contact you local lender ( or contact me and I'll put you in touch with some great lenders) for more information.