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 Look for things in the home that look worn out or outdated.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.