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Get ready for "cold cereal and maybe toast". 
For those that remember, that is what Charlie Brown felt he was capable of serving to his friends who invited themselves over for a Thanksgiving feast. Of course, Snoopy comes in and helps - serving up a feast of toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans. Ultimately the Peanuts gang enjoyed a traditional meal at Charlie Brown's grandmother's house. We all know the meal isn't as important as spending time with friends and family. This is the time of year to give thanks for everything we are grateful for.
The more active or volatile the economy is, the more important familiarity and stability become, especially in real estate. People want to know about their safest options and most promising opportunities and they need to know that the information is reliable and responsible. When you require an objective, professional opinion, you need to trust your source and be confident in its credibility.
I work hard to earn your confidence and trust, and I’m always available to help you in every possible way. It’s my way of providing stability for my clients, and maintaining stability in business, no matter what the economy. And should you direct referrals my way, I would be delighted to provide the same service, advice and assistance to the people you’ve entrusted to me.
Deferring home maintenance can be risky, as even small issues can have the potential to become more serious and expensive in a heartbeat. While a home warranty, typically obtained upon the purchase of a home, would pay for certain unforeseen expenses while the plan is active, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover repairs that become necessary as a result of normal use and aging.
This month I am passing along some information on the estimated life expectancies of various surfaces, appliances and systems in the home. It is information you can certainly use when planning ahead for the eventual replacement of these items. There is also a list of simple home maintenance tips that could help extend their useful life and save you money. Download the Preventing Costly Home Repairs handout.
I’m always available to help you keep your home in good condition and protect your investment. Please call if you need advice on a particular repair matter or a referral to a contractor or handyman who can handle the task.
These days, it’s important to know you can count on someone. I want to be that someone to you!
Have a great November and a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Christian Voigt
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Realty USA
914 Maple Road
Williamsville, NY 14221
716-345-5251
cvoigt@realtyusa.com
Go "Like" my Facebook page
Oh, by the way...if you know of someone who would appreciate the kind of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I'll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
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7 Simple Repairs That Will Help Sell Your Home Faster
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There’s a lot of competition in the housing market these days. When you put your home up for sale, you’re bound to be up against several other similar listings. That’s why it is important to make sure your property is in a good state of repair so that it makes a good impression on potential buyers.
Here are some things that may need your attention or the help of a reputable contractor:
Doorways. Inspect all your entry systems closely. Look for sagging screens, cracked glass, squeaks, and aging or broken aluminum parts. Consider giving your doors a fresh coat of paint.
Roof. Check for missing shingles and have replacements installed where necessary. Also inspect the gutters. Remove any leaves and other debris that may have accumulated.
Walls. Look for nail pops, holes and dents. Patch and paint where necessary.
Toilets. Make sure all toilets are still secured firmly to the floor and don’t rock when you sit on them. Anchoring nuts tend to corrode over the years. Replace where necessary.
Faucets. Inspect all faucets, including those in the laundry room and other areas. Do you have one that drips? If so, repair or replace it.
Cabinets. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets get scratched and worn in spots over the years. There are many great scratch repair products on the market that can make cabinetry look almost new.
Decks and gates. Any loose boards? Rickety stairs? Sagging gates that you have to lift in order for the latch to close? Buyers will notice. Get them fixed.
The good news about these types of repairs is that they are relatively inexpensive, yet make your home show significantly better.
Want more ideas for selling your home faster and for the best price? Call today!
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15 Minutes Before a Viewing
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When preparing your house for a viewing, you’re obviously going to make sure it’s clean and tidy. After all, you want to make the best impression possible on potential buyers. But in the minutes before the buyers are due to arrive, there are a few final touches you need to do in your house to ensure it looks its best.
Put away coats, hats and shoes. Focus around the foyer. You don’t want clutter to be the first thing a buyer sees.
Turn on all lights and lamps. Don’t forget darker areas like nooks and corners. A house that is bright looks more roomy.
Organize your storage space. Make sure bikes, boxes and other items are neatly stowed. Think of your storage space as another room.
Put on some soft music. Choose something that will appeal to most people. Easy listening and classical music work best.
Make sure the toilet lids are down. Even when a washroom is sparkling clean, a raised toilet seat gives the impression – however incorrectly – that things are less than hygienic.
Open all curtains and blinds. This makes rooms look bigger and brighter, even at night.
It only takes a few minutes to do these few final touches, and your home will show better as a result. Need more ideas? Call today!
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The Benefits of a Less-Than-Perfect Home
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Do you have a clear image of your perfect dream home? Have you made a list of all the features it must have? Will you walk away from a property that doesn’t have huge mature trees in the back yard, or a wrap-around deck, or a large country-style kitchen, or comfy sunken living room? (Or all of the above?)
It’s okay to have a wish list of features that you want in a home. In fact, it’s a very good idea. It will make shopping that much easier. Plus, you’ll increase the chances of finding a property you like.
But it’s also important to be flexible. Why? Because you’re bound to come across properties on the market that fit most of your criteria, but not all. And if you’re not flexible with your wish list, you may miss out on some otherwise ideal opportunities.
Keep in mind that a less-than-perfect property can potentially be improved. If the house doesn’t have a wrap-around deck, you can build one. If it doesn’t have a spacious kitchen, you may be able to expand the kitchen area – perhaps by adding a pantry in an adjacent room.
The perfect home, at the right price, may not exist on the market. But a property that meets most of your criteria probably does.
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notable, quotable... quotes!
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“When you choose your friends, don’t be short-changed by choosing personality over character.”
W. Somerset Maugham
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
Arthur Ashe
“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.”
George Horace Lorimer
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Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
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