Chris Voigt's January Real Estate E-Newsletter

	For me, the New Year is always worth celebrating because there is always something new to look forward to. So, I’d like to offer you my sincerest wishes that this New Year brings you joy, comfort, and plenty of new opportunities! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your continued support and my appreciation for any future referrals you may send throughout the coming months. As I like to share useful and helpful information with my friends, family, and clients, I thought I would start off 2014 with some helpful information on how you can pay off your home faster.  Paying off your mortgage faster could be the key for financial freedom for you in the new year.   May you and your family enjoy a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Best Wishes for 2014! Christian Voigt Licensed Real Estate SalespersonAssistant Manager - Williamsville 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.
Not-So-Obvious Home Staging Tips
When it comes to “staging” your home for sale – which basically means ensuring it looks clean and uncluttered – you probably already know the basics: clean the counters, vacuum the floors, mow the lawn, etc. But there are some home staging tips that are less obvious, yet can help to sell your property faster and for a higher price. For example… The Kitchen Obvious: The stove, sinks and countertops should be spotless. Not-so-obvious: The contents of your cabinets and refrigerator should be facing face forward. The Bathrooms Obvious: They should be clean and uncluttered. Have fresh towels hanging neatly on the rack. (The “hotel bathroom” look.) Not-so-obvious: All towels should match. Ensure toilet lids are closed. Your Bedroom Obvious: Make the bed neatly. Check that the closet is organized and uncluttered. (If your closet is bulging with clothes, put some in storage.) Not-so-obvious: Don’t leave any clothes out. Even clean clothes neatly folded in a hamper can seem untidy to some people. The Kids’ Bedrooms Obvious: They need to be clean and, especially, uncluttered. (Good luck!) Not-so-obvious: Arrange stuffed animals, games and other toys like an attractive display in a toy store. It’s okay to have a toy, like a race track, out of the box. Just make sure it’s completely put together. (No pieces lying around.) The Garage Obvious: Make sure the floor is clean and that things are put away. Not-so-obvious: If possible, get everything (except the car!) off the floor and onto shelves and hanging hooks. This will make a dramatic difference in how roomy the garage will look. These not-so-obvious staging tips may seem minor, but they add up to a home that is much more attractive to potential buyers.
How To Sell Your Home More Quickly
When you put your property on the market, ideally you want to sell it as quickly as possible and for the highest price possible. But sometimes one is more important than the other. For example, if you’re relocating, or have purchased another home that is closing soon, selling your current property quickly may be a priority. Do you have to sacrifice price to do that? Not necessarily. But there are some things you can do to help get a good offer, sooner. Price your property competitively. Make sure your home is not listed higher than the price for which similar properties have recently sold in your neighborhood. Make it look “move-in ready”. Take care of all repairs and other maintenance issues before you list. Ensure your property is clean and uncluttered, inside and out. Be flexible with viewing times. Be willing to take your family out for a coffee or an ice cream should a potential buyer want to see your home on short notice. Want more tips on how to sell your home quickly? Call today.
Consider Buying a Home With Some “Undesirable” Features
When you’re looking for a home, chances are, you have a checklist of things you want. Two bathrooms… a finished basement… a great looking kitchen… an expansive deck… But what happens when a home you see has a feature that doesn’t quite measure up? Perhaps the basement is poorly renovated. Or the kitchen is small. Or there’s only one bathroom. Should you say “No”? Here’s something to consider: A home that has a few undesirable features will probably cost less. And, those savings may more than cover the costs of any needed upgrades or renovations. So don’t pass up on a house simply because is doesn’t meet all your criteria. It may be worth buying a home for less and then making improvements.
notable, quotable... quotes! “The only place you find success before work is in the dictionary.”  May V. Smith “There is plenty of room at the top – but no place to sit down.”  Anon. “The really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”  Mark Twain