Chris Voigt's April Real Estate Newsletter

This time of year has traditionally been strong for Real Estate. Many buyers are now seriously motivated to firm up their purchase decisions in order to move during the summer months. By the way things are progressing, this year could be even busier than usual, thanks to favorable interest rates and a shortage of certain property types that are in high demand. If you are thinking of selling, please call right away to find out how your property fits into the current market scene. You might be surprised by how quickly and easily you could benefit from making a move when the market is gaining momentum. The timing may never be better. As our spring market heats up, we hope the temperature on the thermometer does the same.  Owning a home is such a tremendous investment and it's important to take care of that investment.  Click here for a Spring Maintenance Tips Infographic to get you started on your home's Spring Maintenance. Have a great April and I look forward to helping you this spring! 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.   Understanding the Home Buying Process The more you know about the best way to reach a goal, the more likely you are to get the result you want. So, whether you’re hunting for a new job, assembling a backyard BBQ, or training for a 3 mile run, you’ll want to use a proven process to help you get there. That certainly holds true when shopping for a new home. There is a proven process to getting the home you want, in the neighborhood you want, at a price you can afford. Here are the highlights: Get ready  There’s a lot you must do before you pack your energy snacks in the car and go looking at homes. If you own your current home, you must prepare that property for sale. You should also get financing for a new home pre-approved, so you know exactly how much you can afford. Go shopping Your next step is to view the right homes currently available on the market. It’s a good idea to make a wish list of property and neighborhood features you’re looking for in a new home. You may not be able to get everything you want, but you can probably come pretty close. Make an offer When you see a home you like, the first thing you’ll need to do is to make an offer. This can be tricky especially if there are other interested buyers. Get an inspection Always get the home checked out by a qualified home inspector. A property may have issues, such as a foundation leak, that are not obvious during a viewing. Prepare for the move Once you’ve made the purchase, you need to arrange for moving and deal with other details, such as utilities, telephone, mail forwarding and so forth. Want a smooth home buying process? Call today. The Advantage of Getting Pre-Approved One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the home you want is to arrange for financing before you go shopping. This is often referred to as getting “pre-approved”. Getting pre-approved simply means that your lender has calculated how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you, depending on your down payment and current financial situation. There are two advantages to having a pre-approved mortgage. First, you know exactly what you can afford when shopping for a new home. Second, when you make an offer, you’re likely to be taken more seriously. Buying a Home That Needs Work When you’re shopping for a new home, you may come across properties that require repairs or renovations. Are these houses worth the added expense? Will you get your money back if you decide to sell the house in the future? According to market studies, certain renovations and repairs do add more value to a home than the repairs typically cost. These include kitchen and bathroom renovations, new or improved landscaping, and electrical and plumbing repairs. notable, quotable... quotes! “You have not lived a perfect day unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”  Ruth Smeltzer “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm”. Publilius Syrus “The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”  Flora Whittemore

Chris Voigt's March Real Estate Newsletter

	As the pages of the calendar have turned to March, I know you are probably hoping the mercury in the thermometer finally starts to stay above freezing.  As the expression says, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb."  Well, if this is the lion, I can't wait to experience the softest, fuzziest little lamb there ever was.  I say bring on Spring.  I'm ready for it and we all deserve it! “How much could we get for our house or condo in today’s market?” “How long would it take to sell?” “Does it make sense to make a move now, or should we wait?” Even if you’re not the least bit serious about making a move, you probably ask yourself questions like these from time to time. Most homeowners do. It’s natural. So why not find out the answers? How? Give me a call! I’d be happy to drop by to give you a clear idea of what the current market value of your house is and what to expect should you decide to sell. There’s no obligation. Have a great month of March and let's get ready to welcome in Spring! 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.
Surviving A Bidding War
You’re about to make an offer on a home. Then, to your despair, you find out that three other offers have also come in for the same property. Be careful. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the excitement and, like a hand raised one too many times at an auction, end up paying more for the home than you had intended — or can afford. Working with a good REALTOR® will increase the odds of getting the home at a price that’s right for you.
Should You Accept A “Conditional” Offer?
There’s no doubt about it. The best kind of offer is a “firm” offer. The buyer offers you a certain price for your property and, should you accept it, the deal is done. Congratulations. You’ve just sold your house! But more often than not, an offer is “conditional”. That means the buyer is offering you a price, but with one or more conditions. If those conditions are not met, the buyer can walk away from the deal. Examples of typical conditions include: Conditional upon arranging suitable financing within a fixed period of time. Conditional upon the buyer selling his own home by a specific date. Conditional upon an inspection of the property. Should you accept a conditional offer? After all, if you do, the deal might fall through. But if you don’t, you might be passing up on an opportunity to sell your house for the price you want. A REALTOR® who understands the real estate market can help you make the right decision. Call today.
Will Your Furniture Fit?
When shopping for a new house or condo, most buyers consider such factors as neighborhood, proximity to schools, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the kitchen, and more. These are, of course, all important considerations. But there’s one question that few buyers ask – until it’s too late. “Will our furniture fit?” This may seem like a trivial concern. But if you’ve invested thousands of dollars in a new living room suite, you’re going to be very disappointed if it looks too crowded in your new home. Here’s a tip: measure rooms in your current home that contain the furniture you like most. This could be the living room, rec room, master bedroom or even the patio. Then imagine how much smaller – if at all – that room can be and still accommodate the furniture. When you view condos or houses on the market, take those measurements with you. That way, you’ll be able to quickly determine if room sizes are going to be an issue. And don’t forget to take a good look at entry ways. If you have a large wrap-around sofa, for example, you’re going to want to make sure you can get it through the door!
notable, quotable... quotes! “It’s alright to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation.”  Dr. Rob Gilbert “I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.” William Allen White “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  Aristotle

Chris Voigt's February Real Estate Newsletter

	Let me be the first to congratulate you!!  There are 45 days till spring and we have survived the 2014 Polar Vortex. We have certainly encountered our fair share of epic winter weather over the years and 2014 will be remembered.  If not for the weather, but for the termPolar Vortex now being a regular part of our vocabulary. When you need advice on what kind of flowers to send to a friend, who do you ask? Probably your local florist. If you want to know about a new kind of insurance you’ve been hearing about, who do you call? Probably your insurance agent. But who do you talk to when you have a question about real estate? Unless you’re seriously considering buying or selling a home, you might think that calling a REALTOR® is not a good idea. They might make you feel pressured, or make you feel like you’re wasting their time. Some might. But not me. As your REALTOR®, you can ask me questions anytime, and I’ll do my best to provide you with the answers. So, as we put the Polar Vortex behind us and look towards some warmer weather and the spring months ahead, I hope to hear from you if you know of anyone who needs help with a real estate question. Have a great month of February and stay warm!! 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.
Why You Should Order Your Own Credit Report
“I don’t have a problem with credit,” a potential new home buyer says. “I pay my bills on time. I never have trouble getting a loan.” That may be true. However, according to several surveys, most people are surprised by at least one piece of information in their credit report. And it only takes one derogatory item to create an obstacle to getting the lowest mortgage rate possible, or even getting a mortgage at all. That’s why it’s important to check your credit report before you shop for a new home. You will then have the opportunity to deal with any unexpected issues. For example, you may discover an error, which is not unusual. If you do find there is a mistake in your credit report, inform the credit bureau immediately. They are required, by law, to promptly make a correction. If there are late payments noted on your credit report, you can write a letter of explanation to the credit bureau telling your side of the story. This will accompany the credit information that goes to your lender. Assuming everything else in your credit report is fairly good, most lenders will accept a reasonable explanation for late payments, such as being laid off from a job, an extended illness in the family, or military service overseas. How do you get your credit report? There are three major credit bureaus in North America: • Equifax (www.equifax.com) • Trans Union (www.transunion.com) • Experian (www.experian.com) All have websites that allow you to order your credit report for a reasonable fee. It’s a good idea to order all three credit reports as not all companies report credit information to all three bureaus. Getting your credit report, and checking that it’s accurate, will make the home buying process go a lot more smoothly.
Fresh Air Sells
The problem with household smells is that we get accustomed to them… when they are in our own homes. However, it takes just a few seconds in a stranger’s home, to know if a smoker lives there. The smell is in the air! So when you put your home on the market, think about the common smells you might have lingering around your property. Remember, you may no longer notice them, but a prospective buyer will. These may include: A diaper bin in the baby’s room Kitty litter Model making glue Paints, even if the cans or tubes are closed tightly Food. The aroma of a spicy meal can linger for hours Garbage cans. Even empty ones, if they are not clean Strong smelling soaps, perfumes and other cosmetics and toiletries Flowers and other plants Firewood, (especially pine) Outdoor shoes Ashtrays Sinks Carpets Door mats are especially prone to stains and smells. Try to eliminate as many odors as possible. An hour or so before a viewing, open a few windows to give your home a breath of fresh air.
Getting Schooled On Local Schools
If you have kids, the local school will be a big part of your new home buying decision. That’s why it’s important to get a school’s “vital statistics”, such as: Safety record Curriculum Accommodation for special needs Awards Average class sizes Extracurricular activities. (sports, arts, crafts, technology, etc.) Scores on standardized achievement tests Daily schedules and vacations Even such seemingly inconsequential details as hours of operation can be important. If school starts a half hour later than you expected, you may not be able to drop off your kids on your way to work and therefore, you will need to make other arrangements.
notable, quotable... quotes! “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”  Thomas Jefferson “Each problem that I solved became a rule which served afterwards to solve other problems.”  Rene Descartes “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.”  Mario Andretti
Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

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

Chris Voigt's December Real Estate Newsletter

The arrival of December means the year is winding down, yet it is also the beginning of a busy time for many of us who celebrate special holidays over the coming weeks. For me, December is not only a time for celebration, but also a time of reflection and appreciation. I am particularly grateful to my clients for the support they have shown me in the past, and I look forward to helping you with all your future real estate needs. In the meantime, I hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season! 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.   Putting The Fun Back Into Moving Day Moving into a new home should be an exciting experience. But, unfortunately, that's not typically the case. In fact, moving day is traditionally fraught with such misery that there is even a reality TV show about it! Your real estate agent can help. He or she can assist you in finding the right movers, provide you with relocation tips, recommend contractors and other home professionals, and advise you on what to expect on closing day. Some agents disappear after the deal is done. Make sure your agent is available to help make the transition into your new home a pleasant one. Better Bedrooms. Faster Sale! Here’s a surprising statistic. In several surveys, upwards of 60% of people surveyed listed “bedrooms” as one of the reasons they decided to purchase a particular property. So don’t overlook these rooms when preparing your house for sale. You need to make sure they appear roomy and attractive to potential buyers. The first step is to make sure every bedroom actually has a bed. Otherwise, you might inadvertently give the impression that your home has fewer bedrooms than it really does. To a potential buyer, a bedroom is often more valuable than the home office or storage room you may have converted it into. You can’t change the number of bedrooms your home actually has, but you can make sure that each one shows well. Consider the layout of each room carefully. Is the bed and other furniture placed in a way that makes the room appear as spacious as possible? Can buyers easily walk around the bed? Are the curtains, bedding and other décor items clean and attractive? Finally, buyers will understand that a kid’s room may be somewhat cluttered and may even have an eclectic style, but you need to make sure it’s as clean and tidy as possible. Have questions about how to prepare your house for sale? Call today. Don’t Forget To Get What You Want Shopping for a new home can be a dizzying experience. There are so many things to think about, it’s all too easy to lose focus on the most important consideration of all: getting the home you really want. Here are five questions to keep front-of-mind: Is it located in the neighborhood I want? Where a property is located can have a dramatic impact on how much you enjoy it. Make sure the neighborhood has the characteristics you’re looking for. Does it have the look I want? Looks aren’t everything, but they are important. A good looking property, inside and out, can make living in it that much more satisfying. Does it have the features I want? Three bedrooms? A finished basement? A spacious backyard with wraparound deck? You may not find all the features you‘re looking for, but you should be able to come close. Does it have issues I don’t want? Does the property require extensive repairs or renovations? Does it back onto a noisy street? Can I purchase it for the price I want? Does the property fit your budget? A good REALTOR® can help you find the home you want while making the entire process easier and less stressful. notable, quotable... quotes! “Happiness is not getting what you want. It’s wanting what you’ve got.”  Anon “To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.”  Eleanor Roosevelt Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

13 Martha Drive, Bowmansville, NY 14026

Chris Voigt's November Real Estate e-Newsletter

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.   7 Simple Repairs That Will Help Sell Your Home Faster 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! 15 Minutes Before a Viewing 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! The Benefits of a Less-Than-Perfect Home 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. notable, quotable... quotes! “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 Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.