Chris Voigt's August Real Estate Newsletter

Hopefully your summer has been enjoyable. With any luck, you’ll be able to stretch it a bit longer so you can get together with family or get reacquainted with old friends you may not have had the chance to spend time with this summer. Many people like to squeeze in one last family vacation during the month of August before the kids head back to school.  If that's the case for you, I wish you the best of luck as you load up the family truckster and head out for some rest and relaxation. Typically, people like to talk about change when fall rolls around. So, if you happen to be thinking about moving in the next few months, or maybe looking for reliable real estate advice, I would be very appreciative if you called. You can be assured I will assist you with professional guidance and attentive service. Have a great month of August! 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 What Should You Expect From Your Realtor? You probably know that a Realtor does more than just post a FOR SALE sign on your front lawn, or guide potential buyers through your home. But how much more? What exactly will a real estate agent do for you? Taking the time upfront to understand what to expect from your agent will help to reduce misunderstandings, and make the selling process less mysterious and stressful. You'll be able to anticipate what's going to happen next, be prepared to ask the right questions along the way, and be aware of whether your Realtor is meeting expectations. Typically, you should expect a good real estate agent to: Explain the Listing Agreement to you. (This is your contract with the real estate firm.) Describe the home selling process, and answer all your questions and concerns. Prepare a realistic appraisal based on the expected market value of your home by comparing it to similar property sales in your area. Provide you with advice on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, especially during showings and open houses. Create a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your home. Screen enquiries, schedule appointments, and show your home to potential buyers. Field offers from potential buyers, deal with counter-offers, and negotiate the best terms and selling price possible for your home. Help you throughout the entire selling process to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. These services should be the minimum you expect from a good agent. The best agents will actually do more. They will be there for you in the weeks, months, and even years after the sale to make sure everything continues to go smoothly in your new home. Identifying Your Home’s Unique Features It is surprising how often homeowners fail to recognize the unique value their individual property holds. The distinct property characteristics that set a home apart from other homes provide important selling perspectives that often become decision-making factors for interested buyers. The key is to understand your home’s most “marketable” features - those which hold the greatest importance to most homeowners. Consider them the “micro market values” by which you must compete, should you ever decide to sell your property. So, before you actually decide to list your home, you should be aware of its features. To get a better perspective on them, and their importance to you, ask yourself the following question about: Your Community and Your Neighborhood Does your community hold certain advantages that protect it from minor economic swings, or disadvantages that make it more vulnerable? Beyond traditional patterns, does your neighborhood experience unique cycles throughout the year which affect the value (or perceived value) of homes? Can you identify other factors which can affect the community market values, such as population fluctuations, local culture or lifestyles, municipal services, noticeable pollution levels, or recent government decisions? Your Property and Your Home Is your property situated in a desirable setting (eg. near recreational facilities, schools or community services, shopping or commercial developments, or major transit routes)? Does your home have the potential for a major improvement, such as an extra room or an expanded entrance? Is there potential for other property upgrades, such as a new garage, or a unique landscaping arrangement? Make The Most of Your Home’s Advantage When you’ve identified your home’s greatest advantages, consider capitalizing on its best features! Even minor home improvements have a positive influence on the way your home is perceived, sometimes in direct comparison to other homes. In the end you will help your home sell faster and at a price that recognizes its true potential. Tips for Checking References You have no doubt heard this tip before: Always check references before you hire a mover, lawyer, decorator, contractor, or other home professional. But for some people, picking up the phone and calling strangers to ask for a reference can feel awkward or even intimidating. Here are a few tips that can help: Call in the early evenings. This is the most convenient time for most people. Explain that you are checking references and that the professional or company you are considering hiring suggested you call. Ask if this is a convenient time to speak. Ask if they were satisfied with the services. Ask if there were any surprises with the final bill. Ask if they have recommended that professional or company to their friends? Thank them for their time. notable, quotable... quotes! “One of the marks of excellent people is that they never compare themselves with others. They only compare themselves with themselves and with their past accomplishments and future potential.”  Brian Tracy “I am aware that success is more than a good idea. It is timing too.”  Anita Roddick “Never mistake motion for action.” Ernest Hemingway Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.

Chris Voigt's July Real Estate Newsletter

I hope you are enjoying the early part of the summer so far and are ready to celebrate the 4th of July.  In addition to being a great time of year to celebrate, it's also a busy time of year for families - vacations and home projects seem to dominate everyone's schedule during the summer months. Have you set some goals that you would like to accomplish over the remainder of this year?  Some of your goals may involve work you would like to get done in or around your property. If that’s the case, give me a call. I may be able to recommend a contractor from my network of reputable home professionals. And, if you’re thinking of moving, or even considering the possibility, I can answer your questions and show you what’s available on the market. Whatever your goals are for this year, I hope you achieve them.  I also hope you have time to "celebrate" and enjoy your family, friends, and summer recreation!  As the cartoon above says, "It's time to pursue a little happiness..." Have a great July! 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 5 Minute Tips for Preparing Your Home for Viewing Obviously, your home should look its best when potential buyers arrive. However, time is not always on your side. There may be times when you have only a few minutes to get things ready. What you do with those minutes can mean the difference between an interested buyer… and one who crosses your home off the list. Here are some things you can do to help your home look its best in just five minutes or less: Put away coats, hats, and shoes. Clean up, especially around the foyer. You don't want clutter to be the first thing a buyer sees. Turn on all lights and lamps. A home that is bright looks larger. Put on some soft music. Easy listening is the best choice. Don't play rock or jazz music because some people might dislike it. Think elevator music. 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. Relocate the pets. Put pets in the backyard or basement, or at least segregate them in a separate room. Better still, take them away from your home entirely. Close the garage doors. Most garages don't look great on the inside. Hide the waste bins. Keep them out of sight. Wash the dishes. If possible, don't leave them on a drying rack. Put them away. Put away personal items. Put family pictures, bills, and other personally identifying information away. You want the buyers to visualize themselves living in your home, not you. Open all curtains and blinds. This makes rooms look bigger and brighter, even at night. Give Buyers the Red Carpet Treatment You don't have to roll an actual red carpet down your walkway every time you show your home. (But it wouldn't hurt!) The most important thing is to make sure the journey to your front door is a pleasant one. That's when buyers form their first impressions. Make sure the walkway is swept clean and is clear. The last thing you want is for a buyer to trip on a broken paving stone, or get matted clumps of freshly-cut grass stuck to their pant legs! Improving Indoor Air Quality There’s an old saying: What you can’t see won’t hurt you. But, that’s not true. Less than ideal air quality in your home can result in allergies, colds, languor, and even sleepless nights. Here are some tips that can help: Let in the fresh air. Weather permitting, open windows and doors to help circulate stale indoor air with fresher outdoor air. Change the furnace filter. According to studies, most filters on forced air heating systems in homes do not get changed regularly. Tip: Change the filter when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors – at least twice a year. Easy on the household cleaners.Cleaners that are tough on stains can also have the same effect on your health. So use them with care. After cleaning any surface, wipe the residue dry with a clean absorbent cloth. Keep things dry. Mold spores thrive on moisture. So make sure bathroom fans adequately remove humidity. A fan should be strong enough so that a piece of paper clings to the intake. notable, quotable... quotes! “I think the great livers, the people who are fully self-actualizing and alive, are the great givers.”  Mark Victor Hansen “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”  Zig Ziglar “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” Sandra Carey Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.

People can really help themselves

It's always interesting when you meet new clients how motivated they are to sell their house. You never really know if they will listen to your advice and recommendations. Will they really out forth the effort to meet your efforts?

Well, I recently met with a wonderful couple in their home and they were motivated to sell their house and move to a new home in a better school districtfor their   daughter. 

Upon meeting them and touring the house, it was clear there was work to do. They aren't slobs, but certainly crammed for space and needed to do some cleaning and deck uttering. The house is very sellable but I was worried about how it would show. I left them with some printed materials and some advice about what they should do. 

A little over a week later, color me impressed. They really took to task and listened to my advice. The house looks great and I know will show well as we host open houses and other realtors bring their clients through.  Kudos to the family for meeting my efforts and my expectations. This will make me work harder to exceed their expectations!

Chris Voigt's June Real Estate Newsletter

Summer is here and it's time to make sure your gardens and outdoor spaces are in tip-top shape so you can enjoy some time outdoors.  Among the list of things to do will be to mow the lawn, weed the gardens, and water the flowers.  I thought this picture might give you some inspiration for a unique way to trim your bushes. Your neighbor might not appreciate the view so much... Summer is also the ideal time to explore houses currently on the market. Even if you’re not considering making a move this year, you might still want to do some “window shopping” or you might know someone who is. After all, you never know when the perfect home, in a great neighborhood, at just the right price, will become available. If you have any questions, while you’re looking around, don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. You won’t be pressured to list or buy. That’s not my style! I’ll just do my best to provide you with the answers you need. Have a great day! 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 Mortgage Payments Can Be Deceiving You see a great home. You pull out your mortgage calculator and start punching in the numbers. The estimated monthly payment is displayed on the screen. You think, “Yep, we can afford that!” Can you? It’s easy to be seduced by a mortgage payment calculation. However, mortgage payments aren’t the only costs of owning a home. You also need to consider: Property taxes Home insurance premiums Electricity costs Maintenance (especially a factor in older homes.) And more. If you don’t, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars more per month than you originally expected. Call today for help calculating the true cost of home ownership. Helping Buyers Feel Less Like Intruders When potential buyers visit your home, they often feel like intruders. After all, in most cases, they don’t know you personally. Yet, there they are, walking through your hallways, looking in your bedroom closets, and even checking out the cabinet space in your washrooms. Obviously, you want buyers to feel comfortable when they are viewing your house. But how do you make sure they do? Here are a couple of good ideas: First, pack up family photos and other personal items you have dispersed throughout the home. Why is this important? When a buyer sees a diploma hanging on the wall, they get that uneasy “someone lives here” feeling. Second, don’t be in your home during viewings. Instead, visit a coffee shop, go shopping, or take the kids to the park. Buyers feel really uncomfortable viewing a home when the owners are there. As a result, they may leave without giving your property serious consideration. If you absolutely must be home during a viewing, try to remain out of the way. Don’t volunteer information or attempt to give buyers “the tour”. Instead, be available to answer questions, if asked. Want more ideas on selling your house quickly and for the best price? Call today. Beware of Home Hunting Burnout! House hunting can be a grind. If you’re not careful, it can easily take both an emotional and physical toll on you. At the beginning, you and your family will be fueled by excitement, desire and enthusiasm – the raw ingredients of adrenaline. That’s what keeps you going. After a while, however, a long day of viewing homes with fidgety kids and an empty stomach can leave you exhausted. When that happens, even the most ideal home can seem undesirable. Since you don’t want exhaustion to result in a missed opportunity, it’s important to pace yourself. Here are some tips for doing just that. When it comes to endurance, everyone has their limits. If a child or spouse is looking tired, take a break. Just because one person is able to see a lot of homes in quick succession doesn’t mean everyone else in the family will have the same stamina. Never house shop on an empty stomach. Make sure everyone has a good breakfast, lunch, or dinner before heading out. If you have young children, find out where the local parks and playgrounds are located. These are great places to take a break and let the kids play for a while. Keep some bottled water and perhaps some light snacks in the car. You never know when someone’s stomach will begin to grumble. During an all-day excursion, avoid the temptation to eat a large lunch at a restaurant. It may make you feel sluggish and tired in the afternoon. If you’ve been househunting for several weeks, all the homes may start to look alike. If this happens, take a few days off. It will help to restore your perspective. notable, quotable... quotes! “To succeed in life you have to take chances. If Michelangelo didn’t take chances, he would have painted the floor of the Sistine Chapel” Neil Simon, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright “It’s a funny thing about life, if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”  Somerset Maugham, Author “Deciding to buy a home is like falling in love. It’s intoxicating, energizing, and scary…” Alan Perlis & Beth Bradley, Authors of The Unofficial Guide to Buying a Home Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.

Chris Voigt's April Real Estate e-Newsletter

I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to a delightful spring.  Believe it or not, I'm sure the spring weather is right around the corner and we will all be outside soon enjoying it. I consider a big part of my job to be as helpful as I can to all my clients and the people who live in the communities where I live and work. How do I do that? Well, one way is to be the source of information for those who are considering buying or selling a home, or are just curious about the local real estate market. For example, you may be asking yourself – “Are house prices going up or down?”, “What opportunities are available on the market?”, “Is this the right time to make a move?". If you need answers to these questions, please give me a call. I can provide you with the information and advice you need to make an informed decision.  And if you know of anyone in your family, circle of friends, or workplace that is considering buying or selling their house, please have them get in touch with me so I can help them. Two by Fours Some men in a pickup truck drove to a lumber yard. One of the men walked into the office and said, “We need some four-by-twos.” The clerk asked, “You mean two-by-fours, don’t you?” The man said, “I’ll go check,” and went back to the truck. He returned shortly and said, “Yeah, I meant two- by-fours.” “All right. How long do you need them?” The customer paused for a moment and said, “I’d better go check.” After a while, he returned to the office and said, “A long time… we’re gonna build a house!” Have a great April! Follow me on Facebook!   Pretend You’re A Buyer An effective technique to help you sell your property quickly and for the best price is to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Don’t just visualize this. Actually do it! Drive to your property and imagine that you’re seeing it for the first time. What’s your impression? Is the landscaping attractive? Are the walkways clear? Is the front door welcoming? Now walk up to the front door, open it, and step inside. Does the foyer seem neat and uncluttered? Is there anything unsightly from that vantage point? Take a walk through your home, starting in rooms that a potential buyer would predictably view first: the kitchen, livingroom and bedrooms. Do you notice anything you could change or improve, that would make those areas more appealing? Next, check out the washrooms, closets and basement. Are they clean and tidy? Finally, think about the price you want for the home. As a buyer, would you be enticed to make an offer at that level? Are there any nagging doubts about the property that would hold you back? Understanding the impression your home will make on potential buyers will help you sell it faster. Want more useful tips? Call today. Selecting The Right Neighborhood Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as picking the right home. Perhaps it is even more important. After all, you may be able to renovate a kitchen, but you can't move a nearby bus stop, or make a playground magically appear within walking distance. The neighborhood you choose to live in has a huge effect on your lifestyle and that of your family. So it's important to take as much time shopping for a great location, as it is for a new home. Take a Walk Once you have toured a house that interests you, take a walk. Explore the neighborhood. Get a sense of the atmosphere, community and personality of the surrounding area. Is the street relatively quiet? Or, is it a main throughway for commuters into and out of the neighborhood? Stop and listen. Is there a lot of ambient noise from traffic or other sources? What about local amenities? Find out about parks, playgrounds, community centers, and shopping. These can be very convenient if located nearby. Do you have kids? Then you'll also want to learn about the local schools. Are they within walking distance? If busing is required, where do your kids meet the bus? Ask questions If you see any neighbors while exploring the area, chat with them. You could simply say, "Hello. We're considering buying a home in this area. May we ask you a couple of quick questions about your experience living here?" You'll spend as much time in your neighborhood as you do inside your home. So get to know it, before you decide to make an offer. Redecorating On A Budget Getting bored of the four walls that surround a particular room? Want to redecorate, but worried that you don’t have the budget? Here are some low-cost ideas for revitalizing the look of just about any area of your home. Paint. It’s amazing what a $30 dollar can of paint can do. Changing the color of a wall, or even just the trim and baseboards, can have a dramatic effect on a room. Lighting. How a room is lit has an impact on its overall design. Consider replacing any lamps and ceiling light fixtures. Don’t forget that the brightness and location of the lighting can also make a big difference. Sofas and chairs. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars replacing furniture. If your sofas and chairs are still in good shape, just replace the fabric and pillows. Shelving and other organizers. Stuffed bookshelves and cluttered surface areas can make a room feel uncomfortable. Consider installing extra shelving and using other products available on the market to help you organize your space. One final tip: Take stuff out. People often think of redecorating as changing or adding things. But often just taking some stuff out of a room can significantly improve its look and comfort. When it comes to decorating, less is often more. notable, quotable... quotes! “We don’t see things as they are. We see them as we are.” Anais Nin “Try not to become a person of success, but rather to become a person of value.”  Albert Einstein “Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.” Clare Boothe Luce Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.

Chris Voigt's March Real Estate e-Newsletter

Before I forget, we spring forward this weekend.  Turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday!  We lose an hour of sleep, but if that groundhog was correct, spring should be right around the corner. Thanks to the current demand for quality real estate opportunities, I'm speaking to and assisting many people at this time of year. Assisting people is my specialty, and it is the most gratifying part of my work. I count myself lucky because I enjoy frequent and heartfelt “thanks” from friends, family, and clients alike. I am humbled by their loyal support through referrals. If there is something I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call. Should you or someone you know ever need assistance or a fast answer to an important real estate question, you can always count on me to respond quickly and wholeheartedly.  In honor of St. Patrick's Day this month, please feel free to use the following Irish humor (you'll be the life of the party along Delaware Avenue with this gem)... Murphy was selling his house, and contacted his trusty real estate agent. The agent wrote up a sales blurb for the house that made wonderful reading. After Murphy read it, he turned to the agent and asked, "Have I got all ye say there?"  The agent said, "Certainly ye have...Why d'ye ask?" Replied Murphy, "Cancel the sale...'tis too good to part with." Have a wonderful March! Follow me on Facebook!   Make Two Wish Lists When Shopping For A New Home When shopping for a new home, create a wish list of the features and characteristics you want. After all, there’s no sense looking at properties with kitchenettes when you won’t settle for anything less than a full-sized kitchen that Julia Child would envy. But there are probably some features that are nice-to-haves but not must-haves. For example, you might like a large wrap-around deck in your backyard, but would settle for a home that doesn’t have one. (After all, you can always install one later.) That’s why it’s a good idea to create two wish lists. One list would include all the features you absolutely would not do without in your new home, and the other would list all those things you’d like to have, but are not necessities. With two lists, you’ll make better decisions. Your shopping will be easier because you won’t be wasting time viewing homes that don’t meet the criteria on your “must have” list. The second list will come in handy when you’re comparing properties and deciding which one to buy. Two lists also help to ensure you get most, if not all, of what you really want in your new home. And that makes all the difference. The #1 Ingredient Needed To Sell Your Home Quickly There’s a long list of ingredients needed to sell your home quickly. Obviously, you want to make your home as clean and uncluttered as possible. You should also make sure any outstanding repairs are done. And, of course, all the little things you can do to make your home “show” well are important, too. But the number one ingredient needed to sell your home quickly is the right price tag. If you set the price of your home just right, buyers will come to see it, and there’s a good chance you’ll get some good offers. If you price your home too high, however, few buyers will take an interest in your property and it might languish on the market for months. Worse, it might not sell at all. So how do you determine the right price at which to list your home? One of the best ways is to do an analysis of what similar properties in your area have sold for recently. What people are actually paying for homes like yours — in neighborhoods like yours — is the best indicator of the true market value of your home. Want to find out what your home’s price tag should be in today’s market? Call today. Sell Your Home Faster With An Outdoor Makeover When you put your home on the market, it’s important that you make the indoor living space as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The foyer should look spacious and inviting. The bedrooms, neat and uncluttered. The basement, clean and well lit. All good advice. But don’t forget the outdoor living space. That too has a significant impact on how quickly your home sells and for how much. You want to make the area around your property, from the front walkway to the backyard deck, as attractive as possible. How do you do that? Here are some tips for sprucing up your outdoor living space that can be easily implemented. Trim the hedges. Like a haircut, it gives your landscaping a clean, styled look. Place flower pots in strategic locations, such as next to the front steps and on the deck or patio. Fix anything that’s loose or squeaking, such as fence gates, shutters and deck railings. Remove anything unsightly, like garbage bags and piles of garden cuttings. Sweep all walkways, especially the one leading to your front door. Wash the outsides of your windows. (No need for ladders, buckets and scrub brushes. Most home improvement centers now sell window washing kits that hook up to your garden hose.) Check to make sure everything works: water taps, electrical outlets, exterior lights, etc. You can probably get most of this work done in a single weekend. It’s worth it. Making your outdoor living space look great will dramatically increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers. notable, quotable... quotes! “The only limitations you will ever have are the ones you put on yourself.” Kristina Habashy “The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true.”  James Branch Cabell “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” Sun Tzu Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.