Chris Voigt's September Real Estate Newsletter

It's time to celebrate!  Christmas in September?  Not even close, but my favorite day of the year is finally here.  That's right, it's back to school time. Summer is winding down, we've geared everybody up with the latest and greatest in school supplies and it's time to turn the kids over to the teachers until next July.  Thank goodness!  The first day of school is my favorite day of the year. Maybe you have a "Calvin", who is less than thrilled about heading back to school.  Or, perhaps you have a "Susie", who is looking forward to it with gusto.  Either way, fall is synonymous with change and new beginnings. If you think moving to a new home is in your future, now is a good time to discuss the real estate market. I would be happy to sit down with you, even if only to help you review your situation, and to advise you of any issues or opportunities you should be aware of. Then, once I am up-to-date with your specifics, I can assess your selling potential and evaluate your buying prospects, according to current conditions, as well as future trends. So, whenever you’re ready to put a plan together, I want you to feel free to give me a call anytime. I also want to pass along some important information regarding the STAR tax program.  If you are a homeowner in New York State, you will want to review this important information on the STAR tax program. New legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years. Enjoy the first day of school and the fresh new beginnings that come with the fall 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     What Do Buyers Want to Pay for Your Home? If you’re selling your home, you’ll have a very personal perspective on what it‘s worth. You’ll remember all the hours you put into making the backyard flower garden beautiful, or the work you put into renovating the basement, or the money you spent on installing new hardwood floors in the livingroom and hallways. It’s natural to want these improvements factored into the asking price. However, potential buyers don’t have that same perspective. Although they may appreciate the improvements made to the home, buyers will only be interested in paying current market value for your property. That’s the price for which comparable homes with comparable features are currently selling in your area. Buyers don’t see all the hours you spent on improvements and renovations. What they see, instead, are the final features: the hardwood floors, the freshly painted bedrooms, the sparkling new master ensuite. Features like these will certainly help sell your home faster and for the best price — but that price will likely be close to the current market value. Now, it’s tempting to try to set a list price high above the current market value in the hopes that some buyer will appreciate all the time and money put into the property. But that strategy rarely, if ever, works. In most cases, pricing your home higher than comparable properties on the market only discourages potential buyers from viewing it. Buyers expect to pay market price. The good news is that the current market value of your home may be a lot higher than you think. The only way to know for sure is to have an experienced REALTOR® look at it and provide you with an estimate. Want to find out the current market value of your home? Call today.   Don’t Speak Too Soon If you get an offer for your property that you consider too low, resist the urge to react in a negative way. It’s normal to feel disappointed, or even insulted. Just try not to show it.  Why? Because even a low offer signals, at the very least, interest. That means the other party might still consider a higher counter offer. And, they’ll be much more receptive to that counter offer if the atmosphere is positive.   Are You Adequately Insured? With so much news about hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and floods, we are becoming more and more aware of the unpredictable power of nature, and the indisputable importance of insurance. Although we may forget about our home insurance policy for extended periods of time, we should examine it carefully at least once a year, in case we need to make an unexpected claim. It’s also a good idea to keep a photographic and/or videotape record of valuables (with copies saved off premises) to more accurately estimate the cost to replace important possessions, including: Furnishings and equipment Technical hardware, software and accessories Possessions, including books, art, antiques Documents and business materials Personal mementos, hobby equipment, tools, etc. Loss of time and/or revenue (for self-employed home office or small business) Insurance should serve the purpose of providing good value while protecting material goods and looking after family needs. To prevent irreplaceable loss and enormous disappointment, investigate the details of your policy today, and make sure you fully understand the fine print.   notable, quotable... quotes!   “You have to put in many, many, many tiny efforts that nobody sees or appreciates before you achieve anything worthwhile.”  Brian Tracy   “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”  Ambrose Redmoon   “Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.” Doug Ivester   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 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.