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.

Chris Voigt's October Real Estate Newsletter

There are only a few months left in this calendar year, so it’s no wonder people are already talking about 2014. While at this time of year, three months doesn’t seem like very long, a lot can happen in that length of time.If you’re like millions of people, you dream of the day when you will be debt free. The economic recession has prompted many families to restrict spending in order to take control of their finances, pay down outstanding debt and make saving a priority. For many people, eliminating household debt feels unattainable; however, with the right tools, anyone can take control of their spending  and begin to build wealth. This month, I’m including some tips to help you break the cycle of debt and achieve financial freedom. Please click here to access this valuable information.  The first page outlines steps you can take to create a budget and save money. Page two details a plan to eliminate debt from credit cards and loans in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take. Feel free to share this information with your family or friends who are looking to get out of debt and improve their financial security.  If you’re curious about how the market is doing, or where it’s likely to be going, just give me a call. It’s always good to touch base on real estate activity and trends, and I’m happy to answer any questions you have, anytime you like.  In the meantime, please enjoy these Halloween Jokes! What's a vampire's favorite fruit? Neck-tarines! What kind of mistakes to ghosts make? Boo-boos! Knock-knock Who's there? Boo Boo who? Hey, don't cry, it's just a costume! What two places to ghosts like to go swimming? Lake Erie and the Dead Sea What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frost-bite! What did the guy on Twitter give out for Halloween? Tricks or Tweets What do you call a monster who eats too fast? A gobblin' goblin! Who did the monster take out on a Halloween date? His ghoul-friend Have a great month!  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. Uncommon Tips for Making Your Home Show Better Most people know the basics of preparing a home for a viewing or an open house: make sure everything is clean and tidy, mow the lawn, sweep the walkway, etc. But there are a number of lesser known tips — tips you often don’t hear about — that can make your home even more attractive and desirable to potential buyers. In the kitchen, for example, it’s obvious that the stove, sink, and countertops should be spotless. But did you know that grinding a lemon will help eliminate any lingering odors? You should also arrange the contents of your cabinets and refrigerator to face forward. In the bathrooms, make sure the toilet lids are closed. Hang matching towel sets. Moving onto the bedrooms, check that nothing is lying around. Even a shirt draped neatly over a chair can appear messy to some people. In the kids’ rooms, the toys should be “staged”, not just flung around. For example, set up a train set like an appealing store display. Don’t just have bits and pieces scattered on the floor. If possible, move half the contents of all closets into storage. This makes a big difference in how spacious they’ll appear. Turn on everything: all the lights (even the one above the stove), the fireplace, the backyard fountain. And here’s another uncommon tip. House plants look their best — brighter, more upright and alive — approximately four hours after you water them. Finally, put on some easy listening tunes to create a pleasant auditory background. Keep the volume low. No one should have difficulty talking above the music. All these tips take just minutes to implement, but they can make a big difference in how your home shows. Studies prove that a well prepped home will often sell faster, and for a higher price, so it’s worth the effort. Need more tips on prepping your home for sale? Call today. Under What Conditions Should You Accept a Conditional Offer? Ideally, you want a firm offer for your home. That means the buyer offers you a certain price, and you can either accept or reject it. Sometimes, however, a buyer will make a conditional offer. For example, you may be offered your full asking price — but only on the condition that the buyer can sell their current home or secure appropriate financing within a specified period of time. Should you accept a conditional offer, despite the risk that it may “fall through”? There’s no easy answer. That’s why you should discuss these types of offers with your real estate agent in advance. A good REALTOR® will help you determine the conditions under which you should accept a conditional offer. Are Your Doors and Locks Safe? Burglary is among the greatest concerns of most families and homeowners, yet home security is something many of us take for granted. Typically, it is only when we become aware of a disturbing incident – or suffer the personal trauma of being a victim – that we actually take steps towards making our homes more secure. The more common access areas, such as front, rear and garage doors are the preferred points of entry for a burglar. A proper security assessment will require a careful professional examination to identify the home’s unique critical areas. Make An Entrance Examination Every homeowner should take a close look at the obvious entry points of the home, and ensure they provide adequate protection for family members and their possessions. Typically, burglars seek the easiest and least visible point for illegal entry, such as garage doors and back doors. These doors are usually in darker or covered locations, and often can be compromised simply by breaking a glass panel or applying a swift kick to a weak area. Remember, if you make it difficult for thieves to enter your home, you can effectively discourage burglars and protect your possessions. Don’t invite burglars by offering an easy target. After all, if a break-and-enter requires too much work, skill or tools, the burglar will likely move on. Standard Doors & Frames A door is only as secure as its most vulnerable point, and the average door lock is often secured in only a lightweight doorjamb molding, which might be torn away with a firm kick. Your door and frame should be as strong as possible, and firmly fixed to wall studs. The hinges and "strike area" (where the lock is embedded into the door frame) should be installed with long, heavy-duty screws. Ensure your entrance doors are made of strong solid-core wood or heavy-gage metal, and consider installing an extra chain lock and a wide-angle peephole. Patio Doors & Security Bars Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not bolts, so they’re more vulnerable to being forced open from the outside. However, such movement can be restricted by inserting a rigid bar or blocker into the slider track, or installing a hinged security bar that swings into place between the sliding panel (when closed) and the frame on the fixed panel side. Unfortunately, sliding doors can be lifted up and off their tracks and removed despite a bar, blocker, or latch lock. To prevent this, you should install an anti-lift pin that goes through the slider (when closed) and the fixed door panel. There are numerous locking and blocking devices available in most good quality hardware stores that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted or forced horizontally. Think About Security Every Day In addition to more secure doors and locks, it is also a good idea to be mindful of other security precautions, such as adequate outside lighting set to motion detection, and variable indoor lighting set to random timers. In addition to more secure hardware and equipment, better habits can go a long way to prevent criminals targeting your home. Make sure you don’t tip off burglars with obvious signs of absence such as an open garage, or stacked newspapers and mail. The more you think about security in your everyday life, the more you can do to protect your life from intrusion. notable, quotable... quotes! “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.” Margaret Mead “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”  Winston Churchill “Failure isn’t in not reaching your goal, but in having no goal to reach.” Benjamin Mays Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.

10 Great Ways to Avoid Back-to-School Clutter

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  10 Great Ways to Avoid Back-to-School Clutter

  The new school year is always stressful, so don’t let back-to-school clutter make matters worse. Here are ways to cut down on clutter chaos. Read

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