Sandy Johnson’s Blog

Interesting fact from the Real Estate Book:

Real Estate Online Shoppers increased to 5.1 Million from Feb 2007 to Jan 2008

Reported by 2008 comScore Networks, Inc

With the increasing number of internet shoppers, it is increasingly important to obtain a web presence. Considering the number of real estate sites and blogs that there are out there, which ones do you think are the most visited and worth the time spent?

Saving Tip:

Don’t just renew your home, health, automobile or other insurance without reviewing your policy and coverage. Add on any new purchases or improvements made to your home. Ask your agent to re-evaluate your coverage, any new ways to lower your costs and consider improving your home security and safety to qualify for better discounts.

Shop around to compare prices and services from several reputable companies. There are always new products, therefore prices are competitive.

Pay premiums one or twice a year to save 5-10% the cost of the policy.

Happy Saving!

Fishing for information on the internet can be very time consuming, however you can run across things of great value!

I recently read an article describing the bathroom as the new den. I agree that the master bath is a major focus point for today’s buyers. (It’s the only place in this busy world that we live in that we can just “take a minute”)

An upgraded bathroom helps sell a home and can be a good investment.

After polling several areas across the country the trends seem to be:

1. Large airy showers with hinged doors and heavier glass. Expanding the shower is a major plus!

2. Jucuzzi tubs are being replaced by soaking tubs. These jetless tubs are deep and insulated.

3. Allow more sun/light, people are installing sky lights or windows for a brighter natural light.

4. Steam Bath. This is definately an upgrade, however it is included as one of the new trends.

5. Change the ventilation with a remote fan (with the motor elsewhere), it is about 10 times more powerful that the standard exhaust fan

6. Separate water closet (more privacy the better)

7. Flat screen tv’s

8. Vertical storage with smaller storage drawers is working well while saving space.

9. Dual vanities a must

10. Grab bars in the number one room where accidents happen.

11. Heated tile flooring

12. Move away from linoleum and glazed tile toward porcelain tile, stone tile or even glass tile.

13. On demand water heaters and other green products. All these popular trends can’t compare to the environmental friendly kind. Any way to conserve energy or use less water is on the rise!

Just a reminder for Spring Forward!

March 9 turn your clocks ahead!

Hope all is well for everyone, and remember The Sandy Johnson Team is here for all of your real estate needs!

Recommendation for February:

As you snuggle in front of a cozy fire or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, you are taking part in a ritual of comfort and enjoyment handed down through the centuries. However, if you don’t give some thought to the condition of your chimney before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be short-lived. Why? Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires.

Have your solid fuel venting system inspected annually, and have it cleaned and repaired whenever needed.

Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood verses soft wood considerations). Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke. Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire.

Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed.

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that you call on certified chimney sweeps, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.

February

1. Organize garage or shed, clean, sharpen, and lubricate yard tools. Getting ready for spring yard work is an important job now while you have time.

2. Dispose of old paint. To do so properly, add waste paint hardener, available at hardware stores and home centers, to partial cans of latex paint. Cat litter works, too. More information can be found at www.wipeoutwaste.com.

3. Clean lint from dryer exhaust ducts and vents.

4. Early spring is a good time for interior painting. It’s warm enough, but also cool enough to open the windows!

INTERESTING EXERPTS FROM A PRESS RELEASE SENT TO OUR AREA:

First, let’s talk about the real value of your house. Food, clothing, and shelter are

the necessities of life. Most necessities are consumed. But one not only maintains, but

traditionally increases its value. Historically, the real value of your house appreciates

from year to year. In fact, it has been reported that in only 1 of the last 40 years have

housing values decreased. What a record. Housing values in our region have increased

1.9% annually in the last 6 years preceding 2007. Compare this with a 15% increase in

wages nationally for the same period.

The housing market is what you make it. Mortgage money is the cheapest ever

and very available. House values, over the long term, have held their value much better

than other investment tools. Plenty of quality housing is readily available. It is your

housing market has had stable and steady growth and is now poised to take off. Take

advantage of a “great time to buy”. In conclusion, “What are you waiting for”?

-Robin Russell

In reading an article written by the MSN Real Estate Staff, I have come across very valid points of interest in helping “stage” your home for sale.

In this market it takes more than that warm feeling when you walk into a house that is listed for sale. Although the candles, cookies, and sparkling fresh smells are great, people are looking for more these days.

The first impression mostly likely begins in the “curb appeal”. Does your yard need a good cleaning? You would be amazed at what a thought out landscape design can do for your home’s appeal. Planting a few bushes & trees around the corners of the house can make it appear much larger. Also giving your house a good washing with a broom and some dishwashing liquid can brighten up any age home.

As for the interior, a DEEP clean could add value to your home. The presentation of a clean, uncluttered, as if no one lives there look is fantastic. (A tip: rent a storage building a move 70% of your belongings into it) Make sure areas around furnace and water heater are clear and clean.

Wall color advice varies for many, however we strongly recommend a neutral color throughout with bright white trim. Having some color is nice if it helps to brighten the home.

One last thing that is strongly recommend when getting your home ready for sale is information gathering! Get as much information together for a potential buyer as possible. For example: costs of your home taxes, annual heating bills, documentation of major repairs or upgrades, square footage or floorplan, and a plat or surey of your property.

Good Luck and Happy Selling!!

We were given an article about the market from The (Columbia) State Newspaper and wanted to share a summary.

The columbia area had its first decline in home sales since 2000 with a 2.4% drop last year. The Rock Hill area had an 8% increase in home sales and a 1% increase in the median sales price to $161,000.

The market has definately changed, however it seems to be a hit and miss for specific areas.

Bernanke: Fed ready to cut interest rates again Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke pledged Thursday to slash interest rates yet again to prevent housing and credit problems from plunging the country into a recession. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22592939/from/ET/