Archive for the ‘home remodeling’ Category

Want a New Kitchen?

Thursday, August 5, 2010 posted by tommi

The DIY network is having a contest and the winner receives a kitchen remodel worth up to $30,000.

To enter, just send a picture of your kitchen.  If it’s the one of the worst kitchens out there…you win!!!   CLICK HERE to submit an ugly picture of your Kitchen!!!

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.  We are a home seller’s MLS and Realtor.com connection.  We have helped thousands of owners sell their homes and save thousands in commissions and fee’s since 2004.  We can help you, too!!!

A great new product from Fulcrum Products that provides security lighting where you need it, without hardwiring.  The attractive security light installs in minutes using only a screwdriver and the included hardware.  Anyone can do it…even me.

Product Description:

Brighten a dim porch, carport, childrens play area, stairwell or garage without needing to flip a light switch with this unobtrusive motion sensor LED porch light from Fulcrum Products. Upon detecting movement within a 100-degree angle and a 25-foot range, the 6-volt light switches on and stays illuminated until the sensor detects no motion for a solid 30 seconds. The six LED panel rotates to enable its cool blue light to illuminate the darkest areas. During the daytime, the sensor light’s photo cells prevent the light activation. The porch light is weather-proof for inclement weather. Easy to install, the light requires no hardwiring and comes with necessary mounting hardware. Four separately purchased C batteries are needed to power the light. The porch light measures 5-1/2 by 5-1/2 by 5-1/2 inches and weighs 1 pound.

The LED light bulbs will last for 100,000 hours and the 4 “C” type batteries last up to a year.  The product retails for around $25.  Brighten up your world today.

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.  Our flat fee MLS packages and Realtor.com List Until Sold packages reach millions of buyers each day for very little cash.  If you need to sell a home, you can’t find a better value or better company to assist you!

What Fickle Home Buyers Want…Today

Thursday, May 27, 2010 posted by tommi

 Homebuyers are a fickle bunch.   Thousands recently weighed in on everything from the macro (such as access to nearby parks) to the micro (walk-in closets).  Five things to know about what real estate consumers want — or want less than they used to:

1. The elaborate clubhouse that is a fixture in many subdivisions has lost its appeal, as have community association-run swimming pools, health clubs and golf courses, said Cardis, who reports that consumers think of these things as “tradable” items — they’re basically indifferent to whether these amenities come with the deal.

“I think that’s all economically driven,” he said. “If you were to do a survey of homeowner-association fee increases in the past 24 months, there would be a high percentage that have shortfalls and are raising their fees by significant amounts, sometimes doubling them.”

One neighborhood amenity, though, that scored high desirability in the study: walking paths.

2.  Green is good — and getting better.

“I was very surprised,” Cardis said. “I had been hearing that green (home features) aren’t quite here yet, that people aren’t willing to pay for them. But frankly, I was stunned by the increase in demand. This is our fourth year (of this particular study), and we’re seeing an increase every year.

“The magnitude of desire (for environmentally friendly home features) is high, considered a must in some categories,” he said.

Among the consumer-described environmental “must haves”: energy-efficient windows, appliances and insulation. “Desirable” features included recycled building materials, “green” flooring, and tankless water heaters that consume less energy by heating water on demand.

3.  Kitchens haven’t lost an iota of importance to buyers, Cardis said. In particular, consumers voiced a preference for “big” kitchens, though it’s not clear how big is “big.”

“I think that’s the biggest limitation of the study, that the perception of what is large or energy-efficient isn’t defined, and we’re planning to do more on that,” he said. “But they do want a sizeable kitchen, relative to the house, and that’s the important takeaway, rather than (consumers saying), ‘Not really, I don’t need that.’ ”

But within that kitchen, it had better have a freestanding island — 41 percent called it a “must” and 38 percent said they really wanted one.

4.  Consumer tastes are changing on how they’d prefer to bathe, Cardis said.

“Whirlpool baths are something they’re definitely ready to let go of,” he said. “They put them in and (the tubs just) sit. People use them once every two years.”

Instead, plain old soaker tubs in the master bath got a warm response in the survey, though the greater preference now is for oversized showers with seating, he said.

5.  Other “outs” or borderline interests: home theaters, traditional living rooms and dining rooms, mud rooms, hobby/game rooms.

“Musts” or at least, objects of strong desirability: granite countertops, home-office space, fireplace, two-car garage.

Article written by Dian Hymer of Inman News.

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.  Our $299 “List Until Sold” marketing program reaches 10 million home buyers a month.   Serious homesellers should visit our website to learn more about this unique marketing opportunity.

Home Sellers – Up Your Odds

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 posted by tommi

    April has been a very strong month for home sales across all area’s and price ranges.  Congratulations to dozens of our MLS and Realtor.com customers , who have received strong offers on their houses this month.  Great job and good luck to each of you,  as you move on to your new lives.  

   

In order to help other customers, we looked into why some sellers were successful and some were not.  We found that successful home sellers had 2 things in common.  Thankfully, we were thrilled to find that the common denominator was not being the cheapest priced home in the neighborhood.   This year, the homes that sold for near or at the asking price were  properties that were in excellant condition and staged to sell.   Every single one of them!!!

“Up the Odds” of selling your home by accepting two truths about this market… and then take action.

  •      First Truth:  The market for homes that are in poor condition or need repairs is DEAD.   The huge demand is for the homes that are immaculate and  ”move in” ready.
  •       Second Truth:   The homes that were sold this spring Showed Well.   Many had lingered on the market for months on end.   The owners recently neutralized, depersonalized, cleaned, decluttered and staged them.   Not surprisingly, every single one of  these homes Sold.    There is no need for debating this issue…depersonalizing and decluttering sells homes. 

Why6Percent.com recommends that home seller’s chant “this is no longer my home”  at least 3 times a day.   Neutralize, clean, declutter and pack up.  Look at the property through the eye’s of the buyer.    It’s the only way to Tip the Odds in Your Favor…We Promise!

Old Church is Converted into a Heavenly Home!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 posted by tommi

We stumbled across a beautiful, unique home that was a church in its former life.  Kudo’s to these lucky homeowners on the job they did converting this structure into a glorious residence.    If you would like to see all 7 of the photographs of this incredible home…CLICK HERE!

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com  We are here to assist you with all your home sales and marketing options.  Call us today…more buyers are searching for a home now, than they have in the past 2 years.  Don’t miss the boat!

Uncle Sam Pays the Tab for New Windows

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 posted by tommi

Does a cold draft blow around your head while you relax in your easy chair?   Does the sound of actual street noise drown out the sound of the NASCAR race on TV?   If you answered “Yes” to either question…it might be time to replace those old, drafty, ugly, noisy, single paned, aluminum frame windows with some good looking, energy efficient ones.

Why Replacing Your Windows Pays Off…

  1. New windows improve the curb appeal and increase the value of any home.  
  2. Buyers pay up for new windows.  Numerous studies show that home sellers recoop 90+ percent of the costs for window replacement at the time of sale.
  3. Homeowners realize the energy savings immediately, while increasing comfort.
  4. Energy efficient windows are a Green home selling feature. 
  5. New models of windows are easy to clean and maintain. 
  6. Improve your view.  New glass is so clear it’s just like looking through… nothing at all. 
  7. Maybe Best of All…Uncle Sam Pays for It.   The government will pay 30 percent of the cost (up to $1500) to replace the windows in your home through December 31, 2010.  And, don’t forget to check out the additional rebates and savings on windows that are being offered in most states, cities and townships.

Tip for a Tight Budget

  1. Just replace some of the windows.  Choose the ones on the front of the home, because they improve the curb appeal.  Or, replace the windows that get hammered by the most weather, be it sun, rain, snow or wind. 
  2. Or, Roll the Dice…and, maximize the tax credit by replacing half of the windows in 2010.  Then, gamble on an extension of the credit into 2011 and replace the other half.
  3. Uncle Sam picks up a Third of your bill and smile (:

Practical Advice About Window Replacement

  1. Use a company that carries a wide range of window brands.  Make sure they use their own employee’s (not subcontractors) to do the installation.
  2. Profit from the Housing Crash.  Be a hard negotiator and get at least 3 quotes.  You can save Big on labor and materials because the housing market is slow.
  3. Replacing windows is a big, messy job.  Cover up anything important such as electronics and furniture.  Sawing and Ripping out windows is dirty business, no matter how good the installer.

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.   We have a program for home sellers that offers the MLS, Realtor.com and advertisement on dozens of real estate listing posts for one cheap price…and the seller keeps the commission.  Call 1-800-381-9496 or visit http://www.why6percent.com today for the details.  You will be happy that you did!!!

Free Cash & Reduced Costs for Home Improvements

Monday, February 8, 2010 posted by tommi

Now is a great time to make home improvements, repairs or take care of past due maintenance.  If you are selling your home, improvements will certainly make your home sell faster and for more money.  If you’re not selling a home, rebates, lower material and labor costs, and cheap financing provide perfect timing for sprucing up your residence.

Through 2010, homeowners who install energy efficient windows, insulation, roofs, doors or heating and air systems can apply for a 30 percent (up to $1500) tax credit for each product they purchase. 

Even better….homeowners can receive a 30 percent tax credit through 2016 (with no spending limits) when they purchase green, energy saving products such as solar systems, geothermal heating pumps, small wind systems, residential fuel cells or micro turbines.  For complete details, visit the Energy Stars Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency website.

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.   Advertise your home on the MLS, Realtor.com, Google, MSN, Zillow and most major search engines for real estate for 6 months for only $399.  Why Pay 6 Percent??????

Interior Trim and Moldings Dress Up a Home

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 posted by tommi

trim2.jpg

When selling your home for top dollar, it’s crucial that you present your home in its best light.  One easy, do-it- yourself way to create interest, while improving flow and uniformity is with the use of baseboard and ceiling trim.

trim.jpg (Chops up the space)

Tip:  Avoid chopping up the flow of your home by painting or staining all moldings and baseboard the same color throughout the home. 

trim1.jpg

Tip:  Add moldings over windows or doors to provide architectural interest or to draw attention to views.

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.   We offer for sale by owners a marketing package that includes the MLS and Realtor.com advertising.  Visit the site for details today!

Easy Way to Remove Carpet Stains

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 posted by tommi

carpet-stains.jpgIf your home is on the market, you know how important staging and first impressions are to your sales success.   If your carpet is stained, and you can’t replace it, then use these proven professional tips to remove the stain.  

  1. For most carpet stains: Mix Equal Parts of white vinegar and water.  Spray mixture onto the stain and blot up with a sponge.
  2. For Tough Stubborn Stains:  Mix Equal Parts of  Borax, white vinegar and salt.  Rub paste into the carpet fibers and let set overnight.  Vaccum the next morning, and presto, your stain will be gone.

These carpet stain cleaning recipes are green, cheap and they work.   One thing that never works…placing a throw rug over a stain in a carpeted room.  Everyone knows that rugs over carpeting mean bad stain.  And, believe me buyer’s always lift up the rug to verify!  Then, they wonder what else you’re hiding….

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.  We offer MLS and Realtor.com marketing exposure for owners, builders and investors.  Reach 10 millions home shoppers each month and save thousands in commissions and fee’s.  Why Pay 6 Percent???  Buy the MLS for only $399.

Tip for Home Sellers. Declutter

Thursday, October 8, 2009 posted by tommi

One of our customers ask for help in determining why their home has not sold.   After doing some research, I was a bit perplexed.  In going down the “must do” checklist for selling a home, it seemed that they had done everything correctly.  The asking price was in the middle range for the neighborhood;  They wisely used the internet to market the property.  The  home was featured on the MLS, InfoTube.net, Realtor.com and other major search engines for real estate;  They were readily available for showings and returned emails and calls quickly.  Nothing jumped out as being the reason other homes had sold, while theirs sat on the market…until I saw the pictures of the property. staging7.jpg

My first impression was that the seller forgot the about the Three D’s of staging a home to sell.  This home had so much  ”stuff” inside, that prospective buyers couldn’t see the room or picture themselves living there.           

The 3 D’s: Declutter, Depersonalize and Decorate

Declutter:  This living area is a great size, but buyer’s wouldn’t know it.  We recommended that the seller remove the area rug; the loveseat; all plants, stands and shelves from the bay window area; blue chair; at least one wall hutch; and the sofa table in the dining area.  Rearrange the furniture that remains to maximize floor space and invite traffic flow toward the windows.

Depersonalize:  Pack away all the toys, collectables and personal photographs.

Decorate:  (1) Bay windows are a big selling feature, so make them stand out.  Add a simple, solid color, sheer drapery treatment to draw the buyers eye;  Pull the blinds all the way to the top of the window to let all the light in.  (2)  Beige walls, beige floor, beige ceiling, beige sofa’s…yawn… A warm neutral paint color on the walls would add interest and life to the room.  Choose a thatched straw or color that is in the print hanging over the sofa.   Pick up some fun throw pillows, candles, etc. to add spice and pop to the decor.  (3)  Consider losing the dated dining room fixture and pink table lamp.  The ceiling is too low for a big hanging fixture and it breaks up the openness of the room.  Try a ceiling mounted fixture or the simple, popular pendant lightspendant.jpg

to add interest and flare to the room.  (4)  The dining room furniture is stylish.  Remove the table cloth and place settings.  Add a vase of fresh flowers or a grouping of candles instead.  

Take a look at the Before and After picture below from a different home.   See that by following the 3 D principle, the homeowner made a huge impact without spending a lot of money.  For example, see the difference that removing the drapes and rugs made.  Zero expense.  Zero Effort.  Big Result.

staging-2.jpg

Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com.  We are here to help you sell your home.  If you aren’t advertising on the internet and the MLS, you are missing thousands of buyers.  Call us or visit the site today to promote your property with one click of your mouse.