Archive for the ‘upgrades’ Category
Provide Instant Security with this New, Wireless LED Porch Light
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
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.
Old Church is Converted into a Heavenly Home!
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!
Flat Fee MLS or Not? Separating Hype from Fact
What is the MLS?
The Multiple Listing Service is a database of homes for sale. Run by the local Board of Realtors®, the MLS is the traditional method agents use to find homes for their buyers or advertise their listings to other agents. MLS listings include detailed information about the property. Besides address and selling price, a listing generally includes the number and size of rooms, annual property taxes, local schools, selling agent and more. Most include photo’s of the home.
Facts about the MLS:
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the fantastic way real estate brokers provide information to one another. MLS allows each agent to see all properties for sale in a given market, greatly expanding the sales force of all properties.
The Internet now provides MLS property information, in real-time, to brokers, agents, home sellers and homebuyers. The MLS is looked at by potentially thousands of real estate agents in your market that might have a prospective buyer for your home. And, it reaches 90 Percent of the Home Buyers who search on the Internet.
- Benefits of MLS Advertisement: There is one very significant benefit to having your home listed in the MLS listing…EXPOSURE! The fact that your home is for sale will now be known to the hundreds, if not thousands of real estate brokers and agents in your market. To maximize your benefit from this exposure, you will need to be willing to “co-op” a real estate agent, if they bring a buyer to purchase your home. Co-op means that you will cooperate in a commission incentive to the real estate agent. Typically buyer’s agents earn between 2 and 3 percent of the sale price of the home.
- Reach Buyers Searching on the Internet: Another key benefit to listing your home on the MLS is in most areas of the United States, the property appears on websites like MSN HomeAdvisor, Yahoo! Real Estate, Realtor.com, Google.com, Zillow.com, etc. and local state websites. Many of the multiple listing services send their inventory directly to these sites to enable even more exposure for homeowners. Millions of people from all over the U.S. use these various websites to search for homes daily. Recent data shows that the first thing homebuyers do is search the internet, often far in advance of their actual move.
- Global Reach: MLS also reaches the transferee’s moving to your town. In today’s transient society, people relocating from all over the U.S. first find the homes they would like to see on the internet. They supply their “must see” list to the buyer’s agent located in the area they are moving to. When relocating buyers are in town searching for a home, time is limited and every minute counts. Buyer’s agents quickly become critical to the transferee’s home search and relocating homebuyers rely heavily on assistance from a buyer’s agent. Therefore, the MLS can be key to exposing your home to relocating buyers.
Considerations: The MLS is a wonderful way to expand your advertising reach and certainly has value. If your goal is maximum exposure, then MLS is an answer. Contact Why6Percent.com and get started Today!
Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com. Remember, you can sell your home! You have the ability and there is a buyer for your home. Stay optimistic and remember, the money you save will justify the time, energy and emotion that you will expend!
Uncle Sam Pays the Tab for New Windows
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…
- New windows improve the curb appeal and increase the value of any home.
- 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.
- Homeowners realize the energy savings immediately, while increasing comfort.
- Energy efficient windows are a Green home selling feature.
- New models of windows are easy to clean and maintain.
- Improve your view. New glass is so clear it’s just like looking through… nothing at all.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Uncle Sam picks up a Third of your bill and smile (:
Practical Advice About Window Replacement
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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
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.
(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.
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!
3 Ways to Attract Home Buyers
Making your home attractive and memorable to home buyers is critical if you want to sell your home. There are a number of proven methods to attract buyer’s through your door, but the Top 3 offer the biggest payoff.
Top 3 Ways to Attract Buyers to Your Home
- The Internet. The internet is the single most powerful tool available for home sales. If you want the maximum exposure, get your home listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) database. Secondly, take full advantage of all social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.
- Professional Fliers. Make a nice flyer or brochure that you can place inside an InfoTube or InfoBox that is attached to your For Sale sign. In addition, you can pass them out to prospective buyers and open houses. InfoTube.net offers a Free online service that can help you create and print professional, full colored flyers about your home.
- Giveaways and Incentives. Everyone loves FREE. Adding an incentive to your offer can generate interest and make your home stand out from your competition. Some of the most popular incentive items are home theatre’s, new appliances, club memberships, pool table, hot tub, free travel vouchers, seller paid closing costs.
Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com. We have helped thousands of home sellers find the perfect buyer. We can help you, too.
Free Gifts and $50 Cash For US Veterans and Active Military
Wednesday, November 11 is a special day for all of us at Why6Percent.com. It is a special day that we set aside to thank and remember all the men and women who risk their lives protecting us and our freedom!!!
To all Veterans and Active Military Personnel: On Veterans Day, we are honored to offer you $50 cash back on your purchase of an MLS or Realtor.com listing package.
Our marketing packages reach 10 million home shoppers and buyer agents each month. And, we promise you won’t find better exposure for your property, anywhere. Please call 1-800-381-9496 or visit why6percent.com on Wednesday to receive your $50 Thank You Gift!!
We also want to let you know about some other businesses that offer FREE gifts, meals and huge discounts to Veteran on Wednesday. Click HERE to see what Lowes, Home Depot, Applebee’s, Golden Corral, Krispy Kreme, Outback Steakhouse and MORE have for our honored VET’s!!
Thank you for visiting Why6Percent.com. We have helped thousands of people sell their homes and save thousands of dollars in fee’s and commissions. We can help you, too!!!
Breaking News for Home Sellers and Buyers!!
Great news for home buyers, sellers and owners, alike. The homebuyer tax credit has been expanded to include step up buyers, who have owned a home for 5 years. It also extends the tax credit through the end of 2010.
GREAT NEWS!
It appears that Senate Democrats have recognized the tremendous value of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit and odds are it will be renewed soon. At this time, it is believed that the credit will allow anyone purchasing a home, by April 30, 2010, to participate and receive the full credit available.
The credit will continue until the end of 2010, but the amount of tax credit will drop by 2 percent every 90 days. The graduated benefit should help the housing market recover into and through the 2010 summer selling season.
Here is the text of the story as reported in Bloomberg News today:
Senate Democrats on Board with Credit Extension
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) says Senate Democrats have agreed to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit. The latest version extends the program to home sales signed not closed by April 30. Purchasers would have another 60 days to close the sale. The credit will also be expanded to include so-called step-up buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years.
The credit would be cut slightly to a $7,290 cap. Income eligibility for first-time home buyers would stay the same, but it would rise for step-up buyers to $125,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples.