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CURRENT REAL ESTATE INFORMATION


RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

Short Sale Tax Break Signed Into Law
Homeowners who had short sales in 2014 can now breathe a giant sigh of relief, as the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act was signed into law by President
Barack Obama. 

By: Ben Lane, HousingWire, 12/29/14
To read the article in full, click here

How the 2014 Housing Market Will Shape 2015
The real estate market has shown a build-up of housing momentum this year – "fueled by significant improvements in economic fundamentals, low mortgage rates, and compressed inventory" – that will likely translate into larger gains in 2015, according to realtor.com®'s newly released 2014 Housing Review.
By: Daily Real Estate News, REALTOR® Magazine, 12/24/14
To read the article in full, click here

Accenture: 3 Big Predictions for Mortgage Lending Next Year
Housing survived 2014, and now heading into next year, experts are once again weighing in on what they see for the future of the housing industry and overall economy.
By: Brena Swanson, HousingWire, 12/19/14
To read the article in full, click here

FHFA Issues Warning on "Super Priority" Liens
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has issued a warning to homeowners, financial institutions and state authorities, citing its concern with super-priority liens created by either energy retrofit programs or homeowner association priority status.
By: Ben Lane, HousingWire, 12/22/14
To read the article in full, click here

FAA Says No Ruling On Drones Until 2017
Real estate pros who were hoping to use drones to capture aerial photos of their listings may have to wait a lot longer than previously thought.
By: Mike Wheatley, Realty Biz News, 12/15/14
To read the article in full, click here

Best Time to List a Home for Sale?
Winter, Redfin Says.
So you've begun thinking about selling your house and you figure: Let's wait until the spring or early summer before listing.
By: Kenneth R. Harney, Contributor Los Angeles Times, 12/14/14
To read the article in full, click here


Getting your home ready to SELL!


The Art of the Approach (SALE): Curb Appeal, and More When considering the mysteries of what attracts the ultimate buyer, few will deny that ?curb-appeal? is a sort of magic bullet. The term is a buzz word for the enticing image of your home as seen from the street, and is similar to the adage of ?judging a book by its cover.?

Buyers who rely upon this might overlook a treasure in the rough, but savvy sellers know curb appeal is a key tool to finding a buyer more quickly. Curb appeal is key when buyers are looking through multiple listings, getting a feel for neighborhoods from the comfort of their cars -- just ?driving by.?

Often, buyers will look at advertisements and listings online or in print, and if they are local will take a peek on their way home from work. Because of the power of this ?curb view,? often the primary photographs used in advertisements and listings are from this angle. Money spent in improving this viewing angle is among the smartest investment.

Simply put, painting and pruning trees and shrubbery can transform a home, helping to shed light on its features. Other aspects of the approach to a home can be equally enticing and help to pave the way for a successful interior viewing. After all, when care is taken to the outside of a home, people feel that the interior will also have what they are looking for.

Driveways and walkways that are well maintained and artfully presented greet potential buyers as soon as they step out of their vehicles. Trees and shrubs that lose their leaves can create slick areas on driveways and walkways and be unattractive if allowed to affect landscaping and lawns. Ensure that you consider this when selecting trees to plant near driveways, and keep leaves in check during fall viewings. During the winter, when snow and ice might prove to be a problem, it is essential to maintain driveways and walkways carefully. This is not only for safety, but it illustrates the type of person who has owned and maintained the house itself.

One helpful exercise is to take time to view a home with curb-appeal in mind. At each juncture where a potential buyer might approach and view your home or property, stop and look around. Notice details. Take photographs. Look straight ahead, to the right and left, and even at the ground. If there are appealing features, play those up.

If there are issues that block the enjoyment of the home, you can choose to address them. In each instance, seek to frame the view of the home or property in an appealing light, tending to the ground under foot, the areas close to the viewer, and that which they see. The Results of curb-appeal come when assessing views from inside the home and at various places on the property.

All views are important because they are attention-getting elements of the property you are selling. Views are memorable, and a bad one can deter potential buyers. Whenever possible, seek to create eye-catching points around the home. If certain views are less than desirable, seek to minimize, distract, or even block those views. If you can remove the offensive elements, do so, but whenever possible, contain them, screen them or otherwise affect a change. Additionally, certain areas in homes have an element of ?approach? to them.

You control all the views inside the home, so assess each one carefully. The foyer or entryway has its own view into the home and serves as a curb of its own, or a launching pad, so to speak. As a viewer enters the home, moves to the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, or backyard, each transition creates an impression and should be considered a ?view.?

Try walking through the home and noting the approaches so that you can begin to create views within the home that offer the best feelings and highlight the home's strengths. Make sure lighting, furniture, and clutter are all under control so that impressions are good every step of the way.

Follow these tricks for creating the best impression:

• Ensure that the yard and landscaping is neat, tidy, and well-maintained. Seek to flatter the home first, then to show off your gardening skills. Freshly pruned vegetation illustrates careful stewardship.

• If flowering plants are past their prime, trim them back and add in some seasonal plants for color. Re-edge and add mulch to existing beds. Plants in containers may be easily changed out or positioned where they are most needed, and if you invest in nice pots, you can take them with you.

• Control growth of large trees to optimize light and safety of the home and surrounding buildings and property. Remove debris under trees daily, if needed.

• Pay close attention to the front door and garage doors, including paint or stain condition and color, hardware and details ? these doors command a lot of attention. Consider adding seasonal decorations like a wreath or potted plants near the door, but keep these tasteful and few ? don?t distract from the house itself.

• Clean steps, ensuring that they are free of scratches, chips, moss or signs of wear. Repair or upgrade handrails when appropriate.

• A new Welcome Mat at the door will not only make a statement, it is also an invitation for viewers to wipe their feet as they enter the home.

• Investing in new and unique numbers for your home not only makes it easy to identify, but can set it apart with flare. • Pressure wash the exterior of your home and ensure the gutters and roof are clean.

• Assess and improve the driveway and any walkways to and around the home.

• Upgrade lighting by doors and pathways. Providing safe and stylish lighting will make your home stand out in viewings throughout the day and evening.

• Upgrade your mailbox. Creating a secure and attractive mail receptacle is akin to having a plush welcome mat at the end of your driveway or by your door.

• Ensure that windows and screens are clean and well-maintained. Viewers from both the inside and outside of the home rely on being able to see through them. Shutters and screens should be in top shape. Easy-to-install PVC trim neatens and dresses up older windows and doors. Drapes and shades should be clean and in good working order.

• Familiarize yourself with views from decks and various rooms, and improve those views when possible.

• Decks can be used year-round in many places. Spruce up your deck, porch or patio and show what an inviting space it can be to potential buyers.


YOUR REALTOR WORKING FOR YOU!


Hello,

Well, the market is moving!

I am a full-time ASSOCIATE-BROKER /REALTOR/MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER -NMLS#1170468 and I can tell you that I love my job more and more everyday!  There is no greater joy in this job then when you see the joy in your buyer's/seller's eyes!   The trust I have earned through the years with my client's is apparent with the referrals I continually receive from my past clients, friends and family.

OPENING DOORS TO THE AMERICAN DREAM.  I wanted to raise the bar in my profession so TODAY'S consumer could be confident as they make the largest most important purchase of their life - their American Dream.  Standing out in the crowd of REALTORS takes hard work, discipline, determination and professionalism.  Achieving this is through continuing education, designations geared towards the real estate industry as it ever grows and changes. 

My dedication is to making sure everyone who hires me to work for them will enjoy a seamless and stress free process whether it is their purchase or sale or financing.  Communication is the key to this success.   I will work hard for my client's every step of the way.

As YOUR REALTOR FOR LIFE, I will also be working hard to maintain our property values and protecting our property rights by being involved in the committees and boards and maintaining the education that is needed to do a first class job for my clients.  I care about preserving the American Dream.  There is no greater feeling than seeing the reaction when your client finds "their" home.  I enjoy working everyday to turn houses into homes!

When you are thinking of buying or selling or financing real estate contact me first.  You will be glad you did!

Sincerely,

Ann Peterson

Associate Broker, ABR, E-Pro, SRES

NMLS#1170468


MORTGAGE UPDATES


Contact me for Mortgage Updates...Interest Rates are LOW!!!


My Listings



PhotoAddressLocationNeighborhoodPriceSizeStyleType
Sale Pending
Homes for Sale in Westland, Michigan $279,000
43 photos
500 BEDFORD Drive Westland SALE PENDING
$279,000
1,380 sq. ft. Ranch Residential


OVERPRICED? PLEASE READ


Deciding when to drop the listing price is difficult because it depends on the region and market.  There's no one formula that will work across the board.  However, there are guidelines that I think work in most situations.  Here are a few standards I think work everywhere...

When the feedback says "It's too high!"

If the agents and buyers are coming back with pricing suggestions or verbal offers, and those are in line with the comps your priced above, then you're priced to high.  That's the point you should drop the price.  Don't wait for "the perfect buyer" to come along - it'll never happen.  You'll increase the chances of a sale by dropping it immediately.

When you haven't had a showing in 30 days

With the exception of open houses, which don't count, if you haven't had a call to either preview with an agent or show a client, you need to drop the price.  Regardless of the price range, if you're not getting at least one showing a month, the price is too high.  If it's priced right, you should be getting a lot more showings.  How much to drop depends on the property but drop it enough to get showings.

When a similar property sells for less

If a property in the same market that is a good comp sells for less than your asking price, drop the list price to capture buyers who were looking at that other property. If you want a little negotiating room, fine, but come to within 2% of the other listing price as soon as that home goes to "pending sale" status.

When the last price drop was 90 or more days ago

If the last price reduction was 90 or more days ago and you don't have a serious buyer on the hook, drop the price.  Even if a buyer is considering the property, drop the price.  Dropping the price will engage more buyers and existing potential buyers will be motivated to write an offer before someone else does.  I've seen sellers sit on properties for months while potential buyers make up their mind.  The result:  wasted time and opportunities.

When you list with me, I'll work with you to price the home right to start.  However, if the price starts out higher, I'll walk you through all the data-driven rationale behind bringing your price down to get a buyer. 


Rochester's Realtor - Opening Doors to the American Dream


 

Your Rochester Realtor is your source for Rochester Real Estate or the Tri-County Oakland, Macomb and Lapeer Area.  If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling, I would be happy to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation.

In today's competitive real estate market, timing is everything. Many good homes are sold before they are ever advertised. Beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale Rochester with my New Listings Notification

Whether you are buying or selling a home,  I want to earn your business.   I invite you to contact me as I would be happy to assist you with this important transaction.

In addition, if you have any general questions about buying or selling real estate in Michigan, please contact me as I'm more than willing to help. 

Please browse my website for listings, reports and important local real estate information.

Sincerely,
 


Ann Peterson

Rochester's Realtor

Ann Peterson Realty Services

Opening the Door to the American Dream...

Defining the American Dream One Home at a Time!