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 BJ Conner's Newsletter
September 2014  Issue 48

 

 

Fall is just around the corner! Why not finish off your summer with a visit to Hot Springs Village? The cooler temperatures make it a perfect time of year to enjoy golf, tennis, hiking and myriad other activities and amenities offered in Hot Springs Village. Bring your boat or rent a boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board. 

 

Let me help you obtain luxury accommodations at HUGE discounts. And while you are here, I would love to give you a personal tour of our wonderful community. 

 

Just give me a call at 501-915-2297 or email me at bjconner@remax.net

 

BJ
 
In This Issue
Five Reasons Your House in NOT Selling
Mortgage Calculator
Hot Springs Village Homes Aug/Sep 2014
Real Estate Matters "Home Warranty Sells Homes"
Community Calendar
Entertainment and Special Events - September
BJ's Featured Listings for September
newsletter archives 
 
 
 
Five Reasons Your House is NOT Selling

 

by Marc Dickinson for-sale-couple.jpg

 

It's heading towards late summer and your house still has that "For Sale" sign out in the front yard. Remember, it's not your house anymore, so you may have to rearrange a few things in order to make it seem like somebody else's dream home. Following, are the top five reasons houses don't sell and how to address each of these particular predicaments.

 

It's a Buyer's Market

All real estate is local. So depending on what part of the country your house is in, it could be that the buyer's have the advantage in that area or neighborhood. A high price can quickly turn off a buyer and prevent them from entering the door. It may be the hardest thing you will have to do but don't be afraid to lower the asking price. You or your realtor will need to check what recent, comparable homes have sold for in the last few months to get an accurate picture of what buyers will pay for your home. In areas where it is a buyer's market, you will need to price your home aggressively in order to catch the eye of the limited amount of buyers. Keep in mind that it is the market and facts that dictate how much your home is worth, not what you think it should sell for based on the money you have invested in it.

 

Adverse Investments

You've spent a lot of time fixing your home, but did the money go to the right places? For example, there is nothing wrong with sprucing up your landscaping, but if you have a backyard full of decks, fountains, and streams, yet your kitchen is dated and falling apart, you may not be getting the proper mileage out of your remodel. Even an outdoor pool is not a great bargaining chip since only 20% of buyers (aside from the Southwest) look for this in a house. So if you are struggling to sell and still have equity built up, think about renovating a few key areas. The biggest sellers are kitchens and bathrooms. Other rooms may take a fresh coat of paint, but these two areas are crucial. Consider granite counters or hardwood floors and refinish the cabinets. Replace a vanity with a pedestal sink. Get a couple of new appliances. These investments instantly double the appeal of a room.

 

Don't Live in the Dark

You have a great house but can anyone see it? It's amazing how sellers spend time and money on renovations only to not highlight these selling points. What's even more remarkable is what a little light can do to a room. Open up the space by adding natural light or larger windows (even if this means just opening the drapes). Take down the dark, busy wallpaper and wood paneling: not only is this stuff probably outdated, it can make a room feel claustrophobic. Repaint the walls a lighter shade and install light fixtures (or add more if needed). Install spotlights in your yard or track lighting under the cabinets to highlight counter space. Buyers want their future house to be open, airy, and inviting, so just a few brightening installations can help a small room become roomier.

 

That Is So You!

Two words you never want to hear at an open house: "That's . . . interesting!" Yes, you've made your house a home. You've made it part of your personality. That's great, but when you're selling it's not about you. Therefore you have to remove your life from the space and allow the buyer to imagine their life moving in. It's hard to cut the apron strings, but keep your home as neutral as possible. This doesn't mean you have to paint every wall white (this sterile remodel can actually decrease its value), but strange never sells. Take down the animal heads from the study. Remove the keg fridge from the kitchen. Most people don't own a ping-pong table, so get it out of the living room and into the garage. Get rid of the leopard-print rugs. Take down the "interesting" art pieces. Eliminate anything that appears unusual to the rest of the general population.

 

You're On Stage
Staging is important to conceal the blemishes and highlight the features. It's not unethical to put your best foot forward. You're just trying to get buyers interested; inspections and negotiations come later. So hide the eyesores: put a slipcover over an old couch, cover the A/C unit with a window treatment, or place a rug over a stain. Then enhance the selling points: clean the windows, cut the grass, set out flowers in the kitchen, and light candles in the bathroom. In addition, if you're already moved out, rent furniture for the open house: a furnished home always looks bigger and better than an empty space.

 
 

 

 

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 Real Estate Matters

  by Jeff Hollansworth

                 
"Home Warranty Sells Homes"

 

 

Click Here to View Article

 

 

 
 
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BJ Conner, GRI, RCC
Associate Broker
 
 "Service You Can Trust"
 

501-915-2297


 

bjconner@remax.net


 

Schedule a visit here and enjoy all the natural beauty of this great area.

I can assist you in obtaining lodging at fantastic discounts $$$

 
  
BJ Conner's Website
  
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RE/MAX
of
Hot Springs Village  
  
    
RE/MAX Office
 

Visit our conveniently located office at 1400 DeSoto Boulevard

on the corner of

Desoto Blvd. & Ponce de Leon Drive

 

***FREE***

 

Village Information

 

Cup of STARBUCKS!

 

 
 

BJ'S FEATURED LISTINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 

 

71 Fineza Way

  
71 Fineza Lane
 

$299,900

4 BD. 4 BA.  3,210 Sq. Ft.  .86 acre
 

See the breathtaking views of mountains and Lake Coronado from this two story home located on two wooded lots totaling almost an acre. This home has volume ceilings in foyer and great room, wide plank wood floors, Arkansas room overlooking the lake. Common property insulates this beautiful setting on two sides. Seller will consider trades, or lease purchase. Seller will provide a two-year Diamante membership assignment. 


 

                           MLS #10353910     Link to Listing          Visual Tour

  

 

15 Arturo Lane


 

 


 $262,000


 

3 Bd., 2 Ba.  2,300 sq ft.     


 

This better than new, light, bright, Carriage Custom Homes, "Addison" plan, has an abundance of windows, granite counter tops, pantry, beautiful wood floors, volume ceilings, open floor plan, split bedrooms, crown molding, three-car garage and so much more. The huge master closet attaches to utility room and has walk up steps to convenient attic storage. You will adore all the flowers, shrubs and trees this homeowner has added to the landscaping.... This one is move-in ready. 

All that's missing is you! 


 

 MLS #10398293     Link to Listing          Visual Tour
 

 

  

2 Nina Drive

   
  

$174,900

 

3 Bd., 2 Ba.  1,698  
 

Lovely, Bright, Move-in Ready, Magellan Golf Course neighborhood home offers vaulted ceiling, eat-in kitchen with indirect lighting, all new Kenmore Elite appliances in kitchen, jetted tub and walk-in shower, walk-in closet, utility sink in laundry, screened-in porch, decks, two-car over-sized garage, and low maintenance landscape with springler system. Located on a corner lot with new roof in 2008.

Come see this one before it gets away!
 

                           MLS #10397948     Link to Listing          Visual Tour 

  

 

2 Serenidad Lane

 
  
 

$172,900
 

3 Bd., 2 ba., 1,797 sq. Ft.  


 

Come see this Fairway Delight - Newly Updated Ponce DeLeon Golf Course Home! Updates include: new flooring, window treatments, granite counter tops, sink, microwave, range, air conditioner, paint inside & out. Home is wired for generator, and there is 242 SF of heated and cooled space (not included in square footage) below for workshop or golf cart storage,. Warranty Included...LISTED BELOW APPRAISED VALUE!!!!!

Come see this "better than new" "move-in-ready" home before it gets away!

 

                           MLS #10367333    Link to Listing          Visual Tour

 

  

 
 

Peppers Stuffed with Feta 

 

Ingredients  

10 3"-4" Fresno chiles or six 4"-5" 

Anaheim chiles 

9 oz. feta, crumbled
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
 
2 tbsp. Greek yogurt (plain)

1 tbsp. minced fresh parsley

½ tsp. lemon zest
¼ tsp. dried oregano
2 egg yolks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
1. Arrange a rack 6" from the broiler element and set oven to broil. Put peppers on a baking sheet and broil, turning once, until just soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a rack; let cool. 

2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip feta, oil, yogurt, parsley, zest, oregano, and egg yolks; season with salt and pepper. Make a lengthwise cut from the stem to the tip of each pepper; scoop out seeds and ribs. Stuff each pepper with some of the feta filling; transfer to an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes. Sprinkle peppers with grated cheese; broil peppers until cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 6 minutes. Transfer peppers to a platter and serve hot.