Archive for August, 2009

A Change In Season

Kathy Riggs August 30th, 2009

Can’t believe the summer is winding down.
This is the weekend that normally should be Labor Day, but with the first Monday in September being as late as it can possibly be, we can stretch one more summer week and weekend out of the calendar.
Okay readers I know Autumn doesn’t officially begin until September 22 this year, but for all practical purposes Fall will begin in a week when summer activities cease and Saturdays mean college football rather than beach volleyball.
If your house is on the market, you may have noticed fewer showings or inquires in the past week or so. Like the week or 10 days preceding the end of the school year, the same time span at the beginning of an academic year will see the same affect. People must return to their regular routines before they can be serious about house hunting. There is still quite a bit of sunlight in the after work hours, so buyers may continue to schedule late afternoon showings.
As seasons change, it is time to add some spark to your curb appeal. Rid your flowerbeds of weeds, edge your sidewalks and head to your nearest home improvement store to purchase some new fall mums. When the calendar says September nothing will make your home more inviting to buyers than a splash of fall color, whether it be flowers or linens in your dining room.
If you are considering putting your house on the market remember a less cluttered home will leave a much better impression on buyers. September is a great time to clear away some of the things cluttering your home by having a yard sale. Vacations are over and more people will be prone to plunder the various sales on a Saturday morning and you’ll have less to pack when your Realtor can trade the “For Sale” sign to “Sold.”
On the Lighter Side…
Note to Landlord: I am writing on behalf of my sink which is running away from the wall.
SHAMELESS PLUG
I have a client interested in purchasing an existing poultry farm. Call me.
First time homebuyers, time is running out for the $8,000 tax credit. Call me at 252-939-2432 or email me at kriggs@kathyriggs.com for more information.

Keeping the Records

Kathy Riggs August 23rd, 2009

Welcome back to my blog!
If you have been following my postings we have completed two journeys to the closing table. First, we took a trip with the buyer and second, we took the same journey but with the sellers.
Regardless of which car you are driving to the closing table, you will be looking to your Realtor to help you with the bumps along the road and almost every transactions hits a pothole or two.
Not everyone that claims to be “in real estate” for a profession is a Realtor. The term Realtor is a a trade name and can only be used by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of Realtors. Members must abide by the NAR’s Code of Ethics, which insures the highest professional standards. So before you begin the journey as a buyer or seller make sure your agent is a Realtor. The benefits to you are professional standards, networking with other Realtors which helps to expose your property and access to www.realtor.com, the top site consumers use when they begin a property search.
Among the things a Realtor will tell you is something you probably already know. Keep all records pertaining to your transaction. This is especially important in 2009 for first time homebuyers. If you bought your first home in 2009 you will want to cash in on the $8,000 tax credit and your HUD-1 settlement statement that you received on closing day documents what you paid for the home. Also, it is important to keep your appraisal, loan documents and deed in safe storage. Purchasing a fire-safe box is a wise investment. Your Realtor is required to keep copies of contracts and closing documents, but he or she will not have the deed and rarely has a copy of the appraisal.
On the Lighter Side…
Note to Landlord: My toliet seat has broken in half and now it’s in three pieces.
SHAMELESS PLUG
First time homebuyers, time is running out for the $8,000 tax credit. Call me at 252-939-2432 or email me at kriggs@kathyriggs.com for more information.

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