November 28, 2006

Interior Decorating

Many people recognize a decorating style they like when they see it, but they find it difficult combing colors, fabrics, furnishings and window treatments to create the total finished look they want.Where can you find a good decorator? If you like the interior of your friends' home, ask them for recommendations. Many communities have decorator showcases where you can see first hand the work of several local designers. Furniture retailers sometimes hire professionals to assist their customers. Before you commit to working with a designer or decorator, sit down and discuss your taste and goals, their fee structure, and your budget. Pay particular attention to whether the person is an active listener and communicates well. Whether you are trying to make your home look wonderful in order to sell it or want to fix up a new home, the investment in professional advice can save you costly mistakes and make your home a reflection of your good taste.
For information on staging your home for sale call Anne Cain at 919-303-3588. Anne's many years of experience in real estate sales can help you have your home looking it's best to be ready for sale.

November 17, 2006

Tips for First Time Investors

When starting out as a real estate investor, you can choose either the conservative approach of holding a property until it increases in value or the riskier approach of "flipping" - reselling very soon after making some improvements that add value. If you plan on taking the safer approach, keep the following factors in mind when searching for the right investment property.Look for a house or apartment unit that is close to where you live, so inspecting the property and overseeing maintenance will be easier. Choose an area where there is clear potential for future development, and you will benefit from the inevitable increase in property values. If you have the choice of either buying a newly built or recently remodeled home or a less expensive house in the same neighborhood that needs a cosmetic makeover, buy the bargain property and upgrade it for a better long-term return on your investment.
Call our office for expert help in finding your investment property in the Raleigh/Apex area. Call 919-303-3588, we'd be glad to help!

November 10, 2006

Great Results Come from Focused Performance


Attention, Home Sellers:

The Right Information Can Make All the Difference!

Anne always strives for excellence and that is readily apparent when you work with her on the sale or purchase of your home.

Anne’s dedication and pursuit of excellence has always been the cornerstone of her success in life. Her clients will tell you it’s those same attributes that set her apart.

November 09, 2006

Handle Needed Repairs Early

There is a standard chain of events that occurs when an offer comes in on a home. After a meeting of the minds, the buyer often brings in a home inspector who may find a few items that need to be repaired. The real estate agent gives the homeowner a list of the requested repairs. What comes next?In most transactions, the seller will take care of the repairs. Many sellers wait until the week before the closing to call someone to do the work, because they want to be sure that they are going to make it to the closing table before they spend money on repair work. If you are responsible for making repairs to a home you are selling, make sure you have the work done well in advance of the closing date by licensed professionals who will stand behind their work. If the work is done at the last minute and is incomplete or unsatisfactory, it could cause complications at the closing. You should provide the buyers with all the receipts and the names of the persons to contact in case there is a problem with the repairs.

November 07, 2006

Less Than Market Value

Real estate ads are sprinkled with terminology that often puzzles consumers who don't have applied knowledge of housing industry lingo. Internet homebuyers find that information about properties is often presented in abbreviated form or unfamiliar language. Shedding a little light on some basic real estate terms may help you locate a home that is available at a very affordable price. 'MLS' refers to the Multiple Listing Service, which is the national database of listed homes for sale. Some real estate web sites allow homebuyers to preview local listings that appear on the MLS. If you see a real estate ad for a "FSBO", it means that the property is for sale by the owner, who is declining the services of a Realtor. A home listed "As-is" is being sold in its existing condition. A "bargain sale" home is priced at less than its market value, and a "fixer-upper" is priced low because it needs refurbishing. For more help in understanding the real estate market go to my web site at www.AnneCain.com