Vogin Team - South Florida Real Estate: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Time to Move - Do You Have a Checklist

Spring is here and it is moving time again. Many families move in next few months when there is no school. When you get ready to move there are so many things to take care of and it is easy to forget something. The last thing that you want to deal with is when you forget something. There is nothing worse than getting to your new home and realizing no one made arrangements for electricity or water. There are countless items to address and trying to remember it all is not a good idea. You need a list, something where you can check it out as you go.

The Vogin Team has what you need. Our moving checklist covers all the major and minor items. Did you remember the pets, toothpaste and other essentials for the first night in your new home - those items are on the list and so are many more. If you would like a copy of this checklist go to Buyers Resources and request a copy of the Moving Checklist.

If you need any other help with your move feel free to call us at 561-862-9858 or EMAIL US.

The Vogin Team is your one stop choice for all of your real estate needs. With over 10 years of experience in real estate we have the expertise and experience to give the professional service your desire. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in South Florida we can help you. Learn more at http://www.voginteam.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Selling your Home - The Sweet Smell of Success

Do you remember the last time you walked into a restaurant and it smelled a little funny and you ended up eating somewhere else. Have you ever noticed how the big chain stores in the mall all have a specific scent. These retailers have spent countless dollars researching and determining what scents will help increase sales. The shoe store that smells like leather, the new car smell, fresh linen in a clothing store. The list is endless. Why, we have all heard of Aromatherapy – it will definitely affect your mood and your buyers mood.

When you are selling your home, you are becoming a retailer. The only difference is you have only 1 item to sell and it costs significantly more than what you buy in a store. Take a minute and think about what would make you feel good when you walk into a home. Would you like to smell wet dog, a litter box, onions cooking – probably not. Since you come to your home everyday, you may not even notice an odor. Instead, it is important to ask others what they are experiencing. It should be part of your pre-listing evaluation and prep. (hint: if your agent is not giving you an honest opinion and report of what it takes to get your home ready to sell, RUN and FIND SOMEONE ELSE, no amount of marketing will overcome a poorly prepared property.)

Once you have identified if there are any changes that need to be made, take care of getting rid of the odor, if it is a litter box, change it always, empty your trash cans every day before you leave for work and at the end of the day, before your go to bed.

NOW COMES THE FUN PART!!!!

Make a small investment in some of the plug in type of air fresheners and a variety of scents. Just like different stores have different scents, so do different rooms. Your kitchen could be vanilla or cinnamon, but maybe you want the bathroom to have more of a spa feel with spring rain or fresh linen. Stay away from the strong floral scents and look for the scents that have universal appeal. Have some fun and as an added benefit you get to enjoy until you sell. Set them to a medium level so the scent is not overpowering. Buy a few extra bottles.

Here are a few other quick little tips:
* When it is open house time, bake some chocolate chip cookies before the opening. You get the bonus of having whatever is leftover for yourself after the open house.
* Change your AC filter regularly to help keep the air fresh and remove dust
* Vacuum your home before showings, not only does it make the carpets look crisp and cushions fresh, but it helps filter the air (just make sure you have a clean bag and filter).
* Stay away from spray type air fresheners – they tend to be strong and overpowering at first, and then fade out quickly and have little effect.

Here is to the Sweet Smell of Success!!!!

If you would like more tips on selling your home email me at howard@voginteam.com or go to our Seller’s Resources section.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Selling Your Home - Make a Grand Entrance

We have all heard how important it is to make a Great First Impression, yet when it comes to selling your home so many people seem to forget this idea. If you have ever shopped for a home, you know what I mean. You do your research, look at the pictures online, and then you go out and look at homes. You pull up to the home and look out the window and think – that cannot be the same home that is in the picture. Don't let this be your home

If you want to know what your home should look like, go visit a new home builders models. Spend some time looking around. You are competing with them. Make sure you are on the same level.

Now when you get home do a complete evaluation. Start with the outside, go the beginning of your community and drive up to your home. What do you see, be honest.

A few things to look at are:
* The Front Door and Hardware
* The Garage Door
* Your Sidewalk and Driveway
* Landscaping
* Lighting
* Fencing

In short, your home should look new, like a model. It will help it sell faster. Make a first great impression and get moving…
If you would like more information or need a complimentary home evaluation drop me a line at howard@voginteam.com or go to our web site and check out theSeller’s Resources section

Thursday, May 24, 2012

More Great Investment Properties

Are you looking for rental properties. Having a hard time finding good one. Let us do the work for you. I spent the first half of the day driving neighborhoods looking for good investment property and they are out there.

Here is an example:

1. Package of 3 condos for $118,000 - each unit is a 1 bedroom / 1 path. This small complex is located in a great downtown area and has plenty of parking and a pool. All three units are rented at a rate of $650/month. This property has just recently been listed and will not last long.

We have identified several other properties that would be great rental properties. They include single family, duplex, triplex and larger and are in every price range starting below $100,000. Whether you are thinking of paying cash or financing these properties are great opportunities. With interest rates low, it is also a great time to leverage your capital. If you are looking for investment properties we have them. For additional information call us at 561-862-9858 orEMAIL US

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A Few Dollars Can Go A Long Way - Get Your Home Ready to Sell

I am sure you have thought, I do not want to put any money into my home, I am selling it. At first, it sounds like it makes a lot of sense, but if you were going to sell your car, would you get it detailed to get the best price. Of course you would, and this is no different. If you have no problems investing in your car for a sale or trade, why would you have a problem investing in your home which you will sell for a FEW HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. The trick is to spend the dollars wisely.

Before tackling any project whether large or small, make a list of everything that you would want to do and determine where you get the most bang for your buck. This list could come from the home evaluation that your listing agent provided for you (If they did not provide an evaluation you may have the wrong agent). Next set priorities, what can you accomplish yourself and what work requires you to hire someone.

Do not be afraid to spend a few dollars. Fresh landscaping, paint and clean carpets, to name a few, go a long way. If you take this crucial step at the beginning of the process, the price at which your home sells, will more than offset the initial investment in the preparation. After you finished and until the sale is complete keep your home in tip top shape. Touch up the paint, trim the landscaping, keep windows clean, etc. Remember, you are now in the sales business and need to make the best presentation possible.

Remember, you have only one chance to make a great first impression. Do everything to make your home stand out from the rest when a potential buyer sees it for the first time.

If you would a complete professional home evaluation or want to download our do it yourself home evaluation tools check out our Homes Seller Resources page or email tohoward@voginteam.com.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

I Love It, What's Wrong with It

When b

uying a home we all get wrapped up in the beauty of the home, location, décor, etc. What you need to remember is to not forget the importance of the home inspection. It is one of those items that sometimes is overlooked or confused with the bank appraisal. As a quick reminder, the appraisal is used by the bank to determine the market value of the property and whether they should lend on it.
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) "The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components."
The inspection will cost you a few hundred dollars and it is definitely worth the investment when considering the cost of the home. You should attend the inspection so that the inspector can answer questions and also show you what they have found.
Remember no home is perfect (this includes new homes), and you should expect the inspector to find some issues. The key to evaluating the report is that it lets you know what to expect and then you can determine if you wish to undertake the repairs, negotiate with the seller, or if the property is not for you.
When looking for an inspector, you should use the same due diligence that you would for any other professional. Speak to a few of them, ask for references, find out if they are familiar with the area you are buying and the type of property you are purchasing. Some sources for names are your agent, the local chamber of commerce and the ASHI website.

Buying a new home can be fun and is exciting. Just don't let the flash of the home cloud your judgment, get a home inspection and be safe.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Mortgage Rates Drop, Inventory Shrinks, Housing Starts Up - What a Week

On Thursday Freddie Mac reported that mortgage rates have reached a new low of 3.79% on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage and 3.04% on a 15 year fixed rate mortgage. Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac noted "The European debt crisis overshadowed improving economic indicators for the U.S. and allowed Treasury bond yields and fixed mortgage rates to ease for another week...."
On Wed the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that Mortgage Applications rose 9.2% from the previous week. This trend has been continuing for a few weeks now. While a percentage of this increase is due to refinance activity, it continues to put more money into the economy and foster continued growth.
On the home construction front there was also good news. Housing starts rose to an annualized rate of 717,000 homes in April, well above the market consensus forecast, and construction on one-family homes increased to its strongest pace in three months. Moreover, homebuilder confidence in May reached its highest reading since January 2008 according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the number of homes listed for sale in March fell to 2.37 million. That equates to roughly a 6-month supply at the current sales pace, which is considered by NAR to be a balanced market. "One of the most important developments in the past year for the residential real estate market has been the significant decline in the inventory of homes for sale. In West Palm and Boca Raton, the number of homes currently listed is down 21.61 percent from a year ago," said Tom O'Grady, president and CEO of Pro Teck Valuation Services.
Everywhere we look there is more evidence that the market is changing. It is not an isolated figure or one part of the puzzle this time, but instead several indicators all pointing in the same direction.
If you would like information about what is available or the value of your home just contact us at 561-862-9858 or send us an email to the Vogin Team and we will get you the information you need.

The Vogin Team is your one stop choice for all of your real estate needs. With over 10 years of experience in real estate we have the expertise and experience to give the professional service your desire. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in South Florida we can help you. Learn more at http://www.voginteam.com

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Great Investment Property Opportunity

South Palm Beach County – Brand New 1200 square foot town home available now. This unique opportunity features a 3 bedroom / 3 bath town home. This home features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on the second floor and one bedroom and bath on the first floor perfect for someone who does not want to walk stairs or it can be used as a den. Priced at $150,000 this unit will provide a good return and should rent easily. The builder is offering incentives which helps to minimize out of pocket closing costs.

Ideal Location:

Centrally Located in Palm Beach county:
Close to I-95, World Class Downtown Delray Beaches
Community Features:

Gated Community

Pool
Cabana
Tot Lot

For more information, call Howard Vogin @ 727-244-3664 or email me howard@voginteam.com

Monday, May 14, 2012

Turn Your Kids College Housing into an Investment Property

The fall school year is just around the corner and if you have a child getting ready to enter college, skip the dorm and instead turn their housing into an investment. With prices and interest rates low, instead of paying for a dorm room, invest in a town home or condo that your child can use during their years in school. If there is extra room, even better, you can rent it out to other students and help cover the mortgage and other expenses.

All around this is a great investment:

Instead of paying rent to the university or landlord, you get the advantage of making an investment in a property and building equity.
There are several tax advantages related to owning an investment property that your accountant can explain to you - mortgage interest, ownership expenses, loses, depreciation, etc..
Once your child is no longer in school, you can keep the property and rent it out to other students or sell it - there is always demand for student housing.

Now is the time to get started, the spring semester is almost over, parents that have taken advantage of this investment in the past are getting ready to sell and by acting now you will be ready when your child starts the fall semester.

All around it may be the perfect idea for you. Your child gets a nice place to live during their time at school and you get a nice investment. If you would help identifying properties, call us at 561-862-9858 or email to howard@voginteam.com.

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Friday, May 11, 2012

WOW - Mortgage Rates Drop Again - Now is the time to buy

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On Thursday, Freddie Mac reported the rate on a 30 year mortgage fell to 3.83% and the 15 year fell to 3.05%. These are all time new lows. In comparison, last year during the spring selling season rates were 4.63 %. According to Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac. "Following April's weaker than expected employment report, and the French and Greek election results raising concerns over the stability of the Euro currency zone, long-term Treasury bond yields declined allowing fixed mortgage rates to ease to new all-time record lows this week. The economy added just 115,000 jobs, below the market consensus forecast and less than in March. And although the unemployment rate declined, it reflected fewer people actively seeking jobs."

While this is great news if you are in the market for a new home, how long these rates will last is an unknown. On a $300,000 mortgage the difference in payment from last years to this year would be $140 per month. Or looked at a different way, a $1800 per month mortgage payment will buy $35,000 more home at a rate of 3.84% vs 4.63%. While no one can predict interest rates into the future, all signs point to increase in the future and as the example illustrates the same home will cost more money. Just as we are starting to see increasing prices for homes due to limited supply and large demand, it is inevitable that we will see the same occur in the mortgage market. These two combined together have all the signs of quickly turning the environment into a "Sellers Market."

More information about mortgage and finance including Home Affordability Calculators and Detailed Interest Rate Information and Mortgage New can be found at Mortgages and Financing or call us at 561-862-9858