Have you heard about the NEST Thermostat?

Our office has a house for sale with this new technology. It's a programmable thermostat that can be controlled via an i-phone, ipad or your laptop.
According to this article, it's easy to install and program, and once you set your heating and cooling patterns to it, it will help save money on your utility bills too!



http://crt.blogs.realtor.org/2014/01/10/nest-learning-thermostat/

7 Holiday Events that Better Your Community

7 Holiday Events that Better Your Community

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: November 25, 2009

Make friends and influence your property values by creating neighborhood holiday traditions that build community spirit.

In turn, you’ll help foster higher property values, strong schools, and lower crime rates in your neighborhood, according to studies by Dennis Rosenbaum, director of the Center for Research in Law and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Start strengthening your neighborhood with these seven holiday events:
1. Sing songs

Home owners in the Clinton Hill neighborhood near Brooklyn, N.Y., have been caroling together since 1967. They only missed the event once for a pretty good excuse: It was below freezing.

Their advice for a successful neighborhood holiday event? Identify neighborhood streets heavy with holiday decorations. Festive residents will likely be most receptive to carolers. Ask volunteers to print song lyric sheets, post fliers announcing the event in advance, and bring a thermos or two of hot cocoa.

Residents have come to look forward to the neighborhood holiday song fest. “Sometimes we’re invited in, and some people even plan their parties so we’re the entertainment,” says resident Marge Othrow.
2. Holiday parties with a purpose

New Orleans' historic Strachan House is the site of the Coliseum Square Association’s annual Christmas party, where the highlight is an award ceremony honoring emergency first responders who’ve made a difference in the city's Lower Garden District neighborhood.

The CSA spends about $1,000 for the food and the several-hundred-dollar cash awards for the first responders, says CSA President Matt Ryan. The holiday event not only thanks first responders, but builds neighborhood spirit, he says.
3. Swap holiday food

With a holiday cookie or dessert exchange, no single neighbor bears the burden of providing food for the entire neighborhood. Audra Krell of Scottsdale, Ariz., uses Evite and Facebook to manage her annual holiday dessert exchange where friends each bring one tray of any kind of dessert.

Managing the neighborhood event takes Krell less than 10 hours, but the good feelings the event generates last all year long.
4. Organize a search party

Families compete in a neighborhood-wide holiday scavenger hunt in Maineville, Ohio. Tracie Watkins, who runs this fun event, comes up with a list of holiday items, like tinsel and candy canes, and gives everybody a half hour to collect them.

The family that comes back first with everything, or has found the most items when the game ends, gets a $50 gift card. She’s had as many as 15 to 20 neighborhood families join in the fun.
5. Share holiday giving

In Logan, Utah, Jenny Johnson and 50 to 60 of her neighbors forgo giving holiday gifts and goodies to each other, instead purchasing gifts, food, and personal hygiene items for three to four needy families through the Sub for Santa program. The average family’s financial contribution runs about $30, and the families get together at a neighborhood party to wrap the gifts they’ve purchased.
6. Feed your friendly neighbors

Hold a progressive holiday dinner party at neighbors’ houses. On the Sunday before Christmas, Margee Herring of Wilmington, N.C., and her neighbors eat their way through three host homes. Each home owner foots the food bill for about 100 guests, but you can share the cost by asking neighbors to sign up for a potluck dish.

Create a twist: Announce a different theme each year, or ask home owners to prepare the holiday cuisine of a different country.
7. Light up the holiday

Many neighborhoods come together to line their streets with candles on Christmas Eve. And this effort doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Save milk and water jugs throughout the year, and put 12-hour votive candles inside the jugs.

Setup and removal take 30 to 45 minutes. An alternative to luminaries is a neighborhood holiday lighting contest in which neighbors vote on the home with the best holiday display.

Remaking the American Dream

Perhaps you've been on the sidelines for some time now...living in an apartment or with your relatives.  It may have been six years or so since you encountered the big "F" word with regard to your home (foreclosure).   

I'm here to tell you there's hope! 

There's others out there in similar situations as you may be, and hopefully you've been working on rebuilding your credit and saving up for a downpayment.  I've learned in my brief life that most everyone has something in their credit story that they aren't proud of...that they don't want the world to know.  So you're not alone out there.  What matters is that you make positive changes and don't go back to what put you in the situation that caused you to hit rock bottom.  That is, if it's within your range of possibility.  In some situations it may not. 

If you haven't yet looked into Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, I'd highly recommend  signing up for his class, either online or in person if it's offered in your area.  The cost for materials is $89 plus shipping, but his teachings will revolutionize your financial life, that is, if you want to make positive changes for living within your means.  www.daveramsey.com/fpu



The rest of the "hope" story is that there are loans out there with as little as 3.5% down payment once you are 3 years out of foreclosure (and sometimes 2 years, depending on the circumstances).    You need a REALTOR who can walk you through the steps...it's a step-by-step process to prepare for the day you can return to the market.  You've been hearing about others getting their "good deals."   

To prepare for the day you can re-enter the market, keep paying down your debts, pay your bills on time, save money and watch the market.  Your local REALTOR will guide you through the steps to getting you pre-approved for your next place to call HOME.

Have fun with this colorful indoor teepee

I remember when my kids were young, how they loved to make indoor "forts!"  Take a look at this weekend project that involves no sewing...

Wouldn't it be fun to read books, play with your toys (for the young at heart), or have an indoor sleepover inside this?  Here's what it looks like with Christmas lights strung inside the teepee.

Here's a link to making this...

The Handmade Home

I have a cute listing in Moberly with a similar idea...a "book nook!" 

Here's how the owner transformed a simple closet into a fun kids' corner...

I hope this spurs new ideas for you and your family!
Here's where you can see this in Moberly:  http://www.flexmls.com/share/5jSz/939-W-REED-St.-Moberly-MO-65270

Fascination Disney!

I had a wonderful opportunity last week to attend the National Association of Realtor's Convention & Expo in Orlando, FL!  Of course, I made a few new friends...

If I didn't know I was at a REALTOR conference, I'd swear they were just normal people!  All joking aside, it's fun to get away from the crowd back home and just learn and absorb new knowledge.  I was bound and determined to put this time to good use and I did.  So here's what I learned (among other things)--

Learned about a "fascination" technique...about making a good first impression during the first few seconds.  Our websites, especially our mobile websites have to capture someone's attention to keep them there.  This also pertains to greeting someone in person.   I remember this saying..."if them liking you was going to determine if your kids ate next week, would you greet them differently?"  Boy, we can all relate to this one!  I learned years ago to smile (or at least put a friendly look on your face) when you go anywhere, and people smile back at you! 

Every day is sunny...some days it just depends on the cloud cover.  That might be a good Facebook post! 

Learned some cool photo taking techniques.  It's odd that there are so many poor quality photos on our real estate sites these days...what with programs that can touch up your photos.  I always wonder if the seller is seeing their listing online and approving.  I learned how to have that blue sky in the background behind the house!  Pretty awesome stuff! 

I've learned that technology tools change frequently and to learn to use what works.  In 5 years we will probably rely on technologies that have yet to be invented!

We (at Advantage Real Estate) invest in technology to promote our listings in the best light...Would a Virtual Tour/Floor Plan help sell YOUR home?  We have had the opportunity to help put many buyers into a new place to call home that have told us it was BECAUSE of the floor plan/tour that they felt confident enough to purchase the home.  They got the support from loved ones back home, from their spouses deployed overseas, etc. 

Had some fun eating out too!  Went to a restaurant in Tampa (while visiting my sister) that was featured in "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!"  Universal Studios one night too.  Always good to come back home!  There's no place like home!

Your chance to own a piece of history...Moberly, MO

 I had a wonderful opportunity years ago to help try to sell a turn of the century 3 story Victorian home in Moberly, MO.  It was used by a former owner as a bed and breakfast!  Built in 1876, there were lots of stories of it's past...there were rumors about an "underground tunnel" connecting the house to the former barn during slave days.  You see, Moberly was built around the railroad and being not far from the tracks, it makes sense that this could have happened.

Here's what the house looked like around the early 2000's.

 In 2008, when I listed it, the house had some deferred maintenance, but it was quite the showpiece still!  The property included 3.02 acres, a 40 x 40 detached shop (which I've heard a former owner used to run a carpet business out of his home).

This is what it looked like in 2008 when I listed it. 

Large w/ bay window. Closet has quaint transom
window. Wood burning fireplace.

 Third floor bedroom with custom crafted mahogany
 & tin tub - a favorite of guests!

12 ft ceiling, fireplace, operable pocket doors. The hutch was original
to the house and has bins instead of doors in the front.

Well, this owner had a series of unfortunate incidents happen, and much to her dismay, was not able to continue making payments to the bank.  As time went on, the roof leaked.  Yes it leaked from the third floor to the second floor to the first floor.  It was so sad watching this happen...The property was not sold.

Later, the house was foreclosed and more time passed, the roof leak worsened.  Black mold was throughout.  I was fortunate to have an interested buyer who hired a mold inspector from the big city.  They were not intimidated; this couple purchased the property with grand plans to restore the house to its former glory.


He installed a new roof, installed a drain system to prevent the basement from flooding when it rained, and began the process of removing the plaster and sheet rock (used to patch the plaster by former owners).  Much to his dismay, when removing the wall paper and wall coverings, the mortar pulled out from between the bricks!  You see, the gutters had not been properly maintained through the years, and water had not been drained away from the walls properly.

When the current owner removed the kitchen cupboards (as part of the mold remediation step), this is what the interior kitchen wall looks like.

You can see under the window where the bricks are no longer supported. 

View of kitchen wall from the outside. 

It's so sad to see a piece of history in this sad shape...

This is the former laundry room and main floor bathroom
outside the kitchen area. 

View of back of home today.

Now it's being sold once again, this time as a beautiful 3.02 building site.  The current owner considers the highest and best use to be to bull doze this property and start again.  There's a 40 x 40 detached garage/shop that is part of the sale.  Unless we find a history loving buff who has deep pockets and is able to restore this gem!

See it online for sale here:

http://www.flexmls.com/share/48pl/516-W-Urbandale-Dr.-Moberly-MO-65270

Sweet Storybook Tudor Cottage



 I smiled when I first saw the picture of this home...what's not to love?   We have several in Moberly, MO (where I'm from) that remind me of this.  See that brick sidewalk...gently curving toward the front door?  Oh, and I can hardly wait till spring, to start sprucing up the yard.  This gives us hope!  Now, let's take a peek inside...

love this white kitchen...

Here's another angle of the kitchen...would you add color?  What's your favorite for this kitchen?

I'd spend all my fair weather evenings out here...imagine having your friends over for cookouts, just enjoying life!

Well, it you're interested, it's for sale in Oakland, CA for only $699,000.  See the details here... http://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-932-4336986/storybook-cottage-oakland-ca-94610

The listing says it's a 1 BR 1 Bath with 3 square feet.  Did someone forget to proofread?  :)

Upside down cake

Do you ever come home from work and feel that everything's just "upside down" at home?  I mean, the dishes aren't done...no one's picked up after themselves... there's dirty laundry all over...the dog is loose?  And you're hungry, and no one's even offered to cook dinner?  I've certainly had those days (although we don't have a dog).   Now for those of you who know me, you know I like my life to be "in order."  Last week I watched my granddaughters while their parents took a much needed, well deserved trip away for several days. Although I had a memorable time with the girls, ages 5 1/2 and almost 3, I remember why God gives children to younger women!  We played and laughed and cuddled.  I became "the best" Grandma for those few days.  Ahh, grandchildren.  God's gift to grandparents. 

I wonder what it's like inside this "unique" home?  Looks like it "leans" a little...

HOPE...

I was reminded today by a dear friend about why I love selling real estate so much...it's my opportunity to make a difference in someone's life each and every day by how I act/react to their wants and needs in the real estate department!  I am reading Dave Ramsey's new book, EntreLeadership (have you read it?) and he says that HOPE is the core goal of everything he does.  When  he ships a book, he's creating HOPE to help someone get out of debt; when he sells a ticket to one of his events, he's selling HOPE to someone needing to hear what he has to say.  I've long thought that there's too many naysayers in this business...let alone life.  My purpose in this crazy economic real estate climate may just be to create HOPE with those that I work with.  That their house, which is for sale, will find favor with just the right buyer out there...Godly favor. God is no respector of persons; in spite of the economy, our office has been extremely blessed this year.  I've met lots of sellers out there whose agent simply didn't know what to tell them.  They've told them that "nobody's buying."  Well, that's just not true... 

Buyers today ARE more selective than they were, say, 5 years ago.  They are looking at all their choices in the market.  Wouldn't you?  They want to get the best deal out there.  Wouldn't you?  They want the most updates for the least price.  Wouldn't you?  If you're selling or thinking about selling, you need to think from this perspective.  What can I do to de-clutter my house?  To give it a fresh, clean look?  As Realtors, we can give you advise of where to focus your attention to get the most bang for the buck.  Just ask, we're glad to help.  

We need to articulate HOPE.  Life is good.

Your small home...reasons to love it

Hang ‘em high. Look in the picture above and see how they've used wire racks on the wall above your sink to add S-hooks, and hang cooking utensils. It’ll free up a drawer or two.

Nooks and crannies. Bare walls above a phone nook or cabinets, and underneath windows, beg for storage. Make use of that open space above your cabinets with store-bought shelves and brackets painted to match the cabinets.

A freestanding window seat stores rarely-used kitchen gadgets and provides additional seating.

Remember, there's plenty of perks that come with your smaller home:  lower taxes, less maintenance, lower heating & cooling costs, and often times less lawn to mow! 

Yes, you can! Squeeze a small office into your small home, that is. But that doesn’t mean you have to take over one of the kids’ bedrooms—just look for under-utilized space.

One idea might be a store-bought island to be used in the kitchen for bill-paying to a breakfast nook.

Another idea might be to use a closet to accommodate a built-in desk, shelves, and lighting. Make a nearby chair do double duty for your desk.  Whoa!  Never thought of that before.... :)

Those out-of-the-way spaces. Alcoves, lofts, stair landings, basement and garage corners, and bedroom nooks qualify as potential office space. Use freestanding shelving units and bookcases. Plants or privacy screens can “wall” the area without making it feel smaller.

Under-used dining rooms. Formal dining rooms can be overrated. If yours isn’t being used regularly, convert it to a small office. You’ll be close to your main entry, making it easy to receive clients and business associates. If a nearby kitchen or other busy household area is a noisy distraction, install French or sliding doors as acoustic barriers.

It's back to school time!

It's hard to believe that summer is winding down and it’s time for back to school. I’m getting ready to take my youngest to college…sort of like the first day of kindergarten! They have a program for the parents, we get to eat lunch in the college cafeteria with our son, and then they have a ceremony starting their college career. When I step back and look at the big picture, it’s sort of like the kindergarten sendoff. My, how time flies! In the blink of an eye…

Enjoy time with your family! I recommend the book, “A Kissing Hand” if you have a young one entering kindergarten! Ask me about my experience with it...

Inspiration

I lost my friend and mentor in the real estate business last week, my step father, Chuck Boyer.  He taught me (almost) everything I know.  :)   I remember when I decided to get my license over 18 years ago;  he cautioned me about the ups and downs of being self employed.  He taught me to tell the truth, no matter what.  And to communicate with those you work with.  If you tell someone you're going to call them back, then do it.  Follow through.  His knowledge of the industry was unparalled; at one time, he was the education chair for the franchise he was licensed with (which was the top franchise in Texas at the time).  He taught me to never be satisfied with what you know.  Keep learning, and by teaching others, it helps you indirectly too.  He will be missed by many.  I have big shoes to fill.  One day at a time...

Buy first, or Sell First: What to do?

   I have a number of clients facing a peculiar, but increasingly common dilemma, whether to sell or buy first. If you sell your house first you run the risk of selling it before you locate a new house to move into. If you buy first, you have to come up financing while you wait nervously for your house to sell.

   Selling first has its advantages. When you sell your home first, you'll know exactly how much you can afford to pay for your new home. You’ll have the cash available, and “cash is king” in this market. It’s important to get pre-approved for the financing so you’ll know exactly what price range to shop within. During negotiations, you'll be in much stronger position to make a non-contingent offer, which is much more likely to be accepted by the seller than an offer that has a contingency attached to it.

   If you sell your house first, try to negotiate a longer escrow so you have time to shop for your next home.  You'll want to negotiate a few days to a week possession after closing perhaps so you can sell your home and move right on in to your next home.  You can alwasy explore the possibility of short term rentals, and know that you might have to put your furniture in storage.

   When buying first, it might be necessary to place a contingency clause in the offer.  This clause states that the purchase is conditional upon the sale of your current property, usually within a specified time. A contingent offer has some disadvantages. You run the risk of being rejected by the seller for a more favorable offer without a contingency. Sellers are less likely to accept a contingent offer when they have other offers that don’t carry this contingency clause.

   Whether you decide to sell first or buy first seek the advice of a professional real estate agent who can guide you through this tricky process.   http://www.askadvantage.com/

Spring has sprung

Seeing lots of optimism out there in the real estate market lately.  Banks have money to lend to buyers...with good credit :)  Lots of motivated sellers, so perhaps it's time to get your "buy" on.  I've heard it said that you don't want the future to be said of today..."I wish I had bought then."

So glad to be sitting here waiting for the 60 degree plus temps expected tomorrow!  Yes, even the weather plays an important role in people buying houses... bring on the sunshine!  It's been a long winter in central Missouri, and I'm enjoying watching my tulips sprout up.

Always looking for a major project to accomplish at my own home each year.  This winter we replaced all of our ceiling fans with new new ones...oil rubbed bronze finish.  I love it!  My husband thinks I dream up jobs for him to do:)  Sound familiar?

Painting a room is an affordable way to give a room a facelift, economically.  I can hardly wait till the weekend...I have several projects to work on.  Love to stay busy!

Do you know where your Realtor is?

It's just like the commercial:  it's 1 am; do you know where your ______is?  In real estate, I've learned in the past 18 years that many home sellers do not know what their real estate agent is doing to sell their home.  Have you had feedback after showings?  Do you know what efforts your agent is doing to advertise your house?  Have you seen what your listing looks like online?  (Odd thing:  I've talked to many people after their listing failed to sell, and they had NEVER seen their listing online.)  I think it's important to get the seller's involvement in the process too, because they may remember an update about the property that you forgot to mention...and pictures speak a thousand words.  Speaking of pictures, I like to update the picture once spring gets here.  You don't want snow in the picture when the leaves are budding out...worse yet, snow in the picture still in August or September...believe me, I've seen it.  Our virtual tours and interactive floor plans at http://www.askadvantage.com/  enable a virtual open house 24/7!  Check it out if you haven't seen one yet!  It's one more thing we do at Advantage Real Estate to promote sellers' properties.  It's also uploaded to Realtor.com!