Oftentimes the only thing keeping you from building the home of your dreams is selling the one you live in. Here are a few inexpensive steps to staging your home for sale to those prospective buyers:
1. Start Outside - Before you can sell your home, you must get them inside. Start with the front yard. Cut the grass, trim the hedges, rake leaves, sweep the sidewalks, power wash the driveway, and remove all dead plants from the landscaping or pots around the house.
2. Eliminate Clutter - Cleaning up and decluttering costs as little as a bag of garbage bags. Don't try to do too big of an area at one time or you may get discouraged. Start with something simple at first like the hall closet. Buyers always look in the hall closet to see how big it is. The key to closets is that it doesn't matter how big it is... if it looks cluttered, it will always look too small. After decluttering, your home may feel bare to you, but it won't to the buyer.
3. First Impression - Since a first impression in a home is very important, make all your decisions based on your view from the front door. Do your work... go to the doorway... and decide if it is enough or not.
4. Clean. You would be very surprised to know how many home sellers neglect this simple item. Your home should be immaculate. We know nobody lives like that, but if you want it to sell, take a day and clean everything completely. Use Qtips to get the dead flies out of the window sills. Use a toothbrush (not one you currently use please) to clean around behind the toilet. Wash all the windows until they shine. A clean home settles a buyer down. If your home is dirty, the first thought they have is "If this is what it looks like on the outside, what is there that I cannot see?".
5. Repairs - Cracking caulk in the bathroom? Dripping kitchen faucet? Marker on the children's bedroom wall? Fix it fix it fix it. Now is not the time to delay those things you have always been intending to do. Leaving the broken gutter or cracked shutter for another day can cost you a buyer.
6. Pay Attention to the deck/patio. Outdoor living has become an extension of your home these days. It is important for buyers to visualize themselves in your home. Spruce up the patio furniture. Add an outdoor rug or some welcoming effects to your deck or patio.
7. Decorate simply. Simple decorations are enough. Keep colors neutral and current. Don't overdo it.
8. Invite a friend to help. Often a friend can make suggestions you won't think of. Invite them over for coffee to critique your work. Have your friend walk through your home as a prospective buyer and offer insights to the changes you have made.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
City of Waverly boosts housing with grant
Families in Waverly have a chance to knock nearly one-third off the cost of building a new home with a grant requested by the City of Waverly.
On Thursday, the city of Waverly will request funding to start three to five new homes unless more residents need the grant.
The 20 million dollar program will pay for up to 30 percent of the cost of building a new home, up to $180,000 per structure. The grant is in the form of a forgiveable loan.
Only newly constructed homes will be considered and all that is required is that a family meets the income guidelines and build a qualifying home. There are multiple homes and multiple lots at this time. But, once residents begin to hear of this opportunity, they will likely diminish quickly.
This is an excellent opportunity for homeowners that have been flooded by last years floods to have an opportunity to utilize this in conjunction with the city's buyout program. But, applicants are not required to have been flooded to participate in this program.
Steere Home Builders has partnered with the City of Waverly to utilize the grant. Applications for homeowners meeting the income guidlines are now being accepted at the City of Waverly by contacting Jason Passmore 352-9210 or Ben Kohout at 352-9208.
On Thursday, the city of Waverly will request funding to start three to five new homes unless more residents need the grant.
The 20 million dollar program will pay for up to 30 percent of the cost of building a new home, up to $180,000 per structure. The grant is in the form of a forgiveable loan.
Only newly constructed homes will be considered and all that is required is that a family meets the income guidelines and build a qualifying home. There are multiple homes and multiple lots at this time. But, once residents begin to hear of this opportunity, they will likely diminish quickly.
This is an excellent opportunity for homeowners that have been flooded by last years floods to have an opportunity to utilize this in conjunction with the city's buyout program. But, applicants are not required to have been flooded to participate in this program.
Steere Home Builders has partnered with the City of Waverly to utilize the grant. Applications for homeowners meeting the income guidlines are now being accepted at the City of Waverly by contacting Jason Passmore 352-9210 or Ben Kohout at 352-9208.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Healthy Housing Markets in 2009
With so much in the news about the unhealthy, I appreciate this article by Boyce Thompson for www.builderonline.com on the Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tips for Selling Your Home
Sometimes the only thing standing between you and the new home of your dreams is selling the one you are currently living in. As we enter into the spring, many of our customers are attempting to sell their current home to move ahead with their home building plans. Here are a few tips to give your home a facelift:
1. Inspect - Go around the house room by room with a critical eye as a home inspector would. Make sure the toilet, blinds, and appliances work. Look for cracks in tiles. If you are not up to the task but have a little extra cash, hire a home inspector and have them give you the list. Preventative maintenance can save you from losing a sale later.
2. Curb Appeal - Go outside and take a good hard look at your home. Do shingles need repair? Dead plants need replacing? Is the mailbox in disrepair? Most of these items take more time than money, so make your list and go to the hardware store.
3. Decorate - There are many shows that give you tips on this such as "Deigned to Sell" and "The Stagers". But the things you can do will amaze you. Things like: getting rid of clutter, remove heavy window treatments and let the light and air in, get rid of old furniture, paint in neutral colors (stay away from bold colors).
Remember, the last thing home buyers want is a "fixer-upper". They do not want to have to spend more money and time on a dilapidated home. Make their decision easy by keeping your home attractive and in good condition. Planning ahead now will ensure a smooth sale down the line.
1. Inspect - Go around the house room by room with a critical eye as a home inspector would. Make sure the toilet, blinds, and appliances work. Look for cracks in tiles. If you are not up to the task but have a little extra cash, hire a home inspector and have them give you the list. Preventative maintenance can save you from losing a sale later.
2. Curb Appeal - Go outside and take a good hard look at your home. Do shingles need repair? Dead plants need replacing? Is the mailbox in disrepair? Most of these items take more time than money, so make your list and go to the hardware store.
3. Decorate - There are many shows that give you tips on this such as "Deigned to Sell" and "The Stagers". But the things you can do will amaze you. Things like: getting rid of clutter, remove heavy window treatments and let the light and air in, get rid of old furniture, paint in neutral colors (stay away from bold colors).
Remember, the last thing home buyers want is a "fixer-upper". They do not want to have to spend more money and time on a dilapidated home. Make their decision easy by keeping your home attractive and in good condition. Planning ahead now will ensure a smooth sale down the line.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Energy Saving Tips
The US Energy Information Adminsistration projects that by 2015 electronics products alone will account for 18% of total home electic consumption.
Waverly Light and Power has some great energy saving tips on their website at www.waverlyia.com
Waverly Light and Power has some great energy saving tips on their website at www.waverlyia.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Modular Homes Make Sense
Check out this article and what Bob Vila has to say about Modular Homes.
For more information about the modular homes Steere Home Builders builds, visit our website at www.steerehomebuilders.com for plans and options or contact us at tina@steerehomebuilders.com for how you can own a cost effective energy effecient modular home.
For more information about the modular homes Steere Home Builders builds, visit our website at www.steerehomebuilders.com for plans and options or contact us at tina@steerehomebuilders.com for how you can own a cost effective energy effecient modular home.
Monday, February 16, 2009
2009 Stimulus Plan for Homebuyers
Congress and the White House have reached an agreement on the recent economic recovery package.
The 2009 stimulus plan to help increase home sales, stop the falling real estate values across the country and reduce the number of foreclosures includes an $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers.
It will not need to be paid back like the previous $7500 credit, but rather is a 100% credit. Some may say that nothing in life is free.... but in essence, it is FREE MONEY.
While the final details are not yet fully available, this is how I expect it to work in force, based on how other tax credits work, and how a first time home buyer can reap the benefits of the tax credit.
You will have your Federal Income Tax Liability reduced by $8,000 for 2009 if you purchase a home between January 1 and December 1, 2009. However, this does not mean that you must wait until you file your tax return next year to receive the $8,000.
By increasing the amount of tax exemptions for a salaried worker, or reducing Federal Estimated Income tax payments for self-employed and 1099'ed workers, the $8,000 credit due you can be received throughout the remaining pay periods of this year, or even more quickly, depending how many exemptions you increase by over your current tax situation.
Certainly seek advice from a qualified tax professional, as soon as possible, when determining how to best take advantage of the $8,000 given to you by Uncle Sam.
If you are a salaried worker, you may submit a new form W4 to your payroll department. Use the IRS withholding calculator (www.irs.gov) to see how many exemptions you should claim to reduce your Federal tax withholding by $8,000 this year, or seek the advice of a qualified CPA if you want the $8,000 to show up in your pocketbook at a quicker pace.
Here's an example (for illustration purposes only, please consult a CPA for guidance on your individual situation if you are uncertain):
You are paid Bi-Weekly. You decide in March that you will buy a new home this year to take advantage of, and qualify for, the $8000 tax credit. $400 in Federal Taxes are currently being withheld from each paycheck. 3 Months (6 checks) have already passed with $400/check being sent to IRS -- $2400 to IRS so far in 2009.
Option 1: $8,000 credit means you will get a $8,000 refund (on top of anything else you were expecting) next winter on your 2009 1040 if you leave your paycheck alone and do absolutely nothing (certainly the easy choice, but maybe not the best financial choice?)
Option 2: you can immediately increase your withholding to stop paying any Federal Income Taxes for the rest of the year (adds $7,200 to your take home pay over 9 months (18 paychecks) at $400 per paycheck). Set aside (DO NOT TOUCH!!) the extra $400 your pay check increases by each paycheck until you buy your new home. Use if for the down payment, new carpet, new furniture, etc.; whatever you would like to use it for -- have at it! Having this extra savings in the bank each paycheck may also help with your mortgage approval (extra reserves, or extra monthly housing payments in liquidity, needed for qualifying -- this is a good thing!)
In the event you do not buy a home, you have saved the money in the bank because you HAVE NOT TOUCHED IT YET, RIGHT?? That money you will owe back to the IRS, so it can be paid right away before the end of the calendar year. Be careful, though, if you do change your mind or something happens to cause you not to buy the home -- that money taken out is due back to the IRS because you aren't eligible for the credit, and you could face an underpayment of tax penalty if you spend the extra monies from the credit and then do not buy the property.
Certainly, as you might be able to gather from my not so subtle hints, the main idea here is to NOT spend any of that money until you buy your new home. And there is no reason that you have to wait until next year to get the $8,000 you are entitled to receive for that new home purchase.
At Steere Home Builders, we have many affordable house plans to choose from that meet the needs of most first time home buyers. You can view our website at www.steerehomebuilders.com and view the plans that are available for you to begin building this spring.
The 2009 stimulus plan to help increase home sales, stop the falling real estate values across the country and reduce the number of foreclosures includes an $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers.
It will not need to be paid back like the previous $7500 credit, but rather is a 100% credit. Some may say that nothing in life is free.... but in essence, it is FREE MONEY.
While the final details are not yet fully available, this is how I expect it to work in force, based on how other tax credits work, and how a first time home buyer can reap the benefits of the tax credit.
You will have your Federal Income Tax Liability reduced by $8,000 for 2009 if you purchase a home between January 1 and December 1, 2009. However, this does not mean that you must wait until you file your tax return next year to receive the $8,000.
By increasing the amount of tax exemptions for a salaried worker, or reducing Federal Estimated Income tax payments for self-employed and 1099'ed workers, the $8,000 credit due you can be received throughout the remaining pay periods of this year, or even more quickly, depending how many exemptions you increase by over your current tax situation.
Certainly seek advice from a qualified tax professional, as soon as possible, when determining how to best take advantage of the $8,000 given to you by Uncle Sam.
If you are a salaried worker, you may submit a new form W4 to your payroll department. Use the IRS withholding calculator (www.irs.gov) to see how many exemptions you should claim to reduce your Federal tax withholding by $8,000 this year, or seek the advice of a qualified CPA if you want the $8,000 to show up in your pocketbook at a quicker pace.
Here's an example (for illustration purposes only, please consult a CPA for guidance on your individual situation if you are uncertain):
You are paid Bi-Weekly. You decide in March that you will buy a new home this year to take advantage of, and qualify for, the $8000 tax credit. $400 in Federal Taxes are currently being withheld from each paycheck. 3 Months (6 checks) have already passed with $400/check being sent to IRS -- $2400 to IRS so far in 2009.
Option 1: $8,000 credit means you will get a $8,000 refund (on top of anything else you were expecting) next winter on your 2009 1040 if you leave your paycheck alone and do absolutely nothing (certainly the easy choice, but maybe not the best financial choice?)
Option 2: you can immediately increase your withholding to stop paying any Federal Income Taxes for the rest of the year (adds $7,200 to your take home pay over 9 months (18 paychecks) at $400 per paycheck). Set aside (DO NOT TOUCH!!) the extra $400 your pay check increases by each paycheck until you buy your new home. Use if for the down payment, new carpet, new furniture, etc.; whatever you would like to use it for -- have at it! Having this extra savings in the bank each paycheck may also help with your mortgage approval (extra reserves, or extra monthly housing payments in liquidity, needed for qualifying -- this is a good thing!)
In the event you do not buy a home, you have saved the money in the bank because you HAVE NOT TOUCHED IT YET, RIGHT?? That money you will owe back to the IRS, so it can be paid right away before the end of the calendar year. Be careful, though, if you do change your mind or something happens to cause you not to buy the home -- that money taken out is due back to the IRS because you aren't eligible for the credit, and you could face an underpayment of tax penalty if you spend the extra monies from the credit and then do not buy the property.
Certainly, as you might be able to gather from my not so subtle hints, the main idea here is to NOT spend any of that money until you buy your new home. And there is no reason that you have to wait until next year to get the $8,000 you are entitled to receive for that new home purchase.
At Steere Home Builders, we have many affordable house plans to choose from that meet the needs of most first time home buyers. You can view our website at www.steerehomebuilders.com and view the plans that are available for you to begin building this spring.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Go Green with Steere Home Builders
Steere Home Builders is attending the Go Green Fair sponsored by Waverly Light and Power at Wartburg College tomorrow from 9am - 12pm
.
More than 20 businesses and organizations will participate at the Wartburg-Waverly wellness center to promote efficiency in green living.
Steere Home Builders is a leader in green building in the Cedar Valley.
* Our homes are energy efficient. We qualify for the MidAmerican Energy New Homes Efficiency program
* Having a "systems-built" home means less waste through fewer deliveries to the job site, less storage, and less weather damage.
* Advanced framing practices ensure the right amount of materials are used in the home.
* detailed framing plans optimize lumber and reduce waste and costly onsite changes.
Visit our booth at the Go Green Fair this Saturday and find out more about the green options with Steere Home Builders.
.
More than 20 businesses and organizations will participate at the Wartburg-Waverly wellness center to promote efficiency in green living.
Steere Home Builders is a leader in green building in the Cedar Valley.
* Our homes are energy efficient. We qualify for the MidAmerican Energy New Homes Efficiency program
* Having a "systems-built" home means less waste through fewer deliveries to the job site, less storage, and less weather damage.
* Advanced framing practices ensure the right amount of materials are used in the home.
* detailed framing plans optimize lumber and reduce waste and costly onsite changes.
Visit our booth at the Go Green Fair this Saturday and find out more about the green options with Steere Home Builders.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
International Builders Show 2009
The 2009 International Builders Show is incredible. It is our first time to attend and we're very overwhelmed with the over 1700 vendors to visit.
The first day was incredible. Highlight of the day was the Opening Ceremony. We had a live feed of the Presidential Inauguration. In true Vegas style, the ceremony showcased show dancers, hieroglyphics, and of course, red white and blue balloon drop on the attendees at the end of the ceremony.
This year's speaker was the incredible Lou Holtz. He is an amazing man who delivered an amazing speech filled with inspiration and wit. When I listen to men like Lou, I try to write down one thing that really sticks out to me. It was this: (I won't quote it because it's paraphrased and I know I can't remember it verbatim)
Titles come from those above you. A real leader is determined by those who serve under them.
Anyone can have a title. Becoming a leader depends on how you treat those you are there to serve and to help.... your employees, your staff, your customers.
Amazing words. Amazing man. I'm glad I had the privilege to hear him speak.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Central Vacuum
I want to take a minute to highlight a product homeowners often don't think about when building a new home. The Central Vacuum.
At Steere Home Builders, we typically install a Beam Central Vacuum System.
These systems are virtually maintenance free. No lubrication. No cleaning. Ever. Equipped with a permanent filter, there is never a need to change the filter at all. It only requires you to empty the canister two to three times a year.
The unit is typically located in the garage or the basement of a home. It is connected to inlets in the home with vacuum tubing. Plug the hose into the inlet and turn it on. It's very simple and convenient.
Not only is the central vacuum unit easy to use, it also has been shown to improve indoor air quality. The Beam unit claims the unit will reduce allergy symptoms by as much as 61%. The dust is removed from the home entirely into the canister.
Some would think this unit would be quite an upgrade for a new home. They are actually quite affordable. Cost for a complete system in a new home begins just under $1000.00.
On a personal note, I can testify to the truth of these facts. We installed a Beam unit into our home during the construction stage two years ago. I had never had a central vacuum before and even heard they didn't have much suction. Either I had listened to lies... or central vacuums have come a long way in design and funtion.
A central vacuum is definately something I would never live without again. It is very easy to use, completely effective, and literally maintenance free. Well... with the exception of bobby pins. Bobby pins are not a good thing to suck into the vacuum as they have gotten lodged in the system. Luckily, they are easy to dislodge. But, we have four daughters so we can't expect much less right?
At Steere Home Builders, we typically install a Beam Central Vacuum System.
These systems are virtually maintenance free. No lubrication. No cleaning. Ever. Equipped with a permanent filter, there is never a need to change the filter at all. It only requires you to empty the canister two to three times a year.
The unit is typically located in the garage or the basement of a home. It is connected to inlets in the home with vacuum tubing. Plug the hose into the inlet and turn it on. It's very simple and convenient.
Not only is the central vacuum unit easy to use, it also has been shown to improve indoor air quality. The Beam unit claims the unit will reduce allergy symptoms by as much as 61%. The dust is removed from the home entirely into the canister.
Some would think this unit would be quite an upgrade for a new home. They are actually quite affordable. Cost for a complete system in a new home begins just under $1000.00.
On a personal note, I can testify to the truth of these facts. We installed a Beam unit into our home during the construction stage two years ago. I had never had a central vacuum before and even heard they didn't have much suction. Either I had listened to lies... or central vacuums have come a long way in design and funtion.
A central vacuum is definately something I would never live without again. It is very easy to use, completely effective, and literally maintenance free. Well... with the exception of bobby pins. Bobby pins are not a good thing to suck into the vacuum as they have gotten lodged in the system. Luckily, they are easy to dislodge. But, we have four daughters so we can't expect much less right?
Friday, January 9, 2009
International Builders Show
For the first time, Steere Home Builders is attending the 2009 International Builders Show. We're excited to see what the future of home building brings us. And Las Vegas in the middle of this horrible Iowa weather is quite appealing too.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
inspiring spaces
At Steere Home Builders, we like to inspire great spaces and create spaces that inspire those who live in them. One of the many ways we do this is by giving you choices as unique as you are.
This kitchen is designed with Merillat Classic Lariat Cherry cabinets with spiced cognac finish. The unique softaction drawer technology includes a one-of-a-kind compression feature that regulates drawer movement, with virtually silent closings every time. No matter how hard or soft you shut the drawer, SoftAction creates a smooth motion, protecting drawer contents and eliminating rebounding.
To learn more about SoftAction technology and other Merillat features, visit our office today.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Favorable Interest Rates
Interest rates are so favorable right now. They are lower than they have been in almost two decades. If you visit bankrate.com you will find that interest rates are currently at a 5.33 % interest rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage.
Today, a dollar-minded person realizes a good buy when you see it. When shopping for groceries or fuel, 1% or 2% doesn't make much difference, but in the home buying area, this is huge savings over the term of your loan.
Now is a great time to buy a home, no matter which way you look at it.
Today, a dollar-minded person realizes a good buy when you see it. When shopping for groceries or fuel, 1% or 2% doesn't make much difference, but in the home buying area, this is huge savings over the term of your loan.
Now is a great time to buy a home, no matter which way you look at it.
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