Real Estate Information Archive

 

Positive signs for real estate have surfaced yet again, indicating a troubled market that appears to be stabilizing.  July housing statistics are in and have exceeded economists’ forecasts with sales up over 9%.  While the number of sales are down considerably from the peak of 2005, they are up quite a bit from January.

 

The upswing of Real estate sales is largely attributed to the first time homebuyer tax credit which covers 10% of the value of the home up to $8,000. The current tax credit is only good until December 1^st and there is a big push to extend the credit. Home builders in particular want to see the credit extended because any projects that are started today cannot be guaranteed finished by the tax credit cut-off date.

 

 

For more information on July’s sales and the current state of the National real estate market visit Yahoo Real Estate.

Enjoy the charm of the original Capilano subdivision - stately homes situated amidst billowing mature trees and lush landscaping.  From the curb of this particular wooded cul-de-sac, your eyes are swept up the drive, past the dazzling perennial flower beds and accent shrubs, to the magnificent stone front porch. 

 

As you pass through the double entry, the original slate floor of the foyer immediately defines the elegant nature of this home.  Curiosity will draw you up the classic wooden rail staircase to the bedroom suites - 5 extra-large bedrooms with 3 full baths & closet-designs  that will simply amaze you! 

 

Hurrying back down to the foyer, you see the formal living room to the right with it’s charming window seat - bringing your attention to the impressive casement windows which you will find throughout the home … to the left, the formal dining room showcases its’ original chandelier.

 

The kitchen’s solid countertops & convenient pantry may cause you to hesitate with appreciation, but the view from the breakfast nook out onto the deck will lure you outside to the beautiful wooded lot.  Or maybe you will continue on to the adjoining Family Room to linger by the cozy fireplace.  But don’t miss the Rec. Room through the French doors - what would you use this for?  So many possibilities!  A Second Family Room? Play area? a Bedroom? an Office?  an Exercise Room?

 

Truly a great find in Capilano - Call your Cathy Russell Team Buyer Specialist to schedule a private showing today!

     

An often perused question is: Should I use a Realtor or not?  People often underestimate Realtors and their importance in a real estate transaction.  On both sides of a deal a real estate professional can be an invaluable asset, helping to keep deals together and run more smoothly. For sellers Realtors are valuable in a number of ways.  Realtors know the local market and how to evaluate the price your home should be sold at.  A real estate professional will advertise, market and expose your home to other real estate professionals as well as the community at large, not to mention the large customer base that they may already have.  A Realtor can help you set your home up for success by helping you present your property in a way that will appeal to potential buyers.  Realtors are indispensable when it comes to contracts and making sure each step is carried out to the seller’s best interest. For buyers a real estate broker can be an incredibly helpful tool when looking for real estate.  Not only does a competent Realtor know his local real estate market and what is available but he also knows the community, its amenities and all that it has to offer.  A Realtor will write a contract when a buyer has found his ideal property and will help the buyer follow through with each step until closing. In a nutshell, Realtors are incredibly helpful in diminishing the stresses involved with buying and/or selling real estate.  Contact an experienced Realtor in the area you are thinking of buying or selling property in today.

In the heart of hills and dales- walk to campus!

Originally built in 1951, this beautifully updated ranch home is located in the National Historic neighborhood of Hills and Dales. The home is surrounded by many trees and natural growth giving the home a secluded feel while still being in the heart of the city. The owners invested in the home with the intention of living in the house for many years and spared no expense in its 2007 remodel. Every care was taken to retain and enhance classic details while refurbishing the home. The addition for the full master bath, a dressing room closet for her and a generous walk-in closet for him. The updates include new heating and a/c, new wiring and electrical system, plumbing was reworked as needed. New humidifier, water softener, all new high pressure toilets and garage door opener. The kitchen was stripped down to the studs and totally rebuilt. It features new cherry cabinets that have pull out shelves, full granite counter tops with stone tile back splash, Kohler sink and Jenn-Air appliances including a built in double convection oven. The homes original wood floors were refinished. The front yard was professionally planned. New flagstone walk. Wonderful to show!

 

      

Imagine the Possibilities!

 

Close to Lafayette, yet a sense of country.  This great TWO ACRE lot is  fenced, has plenty of room for a garden, and features great shrubs & foundation plantings already in place - just waiting for your finishing touches.  The over-sized concrete driveway would be the perfect place for the family basketball goal &/or to park those large vehicles that you can’t have in most subdivisions.

 

INSIDE this home you will find vaulted ceilings, neutral colors in the living areas, large windows throughout, and a wonderful open floor plan - all blending together to create that spacious atmosphere today’s buyers crave.  Offering 1739 SF, with 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. 

 

Check out this wonderful kitchen - ALL appliances included, beautiful cabinetry, and a convenient pantry.  Laminate floors here & in the adjoining dining area offer easy maintenance for your busy lifestyles … leaving you plenty of time to relax on the patio.

 

This spacious, ranch-style home is just what you’ve been looking for … don’t wait - schedule your showing today!

    

 

 

Great value in this 3-4 Bedroom home in the Harrison district!

 

The large master bedroom features California-style closets & ½ bath. 

 

The spacious kitchen offers an abundance of ceiling-height cabinets & is large enough for an eat-in arrangement.  With this in mind, the dining room could be used as-is, or easily converted into an office, 4^th bedroom, or weight room. 

 

Huge fenced-in backyard with shed & mature trees is a great place for activities or to entertain on the wonderful deck across the back of the home.

 

This home also features ALL appliances, a water filtration system, newer roof & newer furnace.  Home Warranty is also available.

 

Don’t wait - schedule your showing today!

     

 

Smart Buy in Lafayette!

 

What a great combination:  an established neighborhood that could easily support the value of future improvements - yet a move-in ready, totally remodeled home that doesn’t need any!

 

This 2083 SF tri-level home offers quality upgrades, custom tile-work throughout, and the perfect floor pan for today’s busy lifestyles.  On the upper level, you will find 3 spacious bedrooms, and a full bath complete w/spa tub.  In the lower level, you will find a cozy family room, over-sized utility room, and a 4^th bedroom that could be easily converted to an office or workout room. 

 

The main level features splendid, easy-maintenance hardwood floors in the formal living & dining rooms, a full bath, convenient mudroom, and a recently renovated kitchen.  This stunning new kitchen boasts gorgeous cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a wonderful view from the bay window.  Situated on a 1/3 of an acre, with an inviting front porch & an impressive privacy-fenced backyard  - complete with a brand new deck to enjoy it from.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity - Call today to schedule your private showing!

     

 

Striking home just a short drive to Purdue!  Located in one of the most scenic areas of the county, this 1.8 acre lot beholds panoramic views & breath-taking sunsets!  Offering 5400SF, 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths.  Encompassing all the amenities you would expect to find in this scale of a home, yet so tastefully achieved.

 

The moment you enter the foyer, the 2-story living room with it’s handsome fireplace and magnificent windows will draw your eye.  So will the gorgeous hardwood floors flowing throughout. To your left, walk between the graceful columns and thru the formal dining room to find a conveniently placed dry-bar adjoining it to the living room.  The awe-inspiring kitchen is sure to delight you - featuring beautiful custom cabinetry w/crown mouldings, built-in double-ovens, granite countertops, island w/raised bar, corner sink, and pantry.  Grab a quick snack in the cozy breakfast nook, sit down to write a letter at the convenient planning center, or meander out to the adjoining deck to relax.

 

The 1^st-story Master Bedroom suite has everything you’ve been looking for -  the perfect floor plan for a king-sized bed with additional sitting area & it’s own personal deck.  Inside the Master Bath you will find custom cabinetry, spa tub, and extravagantly tiled & roomy double shower.  But the room-sized master closet is sure to be your favorite amenity, boasting an L-shaped layout, well-designed built-in cabinetry w/island, and it’s own window to create a light & bright dressing area.

 

Follow the elegant wood & iron stairway up to 4 very spacious bedrooms with loads of storage space & 2 baths - such a wonderful floor plan with a bridge separating the living spaces.   In the FULL, finished basement, you will find a HUGE family room w/fireplace.  The layout, including a full bath & egress windows, lends perfectly to creating another bedroom, an office, or a workout room.

 

** Wired for Surround-Sound, Wi-Fi capabilities, & antenna for local access.  Home Warranty Available.

     

 

 

If you are trying to sell a home in today’s market there are a few things to keep in mind that will help your home stand apart from the pack.  Prioritize and analyze what will fit in your budget and take the steps necessary to make your home show well and appeal to prospective buyers.

• Fresh & Clean: Inspect your home inside and out. Does it need a coat of paint? A fresh coat of paint will always be recouped in the sale of a home and is well woth the cost.  Does it look clean and tight?  Pack up the mess, the more clutter free a home the better it will show.  Likewise an empty house shows better.

• Curb appeal: Pay attention to your home as if you were a potential buyer.  Is it inviting?  Clean?  Shore up your landscaping, make sure that your lawn is green and well-kept, that your flower beds are weeded and mulched, and that the exterior of your house is clean and respectable.

• Inspection: There will be a home inspection completed by the buyer be prudent and do one yourself.  Attend to items that could possibly hold up the sales process.

• Best areas of a home to update and remodel? The Master Bathroom and the Kitchen.  Don’t spend the money to gut and redo your entire home but remodeling the master bath and kitchen areas of your home will make your home more appealing and grab a buyer’s eye.

• Evaluate: Are the remodel/updates going to net you more than you are putting into them?  It is very important in the ned to pay attention to your local market and make the improvements that will help you not hurt you.  If you are not going to get the money back that you are intending to put into your home don’t do the changes.  Do the low-cost improvements and make do by making your home clean in its appearance.

Check out YahooRealEstate.com for more information and ways to sell your home.

What is REO property?  REO (real estate owned) is property which has been taken back  by the lender.  REO properties typically sell for less than comparable real estate listings as the lender usually wants to recoup the value of the loan which is traditionally less than the valueof the property.  The differences between REO property and foreclosure or short sale property are:

• REO has already been acquired by the lender typically after a failed foreclosure sale or foreclosure auction.
• The REO is owned by the bank (or lending institution) and is listed as an asset on their balance sheet.
• The original home owner is no longer in the picture and the property is for sale.

The downside of REO property is that an REO property is typically not well-maintained by the financial institution that owns it.  The positive side of an REO is that a real estate investor or buyer can often purchase the property at a distinctively lower price.

For more information on REO property click here.