10 High Impact, Low Cost Remodeling Ideas

In my constant search for great ideas for my clients, I came across a great article from Realtor magazine that I wanted to share with all of you. Here are ten big impact, low cost remodeling projects that can help you maintain or possibly increase your asking price on the sale of your home according to a recent cost vs. value report.

1. Tidy Up Kitchen Cabinets: Believe it or not, potential buyers do look in your kitchen cabinets. You can add roll out trays to create more space in your cabinets.

2. Add or Replace Tile: This is a great option to upgrade a kitchen or bathroom. Many home improvement stores offer clearance tile for $1-$2 each. You could add a tile backsplash in a kitchen or even tile a bathroom floor.

3. Add A Breakfast Bar: If you have a wall separating a kitchen and a living room, you could cut out an opening to create a bar. This could cost as little as $600 to cut the opening, add a granite counter top and add a couple of bar stools.

4. Install granite tile instead of a slab: Where a slab of granite might cost up to $5,000, granite tiles could cost as little as $300 in materials to cover the same space.

5. Freshen up the Bathroom: Try adding a new medicine cabinet, light fixtures, faucet and a vanity. If you already have tile, you can scrape out the old grout and re-grout for very little money.

6. Freshen Up the Basement: If you have cement block or poured concrete walls. Pay a contractor to fill in the cracks with hydraulic cement and then paint with waterproofing paint. You can then add a top coat for color. You could also paint the floor or even do an acid etched treatment on the concrete floors.

7. Add a Room: Look for large spaces that can be split in two. You could add a wall and a door for about $400 - $600 and potentially net $20,000 - $30,000 in price.

8. Spruce Up Cabinet Fronts: Try replacing the hardware on your cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. This is a very inexpensive but highly effective option.

9. Replace Light Fixtures: Look in each room and foyer to see if updating your light fixtures will add to your home. Pay special attention to your kitchen. Adding recessed lighting in your kitchen will add lots of perceived value to your home.

10. Tech Up the Garage: Try replacing your garage door opener with a remote touch pad entry system. This costs about $425 and makes it look like a high-end system.

So, there you have it. 10 very solid ideas to increase the value of your home without breaking the bank!

Steve Blair, SFR

Affiliate Broker / Realtor

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Cell: 615-479-1639

Office: 615-377-6330

Email: Steve@SteveBlair.net

Website: www.SteveBlair.net

Twitter: www.Twiter.com/blairtweets

Short-Sales and Foreclosures

What in the world is a short-sale? How will this affect my credit score? Will I ever be able to buy a house again? If so, when? What if my lender will not allow a short-sale?

All of these are questions you might be asking yourself. Having to deal with the prospect of a short-sale or possibly facing a foreclosure is a very tough time in a persons life. The fact that you are going through this does not mean that you are a bad or irresponsible person. It could simply mean that in this economy, you have fallen on tough times. It's OK! It is not the end of the world. A good real estate agent can help you through the process and allow you to move on with your life while keeping your dignity in tact, and giving you the courage to get yourself ready to re-enter the life of home ownership. I have had extensive training and education in this area of real estate and will be able to help you through the process... Here are some answers to common questions.

QUESTION: What is a short-sale?

ANSWER: A short-sale is when you work out an arrangement with your lender that allows you to sell your home "short" of what you owe on the loan. For example, you borrowed $225,000 to purchase your home, you owe $215,000 on the home, but now the home will likely only bring $195,000 on the open market. Many factors come into play on whether or not you will qualify for a short-sale, but this is basically what the financial side will look like.

QUESTION: How will this affect my credit?

ANSWER: You credit score will likely take a hit. In many cases it will reduce your score by 50-70 points.

QUESTION: Will I ever be able to buy a house again?

ANSWER: Yes, pending your credit rating, income, existing debt, etc. Fannie Mae will allow you to use their products approx. 24 months after the short-sale takes place.

QUESTION: What if my lender will not allow a short-sale on my home?

ANSWER: First of all, lenders do not want to own your home. Therefore, they would prefer to not have your home go into foreclosure. Working with a qualified agent will help with the process, but everything will depend on you and your willingness to work through the process as well as your particular circumstance. If a short-sale does not happen and you can not become current on your loan, you will be foreclosed on. If this happens, the bank will likely take ownership of the home and sell it on the open market. A foreclosure will destroy your credit to the tune of about 200 points and will be on your credit report for 7 years.

My approach is very simple. I will first try to find a way for you to keep the home. If this is not able to happen, I will work with you to put a hardship package together to present to your lender. This will begin the process of the short-sale. Again, my first goal is to help you keep your home. This is the best option for you if you do not wish to move. For more questions on this, please call me or email me. I would be happy to talk to you to see if you are a candidate for a short-sale. Keep in mind, a short-sale is anything but short. This is a long process. It would take up to 8 months or longer to complete this deal. If you are having troubles now, do not deplete your funds before you find a solution. Call me now to discuss.

Steve Blair

REALTOR / Affiliate Broker

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Cell: 615-479-1639

Office: 615-377-6330

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Website: www.steveblair.net

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BlairTweets

Buy Low, Sell High

Isn't that what we always hear? This is the most basic principle when investing. Allow me to do a simple comparison between real estate and the stock market. The stock market is now trading with the DOW Jones Industrial Average at over 10,000. Approximately 9 months ago Ford Motor Company stock was trading at about $1.26 per share. Many people would say, it's worthless, DO NOT BUY. Today the stock closed at $8.73 per share. Imagine if you would have purchased 10,000 shares of Ford stock in Feb. of this year for a total of $12,600. As of today, your stock would be worth, $87,300. WOW, a gross profit of $74,700 in only 9 months! Ford Motor Company is a proven business. We can look at it's stock for as far back as you would like. They are a great company.

Real Estate is pretty similar. Real estate is a great investment and has proven to be so for many, many years. Obviously, nothing is certain, the market does go up and down, but there are some things that are worth the risk. Right now in Franklin, TN the housing market is down 10.9% over the same time a year ago.

Franklin Homes For Sale

If you are in a good position financially and you can afford to get in to real estate as an investment or simply to move from a rental to home ownership, now is the time. Certainly, if you are a first time buyer or an existing home owner who has lived in the home for 5 of the last 8 years, NOW IS THE TIME! With the governments newly extended and expanded tax credits of $8,000 and $6,500, you really can't delay. If you want to buy low, this is your chance. These new tax credits require a contract to purchase by April 30th. Other stipulations apply. Call me for details.

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / REALTOR

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste. 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Cell: 615-479-1639

Office: 615-377-6330

Email: Steve@SteveBlair.net

Website: www.steveblair.net

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BlairTweets

Do You Qualify for the Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Congress approved and the President signed it into law. The Home Buyer tax credit has now been extended for first time home buyers and expanded to include existing home owners who have lived 5 consecutive years of the last 8 in the home that they are selling. Once you sell it, you will then be eligible to receive up to $6,500 on the purchase of your new home. The credit is set to expire on April 30th, 2010. This means that you must have a home under contract for purchase by April 30th. You will then have until June 30th, 2010 to close on the home. This is a very exciting opportunity for those of you who have lost equity in your home and have not been able to sell without taking money to the closing table. Now you can get a $6,500 break! If you have any questions about this and need more information on the financial requirements and other stipulations to receive this tax credit, please send me a message or call me. I'd love to help you discover some options for your situation!

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / Realtor

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste. 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Cell: 615-479-1639

Office: 615-377-6330

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Website: www.steveblair.net

Twitter: www.twitter.com/blairtweets

A Latte' A Day Could Keep The Dream Home Away!

So many times I work with clients who say, "I'm willing to spend $200,000 but not a penny more." Then undoubtedly, we come across a $240,000 house. My client will nearly pass out at the thought of spending almost a "quarter of a million dollars!" on a house. In a normal situation, if I were walking in to a store with a budget to buy a $20 shirt, but the one I really liked was $35, I'd likely walk away. In the situation of a home, however, you are in a much different situation. Let's pretend the above numbers are correct. You are wanting to spend $200k and no more. You find the perfect home for $240k. Here's a pretty normal situation. You offer $200k, they counter with $230k. Now you are heart broken because you simply will not spend the extra $30,000. Then I ask you, "Would you be willing to pay an extra $115-$120 a month to have this home?" The most common answer is "YES!!" Did you know that by countering for $220k, you can get the home of your dreams for only $115 more a month? We are talking about a small increase monthly to walk away with the home you really want. To avoid, "sticker shock" you need to look at the overall monthly cost of a home. Here's a quick rule of thumb. Turn your interest rate into dollars per $1,000. So, if your rate is 5.75%, then you will pay $5.75 in interest per $1,000 on the loan. So, the difference of a $200,000 home and a $220,000 home is only $115 per month. That's a small Latte' a day! What are you willing to let stand in the way of you and your dream home?

Spring Hill Housing Prices Go UP!

For those of you wondering how the market is doing in Spring Hill, TN, I have some recent data from Trulia.com. Week on week prices are up 0.4%. Year on year prices are still down 6.8%, btu the upward weekly movement is encouraging. The average price per square foot in Spring Hill is up 3% to $102. Total homes sold are up 4.4% year on year. Here is a chart for you to look at.

Spring Hill Homes For Sale

While we still hope for more price improvement, I think the positive increase in square footage and the increase in property sales is a very good sign. This market is still very good for anyone looking to buy a home. As a seller your opportunities will depend on your individual circumstance. I would be happy to sit down and discuss those options with you. Please call or email me today to schedule a time to talk.

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / REALTOR

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste. 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Web: www.steveblair.net

Cell: 615-479-1639

Office: 615-377-6330

Why Use A REALTOR to sell your home?

The selling process generally begins with a determination of a reasonable asking price. Your real estate agent or REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

Marketing
The next step is a marketing plan. Often, your agent can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of the property. Marketing includes the exposure of your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, more than 50 percent of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer.

Your agent acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

Advertising is part of marketing. The choice of media and frequency of advertising depends a lot on the property and specific market. For example, in some areas, newspaper advertising generates phone calls to the real estate office but statistically has minimum effectiveness in selling a specific property. Overexposure of a property in any media may give a buyer the impression the property is distressed or the seller is desperate. Your real estate agent will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.

Security
When a property is marketed with an agent's help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Agents will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Negotiating
The negotiation process deals with much the same issues for both buyers and sellers, as noted above under the buying process. Your agent can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your agent can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

Monitoring, renegotiating and closing
Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your agent is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Why use a REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that almost 85 percent of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

You be the judge
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

Copyright © by Move, Inc. By Ron Schmeadick

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / Realtor

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Office: 615-377-6330

Cell: 615-479-1639

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Website: www.steveblair.net

Twitter: www.twitter.com/blairtweets

Time is Running Out for the First Time Homebuyers Credit!

The deadline is quickly approaching to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit. You must close on the home by November 30th, 2009. You can not simply have only made an offer by the deadline. Here is some more detailed information on this opportunity.

• Buyers can qualify for a tax credit equal to 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000.
• The credit is for first time homebuyers or anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years.
• You must CLOSE on the property by Nov. 30, 2009
• In order to receive the maximum credit, your income must be no more than $75,000 per year for a single taxpayer or $150,000 per year for married tax payers.
• The property must be a single family detached home or attached home like a townhome or condo. The property must be your primary residence.
• The tax credit can be revoked if you sell the purchased property within 3 years.
• This is a tax credit. When you file your taxes, the government will send you the amount you qualified for in addition to any refund you might be owed.

For more information, please contact me and I will put you in touch with a lender in your area.

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / REALTOR

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste. 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Office: 615-377-6330

Cell: 615-479-1639

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Website: www.steveblair.net

Twitter: www.twitter.com/blairtweets

Spring Hill Halloween and Fall Festival Events

Well, it's that time to either take the kids around the neighborhood or maybe take them to a Fall Festival on Oct. 31st. If you have not made plans to get your spook on, here are some good suggestions:

Spring Hill Halloween Family Movie Night

October 24th (Movie: "Igor" (PG)

Time: 5pm - until

Location: Harvey Park

Cost: FREE

Kids are invited to dress up and bring an empty bag to hold candy!

Thompson Station Church "Fully Loaded" Fall Festival

Oct. 31

Time: 5pm-8pm

Location: Thompson Station Church Parking Lot

2604 Thompsons Station Road, Thompsons Station, TN 37179

Millers Thrillers Haunted Woods

Open each Friday and Saturday in October

Times: 7pm-11pm

Cost $10

More info: www.millersthrillers.net

Parental Guidance

Headless Horseman Hayride

Open each Friday and Saturday in October

Times: Dusk - 11pm

Cost $8, Kids 5 and under free.

More info: www.headlesshorsemanhayride.com

Parental Guidance

Ring Farm

Open until Oct. 31

Times:

Friday	3:00 PM	-	9:00 PM
Saturday	10:00 AM	-	9:00 PM
Sunday	2:00 PM	-	9:00 PM
• Groups of 20 or more by appointmnet only, Monday through Friday.
• Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting September 18 and ending October 31. Cost: 13 and up $7.00 / 3-12 $6.00 / 2 and under FREE For More info: www.ringfarm.com ENJOY AT YOUR OWN RISK! Steve Blair Affiliate Broker / REALTOR SilverPointe Properties 7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste. 102 Brentwood, TN 37027 Office: 615-377-6330 Cell: 615-479-1639 Email: steve@steveblair.net Website: www.steveblair.net Twitter: www.twitter.com/BlairTweets

6 Tips To Prepare Your Kids For A Big Move

Often times when we are getting ready for an out of state move, we think about everything. We look at the cost of the move, we make sure the movers are hired, we set the closing date on the home, we hire the right agent to help us find a new home, etc. One of the big things we don't consider is how the kids are holding up. They are losing a huge piece of security. Many times, this is the only bedroom they have had, the only kitchen they have had meals in and the only yard they have played in. Let's not forget the only neighborhood they know kids in! Here are 6 reminders on how to make sure the kiddos are ok in the process.

1. Involve the kids in the process. If you are searching online at Realtor.com or another search site, allow your kids to be involved in the search. Show them the homes in the area. Many of these listings have photographs of the inside of the home. Let the kids see their potential rooms.

2. Tell the kids why you are moving. For example; "Mommy/Daddy's boss thinks mommy/daddy is doing such a good job that they are giving mommy/daddy a better job."

3. Have you agent send you information about the new community. Your agent should be able to send you info on the schools, sports, area entertainment and activities as well as other neighborhood amenities such as a neighborhood pool, playground, etc. If your children are in to sports, let them know that they can play the same sports in the new town.

4. Show your child a picture of their new room. Let them help you in determining what color to paint it or where the bed might go or the dresser and toybox. This will give the child some ownership in the move and show them that they are included in this decision.

5. Take a family trip to the new to city before you move. This will allow your children to experience the new city and have something to look forward to. Take them to the local Zoo or theme park.

6. While preparing for the move, try to keep life at home as normal as possible. Keep dinner time the same, keep bed time the same, etc.

I hope these six tips will help you in your next big move. If you have any questions or would like more information on Nashville, please do not hesitate to ask me!

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / REALTOR

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Office: 615-377-6330

Cell: 615-479-1639

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Website: www.steveblair.net

15 Great Tips To Get Your Home Ready For A Showing

How many times have you gone to see a home for sale and say, "WOW! I can't believe they left dirty laundry in the bedroom floor!" or "Hmmm... I think maybe I would like to go in, but I'm not sure if that dog laying in the floor will bite me." Believe it or not, some of the easiest things can make your home show so much nicer and will make potential buyers fell so much more comfortable. Here are some quick tips to follow:

1. Make sure that your front porch is clean. All leaves and debris are cleared away from the walkway and bushes are trimmed, flowerbeds cleaned out and your front door is cleaned or freshly painted. When a prospective buyer walks up, this is the first thing they see and as they are waiting for the agent to unlock the door, they spend time looking around on your porch.

2. Make sure all of the lights are on inside the home. Also, make sure all of the doors to the rooms are open for easy access.

3. It's best if you are not at home when the showing takes place. It will make the prospective buyers feel more comfortable and they will likely stay longer to look.

4. Prior to leaving your home for it to be shown. Bake some fresh bread or cookies in the oven. take them out before you leave and either place them on the counter on a nice plate, or take them with you. The scent is comforting and relaxing.

5. If you are able, have soft instrumental music playing in the home.

6. Make sure all curtains and blinds are open.

7. Make sure grass is freshly cut and the sidewalk has been edged. Curb appeal is a deciding factor for many people.

8. Make sure the back porch and/or deck is cleaned off and looks nice.

9. If you have a garage, make sure it is not cluttered. The best thing is to have a garage sale just before putting your home on the market, in order to get rid of anything you do not want or need. It will leave more space for you to store items that might normally be stored in closets.

10. If you have pets, make sure they are either placed in kennels or that they are with you when you leave. Be sure to deodorize your home of any pet smells. Many people are sensitive to this.

11. Always keep your home swept and dusted for a showing.

12. A fresh coat of paint inside the home will go a long way as well. It gives it that new, clean smell.

13. Take off all magnets and papers from the fridge and remove unneeded items from your kitchen counters. This shows how much room you have in your kitchen.

14. Straighten your closets. Closet space is a big item for many people. They want to know that the home has plenty of storage space. The cleaner our closets the bigger they look.

15. Make sure all toilets are flushed, clean and lids are down.

I hope these tips have helped you. These are very basic items that will greatly increase your chances of having a successful showing which will lead to the sale of your home.

Best of luck to you!

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / REALTOR

SilverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Office: 615.377.6330

Cell: 615.479.1639

Email: steve@steveblair.net

Website: www.SteveBlair.net

Historic Franklin: "APA 10 Great Neighborhoods"

Historic Downtown Franklin, TN was recently honored with the distinct designation as one of "10 Great Neighborhoods." Historic Downtown Franklin has much to offer; plenty of boutique resturants, clothing stores and antique stores, which is one more thing Franklin is known for. In addition to it's own offering as a city, you are only a short drive to downtown Nashville, where you will enjoy the incredible nightlife the big city has to offer. If you or someone you know is interested in living in Historic Downtown Franklin, you will find the house featured in this blog particularly interesting. It is located at 112 Carolyn Avenue, in Historic Franklin. The home was built in 1951 and was just recently renovated. This home was renovated down to the wall studs on the inside and on the outside, it features a new roof, gutters, fascia board, re-designed front entrance, stone and brick mailbox as well as a new carport at the rear of the home. This home also features a HUGE bonus area which is now being used as a recording studio! The home includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living room, dining room, HUGE bonus area that could be used as an extra living space, a space for a home based business, or can even continue to be used as a recording studio that you could rent out for extra money! If you would like more information, including pictures and neighborhood information, please CLICK HERE. As always, I am here to serve you and your real estate needs. Please contact me to discuss your options.

Steve Blair

Affiliate Broker / REALTOR

SIlverPointe Properties

7105 Crossroads Blvd. Ste. 102

Brentwood, TN 37027

Office: 615-377-6330

Cell: 615-479-1639

Email: Steve@SteveBlair.net

Website: www.SteveBlair.net

Williamson County Housing Market Looking Good!

The Williamson County's Association of Realtors just released a report showing sales of homes in September of 2009. The county saw just under 200 unit sales in September with an average selling price of just north of $400,000. The average days on the market were 100 days or just slightly more than 3 months. While other parts of the country are seeing a dramatic drop in home values, low average sales prices and exceedingly longer days on the market, Williamson County is telling a much better story for the market. Yes, we sales are down and home prices have not fully recovered, however; we are still very fortunate to have a relatively healthy economy here in middle TN. I specifically specialize in Southern Williamson County and Northern Maury County. In looking at Spring Hill, TN, which is both in Williamson and Maury counties, according to Trulia.com, the median sales price is down 7.6% compared to the same time last year. As you see on the chart, week on week sales are only off by 1%.

Spring Hill Homes For Sale

Now, I'm a numbers guy. I always have been. I'm a big believer in stats and figures. The numbers just don't lie. And according to these numbers, I'm feeling pretty good to be a real estate professional in middle TN in 2009!