Patricia Aulson, REALTOR Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes

Virtual Tours: The next best thing to being there
Imagine how much more you could fit into your workday if your clients already had a Virtual Walk-Thru and have already mentally moved in:

=> More than 84 percent of prospective home buyers start their search on the Internet
=> 79% of Internet consumers choose their agent online
=> Internet consumers view half as many homes in person before buying as a traditional buyer
=> Internet buyers are younger, wealthier and buy more expensive homes
=> Multiple photos / slide shows / virtual tours highest rated online real estate feature
=> Perceived value of homes with Virtual Tours is 12% higher than listings without virtual tours or photography

Patricia Aulson www.patricia4realestate.com Portsmouth NH Real Estate Hampton NH Real Estate

The housing market is in trouble. But some experts say that it will start turning around in 2010. So while you are waiting for it to recover, you might want to reconsider putting off that kitchen redo or landscaping job. "Any changes you make on your house now should increase your home value later." Well now you are wondering which project will bring the most bang for your buck right? Take a look at this list starting with the upgrades that will most likely recoup your investment and then enjoy the new kitchen.

~ Painting always provides dramatic results with little investment."Yellow is an optimistic color that gives people joy. Remember the front door is the focal point of the house so don't paint it purple!"

~Adding siding is a good upgrade especially the fiber-cement siding, Easy care siding holds up well against the elements and is resistant to fire, rotting and termites.

~ Building a deck will provide you with more than a place to flip burgers and soak up the sun. It is an extension of the inside of the house that make everything seem light and bright A deck offers a seamless transition from inside to outside.

~ Bathrooms also give dramatic resuls so update the bathrooms, a light, bright while, off white, pale yellow, etc. will bring the sunshine in.

~ Kitchen updates are always great like stainless steel appliances, corian or granite counter tops, tile back splash is fun and can add a decorative touch. The kitchen is the "meeting place" in the house so make it fun and welcoming.

Enjoy the relsults!

Patricia Aulson www.patricia4realestate.com Portsmouth NH Real Estate Hampton NH Real Estate

This is a great time for the first time home buyer. The federal government has offered up a $75000 tax credit for those that are eligible. Check out the following if interested in this credit signed into law in July '08 to help the falling housing market:

* Applies to home purchases made after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009

* Is equal to the lower of 10% of the purchase price of the home or $7,500 for most taxpayers ($3,750 for married people filing separate filers)

* Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases their refund.

* Is phased out based on modified adjusted gross income.

* It is fully refundable, which means the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayer.

* It can be claimed on the '08 tax return even if the home is not purchased until '09

Eligible taxpayers must not have owned a home at anytime during the three years prior to the purchase.

Check with your accountant to see if you are eligible.

Patricia Aulson/ Portsmouth NH Real Estate www.patricia4realestate.com Hampton NH Real Estate

This is a great time for the first time home buyer. The federal government has offered up a $75000 tax credit for those that are eligible. Check out the following if interested in this credit signed into law in July '08 to help the falling housing market:

* Applies to home purchases made after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009

* Is equal to the lower of 10% of the purchase price of the home or $7,500 for most taxpayers ($3,750 for married people filing separate filers)

* Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases their refund.

* Is phased out based on modified adjusted gross income.

* It is fully refundable, which means the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayer.

* It can be claimed on the '08 tax return even if the home is not purchased until '09

Eligible taxpayers must not have owned a home at anytime during the three years prior to the purchase.

Check with your accountant to see if you are eligible.

Patricia Aulson/ Portsmouth NH Real Estate www.patricia4realestate.com Hampton NH Real Estate

It's been almost 2 years on AR and finally I've hit "the big time!" Yup, It's official, I have earned 50000+ points on Active Rain. What an interesting, eyeopening two years it's been. Activerain.com is a learning center for anyone. It has given me some wonderful ideas about my real estate business and how to continue on in the business in spite of the recession. Thank you to everyone who has left me comments and been in touch. I'll continue to blog on......! If you are thinking of visiting the "Live Free OR Die State" of NH please contact me at www.patricia4realestate.com I'd welcome the opportunity to say "hello and show you around beautiful seacoast NH. Having spent 2 decades in the business I know right where I'm going.I LOVE WHAT I DO AND IT SHOWS!

Patricia Aulson/ Portsmouth NH Real Estate Hampton NH Real Estate