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Richard Ives

Home Selling Tips from Richard: Front Doors

09-05-08
Richard Ives

When visiting your home one of the very first things a potential buyer will see is your front entry door. So to help your home smile welcome to a potential buyer you will want to make sure that your front door is in the best possible condition. If it needs to be painted us a contemporary color. If it is stained but weathered re-stain it. If the door or door frames are not in good condition you may want to consider replacing them.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives



www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Now is a great time for a second home

09-04-08
Richard Ives

It's prime time to buy a second home.

Savvy investors and prospective

retirees know real estate is important to their

portfolios. About one-third of all home sales

are second homes or vacation properties

and here in Illinois we have plenty of inventory and

desirable locations for those seeking them.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives



www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Being A Home Owner Builds Wealth

09-04-08
Richard Ives

Owning a home builds wealth

in a way that renting can't.

According to the Federal Reserve Board,

the average renter's net worth is $4,800, while

the average homeowner's net worth is

$171,000.

Clearly it pays to own a home of your very own.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives



www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Now is a great time to buy real estate

09-04-08
Richard Ives

Now is a great time to buy real estate.

Conditions are ideal for buyers with prices

moderating, low interest rates and a good supply

of homes available. If you're a buyer, this market

is for you. If you are a seller, be patient and price

your home correctly. Competitive pricing is important.

Experts agree, well-priced homes sell faster. Every

market is different. Be sure to talk to a local REALTOR about your local market.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS, AIREE, REEA

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives



www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

e-PRO

09-03-08
Richard Ives

What is an e-PRO-- and why should you use one?

A short guide for the Internet consumer

When you're on the Internet, you don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who

  • Answers e-mail promptly and professionally.
  • Respects your on-line privacy.
  • Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home.

Enter the e-PRO.

An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today's consumer really wants.

What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional.

More privacy

Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust.

That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.

Less hassle

Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:

  • On-line home tours
  • Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data
  • Extensive property listings
  • Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria
  • Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information--even potential buyers--from other e-PROs
  • Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area
  • Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail
  • Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot

The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.

Less expense

An e-PRO's access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings--and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.

Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you're in town--or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.

Should you use an e-PRO? Yes--especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want--and need.

www.richardives.remax-ni.com/

Richard Ives, ABR, e-PRO, SRES, AHWD, RECS

Broker/Instructor

Make An Intelligent Move with Richard Ives



www.richardives.remax-ni.com/