Stephen Wible 609-221-0921

As most South Jersey real estate agents will tell you, remodeling, decorating or repairing your home can go a long way towards getting it sold. For that matter, it can add value to your property in case you want to sell later - that is, if you don't choose the wrong places to buy cheap:

• Windows - Never buy a window based on which one is cheapest. You want windows that look good, and, as most South Jersey real estate agents will recommend, you want energy-efficient windows. During 2009 and 2010, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 when you purchase Energy Star windows.

• Paint - Paint is one of the biggest places people skimp when it comes to cost, and a big no-no. Cheap paint may take several coats to look right; those several coats can end up leaving blotches and runs. In addition, cheap paint has a tendency to peel or wash off under light cleaning. If you're going to add painting to your remodeling or repair work, quality is always better.

• Doors - Whether it's for a shower or a screened-in porch, the door you choose can make all the difference. A rickety shower door falling off the railing is a big "don't buy" sign. While you don't want to blow your whole budget, the doors throughout your house should be of quality material. Likewise, a solid front door adds to the curb appeal and security of your home. Some exterior doors also qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency. Find out if your exterior door qualifies for an Energy Star Rebate or Tax Credit.

• Flooring - Unless it's expensive carpet on sale, cheap flooring never looks like anything but cheap flooring. Low cost carpet and wood flooring seldom has high durability and is likely to wear out before you're ready to replace it again. Take the time to find quality flooring at a price you can afford - don't go cheap!

Many South Jersey real estate agents will push quality, but the biggest point they'll push these days is - go green! It may not be the cheapest option, but the benefits in efficiency and property value more than make up for the cost.

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From household cleaning supplies to clothing, everything is going green. The same goes for the real estate market. Many potential home buyers want eco-friendly South Jersey real estate. Before you simply buy a home that's touted as green, consider these few tips for finding a truly green home.

1. Work with an expert
It may be difficult for you to figure out what criteria designate a green home. That's why it's important to seek out a green real estate professional whose main focus is to help you sort through fact from fiction in the green housing industry.

2. Buy in an eco-friendly neighborhood
Purchasing green South Jersey real estate doesn't necessarily mean the location will be environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, buyers may not factor in this detail. If your neighborhood is in the heart of the city, you may be exposed to more car emissions. Also, access to green amenities like bike and walking trails, may be limited.

3. Add your own green touches
Sometimes the home you find could be perfect with just a few small changes. If you want to make a home green, you have a variety of options. You could add natural flooring, install more insulation to help with energy costs and use non-toxic paint.

Before buying green South Jersey real estate, or any home for that matter, take your time and do your research. Many people are jumping on the popularity of going green, so it's smart to remain skeptical until you know and understand all the facts.

Looking for an eco-friendly home? I'm a green real estate professional and would love to help. Give me a call today at 856-321-1212 or email me at stephen@soldin73days.com.

Sometimes the motive for selling your home isn't about upsizing, it's about downsizing. Downsizing isn't necessarily about spending less money. Just as frequently, it's about increasing your home's amenities while decreasing the work and responsibilities involved in a larger home. There are a lot of excellent reasons for downsizing your South Jersey home.

The kids have grown up and moved away
You want less work inside and/or out
You just want to enjoy your home without hassle
You want something smaller and greener to save energy and the environment
You want community amenities such as golf and tennis
You want luxuries like a granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, whirlpool tub, pool and spa
You want less responsibility so you're free to travel

Downsizing is all about knowing what your needs are and what you desire in a new home, which is basically the same think you need to know when upsizing. When people think about buying a new South Jersey home, it's usually about more bathrooms, more bedrooms, and more space. But, as homeowners get older, they often begin to realize that all that space is more of an obstacle than a benefit. Sit down with your real estate agent and discuss the benefits of different types of homes.
For example, condominiums are an attractive option for busy homeowners. There's no yard work and owning a condo still provides a tangible real estate asset with all the accompanying tax incentives. Those are especially valuable now with the stimulus package giving new homeowners a bigger tax rebate for a real estate purchase on a principle residence in 2009.
For true flexibility, renting can be an option that allows you to move about quicker and easier than if you own a home, but it won't give you the same ownership satisfaction or the tax breaks. Even without the stimulus package, owning a home has always provided a significant year end tax write off on interest and property taxes.
If you still feel that a house is not a home without a little bit of land, but you don't want too much to keep you tied to yard work, talk to your real estate agent about smaller properties. Your agent will find you the perfect little home that's just the right fit for you.

Ready to downsize?

I specialize in helping people just like you find their perfect home. Contact me today at 609-221-0921 or visit SoldIn73Days.com.

Selling your property, whether it is a primary home or income property, is easier if you have the information your buyers are likely to want to know on hand. Type up an info sheet answering the most commonly asked questions buyers have when looking at South Jersey real estate for sale such as:
How old is the roof?
What comes with the property? Window treatments? Do all of the appliances come with the property?
How old are the appliances?
Does the basement leak?
Where are the hot water heater, the electrical service panel, and other important maintenance items located? Are they easy to access?
Are you open to owner financing?
What is the age and condition of the plumbing and wiring?
Are there schools nearby?
What is the average utility cost per month/year?
Have you had any major problems in the past? Your normal seller's disclosure does not require you to list problems you had and have fixed. Some sellers would like to know what those problems were. It can give them an idea if they are likely to be a recurring problem (like flood damage) or if the fact that you already had the issue and fixed it they will not likely have to deal with that particular problem in the future.
Of course, you should always have the general information about your South Jersey real estate available such as square footage of the building, property size, zoning and any restrictions or easements.
Having all of the information on hand will prove to potential buyers that you're serious, that you're prepared to be upfront with them about any issues your home may have, and that you've taken excellent care of your home.
Thinking of selling your home? I specialize in selling homes in the South Jersey area quickly and at the highest price. Find out more by calling me today at 609-221-0921 or visit www.SoldIn73Days.com

There are a few misconceptions about buying South Jersey real estate from a "for sale by owner" (FSBO).

Seller Isn't Serious
Some buyers think that the seller isn't serious about selling the house, that they're just testing the market. While this is true in some cases, most sellers will accept an offer that is close to the asking price at any time.
Sometimes South Jersey real estate for sale by owner will sit on the market for a while. This may be because the owner is not open to negotiations on the sale price. More often, it's because the owner doesn't have the experience showing homes to potential buyers that a real estate agent does. A typical owner isn't likely to have the time to properly market the house. If there aren't enough buyers looking at the house, it's going to be harder to get a good purchase offer.

Real Estate Agents Can't Help
Some buyers believe that real estate agents can't help negotiate the purchase of a FSBO. That's not true. If you find a FSBO you're interested in, whether you find it because you drive by it or see it in an advertisement, let your South Jersey real estate agent know. Real estate agents can represent your best interests when purchasing FSBOs, just like they do when purchasing homes listed with real estate companies.

If you do happen to come across a for sale by owner that you just love, you need to include several things in the purchase offer to protect yourself. These include:
Home inspection required that shows there are no significant defects or pest infestations in the house. Make sure you hire a credentialed home inspector; you do not want to buy a house that needs major repairs.
Appraisal of the home is a specific value. You don't want to agree to buy a house for more money than it's worth.
Clear title on the property.
Seller disclosures. The seller is required to give you all the same documentation you would expect to get from an agent-represented seller.
Mortgage approval.
With a for sale by owner, you never want to give the earnest money check directly to the seller. A third party, like a real estate broker or title company, should hold on to all earnest money. If you give the money to the seller, there is no legal trust entered, and you lose the ability to determine how the money is used.
If you're interested in buying a home, whether it's a FSBO or not, I'd like to help you. Call me today at 609-221-0921 or email me at stephen@soldin73days.com