People see their home as a direct reflection of themselves. But if your tastes are extreme, it can increase your listing time.
When it's time move or simply redecorate, beige is beautiful. By ensuring your home is as inviting (and neutral) as possible, you stand to substantially increase your home's appeal, not to mention the selling price.
If you're in the midst of staging your home or just remodeling, consider how the following will ensure it sells quickly at or above the asking price.
Everything in your home has a home - your job is to find it. If the space is cluttered, buyers won't see your home's full potential. While showing your home, consider renting a storage area or borrowing some space in your neighbor's garage. Remember, selling your house involves showing the buyer the possibilities of the space.
A messy space with grime and grit is a distraction for a homebuyer. Walk through the house with your Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate sales associate and make a list of the spaces that need cleaning. If you can't do it yourself, hire a professional crew and get it done.
Adding fresh flowers around the house, especially to the front hall, creates a more welcoming environment in your home. Try placing some beautiful books, pillows, fresh fruit, a cozy blanket or other items around the house as well. Little touches will go a long way when buyers are envisioning life in their new house.
4. Let there be light
Replacing lamps and other fixtures with more up-to-date models can take a home from shabby to chic. Increasing the bulbs from low to high wattage can make all the rooms brighter and spacious. Adding wall sconces can make ceilings seem larger. If you have a dark room, think about paint color and light as a way to enhance it.
5. Splash and spruce it
Look at your home with new eyes and see the places that need a splash of color or need some sprucing up. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls can instantly turn a dark or a small room into an inviting space. One of the better tips for selling a house fast is to take a walk around the home and find places in need of repair. Then make a list of home improvement and decorating projects to do before listing your home.
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Taste in art is incredibly subjective. If your home even slightly resembles a museum, consider that one person's treasure can be another's trash. When getting ready to sell your home, it's important to keep the artwork simple so you can get the best selling price.
Before listing your property, consider having a candid chat with your Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Real Estate sales associate, or a close friend. Both can give you a better sense of pieces destined for the Guggenheim, and those better suited for the basement. Remember, it's the walls that are for sale, not what's on them.
Remove extra pieces
Overcrowded walls can make a room feel smaller. Many people cluster together family photos and art in groups-a design strategy that sings in some spaces and sinks in others. Take a critical look at the pieces in each room and consider if they add or subtract from the overall buying potential of the home.
Posters
Children typically have posters in their rooms of their favorite bands, artists or sports heroes. It's a good idea to limit the amount of posters on children's walls to give potential buyers a better sense of the room's possibilities. You want to emphasize the versatility of each space. No matter how difficult (for you or your child), it's also a good idea to remove any stickers and adhesives on the bedroom doors.
Family photos
People like to see who is living in the home-but only to an extent. Take a look in each room through the eyes of a stranger. Are the pictures from last summer's sojourn in the Grand Canyon a little much?
Valuable art collections
In most cases, art is a phenomenal investment. During any open house, make sure your best pieces are featured prominently. Valuable artwork can lend an air of prestige to a home, and be a great point for discussion amongst potential buyers.
Using art to create a mood
Art sets the mood for a home. Landscapes, black and white photography, sculptures, and other tasteful pieces do wonders, but try to avoid leaving out anything that's overtly religious, sexual or controversial. Pieces of that nature can detract from the overall feel of your home and give potential buyers a reason to keep looking.
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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY SUMMER EVENTS / Community Events
By Anthony Stokes Pereira
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty is proud to continue its seasonal tradition of compiling community events and celebrations throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including this year's collection of Summer events.
We are particularly delighted to present you with our comprehensive list of Fourth of July firework displays throughout the region, and wish you the best for a great holiday season.
If you would like to suggest events for inclusion in the Fall Event or Winter Guides, just email us your event and contact information at events@randrealty.com. And if you know of any Summer events that should be posted here, please just post your event and we'll try to update our Guide.
Haverstraw, June 26, 8-10 PM - Dancing Under the Stars - Live music performed on the town stage, dancing in the street. A fun evening outdoors in front of Village Hall on Maple Ave. between New Main and West Broad Streets. (845) 786-0253. www.arts-alliance.org
Haverstraw, June 26 thru June 30- Closing Reception: America's Pastime - Special exhibit of autographed Sports Art. June 26 from 5-8 PM. Regular gallery hours: M-F 9-5 PM, Sat 10-3 PM. Location: Arts Alliance of Haverstraw, 91 Broadway.
(845) 786-0253. www.arts-alliance.org
Haverstraw, June 27- Haverstraw's International Food Walk -12 terrific restaurants, 9 exotic cuisines, Sample the authentic foods of Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the American South, French/Latin Fusion and more. All restaurants will offer small "tasting plates" at outdoor tables, for just $5 each. (845) 786-0253 or (845) 826-0419. www.whud.com/community_calendar
Stony Point, June 27 thru July 19- "The Wonder Bread Years" - A humorous one-man show by "Seinfeld" writer Pat Hazell. Thursdays&Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays (2 shows) at 4 pm&8 pm, Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Tickets $32; discounts available. (845) 786-2873. www.penguinrep.org
Nyack, June 28 - August 16, 5:30-8 p.m. - Every Sunday the Friends of the Nyack's will present a "Mostly Music" concert series at Memorial Park. The season begins on June 28 at 5:30 p.m. with "Youthfest", featuring food, drink and family entertainment. (845) 358-4973. www.friendsofthenyacks.org
Ramapo, June 28, 5:30 -10 p.m. - Annual Town of Ramapo Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks at Rockland Community College. Free. (845) 357-6100. www.ramapo.org
Nanuet, July 1- Summer Concert. The "Bronx Wanderers" will be playing 60's music and the Rockland County Radio Control group is back doing their demonstration. Nanuet Senior High School. (845) 639-2000. www.town.clarkstown.ny.us
Haverstraw, July 2, 6 - 9 p.m. - Concerts at Bowline Point Park featuring Good&Plenty at 6 p.m., West Point Jazz Knights at 8 p.m. and more! Rain date: July 3. (845) 429-2200.
Stony Point, July 4, 7:30 p.m. - "Concert by the Campfire" with Linda Russell, historic balladeer: Stony Point Battlefield (off Route 9W in Stony Point) Free. $5.00 parking per car. There will be NO fireworks at this program. (845) 786-2521. www.nysparks.com
Nyack, July 5, 5:30-8 p.m. - Mostly Music Concert in the Park - Enjoy free summer fun and great music while you view the mighty Hudson River! Bring the family, a picnic basket, a few lawn chairs. Free. (845) 358-4973. www.friendsofthenyacks.org
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*Disclaimer: The purpose of this event calendar is to provide a service to the community. Information presented in this blog is considered accurate to the best of my knowledge. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, please note that Anthony Stokes-Pereira does not control and cannot guarantee the accuracy of these events information. Please contact event's organizer to conform changes. Events Listings do not imply an endorsement by Anthony Stokes-Pereira.
Remember that all real estate is local and that all markets are different. There are opportunities out there for a buyers if you are willing to look. The Homebuyer Tax Credit contained in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was updated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For 2009 purchasers the credit is $8000 and does not need to be repaid. The credit is available through December 1, 2009, meaning qualified buyers only have a short window of opportunity to take advantage of this special program. A modest recovery for existing-home sales is expected in 2009. Pent-up demand, coupled with an abundance of safer mortgage products, will lead to near-term market improvements. The Emergency Economic Stability Act enacted on October 3, 2008 will help to improve credit markets and allow housing to lead the economic recovery.
FHA Loans Set to Increase
There are many choices for buyers looking for mortgages in this market. One option, FHA home loans, are a viable alternative for many first time buyers. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - which is part of HUD - insures the loan, so your lender can offer you a better deal, offering low down payments, low closing costs, and easy credit qualifying. FHA market share for home purchases is expected to rise significantly over the next 3 years, from an estimated 4% in 2007 to an estimated 35% in 2009.
Find out about FHA and other loans, go to www.Hud.gov/buying/loans and do a search for Consumer Literacy.
Benefits of Ownership
Owning a home is the American dream. It not only provides amazing tax benefits but it also provides shelter and security to families. Did you know that:
Dollar for dollar, the rate of return on an individual's cash down payment on a house is substantial? And that repeat buyers are able to put 19% more down on a new home due to appreciation?
Home owners move less often and are more likely to vote and volunteer time for political and charitable causes than renters?
When you own a home you can deduct the property taxes and mortgage interest from your income taxes?
Housing Market Facts
NAR has created a new website www.HousingMarketFacts.com to help consumers find out the latest information about the housing market and the issues that affect you, information specifically for buyers, how to do more research, and learn more about the benefits of home ownership.
Mortgages are at Historically Low Rates
For buyers who qualify, mortgage rates are near historical lows. Rates are well under 6%. According to data provided by Freddie Mac, rates averaged 9.2% in the past 30 years.
Go to www.FreddieMac.com and look at the Primary Mortgage Market Survey® for more information on the latest rates. In addition, low interest rates, coupled with recent corrections, give people looking to upgrade a unique opportunity to take advantage of market conditions.
The Value of Your Investment
Despite some contrary media reports and some moderate losses in value in the short-term, home values long-term have and will continue to rise. Real estate is a long-term investment. Home values could fall in some years, though, on average over the past 30 years, the median price of existing homes has increased more than 6 percent every year. Thanks to the power of leverage, a homeowner's return on investment is even more impressive over time. Visit www.HousingMarketFacts.com to learn more.
Other Resources for First-time Homebuyers:
Rand Mortgage http://www.randmortgage.com/sites/randmortgage
IRS guidance athttp://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=187935,00.html
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/preparing_for_homeownership
http://finance.realtor.com/homefinance/guides/buyers/
http://www.hud.gov/buying/
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Sullivan County, NY Fireworks Displays
This year, we are proud to present 22 firework displays and celebrations throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We also want to express our thanks to the dedicated people working. 
Monticello, July 4, dusk - Enjoy fireworks at the Monticello Racetrack and Town of Thompson. For more information please call (845) 794-4100
Kauneonga Lake, July 4, dusk -
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*Disclaimer: The purpose of this event calendar is to provide a service to the community. Information presented in this blog is considered accurate to the best of my knowledge. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, please note that Anthony Stokes-Pereira does not control and cannot guarantee the accuracy of these events information. Please contact event's organizer to conform changes. Events Listings do not imply an endorsement by Anthony Stokes-Pereira.
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I am always available to assist my clients in discover the Greater Hudson Valley. Being a full time sales associate, I stay diligent giving each of my clients' individual and professional service.
Homes and Gardens Real Estate/Rand Realty
Anthony Stokes-Pereira - Provides Personal Service With A Difference!!
When thinking of buying or selling Real Estate, having the right real estate agent means having an agent who is committed to helping you buy or sell your home with the highest level of expertise in your local market. This means also to help you in understanding each step of the buying or selling process. This commitment level has helped me build a remarkable track record of delivering results.
Nothing is more exciting to me than the gratifying feeling I get from helping my clients meet their real estate needs. You can count on me to always do what's in your best interest. I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in the real estate market. I know how important it is to find your dream home or get the best offer for your property. Therefore I will make it my responsibility to help you achieve those goals.
I am fully committed to providing you with a noticeably higher level of service at all times while demonstrating knowledge, friendliness and professionalism throughout the transaction. The blending of my experience and strength of Prudential Rand Realty assures you the competitive edge in today's real estate market. My pledge to you is to use all resources available to benefit you that will make your real estate experience as easy and as stress-free as possible.
I am proud to be part of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/Rand Realty team of real estate professionals. Backed by the strength and support of the entire Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/Rand Realty organization, I pledge to serve you with the highest standards of professionalism, courtesy, and responsiveness. Through years of innovation, service and support, Rand Realty has become a leader in the real estate industry. It will be my privilege to carry on these same traditions while working on your behalf.
Specializing In:
All of Rockland and Orange Counties
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please call or visit me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you.
For more information please visit me at:
Anthony Stokes Pereira
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/Rand Realty
Office: (845) 770-2188
Cell: (845) 538-7021
Email: anthony.stokespereira@randrealty.com
Website: www.anthonystokespereira.com
Below you can read a small selection of the many positive comments and remarks that I regularly receive from my clients
- Garnerville, New York
Anthony thank you for taking such good care of me and the sale of my house. This could have been a very difficult and frustrating experience had it not been for your expertise and persistent hard work. I was impressed with your micromanagement of the details which I know facilitated the whole process in the most painless manner possible. Your advice was sound and the results are 'in the pudding', or in this case, the offer. Thanks again - since you were also the agent helping me find my dream home, I'll be sure to contact you if I want to sell or buy again.... With warm regards and wishes for your continued success!"
- Spring Valley, New York
Thanks for all your help in preparing, readying and eventually selling our Co-Op in Hillcrest Point, Spring Valley, New York. I think and I'm not alone in this, we definitely chose the right agent, you, in taking on that challenge. I don't believe any other agent would have been so focused and motivated in so many tasks. Thanks again for keeping us motivated from start to finish. Well done Mr. Anthony Stokes Pereira!. Especially in the market we were dealt with!"
- Pomona, New York
Anthony was extremely warm, pleasant and professional. I think he showed me about 50 homes in about two years and he did not walk away from me, he always told me to be calm and to stay focus. If I need to buy or sell again, he will always be my agent
- Hillcrest, New York
Anthony is an honest, realistic, and professional Agent. With so many emotions involved in buying your first home, it's important to have someone like Anthony to keep you on the right track. He is capable of keeping you very calm, even during the very difficult and stressful times of the transaction. More importantly, he is very responsive, answering all of the little questions that we had - this made the whole deal seem effortless and easy. Thank you Anthony
- Spring Valley, New York
Anthony was extremely warm, pleasant and professional. When ever I need to buy again or sell, he will be the person I call.
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