This quote from A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style, by Tim Gunn, can help you understand how something as seemingly insignificant as a closet can affect you and your potential buyer. “Closets are where we hide things: skeletons, forbidden loves, terrible birthday gifts we couldn’t return. It is for this reason that deciding what to wear while staring into those murky depths can be not just daunting, but emotionally exhausting as well.”  Using feng shui techniques, you can clear the clutter, along with the negative memories and energy, creating a home that will sell more easily.  On that note, let’s move to 5 real tips that will give you positive emotional energy while readying your home for sale.

• #1 Open the windows and doors. Let a breeze blow through your home to clear the negative energy and refresh you as you begin your work.
• #2 Step outdoors onto your walkway, the entrance of your home. What do you see first when you walk into your home?  Clear any cobwebs and dust and make sure nothing is blocking the entrance. If you have to step over something, remove it.
• #3 Add energy with greenery. Whether an indoor or outdoor plant, make sure your home feels vibrant through adding plant energy. You can do this through exterior landscaping, by adding fresh flowers to the entry, or with the addition of indoor plants.
• #4 Add positive energy through art and movement through proper mirror placement. There are tons of books that can guide you through this step, however, remember that the goal is to reflect positivity and not overwhelm or create clutter in your home for sale.
• #5 Clear the clutter. Cull what you don’t need and create a “spa feel” throughout your home in all rooms. Counters should be free of objects and papers, furniture should be placed to allow for ease of movement. Any obstacles to interior door entrances should be moved.

While these tips may not offer a “cure all” to getting your home sold, they can definitely point you in the right direction. Stop by the library and get a few books on feng shui to increase your knowledge.  As you do, take care to notice your landscaping and apply some shine and good chi to your Home for Sale sign, too.

For more help on preparing your home for sale, please call Barrie & AnneMarie Crake at 619-992-5182.

Try as they might to create a home that will meet every need and every taste, home builders are aware that it just can’t be done.  As with shoes, versatility lies in key components – simple design, elegant tones, and a combination of shine, style and comfort.

As with your shoe purchase, buying a home requires you to consider what is most important to you and your future plans.

• Open design vs. cozy comfort?
• Modern storage options vs. vintage style?
• Planned, pre-designed landscaping vs. creative gardening?
• Modular vs. eclectic structure?

You should also consider how and who will be using the home.  Should it be tailored to you or is it an investment property?

• Primary residence or vacation home?
• Adults only? Adults and pets? Adults, children and pets? Renters?  College students?
• Will it be used to entertain often and is parking sufficient?  Do you need a guest room?

Of course, there are many other questions to be considered, so take your time with your home purchase. Enjoy the journey as you find the home that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. And when you find the home that makes you want to click your heels so you can return?  Make an offer!  As to shoes?  If the shoe fits… buy it in every color!

If you are looking for your “perfect fit ” in a new home, give Barrie and AnneMarie Crake a call at (619) 992-5182.

Actual national home inventory displayed an increase between February 2012 and March 2012, as well, and the average days on the market for a home decreased from 111 days to 89 days in that same month span, which are other positive indicators.  While median list prices vary across national markets, the data collected by Realtor.com indicated a slight upward swing, causing many a home owner to take note.

If you are considering buying a home or selling your current home, these statistics can provide insight into the current real estate market.  Combining these statistics with historically low interest rates (3.88% for a conventional 30 year mortgage last week), could help you in determining your decision. To get more details on the study and comparisons to previous months and years and see the actual graphing trends, please click here.

Real Estate is best analyzed and understood in it’s local context. If you are interested in selling or buying real estate in San Diego county, call Barrie and AnneMarie Crake at (619) 992-5182 or email amc@integrity.com.

According to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) released on Friday, April 5, 2012, 101 areas throughout the United States are showing signs of growth, in thirty-five states. That is great news if you have your home for sale as it means the real estate market is improving throughout the country.  It is reassuring news if you are a home buyer as well, as it may give you a better idea of the stability of the area in which you hope to buy a home.

It is interesting to note that the NAHB/FA report is based on the following three solid factors remaining steady over a six month period, rather than simply market speculation.

• Employment Growth Statistics (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• House Price Appreciation (Freddie Mac)
• Single-family Housing Permit increases (U.S. Census Bureau)

According to David Crowe, chief economist at NAHB, “The IMI is designed to highlight markets that are showing consistent improvement.”  Seeing that improvement as a great sign, Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Company agreed stating,“The fact that the number and geographic distribution of improving housing markets continued to expand beyond the 100 mark in April bodes well for the start of the spring home buying season, and should be an encouraging sign for those who are considering a home purchase.”

You can view the current report here to see specific markets and their ranking in the IMI in April.

On the other hand, it is important to realize that real estate is a local business. More important than national or statewide trends is what what is happening in Your Neighborhood. Barrie and AnneMarie Crake are experts in San Diego real estate. To find out the real estate trends in your neighborhood, call AnneMarie Crake at (619) 992-5182 or email amc@integrity.com.

• Update your appliances and fixtures to energy efficient models bearing the “Energy Star” label to save on water and energy bills.
• Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.  This can provide up to 75% savings on your lighting costs and keep your home cooler during the summer months.
• Be aware of your thermostat use. A programmable thermostat is a great idea during the winter, so you can allow cooler temperatures while you are away from your home.
• Lowering your hot water heater temperature ten degrees or shortening your shower times can results in savings.
• Adding insulation to your attic or attic door and replacing caulking over cracks around windows and in exterior walls can also reduce your energy costs.  You may even consider insulating your garage or garage door if possible.  Replacing or installing weather-stripping kits on drafty doors will also decrease your costs.
• Planting deciduous shade trees and shrubs can provide more even temperatures in your home, as can appropriate window coverings.

We can help you with more tips concerning lowering your utility costs. Please call Barrie & AnneMarie at 619-992-5182.

Before you start to spring clean, open up the windows so air can circulate throughout your home.  This will help remove any mustiness and you can use candles, essential oils, and other room fresheners to add a pleasant scent to your home.

Look at your walls and surfaces and use a melamine sponge to wipe away anything from soap scum to marker or crayon.  You will be amazed at how easily the dirt is removed with the sponge and a little water.  A popular brand of sponge is the Magic Eraser by Mister Clean, but there are many on the market today that act in the same way.

For the most painless and fast dusting method, use a microfiber cloth to capture the dust most effectively.  Follow up your dusting with a quick run of your vacuum, to clear away any particles that may have settled.  You can also reduce the amount of dust in your home by cleaning any filters on circulation systems in your home.

Remove the dust from curtains in your home by dry-cleaning or washing them (be sure to follow the label instructions) before rehanging.  There are many tools available for clearing dust from other window coverings, so spend a few minutes researching techniques here, if you have a question about the quickest method.  If you have a shower liner, add it to your laundry load.  Just make sure you allow it to air dry rather than dry in the dryer.

Hopefully these tips will inspire you and help you to get your home “Spring Clean” whether for your enjoyment or because you have a home for sale. We have helped numerous homeowners prepare their homes for sale and with our help, their homes sell at top price in their neighborhood. Please call Barrie & AnneMarie at 619-992-5182 or email us at amc@integrity.com to find out how we can help you.

When selling your home, your appraisal can affect the home sales price, so make sure you know your “comps.”  ”Comps” are simply market comparisons that reflect other homes that have sold in your neighborhood, zip code, and area.  Review these comparisons by calling us for comparisons BEFORE your appraiser visits to make sure that all recently sold homes are included in the current statistics.  Often homes sold as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) may not be included by appraisers, which can alter statistics they use to determine your home’s value.

Next, look at your home as though you were a home buyer, as checking that your home appears well-maintained is vital.  Spend some time cleaning the home entrance and painting as necessary to spruce up the entry, making your best first impression.  The rest of your home should be clean and clutter-free, as well.

More importantly though, you need to create a “value-added” list of things that make YOUR home distinct.  Whether it be its size and views, or the condition of your property as compared to others in your neighborhood or any upgrades you may have made, these need to be explained to the appraiser.  Be sure to be respectful as you review these and other details regarding your property.  Review the information the appraiser has brought and suggest revisions if needed to account for changes you have made or errors in the report regarding your location (check the zip code!).

Once completed, an appraisal may take several weeks before you can request a copy.  It is wise to do so, however, to verify that the appraisal is accurate.   Ask your lender and follow the appropriate appeals process if you feel there are errors or omissions that would affect your property’s value.

If you have questions about how to maximize your home’s value, please contact Barrie & AnneMarie Crake at Crake Real Estate Group. Tel: 619-992-5182 or email: barriecrake@integrity.com.

AnneMarie and Leadership Expert John Maxwell

Crake Team Real Estate impacts the community through leadership, with a desire to give their clients the best real estate experience.  In January AnneMarie attended “The Servant Leadership Winter Conference”. The conference stressed the importance of leading through service to greater impact the community. Leadership is an opportunity to build rapport with their clientele and show appreciation for their clients’ patronage before, during, and after each transaction. The Crakes have taken the information gleaned from the conference to create a motivating environment to better serve and meet the complex needs of their North County clientele with confidence, character, and precision.

AnneMarie and Barrie Crake with Jeff Isaac, aka "The Lawyer in Blue Jeans"

When clients work with the Crake Team they get a network of support. Barrie and AnneMarie Crake go above and beyond to make sure their clients’ needs are met. In January the Crake Team sponsored an event where Jeffrey Isaac, aka “The Lawyer in Blue Jeans” helped Crake Team clientele start the year off right with good financial habits. Isaac, an estate attorney, specializes in helping people set up a “Living Trust” to protect their assets, most importantly their home and investment properties. With such extraordinary customer service, it is no wonder the Crakes were Top Producers in 2011.

“CLOSING” - Closing refers to the final steps in securing a home purchase.  When a property is sold, it is referred to as “closed.”

“OFFER” - Buyers “offer” a contracted rate on a home for sale. A seller may receive many “offers” and is not required to accept any.  This is why when a home buyer finds their dream home, it is important to get the “offer” in quickly.  Full price “offers” are looked upon favorably, but even “offers” of up to ten percent beneath the asking price may be an acceptable practice, too.   There are several variables to discuss with a knowledgeable real estate agent before submitting a low “offer,” however, so do your homework.  Comparing a home to others in the local market and recognizing the length other homes have been listed are helpful to consider prior to submitting or accepting any “offer” in real estate.

“DEPOSIT” - The “deposit” or earnest money pledged with an “offer,” illustrates a commitment from the buyer to the seller.  Generally the “deposit” amount is determined based on a percent of the home’s purchase price and applies to the final purchase price of the home for sale. This deposit is held “in trust” until the purchase is completed. As a potential home buyer, your “deposit” will only be accepted if your “offer” is accepted. Occasionally a home buyer decides not to move forward with the home sale which can result in the loss of the “deposit.”

“CONTINGENCIES” - Contingencies are requirements outlined in the contract that must be fulfilled prior to “closing,” often relating to financing or the house inspection. Contingencies generally last for 30 days, although the time frame depends greatly on market conditions.

“CONTRACT” - When a home seller accepts an “offer,”  the “contract” is then created.  A legal and binding document which guarantees the buyer will purchase the property when all contingencies are met. Transaction details are included in the contract, such as the property selling price and description, any important dates and contingency clauses.

“CLOSING STATEMENT” - Required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure accountability of all finances relating to the sale and purchase of a home.  Real estate commission,  escrow  securities and deposits, and any other fees must be outlined in this document. The buyer and seller will each receive a copy of the “Closing Statement” per the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act prior to “closing.”

“CLOSING COSTS” - These are the actual costs of “closing” and include securing title, loans, appraisals, credit reports, inspections,brokers, taxes and document preparation.

Hopefully this tutorial has helped you feel a little more familiar with real estate terms, so that whether you are buying or selling a home, you can feel a bit more at ease.

We appreciate the opportunity to connect with you through this information that we trust is valuable to you. If any of your friends or family members express an interest in buying or selling a home, it would be an honor to work with them. Just give us a call @ 619-992-5182 and we’ll be happy to follow up!