Immobilien Heidelberg 24

There are several misconceptions about a For Sale by Owner type of transaction in the real estate world. If you are attempting a FSBO, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s discuss some of the myths and facts about this popular method of selling your house. Hopefully, this will address some of the misconceptions and misinformation you have about the process. It can be a positive transaction for all the parties involved, when done correctly.

Myth #1: I have to know a lot about real estate in order to sell my house on my own. I should be licensed as a real estate agent or at least take some classes.

Truth: While it can be extremely helpful to know the laws about real estate in your area, you do not have to know it all. Many times you can hire an experience real estate lawyer for much less than the agent’s commission and you are legally covered. These lawyers can provide you with the necessary contracts so that the sale is legal and binding. You may benefit from real estate classes or some simple online training but you don’t have to be licensed to sell your own property. Legally, any owner can sell their property without having a real estate license.

Myth #2: I need to be great with people to sell my house.

Truth: You shouldn’t be scared of people. There are some people who have a natural aversion to people and would consider themselves a hermit. Most people, however, can talk to other human beings on a one-on-one basis. If you are nervous in crowds, you have the ability to limit showings to one person at a time. You never have to host an open house and you can ask to only speak with the actual buyer, not their entire family. If you work and interact with people on a daily basis, limited or not, you can perform the necessary talking that will sell your house.

Myth #3: I’ll make a larger profit when I do a FSBO.

Truth: While many sellers do report making a larger profit, many experience the benefit of simply not paying money out of their own pocket. In this current housing market, the competition is plentiful and you may need to lower the asking price to compete in the market. You have to be willing to compromise to have a successful sale. When you lower the price, you may not have the leftover money from the sale to pay an agent and concessions. A FSBO will let you skip that part and lower the price enough to sell but you may not make a substantial gain on the house.

Myth #4: People will call and stop by at all hours of the day and night.

Truth: You will get phone calls, emails, and even drive-bys. Don’t think of them as a nuisance, but rather as money in your pocket. These are potential buyers and the faster you can get them to buy, the sooner you can be done with the hassles. It may be a pain to have the showings and distribute the info, but in reality when you use an agent, they don’t clean for you, make the decisions for you, or even create a budget for you. Those are all items you will do on your own so why pay an agent to do that.

Myth #5: It will hurt my neighbors and area to have a FSBO instead of a "real" sale.

Fact: When a house sells, the price is recorded. Depending on where you live it can be public information. Regardless of how it sells, the information is recorded. Even if you sell your own house, your area will not be hurt by it. Would your neighborhood benefit from a new person moving in and buying the house or from the house sitting vacant with the ability for squatters and vandalism? You need to sell your house so why not do it while you are in control?

Taking control of your real estate situation means doing what is best for you and your situation. Don’t allow others to determine or intimidate you into a decision. Real estate gives you the ability to control the future and you can be in complete control of the transaction.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Introduction

Money may get a little tighter during a recession. We know prices for nearly all products are going up while our wagers remain the same. Better tighten your belt. It may get a lot worse We are tempted to crawl under the bed covers, stick our thumb in our mouth, and not come out.

Life is about more than money, but hey, we can make do with money if we have to. One solution is to increase the number of income streams that you have. The more income streams we have, the better prepared we are to survive a recession. Follow my suggestions and you will have a real estate business running like a Swiss watch.

1. Buy Fixer-upper Houses

The time to buy in real estate is when prices are low and soft, and when interest rates are low. If that sounds like the present situation we are in, you’re right. Buying fixer upper houses gives you the added premium of buying houses at even lower prices and using sweat equity to raise its value. When you’re done you can flip you house for short term gain (although it may not be so easy to sell in a recession) or rent it out for long-term gain.

2. Take Handyman Jobs

Use your fixer-upper skills to take jobs as a handy man. Once people know that you repair fixer-upper houses their eyes light up. They think of several jobs around their house they would like you to do. When it comes out that I repair fixer-uppers in a conversation with someone, the conversation usually ends with the other person remarking „oh by the way, I have this leaky faucet (or toilet, or roof). I wonder if you could look at it.“

3. Turn Empty Space Into Money – Rent Out a Room

I know, „who wants to have a stranger in your house“. But this can be a friend or a relative. Convert a section of the house into a rental room. College students make good renters.

4. Build a Separate Guest House

If you have space in your yard, and the city codes allow it. It could be cheaper than buying a new property.

5. Write a Book About Your Experiences in Real Estate

Your experiences and unique and people buy books that show them how to make money. Write and publish the book yourself, and yes, (gasp!), learn to market it too. Sell it on Amazon.com.

6. Write a Blog.

Tell people about your daily activities in real estate investing, and plug your book at the same time. Don’t forget, you are re an expert. An expert is only a regular person who has written a book.

7. Teach seminars or classes.

Check into teaching at a community college or „open“ university. They are always on the lookout for new teachers. Can’t talk in front of people? Join Toastmasters and have fun while you learn.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Staging is an essential, and cost-effective, part of the home selling process. Staging your home to show off its qualities can only add to your final selling price. On average, people receive $2 in increased sale price for every $1 they put into staging a home.

When staging your home for sale, there are five golden rules to take into consideration as you work your way through each room of your house.

Five Golden Rules:

De-Personalised

The buyer needs to picture themselves in the house – not you. That wedding photo may mean the world to you, but the buyer it’s a distraction that prevents them from seeing a home for their family.

Maximise

Declutter and maximise the space in your home. Closets packed tight with all your clothes make a place like it lacks closet space. Consider temporarily storing the overflow offsite.

Sanitize

This golden rule is the easiest and cheapest way to stage your home – clean it. A sink full of dirty dishes is as unappealing to you as it would be to the buyer. It is well worth the elbow grease in cleaning floors, walls, baseboards, ceiling fans and windows.

Modernise

Unless your home has exceptional period built-ins, all home could benefit from some updating. If someone feels the house is dated, they will reflect that feeling in a lower offer. Consider a few simple changes like swapping out expensive fixtures for nickel or chrome.

Neutralise

Colour can make or break a buyer’s interest in your home. You may love that shocking red wall, but all the potential buyer sees is a great deal of painting in their future because of red clashes with their style. The picture is one of the most inexpensive ways to change a look of a home.

Bonus Tips

Closets

Clear closets of unnecessary clutter, and organise to maximise the amount of open storage space you are showing off to potential buyers. Use boxes stacked together to keep up and hide the clutter.

Use matching hangers for clothes – hooks are inexpensive so splurging on higher quality are inexpensive, so celebrating on higher quality hangers to replace free wire hangers from the dry cleaners will modernise your closets with visual impact and a more luxurious feel.

Bedrooms

A quick and inexpensive way to improve the appeal of your bedroom is to use gender-neutral colours when touching up paint jobs and re-accessorizing to have the broadest possible appeal. Colour coordinate where possible bedspreads, walls, curtains etc. should have a clear theme to their colours if possible.

Bathrooms

If walls are grimy, spray them using a standard spray bottle filled with a mixture of one part bleach and one part water, follow up with a fresh coat of paint.

Clear countertops of everything but the essential to make space look more open and more extensive.

Kitchen

Modernize your dated cabinets; they can be touched up for less than $200 with a coat of new wood stain and or even a good sanding a coat of paint. Replacing brass or wooden cabinet hardware with brushed silver or stainless steel is an effective way of updating dated cabinets as well.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

In today’s financial climate, real estate continues to be a strong investment in many areas. Educated buyers will always make the most out of the real estate market. These top ten tips to buying real estate will help you enter into your next real estate transaction with confidence.

TIP #1: Hire the right Agent!

Hiring the right Real Estate Agent is invaluable. If you are unfamiliar with the area, the realtor you choose is your link to important information regarding schools, zoning, city and county regulations, neighborhood trends, building and remodeling and rental restrictions, and property values. Every city has different laws governing what can and can’t be done with a property. Sanibel is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States due in part to its strict building codes and city planning. Having experienced many aspects of real estate transactions on a personal level, I understand situations and concerns of my buyers and sellers. I have been an island property owner for many years and have walked through several local real estate transactions myself. From buying and selling lots to building new homes with local builders, to investing in rental income producing properties and utilizing 1031 Tax free exchanges, I don’t just sell island real estate; I invest in it because I believe there is no place in the world like Sanibel and Captiva. Whether you work with me or someone else, finding the right realtor is invaluable.

TIP #2: Utilize 1031 Tax Exchanges and Save Money!

1031 Tax Exchanges are tax free exchanges of investment property. Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code is one of the last great tax shelters. If you purchase an investment property of „like kind“ within 180 days of the sale of a similar type property, and you are willing to increase the amount of debt or value of the property, your capital gains taxes can be completely deferred. Having just completed a Reverse 1031 tax exchange myself, I believe in using this powerful tax shelter. Feel free to contact me if you are considering using a current Sanibel, Captiva, or Ft. Myers property in a 1031 Tax Exchange, or want to purchase an investment property that might qualify in the future for a 1031 Tax Exchange. A Reverse 1031 Tax Exchange is the same exchange concept as a 1031 Tax Exchange except you have purchased your replacement „like kind“ investment property first, before selling the property to be exchanged. Learn more about 1031 Tax Exchanges, and how to use them to your financial advantage. Keep in mind that a neutral party must have act a Qualified Intermediary. Real Estate may also be bought and sold through your self directed retirement account. Whether you utilize a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, or company plans such as 401 (k) plans, Keogh, or profit sharing plans, investigate your options.

TIP #3: Pre-qualify for Financing!

Pre-qualifying for a loan may not seem that important until you find your perfect paradise property at the same time as another buyer. When a property is priced to sell, it will usually attract more than one buyer. Once a seller receives an offer, the two most important things they consider are …the price, and the contingencies. For some sellers, a contract contingent on the buyer obtaining financing makes them uncomfortable with the offer. Eliminate any doubt in the mind of a seller, by pre-qualifying for the amount you may spend on the purchase of any property. This is especially important if your dream property suddenly has a price reduction. When this occurs other buyers might come into the picture, that didn’t look at that property before it went „On Sale“! Often times a seller will take a financially solid contract over a higher offer. Be ready to put a deal together!

TIP #4: Location, Location, Location!

„Location, location, location“, while overused as a real estate phrase, is still and always should be a huge consideration to you as the buyer! If something about the location of a property bothers you, be aware that the same location drawback will bother any buyer you hope to attract when and if you need to resell the property! It’s important to ask a lot of questions, but often times it is difficult to know the right questions to ask if you are unfamiliar with the community. This is why it is so valuable to choose and hire the right real estate agent to represent your interests when buying a property.

TIP #5: Get a Home Inspection!

Obtaining an inspection report performed by a licensed professional building inspector of your choice, can protect you from many defects that are hidden from view. Why gamble with such a large financial investment? Let a professional building inspector point out areas to be fixed or replaced that aren’t obvious. A good inspector will give you a lengthy report covering all systems in the home from electrical, to plumbing, to roof conditions, and structural concerns. Once you receive a report you may begin negotiations again concerning repairs. Often a seller will agree to make necessary repairs up to a specified financial amount. When a seller lists their property „as is“ they are letting you know that they are not willing to fix or replace any part of the property. If you are interested in an „as is“ property and aren’t going to level the structure and build new, it is still in your best interest to obtain an inspection report. Don’t rely on the building inspector to look for termites and other harmful pest problems. Although an inspector will see pest damage, it is best to have a separate termite inspection conducted by a licensed company that understands pests and can eliminate them.

TIP #6: Obtain a Survey and Title Insurance!

Surveys will show easements, encroachments, and boundary lines of a property. By surveying a home in an established neighborhood you are assured that the property boundary lines have been maintained. As homeowners add on the their properties over time with fences, sheds, docks, garages, and other structures, boundary lines can be crossed placing part of their structure on your property, or vice versa. Surveying vacant land is also important for same reasons as a home, plus a survey will help determine the size home, or amount of coverage the lot will allow.

Title Insurance will protect your investment from another party claiming ownership interest in your property. Title searches will uncover liens placed on a property by vendors, or mistakes in past transfers of the title. The last thing you want to discover when you’re in the back stretch of a transaction is that there are encumbrances on the property such as tax liens, undisclosed owners, easements, or leases. Should a claim arise after the purchase of a property, the title insurance company is there to protect your ownership interest in that property.

TIP #7: Be Realistic!

„Wants“ and „Needs“ are very different when is comes to real estate features. If every home you see has the upgrades you „want“ but exceeds the price range that you „need“…. be realistic. Who wouldn’t love a large, oceanfront, professionally decorated home or condominium, with all the bells and whistles? Looking at properties that exceed your price range is always fun, but it can be extremely frustrating and upsetting. Be realistic by looking at listings in the price range you „need“, keeping an eye out for that special property that has the potential to evolve into the dream home you „want“. Always look beyond the furnishings, wallpaper, and floor coverings to the architecture of the home; it is then that you will find properties with potential.

TIP #8: Use Contract Contingencies Wisely!

Contingencies in a contract for the purchase of a property are designed to protect you, the buyer! This may seem silly to mention but it’s important to remember that you need to work with the seller to come to an agreed upon contract. Valid contingencies to an offer are expected by the seller. Common contingencies include building inspections, termite and pest inspections, financing, and surveys. Many deals fall apart over small details, and easy to fix issues. Remember that sellers are emotional about their property. If you can see that major repairs or replacements need to be made due to neglect or age, make allowances for this in your offering price. The old adage „Everything is negotiable“ still holds true, unless you upset the seller so much that they refuse to work with you. Try to avoid listing cosmetic changes you would like the seller to make as contingencies. Cosmetic changes are subjective, be objective when writing a contract.

TIP #9: Understand Regional Health and Safety Issues!

An informed realtor will help you understand other health and safety issues that should be considered when purchasing a property. Safety and Health topics can include EIFS (Synthetic Stucco), indoor air quality, mold, radon, and lead paint. Many of these require the seller to sign a disclosure statement, while others may not apply due to the age, type of construction, or location of the property being purchased.

TIP #10: Ask for Information!

Don’t be shy. When you have hired a realtor to work for you, ask them for information. Do you want to look at all the properties in your price range, with the features you need, or just the houses a realtor wants you to see? You deserve all the information you need to make an educated decision. Can you imagine buying the home that you felt was good for your family, only to find that you never received information on a similar property that is perfect for all your needs? I provide many services to insure my buyers always have information at their fingertips.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

If you are starting a new venture, or you are expanding an existing one, then you might be going through a menacing time to set things up. It is a complex undertaking when you have to spend a lot of money for more equipment, or else the new business won’t run. Equipment procurement is an essential part of setting up a business and you don’t have much choice but to buy new gears and paraphernalia to get things started.

First, you have to plan for the equipment needed and it is important that you know how to select the products that would address your needs. After you have determined the equipment needed, you have to create a plan on how you should be paying for the equipment. If you don’t have money to spend for it, then you probably need a business equipment finance company.

What is this company that would supply financing for your equipment purchase? Basically, this is considered a smart thing to do when you are short of funds to buy equipment. Or even when you have money, you can use the equipment loans to pay for practically any kind of business equipment you require. The amount you can borrow would vary and it would depend on the equipment you are procuring, and the state of the equipment such as if it is new or a used equipment.

You would normally need financing if you need a car loan. If you have already tried a car loan, then you have probably known how the financing system works. The equipment will serve as your collateral to the company that gives business equipment finance. The interest rates are fixed which can be from 8% to 30%, depending on the term. These companies also offer a fixed length for terms, and this gives the borrower ease in repayment through having the same amount of amortization every month.

The length of the loan term would also vary, depending on the nature of the equipment and how long it is expected to be useful. There is varying depreciation of different equipment and this is to be considered before the terms can be determined. Some equipment types are given 36 months or 48 months terms. But some terms provide only 12 months for loan to be repaid.

What type of business equipment can qualify for equipment loans? All sorts of equipment would be viable for this such as: IT equipment and computers, heavy machinery, medical equipment, scientific equipment and commercial vehicles.

Thus, you can get a loan for trucks, prime-movers, tractors, tankers, laptops, desktops, servers, factory automation, robotic assembly devices and many more. The list is long and you have to talk with the company’s representative to determine if the equipment you need can be financed.

You may get advised on having a lease on your equipment and not a loan. However, with a lease, you are only renting the equipment and it won’t be yours after the lease term is done. With a loan, you own the equipment once fully paid.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Inglourious Basterds, The Berlin International Film Festival, more than 30000 palaces and castles, hundreds of wineries and the Bundesliga are not the only things which define the majestic country of Germany. It is also home to an extremely rich and varied history, unique works of architecture, priceless art works, a great culture, crazy music and even wilder parties. Apart from the innumerable sights and things to do, Germany is also blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of the world. From spending a day amidst nature and exploring countless castles and palaces to sunbathing on nude beaches, Germany has something unique for each of its travellers. A few of the top sights of Germany are the Old City of Heidelberg, the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Cologne Cathedral, Romantic Rhine, Lindau and of course the world-famous Oktoberfest.

The Old City of Heidelberg

Heidelberg was one of the very few cities of Germany which was spared from bombings during the World War II. As a result, it retained much of its old world charm and still exudes an aura of romance and adventure which prevailed during the medieval era.

The Neuchwanstein Castle

The Neuchwanstein Castle is located on the top of a rugged hill near the town of Fusen. Popularly known as the best fairytale castle of the world, it has been an inspiration to numerous theme parks and fairy tales such as the Disneyland and the Sleeping Beauty castles. It is also one of the most photographed buildings of Germany and invariable features on most tourist itineraries.

The Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most important pieces of German history and is also the third tallest cathedral of the world. The construction of this cathedral took more than 600 years and the construction process was passed from generation to generation. The most astonishing fact is that when the cathedral was finally finished in the year 1880, it was still true to its original plans which were developed way back in the year 1248. Further, the cathedral also has the proud distinction of being the only standing building of Cologne after it was leveled by bombings in the World War II. As a result, numerous theories such as divine intervention came about. However, it was actually an orientation point for the pilots which resulted in it being saved from bombings.

Romantic Rhine

Popular as the most famous section of Rhine, Romantic Rhine has been enticing countless tourists since eternity. The area runs from Koblenz to Bingen and is characterized by the Rhine river carving its way through hundreds of castles and ruins and vineyard covered hills. Another factor which has contributed greatly to the appeal of the area are the countless historical towns and villages in the area which dot the Rhine River.

Lindau

The city of Lindau has great historical importance and is located on the converging point of the Swiss, German and Austrian borders towards the east of Lake Constance. The city has about 3000 inhabitants and is full of historical buildings and medieval palaces which are extremely popular amongst the tourists.

Oktoberfests

The Oktoberfest is the largest festival in Germany which is extremely popular all over the world and draws about 6 million tourists annually. The festival is known to have immense importance in the Bavarian culture and began way back in the year 1810. Its appeal and popularity has kept growing ever since and the carnival is famous for unlimited amounts of beer and traditional practices such as Knodel, Hendl and Wurstl.

The Brandenburg Gate

Very few monuments have received more international fame than The Brandenburg Gate. Built in between 1789 – 1791, the Gate represents the past and the present eras of Germany in exemplary fashion. The main attraction of the Gate is its unique architecture which includes 6 Doric Columns that forms 5 passageways with pedestrian access only. In the year 1794, a depiction of Goddess Victoria, the Goddess of Victory, riding a four-horse chariot was also added.

Berlin’s Museum Island

The Berlin Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is located right in the heart of the city of Berlin. This magnificent museum is extremely popular amongst the tourists as well as the locals due to its humongous collection of priceless treasures and artefacts. Also known to be one of the most important museums of the world, The Museum Island takes its visitors on a journey through time which begins with the cradle of civilization on the streets of Mesopotamia, passes through the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and the Islamic eras and ends with the era of 19th Century Romanticism and the Modern Ages.

The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road starts from Wurzburg and goes on till Fusen. It is one of the most visited routes of Germany which has been made popular due to the small winding towns and villages which line up along the route, exquisite wines of Wurzburg, the Neuschwanstein Castle, immense scenic beauty and the magnificent lakes of Fusen.

The Rugen Cliffs

Made famous in the works of Caspar Freidrich, the Rugen Cliffs are one of Germany’s most famous and popular attractions amongst tourists from all over the world. Located in the Jasmund National Park in the northeastern part of the Rugen Island, these have been subject to constant erosion. Towering high above the Baltic Sea is the Konigsstuhl, which is also popular as the most majestic part of the Rugen Cliffs. These chalk white cliffs are very popular for their mesmerizing sights, great aura and an incredible atmosphere of romance.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

When, a homeowner, decides, it is time, for him, to sell his existing home, it may be, for any number, of possible reasons! Some are obvious, such as financial challenges, job relocation, changing personal needs, priorities, etc, while, other motivations, may be, more – personal, etc! Regardless, however, in my, over 15 years, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York, I have learned, and strongly, believe, a primary, initial decision, which, often, has significant impacts, is the initial, listing price, when the house, originally, is, put – on – the – market, to sell. Basically, there are 5 basic strategies, for pricing, your home, for – sale. With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, what these are, and, why, it matters.

1. High – end of range: Especially, in these times, where, we see, a combination of limited, available inventory, near – record – low mortgage interest rates, and a sellers – market, many homeowners, seem, to prefer, pricing their houses, at the higher end, of the range! In, some cases, this strategy, achieves its objectives, but, often, risks, houses, which don’t end – up, selling, Using this strategy, should, only, be considered, when the seller, is willing to take some risks (hoping for greater rewards), and isn’t under, time – pressure!

2. Middle, of the range: In most cases, the smartest approach, is, to price a house, in the middle of the range, suggested, by preparing, a professionally, designed/ created, Competitive Market Analysis (usually, referred to, as a, CMA). This, usually, creates, a strong – demand, by, qualified, potential buyers!

3. Lower third of range: There may be, several reasons, for this approach, to listing price! Usually, it creates, a significant demand, from qualified buyers, and, helping, to sell the house, for the best – price, in the shortest – period, with a minimum of hassle!

4. Pricing above the high point: During certain, real estate markets, such as the one, we have witnessed, for several months, currently, we often, witness, listing prices, set, above the higher – end, of the indicated range! When, prices, are rising, quickly, this may help getting more money, for one’s house, but, since most buyers, use a mortgage loan, to help finance/ pay – for, the home, doing this, risks, home appraisals, which don’t, perhaps, justify, the size of the desired loan!

5. Below lowest point: Setting an initial, listing price, below, market – levels, may be indicated, under certain circumstances/ conditions. This approach may be effective, when a seller wishes for a speedier sale, and, believes, creating, a so – called, bidding – war, may, make sense! It may also be a good approach, for marketing houses, with some, unusual circumstances, needs, goals, and priorities!

Whichever strategy/ approach, used, it is important to realize, there is a significant different, between, listing, and selling, prices! Will you be an educated, informed, smarter home – seller?

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Did you know that 80% homes are bought on „emotion“? Seems a little scary to make one of the most important financial decisions of your life with „emotion“ as a factor. One of the best ways to substantially reduce this „emotion“ factor is to hire a real estate professional.

We tend to let our emotions take control when we walk into a beautiful home that seems to be perfect for the buyer and/or their family. It feels comfortable, is the right size, has the bedrooms or additional rooms we are looking for, and seems to be priced reasonably and so on.

If you have a family with children, schools are an important part of your buying decision. It is very important to follow through with the knowledge your real estate agent provides to you. Go visit the school where your child would be attending. Talk to the Principle, look at test scores and most importantly verify that the school boundaries are not changing anytime soon. School boundaries do change in an ongoing growing city or community.

Here are a few of the concerns you should also consider that could affect the current or future value of the home. These all play a role in location, location, and location. They might include:

1. Power Lines

2. Airport Noise

3. Privacy of the backyard

4. Major or Interior Road behind the property

5. Sun exposure of the property

There are many other things to consider that your real estate agent should bring to your attention. You should be provided with a pamphlet that will provide all other concerns you might have such as crime, pest infestation, mold, etc.

Of course not paying over market value is extremely important. The buyer is usually protected by the appraisal. If the home appraises for less than your offer then you are able to re-negotiate the contract with the seller or walk away. Be sure to review the comparable sales that your agent will provide to you. Be sure the recent sales are in the immediate neighborhood, not over 6 months old and are similar in square footage and bedrooms.

All of this information is a lot to take in and another reason why you should hire a real estate professional. Be sure the real estate is professional and exclusively represents YOU, the buyer and not the seller. Be sure they have years of experience in real estate. Look for realtors with designations such as ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). This is a good sign they have that experience.

Buying a home should and can be a very enjoyable and stress-less experience. You should be emotional and excited but be thorough in your decision making.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

Real estate has several unique characteristics that affect its value. There are economic characteristics and physical characteristics. Real estate is a product to be purchased but it is different from anything else due to the characteristics that will be discussed here.

The economic characteristics that influence value are scarcity, improvements, permanence and area preference. Scarcity is simply demonstrated in the saying, „They aren’t making any more.“ The supply of land has a ceiling and cannot be produced more than what exists today. This value of this supply however, is influenced by other characteristics.

Improvements, such as buildings on one parcel of land may have an effect on the value of neighboring parcels or the entire community. If a large company builds in a certain depressed neighborhood, the value of living their will probably increase because of the introduction of jobs. This value would impact on neighboring communities, thus increasing value in some ways to the real estate in these areas.

Permanence has to do with the infrastructure. As buildings, houses or other structures are demolished, the infrastructure, such as sewers, drainage, electricity, and water remain intact. Permanence effects real estate, or the type of infrastructure. If you buy a piece of land in an area with no utilities, drainage or paved streets, it will most likely be worth less than a parcel of land that has this infrastructure intact and developed.

Area preference refers to the choices of the people in any given area. This is usually referred to by most people when they talk about real estate as, „location, location, location.“ The location of a preferred area, for whatever reasons, is what makes values of homes higher. Conversely, the location of a nonpreferred area, for whatever reason, is what makes the values of homes less. 8000 square foot brand new homes on the coast of Long Island’s, East Hampton will be worth much more due to their area preference, over an area with 1200 square foot starter homes in the middle of Long Island, located next to a garbage dump.

The physical characteristics of land represent its indestructible nature, immobility and nonhomogeneity. Working backwards, we’ll start with nonhomogeneity. This simply points out that no two parcels are the same. Two pieces of land may be very similar, but every single parcel is different geographically because each parcel is located in a different spot. This includes two lots right next to each other. It is important to remember that parcels are created by subdividing land, so as one large parcel of 20 acres is subdivided, each individual lot becomes its own separate piece of land.

Land cannot be moved, therefore it is immobile. Even when soil is torn from the ground, the part of the Earth’s surface will always remain. It is important here to note how this physical characteristic affects real estate law and markets. Immobility of land is the reason why real estate laws and markets are local in nature.

The indestructibility of land simply means that it is durable and cannot be destroyed. It can be damaged by storms and other disasters, but it remains and weathers the changing times and will always be there. This is a main reason why land is talked about as being a sound investment.

So the basic characteristics of real estate include scarcity, improvements to the land, permanence, area preference, nonhomogeneity, indestructibility and immobility. Please note there is a big difference between land and real estate. Land is the the part of the earths surface, subsurface and air above it. Real estate is anything that becomes attached to land. So when you’re looking for investments, it is important to note the infrastructure of the area, the surrounding neighborhood and the preferences of the area or…location, location, location!

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg

All spotlights are on your house for a photo shoot that will make it an instant star. Like a celebrity, it will mesmerize people and possibly have a fan base from whom will emerge a possible owner soon. But is your house ready when the camera starts focusing on its beauty? Will real beauty be captured? If your house is soon to be an object of a photo shoot for a marketing effort, then these are some things you should follow according to the Florida Realtor Magazine.

• Brighten up the house. Photos always look best when light is great. The house should receive as much light as it can. With this, all interior lights should be turned on while allowing natural light from the outside to enter. Do this by opening doors, blinds, curtains and drapes.
• Refresh the house. Imbibe freshness on the house. Make it as clean as possible. If necessary, apply new paint on surfaces needing them. Check for some peelings or chippings on walls and repaint at once.
• Lose your identity of the house. Unless you’re preparing your house for a feature that will tell your story, personalizing it with pictures and other things will do just fine. But if the photo shoot is to sell your house, then start removing things that will give it your identity. Photographs, calendars, boards, and other things that will show your identity and give impression of the date should be removed.
• Eliminate unnecessary things inside and outside. Decluttering the house covers both interior and exterior portions. Reduce the number of furniture for showing. Shelves must be minimized of books and magazines. Countertops must be stripped off of unused kitchen gadgets. Jars, bottles, and other empty containers residing on the yard must be eliminated too. There’s always the recycling shop to monetize them.
• Accessorize, but not too much. Reducing the displays will be defeated if you’re just replacing them with other objects. accessorizing doesn’t mean that you have to equate what you’ve removed. Attractive vases are always good displays especially if there are flesh flowers on them. Give a scale view of the length and width of tables by putting smaller but attractive objects on them too. Center tables can host a dish garden instead of too many ceramic displays on it.

The house is a great object for photo shoots. By following the tips above, you’re sure to have wonderful photos of your house that are also good for viewing by potential buyers.

Immobilienmakler Heidelberg

Makler Heidelberg