I’ve toured and sold miles, and miles, and miles of homes. Most contracts start with a home inspection, and on almost every home inspection, the HVAC System needs to be serviced. And if you don’t know by now, the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), is one of the MOST EXPENSIVE items to replace inContinue reading “HVAC – DIY Preventive Maintenance”
Category Archives: Property Preparation
Open House Timeline: Countdown to a Successful Sale
[Article 2 of 6] NEW SERIES FOR SELLERS: Helping Owners Get Ready To List Their House Open houses: Not every REALTOR® holds open houses, and there are different reasons why. When interviewing agents, ask about his/her marketing plan. If an open house isn’t brought up, don’t hesitate to ask why. Experts in your area will beContinue reading “Open House Timeline: Countdown to a Successful Sale”
5 Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale
NEW SERIES FOR SELLERS: Helping Owners Get Ready To List Their House [Article 1 of 6 – “5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale”] There are so many indicators flashing and pointing to the light at the end of the tunnel. HOUSES ARE A HOT COMMODITY, AGAIN! Two big indicators are Appraisals and Surveys.Continue reading “5 Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale”
PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH
I spend my days talking about houses and explaining about maintenance. I teach homeowners how to take care of their home, but I don’t always practice what I preach. I’m like my mechanic who fixes everyone’s car but his own. “Do what I say, not what I do!” 🙂 During “Spring Break 2013,” I’m staying busyContinue reading “PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH”
A House is Like a Box of Cereal
A FACEBOOK FRIEND BRINGS UP A GREAT “LISTING” QUESTION. When preparing a house for sale: “Extreme Makeover. Is that the direction of today’s real estate market?” I enjoy interacting with customers, clients and friends on my Facebook page (Val-A-Homes.com on Facebook). This week, I had a potential seller post a web page showing some beforeContinue reading “A House is Like a Box of Cereal”
THE INTERVIEW – A true story
The other day, I received a call from Mr. Seller. Mr. Seller was referred to me by an acquaintance. Mr. Seller started the “phone interview” by saying he was looking to sell his house and he had ONE very important question for me. Assuming his question was going to be about commission, I sat straight upContinue reading “THE INTERVIEW – A true story”
LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS (Curb Appeal)
[Express News, San Antonio, TX – SUNDAY, 11 March 2012 Edition – referenced article; “SELLING A HOME: Nailing the Curb Appeal.”] MY THOUGHTS: For many home sellers, January can be a rough month. Their properties might have been listed for six to twelve months, and never got a SOLD sign. When February comes around, someContinue reading “LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS (Curb Appeal)”
Between Friends (Newsletter) 2012
BETWEEN FRIENDS is a monthly newsletter filled with household tips, a monthly recipe and general real estate news. Get your copy today! “Between Friends” – Jul 2012In this Month’s Issue:Health & Safety: Sharpen Your MemoryHelpful Hints: Beating ProcrastinationSavor the Flavor-Recipe: Greek Grilled CheeseBrain Teasers: Olympic TriviaHousehold Tips: Ideas for Creative Reuse BetweenFriends-Jun2012In this Month’s Issue:Health & Safety: Guidelines for Child SafetyContinue reading “Between Friends (Newsletter) 2012”
“Saturday Night Fever!”
I’ve toured thousands of homes over the years. Many styles have come and gone. Some styles make a comeback. Some “comebacks” should have stayed in the Time Capsule! 🙂 Today’s most interesting find… A DISCO BALL IN THE BATHROOM! And to top it off, there’s a groovy red heat lamp that goes with it! Continue reading ““Saturday Night Fever!””
Yes to HOA’s
This house might be fun to pass by if you’re living on a street called “Candy Land!” “Won’t you be my neighbor?” Uhh… No! I don’t think so. Here’s a perfect example of why HOA’s are a good thing for a community. Can you imagine the frustration the neighbors will have when they try toContinue reading “Yes to HOA’s”
Own a Piece of Texas 