Just as in any profession, there is more to becoming a REALTOR than getting your license. What is necessary to learn to pass the test may not be at all what it takes to be the kind of REALTOR that you, your friends or family will need.
We strive to provide the best service possible through our experience, by truly caring about what your needs are and how to best resolve them. Sometimes scenarios change quickly within a family, and what was acceptable and positive one day can seem a financial burden the next. In the event things go sour, who would you want to guide you? We hope it can be us.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Changes in the Market
I just wanted to let you know that there have been some recent volatile changes in the Indianapolis and Greenwood area in terms of real estate.
There is no asset better than having the right professional on your side when you are looking for your next home or looking to sell your current home. And, if you aren’t quite ready for that next step, perhaps a friend or family member could benefit from our expertise… Please keep us in mind as your personal real estate professional. It would be an honor to treat you and your friends like family.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
There is no asset better than having the right professional on your side when you are looking for your next home or looking to sell your current home. And, if you aren’t quite ready for that next step, perhaps a friend or family member could benefit from our expertise… Please keep us in mind as your personal real estate professional. It would be an honor to treat you and your friends like family.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
School & Crime Statistics
If you are an average buyer, you probably want to research the area in which you are going to live. We have found that the most common areas of concern for our clients are statistics for school performance and crime in the area. These statistics often provide a foundation for our buyer’s final decisions.
For more information on statistics for Indiana counties, please contact our office for a personal interview. There, we can provide you with the information that you can take with you. We can also obtain info on Housing, per Capita Income, Employment and School statistics as well as area cultural venues. As always, it is our goal for you to become educated on your new area and make an informed decision for your next home purchase.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
For more information on statistics for Indiana counties, please contact our office for a personal interview. There, we can provide you with the information that you can take with you. We can also obtain info on Housing, per Capita Income, Employment and School statistics as well as area cultural venues. As always, it is our goal for you to become educated on your new area and make an informed decision for your next home purchase.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
More Than Getting a License
Every REALTOR working legally in the State of Indiana has completed course material and acquired licensure through a professional licensing agency. Unfortunately, this does not mean that all REALTORS provide the same level of competent service.
David Brenton has attained numerous designations for his continuing education in the real estate profession. What does this mean to you and why should you care?
Tell me, if you were seriously hurt and ended up in the hospital emergency room, and needed their expertise, who would you want - the student or doctor who graduated at the top of his class or the one who barely made it? There is no way to know in this situation. However, when looking for a professional to represent you in your next purchase or sale, getting more information is as simple as asking for their resume and designations.
For more information on the designations David Brenton has acquired and how it may benefit you, simply call our office and ask. His resume is also available online for your review.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
David Brenton has attained numerous designations for his continuing education in the real estate profession. What does this mean to you and why should you care?
Tell me, if you were seriously hurt and ended up in the hospital emergency room, and needed their expertise, who would you want - the student or doctor who graduated at the top of his class or the one who barely made it? There is no way to know in this situation. However, when looking for a professional to represent you in your next purchase or sale, getting more information is as simple as asking for their resume and designations.
For more information on the designations David Brenton has acquired and how it may benefit you, simply call our office and ask. His resume is also available online for your review.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Buying Into a Homeowner's Association
A homeowner’s association (HOA) is an organization that governs and manages the common areas and common interests of the homeowners. Sometimes, the homeowners elect to have their neighborhood governed by a professional management company and sometimes it is more financially effective to elect their officers and staff from the homeowner population. Typical duties of a homeowner’s association would be to collect money and provide for snow removal, maintaining common areas such as playgrounds, pools, and entrance landscaping.
Authority - A HOA is incorporated within with the by-laws and covenants established by the developer prior to development and building of homes. When a homeowner purchases property governed by an HOA, he signs a rider on his deed which states he acknowledges the CC & R’s and will abide by its restrictions.
Power - Associations provide services, regulate activities, levy assessments, and impose fines. The US Bill of Rights guarantees its citizens certain protections against abusive or intrusive government -- however, these protections do not extend to private contracts which have been entered into voluntarily. HOA’s can function as governments, but structurally and operationally they are private corporations and governed by corporation law. Since HOA’s are considered private corporations, they are not subject to the Constitutional constraints that public government must abide by. Many state statutes now require HOA’s to provide certain basic protections to its members.
Membership - Boards appoint corporate officers, and may create subcommittees, such as "architectural control committees", pool committees or neighborhood –watch committees. Association boards are comprised of volunteers from the community who are elected by owners at the annual meeting to represent the association and make decisions on behalf of all homeowners. The neighborhood may also hire a professional management company to manage their needs.
Assessments – HOA’s can compel homeowners to pay a share, usually per-unit or based on square footage, of common expenses. As such,unpaid dues or assessments can become a lien on the homeowner’s property. These expenses generally arise from common property, which varies dramatically depending on the type of association. Some associations are virtually small towns -- complete with private roads, services, utilities, amenities, community buildings, pools, and even schools. Others have no common property, but may charge for services or other matters determined to be in the best interests of the membership such as collecting for snow or trash removal. Most HOA’s are considered to be non-profit entities.
Benefits - The purpose of an HOA is to maintain, enhance and protect the common areas and interests of an association (also called a subdivision or neighborhood). This can allow an individual homeowner access to an amenity (pond, pool, clubhouse, etc.) that he may not be able to afford on his own. Each member pays assessments which are levied to pay the community’s expenses, such as maintaining entrance monuments, common area landscaping, clubhouses, tennis courts, walking trails, mailing costs for newsletters or other correspondence, as well as for a management company or on-site manager, or other items delineated in the governing documents or agreed to by the board of directors.
Opinion and Participation - A study by Zogby International reported widespread satisfaction by residents of homeowners' associations: 71% overall were pleased with their experience of the homeowner's association. The majority (63%) said that the existence of a homeowner's association did not affect their choice when buying or renting; of the remainder, an HOA was a positive influence 3 times as often as it was a negative influence (28% to 9%). The same study reported that while less than one in four residents had ever brought a complaint to their HOA board, 3 in 4 of those who did were satisfied with the resolution. Just over 3 in 10 residents have served on an HOA board.
Severability - A board of directors can be sued if it breaches its duties, but board members risk nothing financially in these suits. Association insurance provides not only for a board member's legal expense, but any judgment attained against them. Homeowners must pay out-of-pocket for any case they bring to court and risk being personally liable for any judgment and/or Association's legal fees as well as their own. Unless statutory law or the corporation's governing documents reserve a particular issue or action for approval by the members, corporation laws provide that the activities and affairs of a corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the board of directors. Thus, unless member approval is specifically required either by some statute or by the association's governing documents, members who are not directors or officers have little or no role to play in the day-to-day management of their development, except, however that members have the ultimate authority to elect and/or remove officers and directors, often with a simple majority vote.
After Thoughts - Critics argue that homeowner associations establish a new community as a municipal corporation without ensuring that the residents governed will have a voice in the decision-making process. Voting in a homeowner association is based on property ownership, as the by-laws and covenants of each association dictate. Only property owners are eligible to vote in elections, and voting by renters is prohibited, since the association has contractual agreements solely with owners. Additionally, only one vote per unit may be cast, rather than one vote per adult occupant, so that voting representation is equal to the proportion of ownership, and cannot be influenced unfairly by packing a unit to or beyond capacity with multiple residents. In the case of partially-built-out subdivisions in resort areas, the majority of property owners may not live in the community, but still bear the costs of running the association.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Authority - A HOA is incorporated within with the by-laws and covenants established by the developer prior to development and building of homes. When a homeowner purchases property governed by an HOA, he signs a rider on his deed which states he acknowledges the CC & R’s and will abide by its restrictions.
Power - Associations provide services, regulate activities, levy assessments, and impose fines. The US Bill of Rights guarantees its citizens certain protections against abusive or intrusive government -- however, these protections do not extend to private contracts which have been entered into voluntarily. HOA’s can function as governments, but structurally and operationally they are private corporations and governed by corporation law. Since HOA’s are considered private corporations, they are not subject to the Constitutional constraints that public government must abide by. Many state statutes now require HOA’s to provide certain basic protections to its members.
Membership - Boards appoint corporate officers, and may create subcommittees, such as "architectural control committees", pool committees or neighborhood –watch committees. Association boards are comprised of volunteers from the community who are elected by owners at the annual meeting to represent the association and make decisions on behalf of all homeowners. The neighborhood may also hire a professional management company to manage their needs.
Assessments – HOA’s can compel homeowners to pay a share, usually per-unit or based on square footage, of common expenses. As such,unpaid dues or assessments can become a lien on the homeowner’s property. These expenses generally arise from common property, which varies dramatically depending on the type of association. Some associations are virtually small towns -- complete with private roads, services, utilities, amenities, community buildings, pools, and even schools. Others have no common property, but may charge for services or other matters determined to be in the best interests of the membership such as collecting for snow or trash removal. Most HOA’s are considered to be non-profit entities.
Benefits - The purpose of an HOA is to maintain, enhance and protect the common areas and interests of an association (also called a subdivision or neighborhood). This can allow an individual homeowner access to an amenity (pond, pool, clubhouse, etc.) that he may not be able to afford on his own. Each member pays assessments which are levied to pay the community’s expenses, such as maintaining entrance monuments, common area landscaping, clubhouses, tennis courts, walking trails, mailing costs for newsletters or other correspondence, as well as for a management company or on-site manager, or other items delineated in the governing documents or agreed to by the board of directors.
Opinion and Participation - A study by Zogby International reported widespread satisfaction by residents of homeowners' associations: 71% overall were pleased with their experience of the homeowner's association. The majority (63%) said that the existence of a homeowner's association did not affect their choice when buying or renting; of the remainder, an HOA was a positive influence 3 times as often as it was a negative influence (28% to 9%). The same study reported that while less than one in four residents had ever brought a complaint to their HOA board, 3 in 4 of those who did were satisfied with the resolution. Just over 3 in 10 residents have served on an HOA board.
Severability - A board of directors can be sued if it breaches its duties, but board members risk nothing financially in these suits. Association insurance provides not only for a board member's legal expense, but any judgment attained against them. Homeowners must pay out-of-pocket for any case they bring to court and risk being personally liable for any judgment and/or Association's legal fees as well as their own. Unless statutory law or the corporation's governing documents reserve a particular issue or action for approval by the members, corporation laws provide that the activities and affairs of a corporation shall be conducted and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the board of directors. Thus, unless member approval is specifically required either by some statute or by the association's governing documents, members who are not directors or officers have little or no role to play in the day-to-day management of their development, except, however that members have the ultimate authority to elect and/or remove officers and directors, often with a simple majority vote.
After Thoughts - Critics argue that homeowner associations establish a new community as a municipal corporation without ensuring that the residents governed will have a voice in the decision-making process. Voting in a homeowner association is based on property ownership, as the by-laws and covenants of each association dictate. Only property owners are eligible to vote in elections, and voting by renters is prohibited, since the association has contractual agreements solely with owners. Additionally, only one vote per unit may be cast, rather than one vote per adult occupant, so that voting representation is equal to the proportion of ownership, and cannot be influenced unfairly by packing a unit to or beyond capacity with multiple residents. In the case of partially-built-out subdivisions in resort areas, the majority of property owners may not live in the community, but still bear the costs of running the association.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Selling Your Home Twice
When moving out of a house you have lived in for a long time, you may discover years' worth of dust that was previously concealed by your home furnishings. If you don't have the time or energy to clean your house for the new owners, another option would be to pay a professional to do the job. Why should you pay so much attention to your home AFTER it’s sold?!?!? Read on, and make an informed decision:
Before going to the closing table, your buyers will have a last chance to walk through the house and check the appliances, mechanical systems and overall condition to make sure everything is consistent with the sales contract. Even though they really want the house, at this point "buyers' remorse" may be prompting them to look for a reason to call the transaction off.
Because an otherwise minor problem or defect can sometimes trigger last-minute cold feet, your best insurance is to make the house look great. Everything should be working properly, and all the agreed-upon repairs should have been made before the buyers arrive to look at the house. You can promote a more relaxed, positive atmosphere for the closing if you take special care in preparing for the walk-through inspection.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Before going to the closing table, your buyers will have a last chance to walk through the house and check the appliances, mechanical systems and overall condition to make sure everything is consistent with the sales contract. Even though they really want the house, at this point "buyers' remorse" may be prompting them to look for a reason to call the transaction off.
Because an otherwise minor problem or defect can sometimes trigger last-minute cold feet, your best insurance is to make the house look great. Everything should be working properly, and all the agreed-upon repairs should have been made before the buyers arrive to look at the house. You can promote a more relaxed, positive atmosphere for the closing if you take special care in preparing for the walk-through inspection.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Home Zone
Every city and county has their own zoning laws that define and restrict how property owners can use land. The purpose of zoning regulations is to establish development standards and to ensure that land is used for the common good. There are restrictions on both the type of structures that can be built and how the property can be used.
Common zoning categories are residential, agricultural, industrial, commercial and recreational. There are sub-categories such as single-family residential zones and multiple family residential zones, (areas where condo and apartment complexes are permitted.)
Zoning ordinances also restrict the height and square footage of the buildings, the number of stories allowed and proximity of one building to another. They control the type of facilities that are required for each use -- for instance, if a residential property must have a driveway. Whether you intend to buy a new piece of property or improve one that you already own, zoning laws will dictate what you will be able to do with your land.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Common zoning categories are residential, agricultural, industrial, commercial and recreational. There are sub-categories such as single-family residential zones and multiple family residential zones, (areas where condo and apartment complexes are permitted.)
Zoning ordinances also restrict the height and square footage of the buildings, the number of stories allowed and proximity of one building to another. They control the type of facilities that are required for each use -- for instance, if a residential property must have a driveway. Whether you intend to buy a new piece of property or improve one that you already own, zoning laws will dictate what you will be able to do with your land.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Clients Working Miracles
Not only is RE/MAX the premier real estate choice, but we are also the exclusive real estate sponsor of Children's Miracle Network (CMN). Children's Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization dedicated to generating funds and awareness to benefit children in 165 children's hospitals/foundations in North America. CMN's hallmark is that 100% of the funds raised in our community stay at our local hospitals.
As part of the fund raising effort, I designate a portion of each of my commission to convert each one of my clients into a "Miracle Worker". I hope you will share our pride - knowing that RE/MAX is helping hospitalized children and making our community a better place for our kids.
RE/MAX associates raised more than $45.5 million for 170 CMN affiliated children's hospitals last year alone, thus helping 17 million children annually. Many agents in the RE/MAX system make a contribution of their personal income at the closing of each property and donate it to the local participating CMN hospital. We are especially proud of RE/MAX Select, REALTORS serving as the area’s award-winning “Miracle Offices” – this means that every agent in the office contributes to this worthy cause. In this way, we allow our clients to work miracles for children in our community.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
As part of the fund raising effort, I designate a portion of each of my commission to convert each one of my clients into a "Miracle Worker". I hope you will share our pride - knowing that RE/MAX is helping hospitalized children and making our community a better place for our kids.
RE/MAX associates raised more than $45.5 million for 170 CMN affiliated children's hospitals last year alone, thus helping 17 million children annually. Many agents in the RE/MAX system make a contribution of their personal income at the closing of each property and donate it to the local participating CMN hospital. We are especially proud of RE/MAX Select, REALTORS serving as the area’s award-winning “Miracle Offices” – this means that every agent in the office contributes to this worthy cause. In this way, we allow our clients to work miracles for children in our community.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Affordable Housing
Are you still writing those checks to your landlord every month to keep a roof over your head? If you are still renting because you think you need a fortune to get into your own home, you should investigate today's real estate market.
Interest rates are still relatively low, which means that mortgage loans are affordable, with payments potentially in the range of your current monthly rent. In today’s world, you can get an answer quickly as to whether you qualify for a loan. Check out rates available on-line as well as your neighborhood mortgage or bank institutions as they are all competing for your business.
There are a number of government programs and mortgage packages which require small down payments, in the three to five percent range--and that is not even talking about the year-end income tax advantages!
The right real estate professional will ask the right questions BEFORE they show you a house – to make sure you are looking in the right area and that they can structure your purchase agreement correctly. Think about this next month as you write your rent check.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
Interest rates are still relatively low, which means that mortgage loans are affordable, with payments potentially in the range of your current monthly rent. In today’s world, you can get an answer quickly as to whether you qualify for a loan. Check out rates available on-line as well as your neighborhood mortgage or bank institutions as they are all competing for your business.
There are a number of government programs and mortgage packages which require small down payments, in the three to five percent range--and that is not even talking about the year-end income tax advantages!
The right real estate professional will ask the right questions BEFORE they show you a house – to make sure you are looking in the right area and that they can structure your purchase agreement correctly. Think about this next month as you write your rent check.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Your Real Estate Concierge
Your rolodex; your Franklin planner; your address book; your PDA; your blackberry; your iPhone -- your browser; your cell phone; your network; your wi-fi; your connection to the world... We are ingrained to expect immediate, professional and complete results in today’s business world. And, with all the technology available to us, why shouldn’t we expect fast, accurate service?
We would like to offer you our unique and personal concierge service – working with DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM. Each member is versed in the nuances of the metropolitan area’s neighborhoods, the market trends, new construction and the various loan programs that can land you the home you’ve been looking for. We’re trained professionals, meaning each buyer agent is your own personal directory working diligently to find the home of your dreams
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
We would like to offer you our unique and personal concierge service – working with DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM. Each member is versed in the nuances of the metropolitan area’s neighborhoods, the market trends, new construction and the various loan programs that can land you the home you’ve been looking for. We’re trained professionals, meaning each buyer agent is your own personal directory working diligently to find the home of your dreams
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Renovations & Remodeling
If you have lived in your home for a number of years, chances are there are a few things you would like to change. Whether you are considering putting your home on the market, or just want to update your home, you might want to get some advice before you start renovating. Guests and buyers are always impressed with a spotless kitchen and an updated bathroom. The rest of the home could be old-fashioned, but as long as these two areas are somewhat modern, they usually look past the rest of the home’s outdated décor.
You need to be cautious, however, to make sure you do not “over-improve” your home to the point you cannot recapture the money involved. Another consideration is whether you wish to add amenities to the home for your own pleasure and don’t care if you recoup what you have invested.
Keep in mind that buyers usually won’t pay more for items such as new windows, new roof, added insulation or water heaters – they expect all of these items to be in good order when they buy the home! While a home with updated mechanicals and windows certainly help the marketability of your home, don’t expect a buyer to pay extra for items that should be in good condition from the beginning.
Your real estate professional can guide you in sorting out the pro’s and cons of remodeling your home.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
You need to be cautious, however, to make sure you do not “over-improve” your home to the point you cannot recapture the money involved. Another consideration is whether you wish to add amenities to the home for your own pleasure and don’t care if you recoup what you have invested.
Keep in mind that buyers usually won’t pay more for items such as new windows, new roof, added insulation or water heaters – they expect all of these items to be in good order when they buy the home! While a home with updated mechanicals and windows certainly help the marketability of your home, don’t expect a buyer to pay extra for items that should be in good condition from the beginning.
Your real estate professional can guide you in sorting out the pro’s and cons of remodeling your home.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Sign They'll Recognize
When you’re looking for professional it helps to work with a well known company. Our trademark is seven stories high. The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon appears on "FOR SALE" signs, bus benches, billboards, in print advertising and television commercials. It is one of the most widespread and recognizable images in business marketing.
More than the logo’s worldwide recognition, the RE/MAX balloon is well known for its agents with experience and professionalism. When you are working with a RE/MAX agent, you know that world class marketing system is behind you.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
More than the logo’s worldwide recognition, the RE/MAX balloon is well known for its agents with experience and professionalism. When you are working with a RE/MAX agent, you know that world class marketing system is behind you.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Build New or Build On
Homeowners should consider several things before choosing whether to add on to their existing home or move up to a bigger house: How much additional space do you require? How much equity do you have in the property and how much would be available for remodeling? Is there space to expand on the ground level or, if not, will the foundation of your present home support a second floor? What will the local zoning and building ordinances permit? Are there existing properties around that would satisfy your growing needs?
Be careful when remodeling so that you don’t become the most expensive home in the neighborhood. Any improvements that aren’t general maintenance should be discussed with a real estate professional about their ramification – including marketing, appraisal and resale value – BEFORE you complete any projects. Consider the value of homes in your neighborhood—does it make more sense to add on to a smaller house, possibly resulting in an over-improved home in the area? Your decision should ultimately be based on your individual needs, the extent of the work involved and which features will add the most value. Our experience has repeatedly shown that buyers are always excited by updated, state-of-the art kitchens and bathrooms.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Be careful when remodeling so that you don’t become the most expensive home in the neighborhood. Any improvements that aren’t general maintenance should be discussed with a real estate professional about their ramification – including marketing, appraisal and resale value – BEFORE you complete any projects. Consider the value of homes in your neighborhood—does it make more sense to add on to a smaller house, possibly resulting in an over-improved home in the area? Your decision should ultimately be based on your individual needs, the extent of the work involved and which features will add the most value. Our experience has repeatedly shown that buyers are always excited by updated, state-of-the art kitchens and bathrooms.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Like Having an Open House Every Day!
Buyers tour open houses for two main reasons: curiosity and real interest. Not knowing which category the people meandering through your home fall into, preparing for and conducting open houses can be stressful and unproductive.
We stress to our sellers that their online presence is vital to compete in today’s market. As such, over 98% of our listings are posted on the major web sites. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the flexibility of being able to view thousands of homes on line is a valuable time-saving option. In this way, buyers browsing online help sellers get the most exposure in the shortest period of time, just like having an open house on your home every day!
Just go to our website for viewing each property in detail. Through our website, you can access all the listings available in Indianapolis and the metropolitan area.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
We stress to our sellers that their online presence is vital to compete in today’s market. As such, over 98% of our listings are posted on the major web sites. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the flexibility of being able to view thousands of homes on line is a valuable time-saving option. In this way, buyers browsing online help sellers get the most exposure in the shortest period of time, just like having an open house on your home every day!
Just go to our website for viewing each property in detail. Through our website, you can access all the listings available in Indianapolis and the metropolitan area.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 27, 2008
For Sale by Owner
The virtue of self-reliance is as American as mom, baseball, and apple pie--except when you’re trying to sell your own home. Here such a "virtue" can cost you time, effort, and money. Since a great majority of homes that sell are listed with a real estate agent, you would be going against significant odds if you decide to sell your home yourself.
Usually, it’s the desire to "save" the commission on a property as the reason most people decide not to work with a real estate agent. Unfortunately, prospective buyers who look for properties that are "For Sale By Owner" (FSBOs) are also wanting to avoid the commission--and to get a less-than-market-value bargain in the deal! However, our experience shows that very little is saved in the majority of FSBOs. Having a professional guide you through the disclosure laws, price and inspection negotiations and coordinating the closing may be well worth the commission. In real estate, as in other areas of life, you definitely get what you pay for!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Usually, it’s the desire to "save" the commission on a property as the reason most people decide not to work with a real estate agent. Unfortunately, prospective buyers who look for properties that are "For Sale By Owner" (FSBOs) are also wanting to avoid the commission--and to get a less-than-market-value bargain in the deal! However, our experience shows that very little is saved in the majority of FSBOs. Having a professional guide you through the disclosure laws, price and inspection negotiations and coordinating the closing may be well worth the commission. In real estate, as in other areas of life, you definitely get what you pay for!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Take Our Advice...
When buying a home, it is essential to cooperate as closely as possible with your real estate agent. This can be challenging, especially if your agent asks you to do some things that you don't particularly want to do to in order to get you moved into your new home as quickly as possible.
When real estate agents advise you regarding ways to make the transaction work, they are acting as part coach and part business consultant. If you find the house you love and want to "sleep on" the decision for a few days, the agent knows that you run the risk of losing the house. If you are inclined to complicate your offer with clauses that might make the contract unattractive to the sellers, the agent may ask you to consider some modifications. Should you call the week before the closing with an attack of "buyer's remorse", your agent knows the cure.
Following your real estate agent's suggestions will increase your chances for a successful move!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
When real estate agents advise you regarding ways to make the transaction work, they are acting as part coach and part business consultant. If you find the house you love and want to "sleep on" the decision for a few days, the agent knows that you run the risk of losing the house. If you are inclined to complicate your offer with clauses that might make the contract unattractive to the sellers, the agent may ask you to consider some modifications. Should you call the week before the closing with an attack of "buyer's remorse", your agent knows the cure.
Following your real estate agent's suggestions will increase your chances for a successful move!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Moving and Taxes
Even with the changes in tax laws over recent years, you may be able to deduct some of the expenses of a move as a result of a job change. You also may be able to deduct the costs of your move if your new work location means more than an additional 50-mile commute. Certain conditions apply, such as if you move within a year of taking the job at the new location and if you work full-time for at least 39 weeks (bear in mind that different criteria applies to self-employed persons, so please check before you compile your taxes).
You should keep meticulous records of all of your expenses and consult a tax expert to make sure that you take all the lawful tax deductions allowed by the IRS criteria for expenses related to selling your old home or buying your new one. The IRS publication No. 521 entitled "Tax Information on Moving Expenses" makes good reading before you make a move.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
You should keep meticulous records of all of your expenses and consult a tax expert to make sure that you take all the lawful tax deductions allowed by the IRS criteria for expenses related to selling your old home or buying your new one. The IRS publication No. 521 entitled "Tax Information on Moving Expenses" makes good reading before you make a move.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Keeping Your Earnest Money Safe
When you make an offer on a house, you also write an earnest money check, which is usually submitted to the listing agent and held in escrow until all negotiations are complete. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate your good intentions toward purchasing the property. What happens to these funds? Read on, and make an informed decision:
The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until the date of closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money.
If you default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so ensure that you fully understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. Review this part of your contract closely to acquaint yourself with the how’s and why’s of the obligations to which you are committing before you sign on the dotted line. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until the date of closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money.
If you default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so ensure that you fully understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. Review this part of your contract closely to acquaint yourself with the how’s and why’s of the obligations to which you are committing before you sign on the dotted line. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Who Cares About Lead Based Paint?
You’re looking at older homes and your agent keeps telling you about the dangers of lead based paint. Well, if paint with lead in it hasn’t been used since 1978, and the home has been recently painted or remodeled, what’s the deal?
Fact is, in older homes, the possibility of renovation can expose you (literally) to hazards you have never imagined. During the course of tearing down some of the remaining structure (or scraping and repainting the exterior or interior of a home), paint chips tainted with lead may very well come in contact with you or your loved ones. Small children, who unknowingly gnaw on window sills or lick window blinds, incur risk of lead poisoning. Also at risk are pets that are allowed to roam or play in dilapidated rooms or areas under reconstruction.
For more information on detecting and preventing lead poisoning, including other potential deadly sources of lead in your home, contact your local health department.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Fact is, in older homes, the possibility of renovation can expose you (literally) to hazards you have never imagined. During the course of tearing down some of the remaining structure (or scraping and repainting the exterior or interior of a home), paint chips tainted with lead may very well come in contact with you or your loved ones. Small children, who unknowingly gnaw on window sills or lick window blinds, incur risk of lead poisoning. Also at risk are pets that are allowed to roam or play in dilapidated rooms or areas under reconstruction.
For more information on detecting and preventing lead poisoning, including other potential deadly sources of lead in your home, contact your local health department.
If you need more information for your home search or have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hard Sell
Sellers who try to sell their own home learn the hard way that selling a home is not easy. Keeping it “SOLD” means getting to the closing table. Your question might be, after you’ve got someone on paper, what could possibly prevent it from going through?
Face-to-face negotiations can be difficult, even when the buyer really wants the house. Then there is the paperwork. Standard contract forms rarely cover all of the local requirements regarding disclosure laws. Such contracts may provide loopholes which could allow a buyer with cold feet to back out at the last minute.
Then, once you finally come to an agreement, how can you be sure that your buyers will engage competent professionals to handle their loan and complete the closing? What if structural problems are discovered or property boundary problems are revealed? The experience and expertise of a professional real estate agent is your greatest asset in concluding a successful transaction.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Face-to-face negotiations can be difficult, even when the buyer really wants the house. Then there is the paperwork. Standard contract forms rarely cover all of the local requirements regarding disclosure laws. Such contracts may provide loopholes which could allow a buyer with cold feet to back out at the last minute.
Then, once you finally come to an agreement, how can you be sure that your buyers will engage competent professionals to handle their loan and complete the closing? What if structural problems are discovered or property boundary problems are revealed? The experience and expertise of a professional real estate agent is your greatest asset in concluding a successful transaction.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
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