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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!