Much has changed in the world of real estate in recent years. Ever-changing internet technology has given buyers and sellers new ways to come together.
Put everything in writing - From possession to insurance to repairs, GET IT IN WRITING! Educate yourself on disclosure issues regarding repairs, home condition, lead-based paint, and radon. Even if you’ve been through the home buying process before, a lot has changed, so it’s more important than ever to pick the right real estate professional. You can investigate your intended agent quickly using the internet under professional licensing agencies, Better Business Bureau, or even Angie’s List.
Use the Internet to your advantage - Use these links for information on schools, economic and crime statistics and mapping features to help you select an ideal neighborhood. If you can’t or don’t want to use the internet, ask your agent to send information about your favorite areas.
Find a loan that suits your needs - This should be a consideration BEFORE you begin looking - and new products come out every day. Please do your homework to avoid a trendy product that doesn’t really fit your situation. We have preferred lenders that we recommend who have proven over the course of time to have integrity and professionalism.
Broaden your search - I fully understand how today’s technology can help you find the right home. My website allows you to search thousands of listings to locate the properties that best fit your needs. It’s a great tool for home buying, and it's free to use, so of course I recommend you use it.
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, April 23, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Investing in Indianapolis
When you are deciding on a REALTOR to represent you in the sale or purchase of your new home, it is important to look at how involved they are in your community. DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM is proud to support several area causes and welcome you to support your community and your desired charities. Everyone can make a difference.
Thus far we have helped area shelters, food pantries, Christmas drives, Franklin Township’s 'Lead the Challenge' baseball league, American Cancer Society’s 'Relay for Life', Komen's 'Race for the Cure', Riley Hospital for Children and Children’s Miracle Network, to name a few. Please keep in mind that use of our moving truck is available to non-profit charitable organizations for FREE. If you see a need, please call us - we may be able to help!
If you are interested in knowing all we do to give back to the community, click here to view my professional resume. Or, better yet, send me an email to me and I can tell you how to get involved!
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!
Thus far we have helped area shelters, food pantries, Christmas drives, Franklin Township’s 'Lead the Challenge' baseball league, American Cancer Society’s 'Relay for Life', Komen's 'Race for the Cure', Riley Hospital for Children and Children’s Miracle Network, to name a few. Please keep in mind that use of our moving truck is available to non-profit charitable organizations for FREE. If you see a need, please call us - we may be able to help!
If you are interested in knowing all we do to give back to the community, click here to view my professional resume. Or, better yet, send me an email to me and I can tell you how to get involved!
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!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Types of Exterior Paint
The exterior of your home functions much like the clothes you wear: to create a great first impression. If you’re considering a do-it-yourself project of repainting your home for that all-important first impression, you will need to carefully select the kind of paint you’ll use. There are several factors to consider when choosing a type of paint, such as drying time versus durability. The type of paint used in previous layers is also important, as is cost. Here are the basic kinds of paint you’ll see:
Stains – Solvent or water-thinned stains can provide semi-transparent, transparent, or solid finishes for wood, and some may include preservatives.
Primers – New wood or metal should be sealed with a suggested primer. In general, one coat of primer and one coat of finish will be more durable than two coats of finish.
Oil – Oil paints have a longer drying time (12 to 48 hours), which can make sudden rains a danger, but are extremely durable. Strong odors and difficult cleanup also make this more of a choice for professionals than amateurs.
Alkyd – A solvent-thinned, synthetic-resin paint, alkyds have many of the properties of oil-based paints but dry more quickly. Works well over older oil or alkyd layers.
Latex – A popular choice for amateurs, latex paints offer easy cleanup, solid durability, and fast drying times. Latex paints may be incompatible with an existing oil or alkyd layer.
Be sure to thoroughly review the options before beginning your painting project. A useful resource is the web site of the Paint Quality Institute. Hardware and home stores are often willing to help you make the right choice.
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!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Selling Strategies
If this move means selling the house you’re in currently, you could be wondering - How much is it worth? How long will the process take? What updates really pay off? As top Indianapolis area REALTORS® with a proven track record, it is our job to guide you through this complicated process, from beginning to end. Here are some of the things that you should know to market and sell your home:
Buyers want your home for as little as possible! Together we can determine what your home is really worth through a detailed comparison between your home and the recent market. This service is free to you while you are considering putting your home for sale.
Buyers have their own timelines, which might not be yours! We make sure they don't waste your time by qualifying them as to their real ability to afford your home.
More exposure of your home can lead to more money. If more buyers are looking at your home, it can mean more money in your pocket when it is sold. Our extensive marketing program assures you get the maximum exposure.
We work with countless buyers every week. They are notified the minute your home is available in the event your home is perfect for them!
We have expert advice to lend - from staging your home, to needed repairs or suggestions for landscaping - all these and more can maximize your sales price. Some improvements are worth it, and some are not! Be careful.
Contracts can be complicated and intimidating. In our world, a client arriving at a closing with doubts or regrets is simply unacceptable. We recommend that you do not sign on any dotted lines without asking us first.
You pay nothing up-front for our services! We will also work within your time frames and your needs. Imagine trying to move out of your current home while someone else wants to move into it! Plus, you’re trying to accomplish the same thing at your new house. We know how to smooth this situation out so everyone’s happy.
Call or email us so we can talk about this important time in your life. Ask for a free and convenient In-Home Presentation. We will come to your home or office, and present you a plan that details exactly how we will market your home.
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!
Buyers want your home for as little as possible! Together we can determine what your home is really worth through a detailed comparison between your home and the recent market. This service is free to you while you are considering putting your home for sale.
Buyers have their own timelines, which might not be yours! We make sure they don't waste your time by qualifying them as to their real ability to afford your home.
More exposure of your home can lead to more money. If more buyers are looking at your home, it can mean more money in your pocket when it is sold. Our extensive marketing program assures you get the maximum exposure.
We work with countless buyers every week. They are notified the minute your home is available in the event your home is perfect for them!
We have expert advice to lend - from staging your home, to needed repairs or suggestions for landscaping - all these and more can maximize your sales price. Some improvements are worth it, and some are not! Be careful.
Contracts can be complicated and intimidating. In our world, a client arriving at a closing with doubts or regrets is simply unacceptable. We recommend that you do not sign on any dotted lines without asking us first.
You pay nothing up-front for our services! We will also work within your time frames and your needs. Imagine trying to move out of your current home while someone else wants to move into it! Plus, you’re trying to accomplish the same thing at your new house. We know how to smooth this situation out so everyone’s happy.
Call or email us so we can talk about this important time in your life. Ask for a free and convenient In-Home Presentation. We will come to your home or office, and present you a plan that details exactly how we will market your home.
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!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Time Saving Tips for Moving Day
Dreading Moving Day? Most people do, but we’ve found that planning your move well in advance can make things go much smoother. It’s also important to know what to expect on moving day itself. Feel free to print this list of helpful hints to guide you thru moving day.
_____ “Last Load” box - Save back a large box for daily-used items that will need to come out first at the new home. Use this box for stripping your bedding the morning of your move. Also use this box for the alarm clocks, daily medications, 2 or 3 towels and wash cloths, paper towels and window cleaner.
_____ Prepare the necessary rooms – If possible, clean and set-up the basics in the kitchen and bath areas before the big day. Place necessities in an obvious location - plastic cutlery, cups and plates and paper towels on the kitchen counter. Your bath should have soap, paper towels, toilet paper and a first aid kit available.
_____ Clear a path - Keep packed boxes in a room close to the door but out of the way. Keep an eye out for any obstacles that could block carried furniture such as railings or fence gates and temporarily remove them if necessary. Place non-slip rugs in any high traffic areas that could be potentially dangerous.
_____ Call the sitter - It is best to leave small children and pets with a friend or sitter during the confusion and bustle of the move itself. At a minimum, your family pet should be confined, as even the nicest of animals can find a way to be dangerous underfoot.
_____ Keep everyone refreshed - Whether you’re using professional movers or family and friends, make sure that everyone is comfortable and hydrated. If it is a hot day, provide lots of cold beverages and snacks. On cold days, offer hot chocolate or coffee. Ordering pizza for lunch is a nice way to show everyone you appreciate all the hard work.
_____ Keep neighbors (old and new) happy - Keep the moving truck from blocking other driveways or mail box delivery, and make sure no one walks through your neighbor’s lawn or flowerbeds. Move during the day to avoid disturbing the neighborhood.
_____ Last walk-through - Be sure to leave your old house as clean as you’d hope to find your new one. Check one last time for any forgotten items, and then lock all doors and windows.
_____ Coordinate your move - If using professional movers, ask any remaining questions, finalize all contact information, and sign both the bill of loading and inventory sheet after careful review. Go over the destination address and projected route, as well as expected travel time.
We hope these tips help you as you near your own moving day. You’ll also find more resources for relocation on our website, http://www.move2indy.com/ Keep in mind that clients who buy or sell their home with DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM receive FREE use of our Moving Truck!
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!
_____ “Last Load” box - Save back a large box for daily-used items that will need to come out first at the new home. Use this box for stripping your bedding the morning of your move. Also use this box for the alarm clocks, daily medications, 2 or 3 towels and wash cloths, paper towels and window cleaner.
_____ Prepare the necessary rooms – If possible, clean and set-up the basics in the kitchen and bath areas before the big day. Place necessities in an obvious location - plastic cutlery, cups and plates and paper towels on the kitchen counter. Your bath should have soap, paper towels, toilet paper and a first aid kit available.
_____ Clear a path - Keep packed boxes in a room close to the door but out of the way. Keep an eye out for any obstacles that could block carried furniture such as railings or fence gates and temporarily remove them if necessary. Place non-slip rugs in any high traffic areas that could be potentially dangerous.
_____ Call the sitter - It is best to leave small children and pets with a friend or sitter during the confusion and bustle of the move itself. At a minimum, your family pet should be confined, as even the nicest of animals can find a way to be dangerous underfoot.
_____ Keep everyone refreshed - Whether you’re using professional movers or family and friends, make sure that everyone is comfortable and hydrated. If it is a hot day, provide lots of cold beverages and snacks. On cold days, offer hot chocolate or coffee. Ordering pizza for lunch is a nice way to show everyone you appreciate all the hard work.
_____ Keep neighbors (old and new) happy - Keep the moving truck from blocking other driveways or mail box delivery, and make sure no one walks through your neighbor’s lawn or flowerbeds. Move during the day to avoid disturbing the neighborhood.
_____ Last walk-through - Be sure to leave your old house as clean as you’d hope to find your new one. Check one last time for any forgotten items, and then lock all doors and windows.
_____ Coordinate your move - If using professional movers, ask any remaining questions, finalize all contact information, and sign both the bill of loading and inventory sheet after careful review. Go over the destination address and projected route, as well as expected travel time.
We hope these tips help you as you near your own moving day. You’ll also find more resources for relocation on our website, http://www.move2indy.com/ Keep in mind that clients who buy or sell their home with DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM receive FREE use of our Moving Truck!
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!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Buying a home?
Buying, building or selling a home is usually the largest transaction someone makes during their lifetime, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing a home or an agent that you like.
On staff, we have buyer specialists, listing specialists, and the latest technology ready at our fingertips to take your marketing to the next level. Some reasons to choose DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM include:
FULL ACCESS to ALL homes for sale in the Metropolitan Indianapolis market.
EXPERT knowledge of the metropolitan area will prove invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
REAL ESTATE MARKETS absolutely have their own trends and opportunities. This can vary greatly, even from one neighborhood to the next. Indianapolis and our diversified metropolitan area are no different! It would be our pleasure to steer you into opportunities and out of traps.
NEGOTIATING with sellers can be stressful. After the purchase agreement is signed, there are inspections and repairs to address, mold or radon mitigations, lead-based paint considerations, lots of details. We will put our real estate knowledge and experience to work for you in order to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions. Remember, we have successfully negotiated over $327 million of real estate to the closing table!
KNOWLEDGE and resources are at our fingertips for the property you are thinking about buying or the property that you haven’t found yet! We can help you check on the latest revision in property taxes (they will change - it’s a fact of home ownership), hazard insurance rates, proposed utility changes or zoning hearings - - - Have confidence when signing documents that your home will continue to be a dream and not a nightmare.
While you can see a million homes on the web, actually buying your home is another matter entirely. Buyers, be prepared!
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!
On staff, we have buyer specialists, listing specialists, and the latest technology ready at our fingertips to take your marketing to the next level. Some reasons to choose DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM include:
FULL ACCESS to ALL homes for sale in the Metropolitan Indianapolis market.
EXPERT knowledge of the metropolitan area will prove invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.
REAL ESTATE MARKETS absolutely have their own trends and opportunities. This can vary greatly, even from one neighborhood to the next. Indianapolis and our diversified metropolitan area are no different! It would be our pleasure to steer you into opportunities and out of traps.
NEGOTIATING with sellers can be stressful. After the purchase agreement is signed, there are inspections and repairs to address, mold or radon mitigations, lead-based paint considerations, lots of details. We will put our real estate knowledge and experience to work for you in order to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions. Remember, we have successfully negotiated over $327 million of real estate to the closing table!
KNOWLEDGE and resources are at our fingertips for the property you are thinking about buying or the property that you haven’t found yet! We can help you check on the latest revision in property taxes (they will change - it’s a fact of home ownership), hazard insurance rates, proposed utility changes or zoning hearings - - - Have confidence when signing documents that your home will continue to be a dream and not a nightmare.
While you can see a million homes on the web, actually buying your home is another matter entirely. Buyers, be prepared!
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!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Tips for Home Buyers
If you’re thinking of buying a home for the first time, you might be a bit overwhelmed by it all. We know that buying a home is a large undertaking, both in terms of time and money. DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM would like to help you get started. Sometimes the most important thing is getting pointed in the right direction. Here are some tips that can help make your home buying process successful.
Do Your “Home”work. The perfect home won’t find you by itself. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By reading available materials and talking with experts, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home. Getting information on the Indianapolis area should be your first step!
Decide on What You’re Looking For. Settle on the home features that are most important to you: floor plan, number of baths or bedrooms, entertaining space, architectural style, etc. For example, if you have large bedroom furniture, carry around the dimensions so you’ll know if it will fit! Memorize an ordered list of which features that are most important to you. Having well-established guidelines will easily narrow down your search and prevent you from spending valuable time on homes that lack your key amenities. This approach can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn’t really fit your needs. My website has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select.
Start Planning. Proper planning is key when buying a home. Start a filing system with sections such as home-buying, home-financing, floorplans, and service providers. By forming a home-buying plan, you can focus on the most important factors structure the entire process. My website is a great resource for property information.
Investigate Your Mortgage. Deciding on the type of financing for your home can be as important as choosing a home itself. The first step is deciding what kind of loan best fits you: a fixed-rate mortgage, or an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), FHA and other forms of 100% financing are available, but which is best for you? There are benefits to each form of loan, and your real estate professional can provide you with more information as well as put you in contact with reputable mortgage counselors.
Get Pre-Qualified. Getting pre-qualified for a loan is simple - usually only requiring a short phone conversation with your chosen lender, and can greatly help your home search. Pre-qualification does not guarantee you a loan, but it does provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when searching for your home. Bring pre-qualified can also indicate to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer. We have relationships with preferred lenders that have proven track records on getting you approved!
Relax. You don’t have to make an offer on the first home you see. Take your time to view other listings in the area and get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a home, consult with your real estate professional so that all of your questions can be answered.
Protect Yourself and Ask Questions. Before you sign, make sure you understand the promises you are making. There are time frames set for financing, inspections, insurance, closing, and possession dates, just to name a few. After it is signed, the seller does not have to cooperate if your situation changes.
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!
Do Your “Home”work. The perfect home won’t find you by itself. Educate yourself on local schools, neighborhoods, and the kinds of homes available. By reading available materials and talking with experts, you can start to put together your idea of the perfect home. Getting information on the Indianapolis area should be your first step!
Decide on What You’re Looking For. Settle on the home features that are most important to you: floor plan, number of baths or bedrooms, entertaining space, architectural style, etc. For example, if you have large bedroom furniture, carry around the dimensions so you’ll know if it will fit! Memorize an ordered list of which features that are most important to you. Having well-established guidelines will easily narrow down your search and prevent you from spending valuable time on homes that lack your key amenities. This approach can help you make the decision not to buy an attractive property that doesn’t really fit your needs. My website has a search feature that allows you to filter thousands of listings based on attributes that you select.
Start Planning. Proper planning is key when buying a home. Start a filing system with sections such as home-buying, home-financing, floorplans, and service providers. By forming a home-buying plan, you can focus on the most important factors structure the entire process. My website is a great resource for property information.
Investigate Your Mortgage. Deciding on the type of financing for your home can be as important as choosing a home itself. The first step is deciding what kind of loan best fits you: a fixed-rate mortgage, or an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), FHA and other forms of 100% financing are available, but which is best for you? There are benefits to each form of loan, and your real estate professional can provide you with more information as well as put you in contact with reputable mortgage counselors.
Get Pre-Qualified. Getting pre-qualified for a loan is simple - usually only requiring a short phone conversation with your chosen lender, and can greatly help your home search. Pre-qualification does not guarantee you a loan, but it does provide you with an estimated monthly payment and a price range to use as a guide when searching for your home. Bring pre-qualified can also indicate to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer. We have relationships with preferred lenders that have proven track records on getting you approved!
Relax. You don’t have to make an offer on the first home you see. Take your time to view other listings in the area and get a feel for the marketplace. When you decide to make an offer on a home, consult with your real estate professional so that all of your questions can be answered.
Protect Yourself and Ask Questions. Before you sign, make sure you understand the promises you are making. There are time frames set for financing, inspections, insurance, closing, and possession dates, just to name a few. After it is signed, the seller does not have to cooperate if your situation changes.
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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