New Home For around $2000

Luxury home doesn't always necessarily mean thousands of square footage, towering great 

rooms and gilded toilets. Take these homes for example: to begin building one of these epic 

houses, all you need is $2,000. That $2,000 will buy you a shipping container. What you

 do with that shipping container… well, that’s completely up to you.

Some creative people have found a way to transform this rudimentary “room”

 with metal siding into luxury housing that blows us away. These homes are epic.

1.) A shipping container doesn't have to be a closed space.

2.) Blue container? Run with it!

3.) Open up the metal boxes and let your imagination run wild.

4.) *jaw drops*

5.) The shapes are basically the same, but wow.

6.) Utilitarian… and awesome.

7.) The best part about this one is that you know they made it 

out of shipping containers.

8.) This open concept was taken a step further with a sliding garage door.

9.) You don’t rob this house. Ever.

10.) Modern, yet … not.

11.) This is the kind of home that keeps a person happy.

12.) Already-made pool? Yes please.

13.) Recycled materials AND it’s good for the planet.

14.) This collection of containers is just epic.

15.) These are so inspiring.

Source: Reddit

The best part of the gallery that this Reddit user shared? The shipping containers are 

recycled materials, so you’re actually helping the environment if you invest in making

 a luxury shipping container home. You can’t beat a base price of $2,000.

Open Floorplans Getting Closed Off? Demand Grows for Separate Kitchens

Open floor-plans have been in high demand in recent years, with buyers showing preferences for open kitchens and dining areas tucked into great rooms. But could that be changing? A New York Times article highlights a “separate kitchen comeback,” as some home owners say they want a more defined space for a kitchen and dining area. More new buildings are opting to feature separate kitchens and formal dining rooms due to a rising demand for separate corridors, according to the article.

Why are some home owners suddenly wanting to close off the interior of their homes again? Some point to a “dirty dishes” driver. Home owners are finding that when entertaining they prefer to have a separate kitchen space so their guests don’t have to see the food being prepared or look at the dirty dishes afterwards.

The separate kitchen and dining space also helps to remove one popular sticking point for home buyers: How to fit their existing dining room table into an open floor-plan? “The issue of where to put the dining table kills more deals than anything else in real estate. If a family is moving, the dining table is the one thing they say they can’t part with,” Barbara van Beuren, a managing partner with Anbau Enterprises, told The New York Times. Anbau Enterprises is developing new duplexes in New York City featuring dedicated dining rooms.

For some home owners, they’re preference for separate kitchens is more nostalgic. They desire it because it reminds them of their childhood home.

“So much new construction features open floor plans that there’s a pent-up desire for apartments with separate dining rooms and kitchen,” broker George Case with Citi Habitats told The New York Times. “They offer charm, they’re better for entertaining, and you don’t have to see your partner first thing in the morning. For a certain demographic, they’re a definite selling point.”

Some listing ads are even highlighting homes with a separate dining room, viewing it as a selling point. Some architects also are responding to the increase in demand with what they’re dubbing “hybrid kitchens,” using pocket doors that can be opened or closed to give home owners the option of an open or closed kitchen.

by Melissa Tracey 

Tips on staging to help sell your home

Candace Garvey's Tips on Staging a Home to Sell: http://youtu.be/dBYszJSuEcc

Say No To FSBO

Some homeowners consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are five of our reasons:

1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to FSBO.

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
• The appraiser if there is a question of value
• Your bank in the case of a short sale

2. Exposure to Prospective Purchasers

Recent studies have shown that 92% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 28% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you? (and craig's list just doesn't do it)

3.  Results Come from the Internet

Where do buyers find the home they actually purchased?

• 43% on the internet
• 9% from a yard sign
• 1% from newspapers

The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.

4. FSBOing has Become More and More Difficult

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 9% over the last 20+ years.

5. You Net More Money when Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.

Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $184,000 while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $230,000.   This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $46,000 more for your home as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with us your real estate professionals, and see what we have to offer.

5 Reasons to work with a real estate professional

We are often asked if it makes sense to hire a real estate professional when buying or selling a home. We always emphatically answer – YES!

Here are five reasons why:

PAPERWORK

An agent will help with all disclosures and paperwork necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment. This helps remove much of the liability a buyer or seller could face.

EXPERIENCE

Navigating today’s real estate and mortgage processes can be like walking through a minefield of challenges. Real estate professionals are well educated in and experienced with the entire sales process.

NEGOTIATIONS

Negotiating such a large financial transaction can get tricky. Agents act as a ‘buffer’ in negotiations with all parties throughout the entire transaction.

PRICING

Real estate professionals help buyers and sellers understand the true real estate value of a property in today’s market. This is crucial when setting the price on a listing or on an offer to purchase.

UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS

There is a plethora of housing information available today. The challenge is that some information appears to be in direct conflict with other pieces of information. A true real estate professional can simply and effectively explain today’s real estate headlines and decipher what they mean to you.

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Don't get hurt Spring Cleaning!

Spring cleaning is a great way to spruce up curb appeal and to get your home in tip-top shape for Summer, but some projects come are riskier than others. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2013, more than 35,500 people injured themselves using a stepladder.

Many Spring cleaning projects are labor intensive. They require homeowners to step outside of comfort zones and onto ladders and roofs.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recently released some expert advice on what to do and not to do when performing maintenance on your home.

"We all want a perfectly clean house with the snap of a finger, so we tend to rush through a numerous amount of burdensome tasks in a short period of time, and that's where we put ourselves at risk for injuries," said orthopaedic surgeon and AAOS spokesperson Lana Kang, MD.  "Whether it's a fall caused after making a wrong step on a ladder or straining a back muscle, it's best to pace yourself, complete one task at a time, and take regular breaks."

Here are 10 steps that all homeowners should take to help avoid injury.

1. In order to avoid back injuries be sure to properly lift and carry heavy objects. How does one do this? The AAOS says to "separate your feet, shoulder-width apart and keep your back upright and bend at the knees while tightening the stomach muscles. Lift with your leg muscles as you stand up." Get help lifting heavy objects!

2. If you are dusting hard to reach spots use a step stool. Don't dangle your body off of counters or flimsy furniture!

3. When you use a ladder, be sure to place it on a level surface. Do not lean or reach for objects. Take the time to get down and move the ladder to where you need it.

4. Many tasks will involve using an extension cord. You should inspect all cords prior to their use. Look for gnawed or cut wires. To prevent trips and falls keep cords away from doorways and walkways!

5. If you are working with chemicals, sharp objects, debris, or branches then consider wearing protective gear. This can include such things as protective eyewear, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Leave the flip-flops for the beach!

6. The AAOS says, "Read product labels for proper use of chemicals used for cleaning.  Store all chemicals in places indicated on the package. This should be out-of-reach of both children and pets. Never place chemicals into unmarked containers or containers labeled for a different substance."

7. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It can be hot and sweaty work cleaning gutters, trimming trees, and replacing shingles. Take frequent breaks and keep water handy. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. That means you're already dehydrated!

8. Have a cell phone on your person or within reach so you can call for help. Better yet, have another family member present while you are working.

9. When using a mower, use one that has certain safety features. You want one that stops mowing when the handle is released. Never mow when children or pets are in the area. Never disable safety features.

10. Finally, start any intensive project with a good stretching session. Whether you think so or not, these tasks are a workout and your body needs a little time to prep to avoid strains.

5 Reasons to Buy a Home Now Instead of Spring

Based on prices, mortgage rates and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time in real estate history to purchase a home than right now. Here are five reasons purchasers should consider buying before the spring market arrives:

Supply Is Shrinking

With inventory declining in many regions, finding a home of your dreams may become more difficult going forward. There are buyers in more and more markets surprised that there is no longer a large assortment of houses to choose from. The best homes in the best locations sell first. Don’t miss the opportunity to get that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ buy.

Price Increases Are on the Horizon

Prices are projected to appreciate by over 25% from now to 2018. First home buyers will probably pay more both in price and interest rate if they wait until the spring. Even if you are a move-up buyer, it will wind-up costing you more in net dollars as the home you will buy will appreciate at approximately the same rate as the house you are in now.

Owning a Home Helps Create Family Wealth

Whether you are rent or you own the home you are living in, you are paying a mortgage. Either you are paying your mortgage or your landlord’s. The Fed, in a recent study, revealed that the net worth of the average homeowner is 30 times greater than that of a renter.

Interest Rates Are Projected to Rise

The Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have all projected that the 30-year mortgage interest rate will be over 5% by the this time next year. That is an increase of almost one full point over current rates.

Buy Low, Sell High

We would all agree that, when investing, we want to buy at the lowest price possible and hope to sell at the highest price. Housing can create family wealth as long as we follow this simple principle. Today, real estate is selling ‘low’ compared to where it will be next year. It’s time to buy.