Counter Proposal

Many real estate deals are sealed in the kitchen. This does not mean that papers are passed at the kitchen table. It means that many prospective buyers love the kitchens in the houses they are viewing enough to agree to purchase the home. In short, kitchens sell homes. When renovating kitchens for the purpose of selling a home, even budget-conscious sellers should bear in mind that buyers love granite countertops. In fact, granite is hardly regarded as a luxury countertop material anymore. Builders include it as standard material in many mid-level developments or as an easily obtainable upgrade. When buyers renovate their kitchens with granite countertops, this natural stone speaks of quality and beauty in the minds of buyers.

HINT: Even the judicious use of a granite countertop on a kitchen island can go a long way toward selling a home.

If you are planning on remodeling or updating your kitchen, there are many magazines and websites dedicated solely to that endeavor. If you want something with extreme, dramatic flair, that look can be easily achieved by accessories. Should your taste change or should you decide to sell your home, your 'look' will not discourage potential buyers. An experienced real estate professional can assist you with making decisions regarding what to 'spruce up' and improve before putting your home on the market.

At VantagePoint Realty, I can confer with you regarding your options. Let my years of experience work for you.

Call me to arrange an appointment. My office is conveniently located. I look forward to working with you.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

See our Market Conditions Newsletter at: http://www.realtytimes.com/c/StephanieSamuelsohn

Looking For Approval

As homebuyers begin their search, they can help themselves by getting a pre-approval analysis from the bank/lending institution. This will help them estimate what size mortgage they can afford. When they are ready to make a purchase commitment, buyers can go on to the next step, which is pre-approval of their loan. This more formal process usually starts with agreement on a certain type of mortgage and the down payment amount. The bank will want verified information about the prospective borrower's employment and finances, and will also run a credit check. Once pre-approval is granted, buyers can impress upon sellers the fact that they are serious, can afford the purchase price, and have a commitment to a mortgage.

Hint: The equity Americans have in their homes represents roughly half the net worth of the average home-owning American family.

A real estate professional can assist you with obtaining a pre-approval from a lending institution. This document can increase your negotiating power when you make an offer. With that document in hand, you will know what price range you should realistically consider. Your agent can meet with you regarding your options and show you homes that you can afford and that will meet your needs. At VantagePoint Realty, I can confer with you regarding your options and show you homes that you can afford and that will meet your needs. Let my years of experience work for you!

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

And visit us at our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

E-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Aggressive Marketing

When the time comes to list your property with a real-estate agent, you will want someone who will market your home aggressively. This process begins with a market analysis, which involves comparing your home to similar homes in your area that have sold recently. This comparison leads to the formulation of a listing price that both appeals to prospective buyers and assures you, the seller of a proper return on your investment. After that, it is the agent's responsibility to "get the word out", by advertising in newspapers, conducting open houses, listing the property on the Multiple Listing Service, and connecting with buyers and brokers on the Internet. Aggressive marketing translates into increased likelihood of selling your home.

Hint: From interior and exterior shots to virtual tours, pictures sell homes by emblazoning images on the minds of potential buyers.

The initial pricing of a property is critical. An experienced real estate professional utilizes much of the same information as a licensed appraiser in determining an accurate estimation of property value. At VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven track record for determining the highest and best price for properties. Property that is priced correctly and marketed properly will bring the seller the greatest return for their real estate investment. I can assist you in achieving the best results when marketing your home.

Call me to arrange an appointment. My office is conveniently located. I look forward to working with you.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

See our Market Conditions Newsletter at: http://www.realtytimes.com/c/StephanieSamuelsohn

Plain Facts

We live in the "information age," in which purchase decisions are based on all the available facts. With this in mind, home sellers should regard fact sheets (or house brochures) as one of the strongest marketing tools at their disposal. By providing prospective buyers with a sheet that contains all the answers to pertinent questions they might have, sellers place their homes at the top of buyers' minds. After view perhaps dozens of houses, fact sheets help buyers distinguish one home from all the others they have seen. Fact sheets also put all the salable features of a home in buyers' hands for purposes of comparison and recall. Fact sheets with pictures, descriptions, and numbers make the best presentations.

If you are considering the sale of your home, it is important to understand how critical proper pricing can be. Should the home be overpriced, it may languish on the market unnecessarily, failing to attracting the correct demographic of buyer. As a Realtor and Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty, I am trained to prepare detailed, competitive market analyses of homes. I have access to a vast database of information regarding the sales of comparable homes in your community.

Contact me to arrange for an initial meeting and a complementary market analysis, as well as advice on how to maximize the 'curb appeal' of your property. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit our website at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

See Market Conditions at: www.MarketConditions.biz

Appealing Ideas

To boost your home's curb appeal, there are a few improvements that provide bigger bang for the buck than a coat of paint on the front door. If your front door has seen better days, think about replacing it with a more attractive unit.

According to one independent study, a new front door increased the perceived value of a home by as much as 6.6%. While you are at it, replace the handle and lock with substantial brass, pewter, or brushed aluminum hardware to make the best possible impression on potential buyers.

Inside the home, it pays to update the flooring with new carpeting, vinyl sheeting, or even tile if worn-out surfaces might provide would-be buyers with reasons not to buy.

Hint: Sellers should also upgrade kitchen and bath counters, faucets, and fixtures, if necessary. These rooms sell homes.

Relying on the advice and experience of a seasoned real estate professional can alleviate the potentially overwhelming process of first-time buying. As a Realtor and Principal/Broker of VantagePoint Realty, I have a successful track record of working with buyers. I will walk you through the process so that you will understand your options, and feel confident with your decisions. You will benefit from my knowledge and experience whether looking for a second home, vacation home or primary residence. Contact me for an initial meeting.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

e-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Very Appealing in Columbia County New York

Sellers can make their homes more appealing to prospective buyers, in some instances simply by changing the furniture. Such might be the case in which sellers use an extra room in their home as an office. Research shows that buyers generally view a professional office in homes as a detracting feature. On the other hand, nearly all buyers are quite enamored of homes with extra bedrooms. Thus, to make a home more attractive, it would behoove sellers to clear their offices of desks and file cabinets, and replace them with a bed and dresser. This transformation from office to extra bedroom could make the difference in making the sale, as any savvy real estate agents knows.

Hint: Other features that help stimulate sales are two fireplaces, an oversized garage, and a full extra bathroom.

When preparing a home for sale, a seasoned real estate professional can be your best asset. At VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven track record for helping sellers achieve the best return for their investment. You can benefit from my years of experience. I will confer with you as to the most appropriate ways to "stage" your property for sale. Contact me to arrange for an initial appointment. Let me provide you with a free market analysis of your home, indicating the current value of your property.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

E-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

The Price Is Right

The most important part of selling your home involves pricing it properly. Sellers must realize that buyers look at houses in particular price ranges. If the asking price of a home is placed out their range, buyers will not even consider the house. During their searches, buyers become quite experienced at knowing the reasonable price range for homes they can afford. If a seller sets an unrealistically high price in the hope that someone will be lured into paying more, he or she should rethink the strategy. An overpriced home is not likely to attract offers, which means no sale. Homes with unrealistically high prices are likely to sit unsold, for long periods, while the competition benefits.

Hint: Real estate agents have various tools that enable them to properly gauge the fair market value of a home.

The 'fair market value' of a piece of property can change greatly, according to market conditions. Pricing your home properly - neither too high, not too low - is a key to obtaining the best possible return for your investment. As a Realtor with VantagePoint Realty, I subscribe to ongoing training to keep current, and prepare me to alert you to the best 'asking' price for your home. Call me, and I will meet with you and provide you with a market analysis of your home.

You will be please with the results.

Call Stephanie at: 518-392-8484

or e-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Visit us at our website at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Going For Broker

Aside from bringing his or her experience to bear, a broker must be able to listen carefully enough to get a read of the buyer's needs (as well as be able to read between the lines to discern a buyer's wants). Beyond that, a good broker knows how to communicate effectively and frequently on matters that lead to a successful sale. This entails standing at the ready with new information and the ability to put clients in the middle of the action. Along the way, a broker should also be able to learn from the experience of working with clients and to take appropriate actions. Finally, a good agent should be flexible enough to work with clients' changing perceptions.

Hint: Experienced brokers know to ask why prospective buyers rejected homes they were shown so that something may be learned from the experienced that can be applied next time.

As a Realtor with VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven track record of working successfully with buyers. I adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct, and my years in the industry allow me the knowledge to assist you in making the most of your buying power. Call me to arrange for an initial meeting. You can benefit from my knowledge and experience.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at:
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Do Sellers Have What Buyers Want?

If you are selling your home, it helps to know what buyers want. Once you know what is on buyers' priority and wish lists, you can appeal to those factors and features in advertising and sales approaches. With this in mind, it may surprise sellers to learn that a recent survey of real estate agents who deal with the middle and upper end of the housing market say that only 5 percent of prospective buyers are influenced by the type and design of the dwelling. On the other hand, 56 percent of homebuyers place price as the most important factor in their choice of property, and 38 percent were primarily influenced by the location and the area's characteristics.

HINT: According to the survey mentioned above, arriving at the appropriate asking price is the most important decision that sellers and their agents make in ensuring the success of the sale of a home.

As a Realtor and Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty as well as a member of three Multiple Listing Services. I subscribe to the highest code of ethical conduct. I will keep you abreast of all facets of your real estate transaction so there will be no misunderstandings of procedure. You will benefit from my knowledge and experience when dealing with buyers and sellers of property. Call me to arrange for an initial, confidential meeting. I am an active member of the Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs, primary home, vacation home, or a second home. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

E-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

By Comparison

To best help them set a realistic listing price, Real Estate Agents and sellers must take into account the value of "comps". This term refers to comparable sales prices, preferably of similar homes within the seller's own neighborhood. In fact, the three most important elements with regard to finding acceptable comps are area or location, comparable amenities in homes, and sizes of homes. Real Estate Agents know how to read and understand comparable sales data and use this information to help determine the proper market value of a property. Perhaps no other step in the selling process is so critical to best assuring a sale. Unless a home is attractively priced, it will not draw offers.

Hint: If sellers set the listing prices of their homes too high, they will be bypassed by prospective buyers who wrongly believe that they cannot afford them.

As a Realtor and Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty, I am dedicated to assisting you in your real estate needs and desires. Let my years of experience benefit you!

Call me to arrange an appointment. My office is conveniently located. I look forward to working with you.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:

www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at:

Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Made In The Shade

If sellers have any questions about the value of sprucing up their yards as a means of making their homes more attractive to potential buyers, they need to only ask any real estate agent. They will tell them that many buyers will not even leave their vehicles to tour a home that does not look inviting on the outside. Most buyers use "curb appeal" as a tool to assess how well the house has been maintained on the inside. On the other hand, consider the house that is beautifully landscaped. At least one survey of realtors shows that trees play a role in determining property value and that their presence or absence can affect a home's desirability to buyers.

HINT: Trees planted at a cost of hundreds of dollars when you first move into a home may come to be worth thousands of dollars when the home is eventually sold.

Are you thinking about selling your home, but need some advice on how to 'spruce it up'? There is certainly something to be said about 'curb appeal' - there is even a home improvement show with that name. As a Realtor with VantagePoint Realty, I stay current with what buyers look for when searching for a home. You can benefit from my knowledge and experience when determining how best to 'stage' your home for sale, to ensure that you will receive the most for your investment. Call me to meet with you for a complementary market analysis. I am an active member of 3 Multiple Listing Services.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at"
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at:
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Been There, Done That

Any real estate agent who is sensitive to his or her clients will discern that the mindset of older sellers is quite different from their younger buyers and sellers by providing valuable insight derived from years or experience, older buyers and sellers are more likely to be more circumspect. After all, they may have purchased and sold a number of homes during their lifetimes, and may be reluctant to sell the home in which they raised their family. Added to this understandable anxiety may be questions about how the transaction fits into their larger estate planning picture, as well as uncertainties over what may be their last house.

HINT: Nearly 60 percent of Americans age 55 years and older currently own their own homes.

No matter your age or lifestyle circumstances, you can best realize your real estate objectives with the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable real estate professional. As a Realtor and Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty, I will walk you through your transaction step by step, alleviating unnecessary stress. No detail is too large or too small for me to handle. Contact me to arrange an initial meeting. Let's discuss your real estate needs and desires, and how I can assist you in achieving your dreams.

I'm looking forward to exceeding your expectations!

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

You can also e-mail me at:
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

The White Idea

There is good reason why white has consistently been the top choice for bathroom sinks, toilets, and tubs for more than a decade. People tend to view bath fixtures as long-term commitments, and they are wary of choosing colors that will wear out their welcome long before they wear out. This is a factor to take into consideration if you are renovating a bathroom in a house that you expect to sell someday soon. Potential buyers are sure to react to your fixture choices. Although not all buyers are averse to color, white remains the safe choice. If anything, a sink and toilet in a powder room may be candidates for a tasteful, if not neutral color.

Hint: Because there are so many other ways to bring color into the bathroom - countertops, flooring, and towels - it makes a sense to keep the fixtures white.

Have you been thinking of making some improvements to your property to make it more palatable to potential buyers? The advice of an experienced real estate professional could prove invaluable. As a Realtor and Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven, successful track record of working with buyers, and I know what they look for in a home. I can provide you with a complementary market analysis, and offer you valuable advice as to how to maximize the potential of your property when putting it on the market. Contact me for an initial meeting.

I am looking forward to exceeding your expectations.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

You can also e-mail me at:
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Narrowing Your Options

Work and family considerations usually restrict most buyers' choices in their searches for new homes, while some buyers have the luxury of being flexible. They can, in effect, follow their hearts, whether doing so takes them to a condominium in the city, a farmhouse in the country, or a suburban home. Buyers of this type are generally best served by a real estate agent whose expertise extends to both new and old housing and who can help them clarify their top priorities. This process of paring down less important desires and considerations enables buyers to focus on meeting their primary housing and lifestyle needs. Once the focus is narrowed, the real search can begin.

Hint: Experienced real estate agents help buyers anticipate their future needs and then find a property that will best fulfill them.

With the prevailing market conditions, an experienced real estate professional can source a wide range of financing options that will allow buyers to purchase property that is appropriate for them. Determining the style, size, location and amenities that offer the 'perfect fit' is also something that a knowledgeable Realtor can guide you. At VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven track record for successfully assisting buyers and sellers. I will walk you through a transactions, alleviating the stress that can come with the process, whether you are looking for a primary home, vacation home, or second home. I am an active member of the Columbia-Greene Board Realtors. I subscribe to the highest standards of ethical practice. Call me to arrange for an initial appointment. I 'm looking forward to meeting you!

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:

www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at:

Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Clear As Mud

Home buyers have traditionally focused on kitchens when they evaluate properties that they may want to purchase. In recent years, they have also turned their attention to the kitchen addenda known as mudrooms. Positoined as buffer zones between the outdoors and the kitchen, mudrooms serve as changing rooms, laundry rooms, closets, storage areas, and shoe repositories. Most recently, these utility areas have grown into sophisticated holding areas with built-in cabinets that match the kitchen's own for stowing brief cases, lunch boxes, back packs, baby carriages, and diaper bags. Sellers may want to cash in on this trend by retrofitting rear foyers and old mudrooms with upgraded cabinetry. Doing so will certainly boost their homes' appeal.

HINT: For convenience that is sure to please prospective buyers, outfit a renovated mudroom with a washer and dryer.

Are you thinking of selling your home and wondering if you can increase its value by doing some updating? It is imperative not to spend unnecessarily, or you will not realize a return for your investment - you may loose money. As a Realtor and Principal Broker of Vantage Point Realty, my years of experience working with buyers in your community has taught me what "bell and whistles" are important. I am a member of 3 Multiple Listing Services. I will provide you with a free market analysis, and indicate how you can enhance and "stage" your home to achieve the best possible results.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes. com

Talking Up A Property

Sellers may be largely unaware of one of the most useful services that real estate agents can provide them. This work, which goes on behind the scenes, involves increasing the awareness of their client's properties to other agents who may have potential buyers. Essentially, this amounts to a public relations effort, the goal of which is to disseminate as much information as possible to as many potentially interested parties as possible. It also helps for an agent to stress the most appealing features of a client's property with the intention of garnering interest. Houses that are "talked up" to other agents have the best chance of selling, which is a result that does always tend to be noticed.

Hint: Networking provides real estate agents with one of their most effective home-selling tools.


An experienced Realtor knows how to market your property, including the best way of "Networking" it to attract interested, qualified buyers. At VantagePoint Realty, I will use a number of effective venues when marketing your property. Our presence on the Internet leads the way in our market area. I will meet with you, provide you with a free market analysis of your property, and make recommendations as to what complement of marketing strategies will bring you the most potential buyers.

As an active member of the Columbia-Green Board of Realtors and 3 Multiple Listing Services, I have the experience to assist you in determining how to show your property to its best advantage.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs.
Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

and visit us at our website at:
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com,

or e-mail me at:
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

New Or Old

Any buyer must make a choice between purchasing a newly built home or an older home. One obvious advantage to buying new is that you get to choose everything from wall colors to countertop materials. In addition, brand new appliances and home systems are less likely to require repair and often come with warranties. New homes also include the latest technological features, amenities, and safety features. An older home, on the other hand, may provide savings in terms of property taxes and list prices. They are also more likely to be on larger lots of land, located in mature neighborhoods closer to metropolitan areas. In addition, older homes often display craftsmanship that was intended for homes expected to last lifetimes.

Hint: Older homes sometimes come with such pleasant surprises as hardwood floors that have languished for years beneath layers of vinyl or carpet.

Old or new? The choice is yours, and as a Realtor and Principal/Broker of VantagePoint Realty, I am dedicated to assisting you in finding the best home to suit your needs and desires. Let my years of experience benefit you!

As an active member of the Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors and 3 Multiple listing Services, I have the experience and expertise to assist you in determining how to show your property to its best advantage.

Call me to arrange an appointment. My office is conveniently located. I look forward to working with you! I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

and/or visit us at:

www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at:

Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Set In Stone

When purchasing a residential property, never take it for granted that fences, stone walls, and other border indicators necessarily mark the boundaries of the property accurately. Only a property survey conducted by a professional surveyor should be relied upon to locate property lines. Without a survey, prospective buyers may be relying on the wrong information. If so, any assumptions that they may be making with regard to future expansion possibilities may be called into question. While the cost of a professional survey is not consequential, it can certainly pay for itself many times over if it serves to uphold the buyer's assumptions about adding on to the house at a later date.

Hint: Homeowners often build walls and fences without having their properties surveyed, which could spell trouble for subsequent owners of the properties.

If you are considering the purchase of a home, you may feel overwhelmed by the numerous aspects of acquiring property. As a Realtor and Principal Broker of VantagePoint Realty and a member of 3 Multiple Listing Services, I have a successful track record helping buyers achieve their real estate goals with the least amount of confusion and stress.

Contact me to schedule an initial meeting. My office is conveniently located. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

and/or visit me at:

www/ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at

Stephanie @ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Buyer's Desires

Move-up buyers have desires that go far beyond great rooms with fireplaces. They want a little bit more sizzle with their steak. For instance, no longer satisfied with dark, windowless laundry rooms in the basement, move-up buyers look for second-floor laundry rooms that are closer to bedrooms and the point of need. If possible, a home laundry should be more than a mere addendum to a bathroom. It should be a stand-alone room with counters, cabinets, and a sink. Beyond that, buyers also look to a room dedicated to watching movies, listening to music, and watching TV. These home theatres/listening rooms should be able to accommodate big-screen TVs and be wired for sound, preferably surround sound.

Hint: Mud rooms are also high on move-up buyers' lists of desirable features.

With the availability of low rates and a wide range of mortgage programs available to buyers, it may be the right time to consider 'moving up'. If you currently own, you may find that the price that you can obtain for your property will allow you to upgrade the size and or the style of your current home. At VantagePoint Realty, we are trained to determine the value of your current home and advise you of your options. Call us to arrange for a complimentary market analysis of your property.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484 and/or visit us at:
www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

or e-mail me at:
Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Home Sweet Home

At the heart of the American Dream, homeownership represents both the largest financial investment most of us will ever make and a significant lifestyle choice. Thus, whether you are selling or thinking of buying a house, you have a vested interest in being well informed about the wide range of issues surrounding the ownership of a home. These include market conditions; lifestyle considerations; legal and tax issues; buying and selling strategies; financing; and the various structural, mechanical, and cosmetic aspects of the home. Regardless of whether you are a buyer, seller, landlord, or renter dealing in single-family homes, condominiums, co-operatives, commercial real estate or apartments, this column will provide you with useful real estate information in the weeks that follow.

P.S. A real estate professional can provide clients with accurate and up-to-date pricing information, which can be used to set realistic purchase and sale limits.
.

As an active member of the Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors and 3 Multiple Listing Services, I have the experience and expertise to assist you in determining how to show your property to its best advantage.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

and/or visit us at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com,

or e-mail me at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Make The Most of What You've Got

A seller should make the most of his or her home's best assets when advertising to prospective buyers. Begin by knowing what buyers want. According to a recent survery conducted by the National Association of Realtors, the feature that buyers want most in their next home is central air conditioning. This is followed by a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, a bedroom on the main level, a patio or oversized garage, a cable or satellite TV-ready home, fencing, a separate shower in the master bathroom, a porch, and an eat-in kitchen.

If you are a seller and have any, or all, of these desirable features, the best thing you can do is let prospective buyers know it.



Hint: The 2004 NAR Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences indicates that the most desired rooms/spaces include garages, living rooms, extra bathrooms, and laundry, all of which were rated as "very important" by more than 70% of respondents.

Prior to putting your home on the market, there may be a few key enhancements that would add to the appeal and ensure a better selling price. An experienced, professional real estate professional can offer you excellent advice when preparing your home for selling. At VantagePoint Realty, I can advise you as to what changes/alterations will result in achieving the best possible price for your property.

As an active member of the Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors and 3 Multiple Listing Services, I have the experience and expertise to assist you in determining how to show your property to its best advantage.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

and/or visit us at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com,

or e-mail me at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

There's Always A First Time (Buyer)

The real estate marketplace is largely governed by the laws of supply and demand. With this in mind, present and future sellers may ask themselves where the demand for their homes might come from. The answer comes from the National Association of Realtors, which conducts a profile of buyers and sellers based on annual real estate transactions. The NAR's survey shows that there is a large pool of first-time buyers who account for four out of every ten homes purchased. In turn, this provides the housing market with liquidity that makes it easier for existing owners to trade up and down. The children of Baby Boomers will be in the prime years of purchasing their first homes during the next decade.

HINT: According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical first-time buyer is 32 years old with a household income of $54,500, who makes a 3% down payment on a home costing $139,000.

Shelter is one of the three primary needs of man. Couple that with the current, low mortgage rates and the real estate market thrives with buyers seeking to purchase, and sellers seeking to "trade up". Whatever your real estate needs and expectations, I have a proven track record of assisting those who are buying and/or selling property.

I can assist you in meeting and exceeding your real estate needs. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484
and/or visit us at: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com,
e-mail me at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com