Front Door & More

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

Real estate agents are not magicians

As knowledgeable, skillful, and hardworking as real estate agents may be, they are not magicians. They cannot take an unappealing house and make it attractive to prospective buyers at a good price solely on the basis of words. A lot of the responsibility for selling a home rests with the seller's ability to boost its curb appeal with proper landscaping, paint, and repair/maintenance. Unless they are looking for a fixer upper, most prospective buyers are drawn to homes that meet their needs and that they can move into with a minimum of fuss. If this means that sellers must treat interior walls to fresh paint in neutral colors and replace worn carpeting, then that is part of a successful deal.

Hint: If a home is well cared for inside and out, prospective buyers are more likely to assume that it is worth the asking price.

If you are motivated to sell, or to purchase, please contact me, Stephanie W. Samuelsohn, Realtor and Principal Broker with VantagePoint Realty. I have a successful track record of assisting sellers and buyers. I will arrange an initial meeting. You will benefit from my knowledge and experience. The office is conveniently located.

Call Stephanie at 518-392-8484

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

See our website at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

Buying a Home? Bewildered? Overwhelmed?

You are not alone! Numerous people find the process of buying a home intimidating. No two buying experiences are the same. Working with me can help ensure that your home buying is a successful, enjoyable experience.

Conveniently located, where full-service is not only the expectation - it is my guarantee!

For further information on all of the services available to you, contact the office or visit my website today.

I am fully licensed in both NY and MA and bring with me skills for service and dedication.

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint.

Call us today at 518-392-8484

Would You Remove Your Own Appendix

...much less overhaul your vehicle's engine? The fact is that, whether a Doctor or a Car Mechanic, most people turn to those with professional experience to get the results they want. In the case of selling a home, there is too much riding on the outcome to hope that a homeowner can do the job himself or herself. While potential FSBO's (homes 'for sale by owner') nearly uniformly focus on saving money, experienced Real Estate agents usally pay for themselves by getting higher prices more quickly. They do this by setting a realistic asking price, advertising the property thoroughly, networking more effectively, qualifying buyers better, and negotiating a better selling price, circumventing potential problems.

I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.

Green Homes Sell

As the price of energy rises, it is no secret that buyers are showing a decided preference for homes that will cost them less to heat and cool.  Water conservation and electrical costs are other important considerations.  

So, if you are looking to make home improvements that will increase the value of your home in the eyes of potential buyers, start in the basement.  Replace the furnace or boiler, if necessary, with the most efficient model that you can afford.  If your hot-water heater needs replacing, check out the new on-demand, tankless devices that save both space and energy.  

Make sure your home’s insulation is sufficient, and invest in energy-efficient replacement windows.  Then advertise your energy-efficient improvements to potential buyers.

If you are planning a home improvement project, it’s essential to look at ways to include energy efficient changes as well as cosmetic ones.   I can provide information and resources on energy-efficient financing whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling a home. 

My office is conveniently located, where I will serve as your personal guide through this exciting process.  Let’s get together and talk about your home buying and/or selling plans.

Call me at 518-392-8484

VantagePoint Realty

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 4 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

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

10 Suggestions to Have Your House Ready for Sale

1) Clean, Organize, and Neutralize Your Space: Unclutter your house to make it look bigger and cleaner.  Buyers need to be able to envision their own belongings in the home, so avoid using bright colors and too many personal effects.

2) Keep your lawn green: Get your lawn in shape. A patchy lawn takes away from the home's overall appearance. Your local hardware store has supplies to re-seed those unhealthy areas.

3) Add insulation to save energy: The most inexpensive way to increase your home's energy is to add insulation which can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 25%.

4) Update Kitchen Appliances: The kitchen is often the room that buyers gravitate towards first, and an updated kitchen can help sell your home. You don't have to remodel your kitchen to give it a new look. Updating your appliances to the current standard and replacing cabinet doors and hardware can make a big impact at a relatively low cost.

5) Update those bathroom fixtures: A little change can go a long way when it comes to the look of your bathroom. Updating simple fixtures such as your sink and faucet can give any outdated bathroom style. And, according to Bankrate.com, minor bathroom remodels typically return over 100% of the initial investment.

6) Build a fence: If you're trying to sell a house, the appearance of a fence adds value to the home overall. Buyers with children or pets will appreciate the privacy and security of an enclosed backyard.

7) Repair the gutter: Ensuring that your gutter is clean is crucial in protecting your home against water damage.

8) Light up the outside: An easy and inexpensive way to increase your home's outdoor space is to add lighting. It makes it more appealing and safer.

9) Store and organize: Ample storage space is a plus, especially when it comes to garages and closets.  Efficient closet structures can help keep your clothes organized  and can save space.

10) Polish off the basement: Rather than adding an additional room, it is more cost-efficient to remodel your basement. This adds value and usable space.

If you have questions and would like to talk, please give us a call 518-392-8484.  We are conveniently located in Old Chatham, New York.

Visit our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com


             Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

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

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Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...

Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...much less overhaul your vehicle's engine? The fact is that, whether a Doctor or a Car Mechanic, most people turn to those with professional experience to get the results they want. In the case of selling a home, there is too much riding on the outcome to hope that a homeowner can do the job himself or herself. While potential FSBO's (homes 'for sale by owner') nearly uniformly focus on saving money, experienced Real Estate agents usually pay for themselves by getting higher prices more quickly. They do this by setting a realistic asking price, advertising the property thoroughly, networking more effectively, qualifying buyers better, and negotiating a better selling price, circumventing potential problems.


I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.


Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.

Deciding On Buying or Selling - Call Us

When considering your next real estate transaction and looking for real estate representation call us.   Keep in mind that we will do everything possible to make your buying or selling experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.  With our experience in assisting with home buying and selling you can be sure you are receiving the best representation possible.

Owning property is one of the most exciting investments you can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience.  If you are moving out of the area or downsizing, and need to sell your home, we can help you prepare your home for sale, pricing your home right and marketing it effectively.

If you have questions and would like to talk, please give us a call 518-392-8484.  We are conveniently located in Old Chatham, New York.

Visit our website: www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

             Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

Listen to What Your Neighbors Are Saying!

Circumstances in the real estate market dictate that sellers list their homes with agents like us, who will market their properties aggressively. These efforts begin with a market analysis, which involves comparing the home to similar homes in the area that have sold recently, forming the basis of a listing price that appeals to prospective buyers and ensures sellers of a proper return on their investment. Then it’s my responsibility to "get the word out" by advertising on the Internet, in newspapers, in magazines, and listing the property on Multiple Listing Services and connecting with buyers and brokers on the Internet.

Listen to What Your Neighbors Are Saying!

Dear Stephanie,

“Many, many thanks for all the great professional help you gave me in selling my home. I will be singing your praises & telling everyone I know, if they are looking to buy or sell a home, to only consider you & your company!”

Sincerely, Susan, Old Chatham

Dear Stephanie,

“Before we unpack one more box, we would like to say that your attention to detail, from the selection of our new home to the process of relocation, is greatly appreciated. You have made our transition a positive experience we will share with others who are looking for the right place to call home.”

Carolyn and Jeffrey, Canaan

Dear Stephanie,

“We want to thank you so much for your help with the sale of our property in Copake. This is now the third time we have worked with your firm & it has truly been a pleasure. You are always on top of things, very responsive, & most significantly, you have an impeccable knowledge of the market. We look forward to working with you again one day & seeing you soon.”

Warm regards,
Ken and Debra

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint.

Columbia County Homes - VantagePoint Realty

Call 518-392-8484

CALL US ....WE SHOULD TALK

The value of any Real Estate Firm is its ability to provide seamless access to the best information, quickly and accurately. Here at VantagePoint Realty, we specialize in this ability; we have the tools, including award winning web sites, updated and cross-linked to countless search engines, allowing us to be head & shoulders above the competition. Call us; see why now, more than ever, it's so important to follow success!