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

Follow us on Facebook

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!

Call Us - 518-392-8484

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!

Call Us VantagePoint Realty  518-392-8484

or

e-mail: info@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Visit our Website:  www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

When considering your next real estate transaction

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

8 Issues You Must Address if You Plan to Retire in Place

Wanted to Share this Article that was shared by SRES and written 

byDave Hughes

U.S.News & World Report

February 23, 2017

It's fun to imagine the possibilities for exciting and exotic, yet affordable places you can live after you retire. But most people don't actually follow through with a move to a new place. According to an AARP study on aging in place, nearly 90 percent of people over 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible, and 80 percent believe that their current residence is where they will always live.

Just as there are good reasons to move after you retire, there are several compelling reasons to stay right where you are. You may love your current home and have a strong emotional connection to it. Perhaps you want to remain close to your network of family, friends and support systems rather than start over with making new friends, learning a new area and finding new doctors and other service providers. If you are planning to start a business, you will need the network you have built up over many years. Sometimes moving is not financially feasible. Or perhaps it boils down to inertia and it's easiest just to stay put.

If you want to remain in your current home for the rest of your life, here are several considerations that will help you decide whether this is the best choice for you.

1. Does your current community have good infrastructure for supporting seniors? This includes good public transportation or perhaps the availability of city-sponsored transport vans, good health care and a strong senior center that provides activities as well as support services. You should also consider whether you live close enough to public transportation and if the places you visit regularly are on transportation routes.

2. Is your house adaptable to meet your needs as you grow older? A one-story floor plan, or at least a floor plan with a bedroom and all necessary facilities on the first floor, will make it easier if you should require a walker or wheelchair during your later years. You might need to make other adjustments, such as replacing door knobs with lever handles, adding ramps and retrofitting your bathroom with handrails. If you or your spouse should someday require a wheelchair, you should evaluate whether doorways are wide enough and if countertops, cabinets, closets and bathroom facilities will still be accessible.

3. Are your house and yard small enough to maintain as you get older? This concern can be managed if you have nearby family members who are willing to assist you or you can afford to hire people to help you with cleaning and maintenance. Keep in mind that family members may move.

4. Is your current house in good condition and energy efficient? Depending on your house's age and condition, you may incur costs to repair or replace an aging furnace, air conditioner, carpet, appliances or roof. Occasional home maintenance tasks such as repainting or removing dead plants may become things you can no longer do yourself.

5. Are most things you need available within a reasonable distance? Driving all over town and maneuvering on high-traffic freeways will become more challenging as you get older.

6. Are the amenities you wish to enjoy during retirement close by? While you worked, you were probably most concerned with living a reasonable distance from your workplace. After you retire, your work commute will be replaced by trips to play sports, take classes, hike and participate in other activities that you select to be part of your retirement lifestyle.

7. Will your neighborhood still be safe? As you get older, safety will become an increasing concern. While it is impossible to know what transformations your area of town may undergo in the coming years, you may be able to assess whether your surroundings are improving, holding steady or declining.

8. Does your area have good assisted living or nursing homes that you would want to live in? It may be decades before you need them, and a lot may change over the course of those years. When you reach the age where you will need to move into such a facility, your search will probably be limited to your current area. Try to determine whether your local facilities are pleasant and affordable and if there is a long waiting list for spaces.

10-tips-for-finding-a-great-place-to-retire

Questions please call me:  Stephanie W.  Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

Check out our website:  Columbia County Homes

Your Hopes, Your Dreams, Our VantagePoint

Add Value to Your Home

A few suggestions that add value to your home:

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.

Remember:

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn, at VantagePoint Reatly at 518-392-8484

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

Check out our Website:  www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

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

Columbia County Homes

results.

Three Steps to Find More Listings This Winter

By Mark Mathis, General Manager, Agent and Broker Sales, Homes.com

You may be busy preparing your home, family or even wardrobe for winter, but don’t forget that you should be preparing your business, as well. As the market slows down during the colder months, it may be more difficult to generate new listings. Because of this, now is an opportune time to look for FSBO and expired listings to work with.

Statistics show that nearly 92 percent of sellers who try to market a home on their own fail and many expired listings eventually go back on the market, which presents a lot of opportunity for you to find new listings. It’s up to you to show the value you offer in a selling situation. Here are three steps to help you prepare to meet with this kind of seller.

Plan Your Approach
When a listing expires, it’s often because the property wasn’t marketed or priced properly. This is an optimal opportunity to show sellers how you’re different (and better) than their previous agent. Create a marketing plan and present it to the seller, showing them how you would market their home. Include points about establishing a strong web presence, your use of social media, sample advertising ideas, etc. Your marketing plan should show how you can connect with potential buyers and create opportunities to sell.

Similarly, the No. 1 reason someone chooses the FSBO route rather than hiring an agent is because they don’t want to pay commission fees. However, these sellers rarely understand the time and effort agents put into a transaction. Sure, those FSBOs may be saying they don’t want an agent now, but that mindset may change once they start to see how much work it takes to sell their home. Just like sellers with expired listings, approach FSBOs with a marketing plan that shows how much work you’ll put into selling their home.

Develop a Script
Before making contact with the seller of a FSBO or expired listing, prepare exactly what you’re going to say. Remember, rather than focusing on the logical reasons these people want to sell their properties, try to find the emotional reasons, and use that information to turn them into a client.

For example, if you’re working with an expired listing, plan to ask the sellers about their previous experience. If they worked with an agent, ask questions about what that person did to try to sell their home: did they take high quality photos of the interior and exterior, use social media to promote the listing, advertise appropriately and recommend staging options? If it’s a FSBO property, ask the sellers why they didn’t work with an agent the first time: was it a financial issue, did that have a bad experience previously or are there any other factors influencing their decision?

Contact the Sellers
When you’re prepared, it’s time to contact your prospective clients and let them know you’re here to help. Start by sending the sellers an email highlighting your qualifications. For FSBO properties, explain how you can take away the stress of home-selling, sell their home more quickly, and likely get a better price than they could on their own.

When you’re able to speak with these sellers in person or over the phone, put your script into play. Build trust and discover why they’re looking to sell, then go for what Chris Smith, author of The Conversion Code, calls the “trial close” with a “here’s what happens next” question to keep the process moving forward. For example, you could ask “Does Wednesday or Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. work better for my photographer to come by and start taking pictures for marketing materials?” This will help the seller understand what you are going to be doing for them and make them feel more secure in the final steps of the process to list their home.

If sellers aren’t prepared for the trial close or insist that they want to work alone, wish them the best and give them some advice that could help. As time goes on, if they aren’t able to sell, they’re likely to remember you as someone who offered encouragement and call you for help.

If you’re looking for ways to connect with transaction-ready sellers in your local market, check out Homes.com Local Connect. Local Connect positions you in front of active sellers in your target markets with branding that showcases your photo or logo, phone number and endorsements. Call us at 888-651-8956 or send an email to productinfo@homes.com to learn more!

For more information, please visit connect.homes.com.

For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.