Tips to sell your home in today’s market.

Tip #1 - Be realistic about the list price.  With all the inventory available, buyers are looking for a deal so make sure your asking price is right from the start.  If you really want to generate a buzz, set your asking price at 10% below the price of similar homes in the immediate area.  By doing so, you may receive multiple offers.

Tip #2 - It’s been said that selling a home today is a beauty contest in a price war.  To bring out the inner beauty of your home, consider hiring a home stager.  Home stagers will help deal with the clutter, rearrange furniture to create interesting focal points and giving new meaning to unused or under-utilized rooms.

Tip #3 - Offer cash!  The word “cash” always catches the eye.  Make your home more affordable by offering closing cost assistance.  First time buyers are typically looking for financial assistance and by offering $3000 towards closing costs it may make a difference between selling your house versus your neighbor’s house down the street. 

Happy selling!  

The rain has finally stopped and we’re gearing up for a beautiful and sunny Memorial Day weekend in Central PA. The temperature will climb every day reaching a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit on Memorial Day. Looking for something to do? Maybe I can help.

1. Artsfest at Riverfront Park (May 24-26)

This 3-day celebration offers food, film and fun! Artists come from across the country to display and sell their handcrafted goods. This is entertainment for the entire family. For more information, visit www.harrisburgarts.org.

2. Great Pennsylvania FlavorFest (May 24-25)

The Mount Hope Estate and Winery invites you to taste various wine and beer offerings from 16 wineries and 5 breweries as well as expand your pallette by trying regional favorites. For more information, visit www.greatpaflavorfest.com.

3. Fahrenheit/New Rollercoaster (May 24)

With much anticipation, Hersheypark is opening their new rollercoaster on May 24. This is the park’s 11th rollercoaster ride and boasts to be the nation’s steepest coaster ride! For more information, visit www.hersheypark.com.

4. “Over the Top” Circus (May 21 - 26)

If you haven’t taken the family to the circus lately, take them to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus at the Giant Center in Hershey. For more information, call the Giant Center Box Office at 717-534-3911.

5. Relax and Enjoy the Holiday

No matter where you decide to spend the holiday, spend with friends and family and enjoy! Remember to buckle up and be safe.

Are you thinking about buying in this market? It’s a great time to buy and let me tell you why.

Mortgage rates are very attractive. The average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage is 6.1%. By December, interest rates will most likely reach mid-6% and the forecast rate for 2009 is 7%. The inventory of homes is abundant and will remain so but financing is projected to get more expensive.

No one can time the bottom of the market. For buyers, now is the best time to buy - inventory is high and mortgage rates are low. Make sure you look at a reasonable amount of homes before you pick “the one” and then drive a hard bargain. If you are trading up, you may want to sell your current home first before you buy. If you don’t, you may be forced to pay two mortgages until your current home sells.

Do yourself a favor and don’t listen to the national news when it comes to real estate. Real estate is a local market (versus a national market). The Harrisburg area (Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Perry) is very stable and homes are selling at ALL price points. During the first quarter of 2008, in Central PA alone, 1,598 homes settled.

The following data is pulled from the Central Penn Multi-List Service. It’s proof that homes are selling in Central Pennsylvania at all price points. Naturally, the list price comes in to play so the data is segregated by the actual selling price (not list price).

Selling Price                   Units Sold               Avg. Days on Market                 Active Listings

$199,999 and below         1,011                                44                                           2,023

$200,000 - $299,999         298                                  93                                           1,088

$300,000 - $399,999         102                                  94                                              488

$400,00 and above             60                                  111                                             504

Note to Sellers: If the market value of your home is hovering around $200,000, it is in your best interest (if you want a fast sale) to price your home under $199,999. Homes are selling fast in the $199,999 and under category.

Note to Buyers: The same information applies to you. If you are looking to buy in the $199,999 range and under, be prepared to make an offer on a home that you really like. If you hesitate or take a week or so to get pre-approved, the home may be under contract and no longer available.

Today’s trend is to bring your indoor setting outdoors. Let me explain…everyone is looking for more living space and one great way to do that economically is to create a comfortable living space outdoors.  Think of your living room or family room.  You have furniture, lighting, and accessories.  For your outdoor living space, you will want the same elements. 

If your patio is directly off your den or family room, consider tying to the two spaces together.  For example, if your family room is primarily decorated in blue and brown then use blue and brown in your outdoor space as well.  Find comfortable and durable resin furniture (brown) and accessorize with blue pillows and blue flowers.  This will visually extend the inside room and make it appear larger. 

Also, don’t forget the grill.  Is your grill clean?  Think of the message you are sending when buyers see a dirty grill.  If your grill is sparkling clean then they will think the same of your home.  What is the condition of your grill cover?  If it is tattered and worn then it’s time to get rid of it.  If you know in advance that your home is being shown that day then remove the grill cover and let your sparkling clean grill shine to all the buyers to tour your home.