STAGING ADVICE

An absolute “must” for home stagers regardless of which demographic being targeted is color. Most sellers are instructed to use neutral colors when repainting. However, adding the right punch of color to accent walls can create depth, enhance kitchen cabinets, or bring a boring bathroom to life.

Homeowners can find color in simple accessories, like throw pillows, coffee table books, and decorative canisters. Neutral colors in flooring materials, upholstery pieces and window dressing work well because they enhance brighter accents.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for advice with selling your home
248-4409

First-Time Homebuyer Credit

You only have until April 30 to sign a buy-sell with closing by the end of June, 2010 in order to get the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit. There are now new rules on filing to get this credit. If you are working with one of our agents, contact your agent for up-to-date information on this. Give us a call at 248-4409

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS

If you are thinking about buying your first home or becoming a homeowner again after years of renting you may be eligible for assistance that can help you get into a home with less money down or a lower interest rate. The most important factor in finding the right programs is finding the right lender and a real estate agent who is willing to spend extra time and effort making sure you understand the process and are getting the best deal. It is very important to find a lender and an agent that have knowledge and experience in dealing with first time home buyers.
There are 5 main programs available in the Billings area. Give me a call to explain these programs and help you with them.

Jacque Lorang 690-5277 or email ablahoo@yahoo.com

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT

You have until 4/30/2010 to have an accepted buy-sell and close before 6/30/2010 in order to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit from the government. Even if you have owned a home before, you may qualify for this tax credit. If you want to change homes, you may qualify for the $6,500 tax credit. Please give us a call if you are interested in looking for your dream home.

Quiz for First-time homebuyer

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Here are some quizzes from Kiplinger with helpful information in connection with your home purchase. http://www.kiplinger.com/quiz/home_buyer/

If you have questions, please contact Billings Real Estate Professionals and we will be glad to help you with your purchase.

Best Home Improvement Projects

Home Improvement Projects based on Cost and Return on Investment
1.Cleaning and de-cluttering—this costs almost nothing and will increase the amount you receive on your house.
2.Home staging
3.Lightening and brightening
4.Landscaping—curb appeal is important
5.Repairing plumbing
6.updating electrical
7.Replacing or shampooing carpets
8.painting interior walls
9.Repairing dmaged floors
10.Updating kitchen
11.Painting out side of home
12.Updating bathrooms

The home improvement projects with the highest price increases to a home’s resale value are updating the kitchen followed by painting the outside of the home and home staging.

Inexpensive cosmetic home improvements and basic improvements greatly enhance the value of the home.

Home Inspections Important

Home inspections are important to buyers because they may discover potential problems with their home purchase before those issues become apparent after residing in the home and naturally those problems then become their problems. Problems such as low water pressure, small water leaks,foundation problems,roof problems,drainage problems and the list could go on and on but the point is that the inspection can potentially reveal things about the home that are not readily apparent to the casual observer with a quick visual walk through. The inspection can also help the seller to recognize problems and possibly fix them before they become possible obstacles to a sucessful sale and closing. My wife Jo Ann & I believe so firmly in home inspections that we are offering FREE HOME INSPECTIONS for buyers or sellers that list or buy from us, valued up to $400.00. Just call or e-mail Larry or Jo Ann Thomas at 628-2903 or 545-9249 or e-mail larrythomasbrep@msn.com and tell us you saw our offer on the company website and wish to list or buy your next home from us and take advantage of our offer.