Last Minute Shopping Tips

If you still have some holiday shopping to do, you will need to make the most of your time to get it all done with the least amount of stress. Here are some tips to help you get to your happy holiday:

1. Organize- Make a list of everyone you still need to buy for and any ideas you have of items to buy. This way, no one will be forgotten in the rush.

2. Head to the mall- At this point, shopping on line is difficult if you are looking for gifts to arrive by Christmas. The multiple stores in one location will provide you with the most options in the shortest amount of time.


3. For those hard to buy for- Create a theme, like a car wash, spa night or barbecue bash, and fill a container with everything the recipient needs to do the job right.

4. Think outside the box- Stores you wouldn't normally think of have great unique gift ideas. Head to zoos, country shops, craft stores, bakeries, or college shops for some different holiday items.

5. We all need to eat- Gift cards to a favorite restaurant make great gifts for couples- it gives them an excuse to go out together!

6. Use the phone- call ahead to make sure certain stores have the items you want. There's no point in making the trip to a specific store for an item that's no longer there.

7. Get there early- consider shopping when stores first open. Sales people will be more attentive and helpful, and selections won't have been picked through by a days worth of people yet.

8. With no time left- If you have left shopping literally to the last minute, there is still one good solution: travel. Booking trips online is easy and quick, and with the date of purchase hidden, no one will know (or mind) it was left to the last minute.

Preparing Your House to Sell

Preparing your home to go on the market will put you ahead of the competition. Here are some tips for getting ready to sell:

1. Know how much you want to spend- Make touch ups and polishes to your home instead of big changes. Make repairs that have needed to be done, and keep in mind the money you will be getting back during the sale for the changes. If it's not something you will see your money back for during a sale, consider holding off. Keep any planned changes to the house reasonable and in character with the home and the neighborhood.

2. Update your kitchen- If your cabinets are looking a little worn, consider simple updates, like changing the hardware or lighting. Try a fresh coat of paint in buyer friendly neutral colors to cabinets that haven't been painted in years. Often, sprucing up the cabinets can give the kitchen an entirely new look.

3. Clean it up- Break out your cleaning supplies and give the house a good cleaning. Buyers will be coming through with a careful eye, so prepare your house to be criticized. Make sure windows are clear and letting all the light possible into your home. Check baseboards for scuffs, clean carpets, make sure kitchens are free of any food spills or stains, and make sure bathrooms are sparkling and smelling great.

4. Check your lawn- This will be the buyer's first impression of your home, so help your sale by making sure it's a good one. Keep the lawn tidy and gardens weeded. If it's winter, make sure paths are shoveled and stairs are free of ice.

5. Remove clutter- buyers are trying to picture themselves in the space, so give them a hand by making the space free of distractions. Make sure shelves, closets, counter tops, and any storage spaces like attics and basements are cleared away. Buyers will be able to picture themselves in your home, and it will appear spacious as well.

6. Maximize small spaces- Mirrors in small spaces often have the effect of making them look and feel bigger. Add to this by bringing in bright light, either naturally or with a space appropriate light fixture.

7. Take an emotion free look at your paint- Buyers like to see neutral colors that they can picture their furniture with. Make sure you are not turning away buyers with an easy fix like a fresh coat of a new paint color. Neutral wall colors like white and beige offer a blank template where buyers can quickly assess how they will make it their own.

8. Laundry space- clear this space of built up lint and any chemical spills. Keep it clear of piles of clothes, and keep it as orderly as possible.

9. Satisfy the Senses- We make decisions based on our sensory perceptions and when shopping for homes this is especially true. Sight, sound, and smell are all important variables in a home's sale. White tends to be the most popular interior home color, which may be augmented with bright, fresh flowers or area rugs. Keep loud noise at bay by having the kids and dogs away during showings keeping music and appliances turned off. Finally, smell is a deal breaker for many buyers, so clean your home well and air it out so that it smells new and fresh. Avoid using perfumes, candles, incense, or cooking foods with strong smells prior to showings.

10. Brighten Up- People respond more favorably to property that is shown under bright light. Brighten your home with effective lamps and overhead lighting. Clean windows, draw back the shades, and use mirrors to reflect light.

Valuing East Lansing Rental Properties- By Curt Hanson, CSH Valuation Associates

The valuation of income units in the East Lansing student rental market is not unlike the valuation of other traditional income-producing units.  It just involves a greater understanding of the valuation measures and selection of the appropriate unit of comparison for the student rental market.  Professionals, Realtors and appraisers, versed in the nuances of this market should be sought for the knowledge and understanding of the income to the various housing units, and specifically how the relevance of location within the East Lansing student housing community, and the number of license allowed, relates to income to a particular unit or units. 

Income producing real estate is all granted a certain amount of licenses per unit, based on relevant criteria determined by the City of East Lansing.  The income to each rental unit is based on the amount of licenses that are available to each unit.  An appropriate unit of comparison for these properties, that can be derived and analyzed for use in valuation, includes the sales price per license measure.  For income analysis, rent per license and rent per bedroom amounts can be derived and used in the estimation of total market rent, which can then be multiplied by a gross monthly rent multiplier, or gross rent multiplier (annualized).

The importance of the knowledge in location factors figures into the proximity of the units to the campus and main downtown social area.  The highest rents are often seen, per license and per bedroom, nearest to Grand River Avenue.  A downtrend in rents can be seen just several blocks outward from the main locations off Grand River and across from campus, and going northeastward and westward.  An understanding of the many variables in the East Lansing student housing community is essential in both the sale of, and the valuation of these valuable parcels.  Turnover is very rare in the core initial blocks from the campus area and without the essential knowledge necessary in this community, valuation can be problematic.