Combining Emotion and Logic for Your Next Real Estate Transaction

It is a well-known fact that people often buy out of emotion more than logic. This is obvious when you see advertisers appealing to a customer’s emotions for a product. It is true even in purchasing or selling real estate. It is one reason that what people want to buy may be very different from what they need.

Is Emotion Wrong?

At the height of the home-buying process just before the housing industry fell apart, many people were relying on emotions to buy their homes. They found the places they wanted and made the purchase regardless of whether they could afford it or even if it was a sound investment.

While that didn’t prove to be a good way of buying or selling properties. The other extreme doesn’t work either. You can find a house that meets all of your needs and looks good on paper, but you won’t be happy with it if it doesn’t make you happy (appeal to your emotions).

The Importance of Balance

It is important for either buying or selling a home that you combine the two, especially for buyers. The best way to make this a reality is to begin with the logical side. That is why it is a good idea to list your must-haves before you ever go look at a property. Also, take the time to figure your budget and know what amount is the top of your price range. When you go look at properties, stick with these guidelines so that you never lose sight of the practical side of buying a home.

On the other hand, don’t ignore the emotional side. If you see a property that looks good on paper but doesn’t feel like the right place, keep looking. It is unlikely that the home will grow on you in the long-term. Instead, you will be making a monthly mortgage payment on a property that you don’t like.

It has often been said that you will know when you find the home meant to be yours. Just make sure you are looking at only the homes you can afford and it will make sense both emotionally and logically. Contact me to help you find the right home to buy.

Get to Know Abbott Woods

Abbott Woods is a neighborhood located in East Lansing, Michigan. It is a small subdivision located off of Abbott Road. It is bordered by Abbott Woods Terrace and Abbott Woods Drive. While this is a small area, it is nearby many conveniences and amenities. It is within walking distance of a bus stop and an ATM.

For those who enjoy taking a walk or being close to nature, Whitehills Park is just a short distance away. Other nearby parks include Tamarisk Park and Henry Fine Park. If you prefer urban life, you have plenty of options, too. Enjoy delicious foods any time of the day from Big Apple Bagels for breakfast to Reno’s for a drink. The East Lansing public library is just a short drive on Abbot Rd. with the East Lansing High School nearby and Glencairn Elementary school close. MacDonald Middle school is also assigned to this neighborhood and is only 1.7 miles away. All of the schools have a high rating, which is important to families looking for a new home.

Just follow Abbot Rd to Highway 69 for easy access to the rest of East Lansing or to get out of town.

Homes in this area sell for around the mid-200’s with some under the $200k price tag. They are mostly single-family homes with many 3-bedroom, 2-bath places. The area would be ideal for young families, busy professionals working in the area or even retirees who want to enjoy East Lansing. Many of the homes in the area were built in the mid-1990s.

If you are interested in looking at homes in this area, give me a call. I can introduce you to the neighborhood and answer any questions you might have about the location. Contact me and let an agent who knows this area help you find your new home.

Capital Prime: The Newest Taste of Lansing

When you are house-hunting, you consider the neighborhood first. Along with safety and good schools, you also think about the best stores and restaurants. If you are planning to move close to the Eastwood Heights area or anywhere in Lansing, you want to check out Capital Prime. It is the newest steakhouse and seafood place and offers delicious foods to tempt your palate.

Located right behind the NCG cinema, it has plenty of room to accommodate up to 250 people. Host a fabulous party in one of the two private dining rooms. Besides a variety of meats, the restaurant tries to use local produce to create their fabulous entrees. Vegetarians can also find a variety of meals to suit them. A fabulous selection of wines and beers is included with a full dessert menu to finish off your meal.

In addition to a delicious menu, Capital Prime also features The Lounge, which becomes a fun piano and jazz bar with live local and nationally-known entertainment that can be enjoyed Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Capital Prime is sure to be a hit with the experience of the ownership team leading the way. Joseph Goodsir is the primary owner and is involved with many other eateries, including Harrison Roadhouse and The Riviera Café. His operating partner and the general manager of Capital Prime is Leonard Jump. The executive chef is Bassam Sharkas who has 23 years of experience in creating delectable menus that are unique and sophisticated.

If you want to try out this new hit in Lansing, the restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 4-10 and 4-12 Thursday through Saturday. On Sunday, you can enjoy a meal from 3-9. Make a reservation to enjoy Capital Prime. It has already been receiving rave reviews from visitors on the food and the atmosphere.

Is the American Dream Still Alive?

It has been a long way back from the housing crisis of 2008. In fact, statistics show that the U.S. is still nowhere near where it was before the boom that led to the bust. Does this mean that home ownership is no longer the American Dream? Is real estate not a viable investment in today’s world?

A Slow Return

The good news in the housing industry is that numbers have improved from where they went when the market hit bottom. The bad news is that the recovery isn’t complete yet. That doesn’t mean that it won’t happen or that something is wrong with the economy. To understand where the housing industry is and where it is going, you have to understand where it was.

At the height of the housing boom, more homes were being built than what had been averaged for the years before. The number of new homes being built today is higher than at the lowest point but nowhere close to the numbers before the recession. The reason for this is that it takes some time for the excess inventory to be reduced to normal.

Lost Confidence

Another problem is that many people have decided that buying is no longer the best option for them. They have chosen to rent instead as a more affordable choice. It takes some time for people to overcome the fears of home ownership after a recession. Over time, people will develop more confidence and forget about their fears and take the plunge. It may take several years for this to occur, but the housing market will recover gradually.

Another possible reason for the slow growth in the housing market is because more people are looking to alternative solutions. For example. Baby Boomers are downsizing and moving into condos and apartments instead of single-family homes.

Many people in the younger generation is saddled with higher student loans and problems finding a good-salaried, stable income. They can’t afford or qualify for the homes they want. However, once they overcome these issues and are ready to settle down, home ownership will become more appealing.

While the housing market has not rebounded like many had hoped, it is moving in the right direction and should continue to do so going forward. If you are ready to become a homeowner and are looking to buy a house, contact me. I can help you find the right place to call home.

How to Find Your Dream Home Within Your Budget

Imagine what your new home is going to look like. Fabulous cherry cabinets with granite countertops, an open floor plan, a large master bedroom with an amazing en suite bath. It’s time to get your head out of the clouds if you are a first-time buyer. Your home is definitely going to be special to you, but it probably won’t have everything you are looking for.

Get Real

What you have to remember is that when you are starting out, you won’t be able to afford everything you want. The goal is to find a starter home that has most of what you want and all of what you need. You can always move up later on.

Know What Matters

Figure out what really matters to you. It may not be the same thing as what is important to other people. This also means figuring out what you can live without. You may discover that you could be happy in a condo instead of a detached house. A condo is often less expensive while giving you the features that you love.

On the other hand, having a yard may be more important so you will settle for basic features inside. It’s all about compromise when you are buying your starter home, and you have to know what things are right to compromise on.

Consider an Older Home

While many people like the thought of moving into a brand new house that no one has lived in, you can get more for your money if you look at older homes. If you are willing to work with a fixer, you may even get a better deal. You can work on making it what you want over time and add value to the property. It is often a smart decision if you can live with a house the way it is now and see its potential.

Be Willing to Move

From your desired location, that is. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others. If you do not want to sacrifice on the house you want, you may have to be willing to compromise on location. In some areas, you can barely get a 1,000-square foot house for a decent price. Move a few miles away and you can find a sprawling home with plenty of room and the latest upgrades for the same price.

In the end, it’s all about compromise and knowing what will make you happy and what you can live without. Be prepared to make some changes in your mind as you search for the dream home you want. If you are ready to begin that journey, contact me. I can help you start your search for the home that is right for you.

Why Won’t Your Home Sell?

Each day that goes by without an offer on your home when you are trying to sell can feel like an eternity. You are limbo, waiting for someone to buy your house so you can move on to the next stage in your life. The key to selling your home when you don’t have buyers beating down your door is to figure out why it isn’t selling now.

The Wrong Price

A house that is priced too high won’t sell. Period. To find out what your home is worth (not what you think it is worth) is to see what other homes in the area are selling for. Ask your agent for his or her advice on pricing. Don’t forget that agents see a lot of homes and will know how yours compares to the competition.

Lack of Promotion

People used to drive around and look for houses with For Sale signs in their desired neighborhoods. Now, people search online before they ever take the next step in house-hunting. If your house is not listed prominently online, no one may even know it is for sale.

It Has Problems

Is it obvious that your house is outdated or worse, in poor shape?  Does your decorating preferences hit people in the face when they walk in? Whether you have serious repair issues or design problems, these are things that can keep people from making an offer on your house. Your agent should be asking buyer’s agents for feedback and figuring out what needs fixed to make your house sell.

Make Sure It Sells Well

Take a look at your house through objective eyes. If you see personal touches, get rid of them. This includes photos, knick-knacks, even color schemes that are too limited. Remove anything that can keep buyers from imagining themselves in a home. It might be too much furniture, too many pictures on the wall or even an odd-looking art piece.

If you work on these issues and partner with a reputable, experienced real estate agent, your home will sell. Contact me if you are ready to sell your home and need help.

Living in a Home You are Selling

Living in a home while it is on the market is often a stressful situation. That place where you spent your last few years now feels like a stranger’s home. Or you are worried that someone will want to see the house and you will have stuff lying around. Here are a few tips to make it easier to live in a place with a For Sale sign without losing your sanity.

Use Storage

Start packing for your move. Consider what you don’t need and either sell it, throw it away or pack it up. Pack out-of-season clothing, photos, knick-knacks and even the guest room. If you have a lot of furniture, pack that up and put it in storage. Just keep out a few pieces for you to use and that looks nice for showing.

Sort magazines and even your books or toys to see what you can live without for a few months and pack it away. It will be easier to keep your home clean if you have less stuff.

Clean

Go through your house and clean it from top to bottom. It will look good for open houses and showing. In addition, it will be easier to clean when you get a last-minute phone call asking to see the house right away. It also reduces the stress because you might only have a few things to pick up or a counter to wipe down to make your house sparkle and shine. At the same time, you can relax and enjoy being at home because you know it won’t take much to get it ready for visitors.

Lock Away Valuables

Whether your agent is holding open houses or just hosting showings, people will be going through your stuff. Keep private items and information locked away. Don’t just hide them since people will be looking in drawers and closets. Lock them away where you know where to find things you need. Remove valuables, especially small items like jewelry.

Deal with Pets

If possible, it is ideal to send your pets to your family or friends’ houses while your home is on the market. Otherwise, keep them contained and clean up after them immediately. Crate the cat and dog when the house is being shown to avoid scaring or distracting anyone.

Create a checklist of last-minute things that must be done when you get the call for a showing. This ensures that you leave the house looking good and that it takes minimal time. For instance, you want light left on and the right temperature. You can even set out a basket of fruit or a vase of flowers to be a warm welcome. Spray a fresh scent to make the place feel inviting and clean.

If you do the necessary work, it won’t take long for your house to sell and you won’t be living this way for more than a few months. If you are ready to sell your home, contact me and I can help you get it on the market.