Blogs

Housing Sales Down? Arctic Weather is a Big Factor

The weather has definitely been a big factor affecting home sales in the mid-Hudson Valley in January and February.  It has been difficult to show homes because of the snow, ice, and just plain frigid temperatures. 

It is a challenge for sellers to keep all the areas of their property accessible to buyers for showings, such as walkways, garages, patios, and other outdoor areas.  Some sellers have taken their homes off the market temporarily to repair damage caused by ice backups.  Does this photo look familiar?  There are also factors delaying closings, such as inspectors inability to inspect roofs, septics, and other outdoor major elements.

Hello Spring . . . can't wait till you get here . . . please give us a sign!      

Does Real Estate Have the Winter Blues? -  The harsh winter weather throughout the country is shuttering open houses, delaying closings, and keeping some home buyers out of the market.

[NAR Daily News Magazine]

Things To Do on Cold Days in Dutchess County

Looking for some indoor activities that everyone can enjoy?  Here are some links to local websites that might inspire you with some good ideas on how to keep the kids entertained, get some culture, learn something new, or just have a good meal and enjoy some live entertainment.

Dutchess County Tourism Calendar of Events

Travel Hudson Valley

Official Website of Dutchess County

Think Baby Boomers Want To Downsize? Think Again!

Watch this video for some very surprising baby boomer survey results.  

January 2015 National Real Estate Market Update

Century 21 Real Estate provides this real estate market update for January 2015.  

Here we can see the year-end results and comparisons nationally.

Want to Raise Your Credit Score?

Here is a link to an informative article . . . all about credit scores.  It outlines the individual factors that are involved in your credit score and what percentage of your score is based on each factor.

There is also a good deal of sound advice on what to do to raise your score.

10 Ways to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points in 2015 - (TNS)—It’s important to get your credit score as high as possible if you want to qualify for the best loans and credit. Many lenders don’t even look at your credit report; they stop at your credit score. FICO credit scores range between 350 and 850, with 850 being the very best score you can get. […] [RisMedia Consumer News]

Wall Colors That Help Sell Your Home

Flipping through the HGTV shows and scanning the web looking for good ideas on what colors to paint your walls?  Don't trust yourself to pick the right colors and don't want to hire a professional stager to advise you?

Here is a quick link that will simplify the decision process.  Pick some of these colors, coordinated to your rooms of course, and chances are you'll make good decisions.

Benjamin Moore - How To Stage Your Home With Color

Remember, you're doing this to make your home appealing to as many buyers as possible.  It's not for you . . . so you don't have to love it.  The idea is to de-personalize your home.

In addition to the interior paint colors, be sure to follow the basic guidelines in the Pre-Marketing Checklist.