How to get your offers accepted to buy properties

The biggest challenge facing most real estate investors is making acceptable offers, especially when buying properties is the basic foundation of real estate investing.



Unless you buy properties, you cannot make any money.



Here is how to make offers that get accepted.



The offer you make depends on the type of property you are buying.



1) Buying from motivated sellers



If you buy houses from motivated sellers, it is necessary to have the following pieces of information:



a) Market Value



Do your due diligence to find out conservatively how much the house would be worth in perfect condition. You must have this information before you can make any offer.



b) Mortgage balance



You must get this information before you can make an offer. A seller who is not willing to disclose this information is not motivated enough. Move on to a motivated seller.



The mortgage balance must allow you to buy the house and still leave you with a profit. It must allow you to make a profit and own it free and clear.



c) Repairs needed



It is possible to estimate repair costs with the information provided by the seller.



You must know how much you need to fix up the house before you can make an offer. Of course, I like to see the house and do my own repair estimates.



d) Asking price



If the owner is asking for too much money given the above 3 pieces of information, the dealmight never happen.



A good asking price must take into account the market value, mortgage balance and repairs. You can then make an offer based on the asking price. Make an offer if the mortgage balance allows you to make a profit.



Even though it is necessary to consider the seller's needs, no offer can be too low. If they are facing foreclosure, then they probably need some money to move, or their asking price might be just enough to get away from the property.



If the mortgage balance is too high compared to the value of the house, it does not make sense to make an offer. Move on to the next deal.



There is no bad offer, except the one you have not made. Always make the offers that make sense to you. You'll be surprised how many get accepted.



2) Buying foreclosed properties



The asking price and repairs are the only important considerations to make in this case. Banks selling these properties are willing to negotiate.



Most REOs are listed below market value. Depending on your exit strategy, if the numbers are close to making sense, by all means make an offer.



Lastly, remember to make your offer lower than the asking price.



by: Simon Macharia

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6984.shtml

Do-it-yourself weekend warrior survival guide

(BPT) - It's the do-it-yourself dream: deciding on the perfect DIY project just as the weekend finally arrives. All the supplies have been purchased and you're ready to dive right in. However, the enthusiastic start of the project doesn't always end in completion.



"Knocking out a big home improvement or do-it-yourself project in one weekend can be a rewarding task, but it is also challenging and can be taxing on your knees, feet and back when standing in the same position for several hours," says Mark Clement, home improvement expert and co-host of the national radio show MyFixitUpLife.



Whether you are woodworking at your workbench or staining a piece of furniture in the garage, Clement offers these tips to make the most of your DIY weekend projects while also feeling comfortable enough to successfully finish them:

• Focus on form and technique. When learning a new technique, go slowly, step by step, until you've mastered it. Allow your body to become accustomed to the various motions required. Moving efficiently is one of the best ways to avoid injury.
• Stay hydrated. Make it a priority to drink at least 125 ounces of cold water each day. Staying hydrated is important when exerting DIY energy, especially in the summer heat. So whether you're digging up the garden, roofing the shed, or wrenching in a no-AC garage, keep a water bottle or sports drink close by.
• Create a comfortable workspace. Be conscious of how long you are standing in the same spot working on your project and how your back feels. To relieve pressure and soreness on feet, knees and back, use a durable matthat is engineered with an optimal balance of cushion and support.
• Dress appropriately. Flip-flops and sandals do not offer the balance, protection and support that a sturdy closed-toe shoe or work boot does while tackling home improvement projects. Even if you have the grace of a ballerina in the workshop or yard, it is remarkably easy to drop things on your feet and it only takes a small distraction to create a big problem.
• Know your limits. When you only have a weekend to finish a big project, you might be feeling the pressure. Before the project even starts, accept that it may not all go according to plan. Plan for a few different scenarios and remember that you can always ask for help.
• Have a first aid kit. Even if you are being extremely cautious, accidents can happen and it's best to be prepared. Keep a first aid kit with all the essentials (antibiotic ointment, bandages, burn cream, etc.) near you at all times and seek professional medical help if necessary.

Remodeling for resale vs. impressing your friends

It's one more area where we can show our sophistication and good taste. We can, and often do decorate to impress and make a statement about how successful we are.



It's an ego thing. It makes us feel good to show our financial success.



And in one way it's often men who go over the top the most. We can argue about it if you want.



They want imported everything including granite or marble, architectural designs, custom finishes and expensive kitchens and baths, along with lots of garage space for luxury cars.



But some luxury cars hold their value far batter than houses do.



A good many sports stars have bankrupted themselves buying this stuff.



A really unique house may only appeal to one person, the person who remodeled it or built it.



There are several problems when a house like this goes to resale.



1. The really expensive finishes and decorating are too individual to work well at resale. The owner might like orange granite, but no one else does.



2. The costs of certain types of décor can never be recovered at resale. It's something the owner wanted that no one else wants or will pay for.



3. The house may be over improved for the values in the neighborhood. For example fashionable granite that has gone into kitchens all over the country. The stuff costs several thousand dollars to install but houses no longer sell for enough money to recoup the cost.



4. Custom paint is a turn off to buyers when houses go to resale. It's ALWAYS the wrong color. The wrong color, meaning any color that is not neutral, just won't sell.



5. The décor that the owner has spent so much time and money on does not appeal to buyers. Often it might even turn them off and they run from the property to the next one. Decorating styles can really be a disadvantage at resale.



6. Custom houses usually only appeal to the owner/ builder. No one else wants the floor plan that has all the kids sleeping in a one-room dorm or the workshop in the bedroom wing. A poorly done remodel can mess up a perfectly good house plan, too.



7. It can be very difficult to sell a house in an area if it is very different from the other houses in the neighborhood. In the southeast for example, most buyers prefer traditional exteriors. A hard contemporary or mid century modern may take way longer to sell than something more traditional. It's the reason neighborhoods have architectural review boards. They don't want anything really different.



So if you expect to have to resell your home any time in the near future control your spending. Only spring for the expensive stuff that will move with you when you go. The house may still represent something important for your ego without being so individual you can't sell it. Resale means you want to appeal to as many buyers as you can so you can sell a house quick.



That means the property has to be sort of average.



It might be more fun to impress your friends with great food and a feeling of simple luxury. 5 stars for comfort can trump the most outrageous décor with your friends and guests.



by: Paula Stone



http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_4809.shtml

Style and function: key elements of today's kitchen

(BPT)-When your family comes home

The kitchen is also where you prepare meals, entertain guests, help your children with homework and even stay up late to pay bills. Because the kitchen is the hub of the home, homeowners are always looking for ways to do more in this vital space, all while keeping it stylish.



One of today's most popular trends in new and remodeled kitchens is the use of multiple kitchen faucets, which add extra functionality to the room.



"Pot fillers, island faucets and even bar or convenience faucets all help to maximize the room," says Kevin McJoynt of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing faucets and fixtures. "But convenience and functionality aren't the only two items homeowners are looking at while upgrading their kitchens. Ambiance, decor and style are also top priorities."



If you're reconsidering your kitchen's function and style, consider adding these options into your remodeling plan:



Pot fillers

These faucets are located near your stove to provide you with a convenient way to fill a pot without having to carry it to the nearest sink. This saves plenty of back-breaking work and minimizes the likelihood of spills. Pot fillers are commonly found in the restaurant industry and have quickly made their way into private kitchens across the country. They are available as a wall mount or deck mount. Find a style that matches your appliances and other faucets in the room.



Island faucets

Usually acting as second sinks, island faucets help avoid congestion at the main sink and are a great way to increase a kitchen's workflow. Because island sinks are frequently used for preparation, they are sometimes referred to as prep sinks. Homeowners commonly use this workspace for cutting vegetables, chilling wine or washing hands prior to a meal. Choose a faucet style and finish that complements the room's decor and adds an eye-catching decorative piece to an otherwise "ho-hum" island. Danze has several pull-down or pull-out faucets with three functions - spray, stream and pause - giving your island workspace additional functionality.



Bar faucets

Also referred to as a convenience sink or a beverage center, this area is typically used for entertaining purposes and is often located on a secondary counter space in the kitchen or adjacent room. Danze offers a variety of bar faucets, including high-arc options, small-scale faucets and several others. Choose a style that will make this space "entertaining." Visit Danze.com for more kitchen solutions.



Make your "'heart of the home" work for you as you plan your kitchen design. But remember, you don't need to sacrifice style in the process.

Own It! Small Cost, Big Impact Updates!

​Need inspiration? 5 easy fall home updates!

(BPT) - There are so many reasons to love fall. From the brisk breeze and color-changing leaves outdoors, to prepping for the holidays and watching football inside, there couldn't be a better time to make a few updates around your house. Consider these simple fall home updates to stylishly welcome the season.



Paint to please



Throughout the year, our walls can undergo stress from energetic kids, furniture moving and everyday traffic. If your home will be busy during the holidays, welcome guests with a newly painted entryway, or, freshen up your family room with a colorful accent wall. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a room, so embrace the season and try a fall-inspired hue that harmonizes with your existing space like deep emerald green, royal purple or burgundy. To achieve the best results, use painter's tape to attain sharp paint lines. To help incorporate the color of the accent wall into the room, add décor and accessories in similar shades throughout the area, such as new pillows in your family room or a coordinating rug in your entryway.



Clever copper accents



Group together the season's leaves and branches to create a unique centerpiece, or place them throughout the house to bring life to your living areas. Crafting with fall foliage is a cinch - simply gather an assortment of thick leaves, either real or faux - and after they're rinsed and dried, spray each side of the leaf with copper paint and leave to dry for a few hours. Line these leaves up along a table runner, string them from your mantle or use them to dress up place settings. To extend the life of your metallic leaves, consider using them as place cards for holiday dinners. Easily allow guests to find their seats in shimmery style by placing printed nametags atop the leaves at each setting.



Freshen up the front door



Increase your home's curb appeal with a front door refresh just in time for the fall. For starters, give your door a new identity with a distinctive paint color - consider hunter green, colonial red or cognac. The color of your door introduces the world to those who live inside, so choose one that speaks to your family's style. After you've added personality to your door with paint, add a final touch with your family's monogram to the center of the door. If your door is metal, glue magnets to the back of the letters and it will easily adhere to it.



Proper party prep



During the fall, more time will be spent in the home's entertaining spaces to accommodate holiday soirees and family gatherings. Increase the functionality of this room - whether it's the den, family room, dining room or finished basement - and encourage guests to congregate comfortably by adding casual seating. Spice things up with a mixture of options; choose decorative stools and poufs, or upcycle vintage chairs with new, reupholstered seats. The style of your chairs can vary, but be sure to coordinate the colors and patterns. When you're not in party mode, stow away the extra seats.



Wow with a refreshed washroom



When decorating for fall, don't overlook the bathroom! A few simple changes can take this space to new heights. Start by swapping out your soap dishes and lotion pumps with new, coordinating options fitting for the season. If budget allows, replace your everyday towels with new, plush ones in fun fall colors that add a pop of color to the room. Next, add candles with autumn-inspired scents for an aromatic effect that brings the outdoor aura indoors. For subtle changes that go a long way, replace your bathroom hardware including the toilet handle, cabinet pulls or hinges and towel racks.



The fall season is a great time to revitalize elements of your home as you prepare for indoor holiday entertaining. As you choose updates, make sure they maximize your personal style.

​5 tips for creating fall curb appeal

(BPT) - Soon, all things pumpkin spice will be here, including the home visitors that bring them. In preparation of the door bell ringing, create a little spice of your own with some seasonal curb appeal. You don't have to limit yourself to pumpkins and hay bales - below are tips and projects for sprucing up your home's view from the curb this season.



Front door, first impressions



Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Give your door a fresh face with a coat of paint in a bold fall color to draw the eye to this focal point of your home.



Another project is to replace the door entirely. Consider options with decorative glass accents, and stunning sidelights (windows on either side of the door) to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy. Plus, as temperatures start to drop, Energy Star -qualified entry doors will help maintain your home's energy efficiency. For entry door inspiration check out Pinterest, your resident showroom or your local home improvement store.



Accessorize with new hardware



Replace your front door hardware for a quick, easy facelift. Choose hardware finishes that compliment light fixtures, mailbox and house numbers for a polished, cohesive look. You'll be delightfully surprised what a difference new hardware can make in creating an updated look to your home.



Refresh exterior body and trim colors



For a dramatic change, repaint your home's exterior. It's bold and can make your home stand out from other homes on the block. Not up for the bold change? To make an impact with a smaller change, add new trim colors. When updating trim, choose color schemes that match your home's primary exterior color, or complement it with a fresh twist.



Create points of interest with plants



You don't have to stop enjoying beautiful plants and flowers simply because summer is over. Add pops of color by arranging pots filled with hearty fall flowers like mums, sedum or asters around your front door, or on a porch or deck. Incorporate planters or container gardens of varied sizes, shapes and colors to add visual interest.



Accent with lighting



As summer light fades into shorter, darker days, add exterior accent lighting to the front of your home. Illuminate a walking path with ground-insert solar lights. Or consider solar spotlights to bring out landscaping or to shine on your updated front door. Install matching light fixtures outside your front door, garage door or patio door to provide well-lit entrances that are stylish and inviting to neighbors and guests.