December 22, 2011 12:40:40

Call one of our amazing Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE) today to learn more!

 

Our North Office Agents: 719-598-4700

Our South Office Agents: 719-576-5000

Our Monument Office Agents: 719-487-6100

Our Downtown Office Agents: 719-635-7653

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September 22, 2011 19:38:44

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Sep 22, 2011-Selling a vacant home is more difficult than selling a furnished one, in any market. According to Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc., a vacant home-regardless of how nice the property-can seem eerily empty and lacking in character and warmth. However, if you are trying to sell a vacant home-whether it's a second home or a space you were unable to sell before moving to a new location-there are a few key tips that can make the process easier and help provide a quicker selling time, and a better selling price.

Sweat the small stuff. "Once furniture is removed from a space, even the slightest imperfections become apparent," says Clement. An older carpet that was once disguised by a modern sofa and coffee table is now blaringly out-of-date. Holes in the wall or a hallway in need of a fresh coat of paint are now obvious. Spend extra time fixing up any noticeable damages, repainting, and caulking, getting new carpets, pressure washing and fixing up anything in need of repair.

Air it out. "It's amazing how quickly an empty house can begin smelling stale and musty," says Clement. Before a showing, throw open windows and doors to allow for fresh circulation, and consider some mildly scented candles or air fresheners.

Amp curb appeal. "Since the house may be lacking inside in terms of character, make sure the exterior packs a punch," says Clement. Not only should you clear clutter and debris from your yard (children's toys included), keep grass neat and repair those broken fence posts, but you should also consider planting new flowerbeds, upgrading that tired front walk or even hiring a landscaper.

Consider staging. Even if you have moved all your furniture out, you may want to consider hiring a staging company that offers furniture rental. These professionals can make an empty space into a scene of warmth and comfort. "Remember, potential buyers are not just looking for a roof over their head. They are looking for a place to start a new chapter in their life. You want to show them everything your property has to offer," Clement notes. Since vacant homes often sell for considerably less-typically 15-20 percent lower than the asking price-hiring a staging company is usually a solid investment.

For more information on selling a vacant home, please click here to contact one our exceptional Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Region broker associates.  Or, email info@wesellmore.net.  You may also call one of our four locations: 

Monument: 719-487-6100
North: 719-598-4700
Downtown: 719-635-7653
South: 719-576-5000

 

July 22, 2011 12:27:20

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Jul 22, 2011-When making renovations to your home, selecting a reliable contractor is key to getting the results you want without any negative consequences, hidden prices or extra hassle. With so many contracting businesses available, making the right choice can sometimes be difficult. Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc. offers the following tips for getting a contractor you can trust.

Referrals
"Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to find a contractor," says Clement. "Talking to neighbors, friends and family about who they used, and even stopping by to check out the results, is a great way to find a tried-and-true contractor."

Interview
"Don't be afraid to shop around,"Clement suggests. Pick out a few contractors who seem reliable, meet with them for an interview, and don't forget to ask for references and free estimates. "You want to feel comfortable with your contractor, so find someone you connect with," states Clement. "And don't always go for the lowest price bid-there could be hidden costs, underpaid workers or shoddy building materials." Compare prices-if one company is a great deal lower, it may be best to drop them.

Ask the Right Questions
When talking to a potential contractor, it's important to ask questions that might not come up organically in conversation, says Clement. Some of these include queries about how long they have been in business; who will be working on-site, including any sub-contractors and supervisors; on-site trash removal and cleanup; how many similar projects have been completed and what time of day workers will be on site.

Look for a License
If you find a contractor who looks promising, check out the state licensing board to make sure their business is licensed, and that they have a clean record. If complaints have been filed against them, that doesn't automatically mean they are bad news. Check out how they were resolved. "The Better Business Bureau will most likely have any complaints that have been filed, and will tell you how the contractor responded to them," suggests Clement.

Insurance Information
Often contractors are required to have property damage, personal liability insurance and workers' compensation. "If your contractor doesn't have worker's comp, you could be held responsible for any on-the-job or work-related injury," cautions Clement. Ask for proof of insurance and verify with the company before making a hire.

"If a contractor makes you feel pressured, fails to provide any references, only accepts cash payment, or demands the entire payment upfront, they probably are unreliable and may be roping you into a scam," says Clement. Hiring a contractor for even a minor remodeling project is a big deal-make sure you are 100 percent comfortable with your choice before signing any agreements.

 

For more information about finding a local, reputable contractor, please click here to contact one our exceptional Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Region broker associates.  Or, email info@wesellmore.net.  You may also call one of our four locations: 

Monument: 719-487-6100
North: 719-598-4700
Downtown: 719-635-7653
South: 719-576-5000

 

 

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June 30, 2011 14:48:44

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, Jun 30, 2011 - Many individuals interested in selling their homes are already aware that curb appeal is crucial. Making a good impression on potential buyers before they even step inside will assure that your property is memorable, but more importantly, making a bad impression will hinder your chances of selling your home-regardless of how charming it is inside. The following tips will allow you to amp up your curb appeal without breaking the bank.

"Many homeowners who are trying to sell their Colorado Springs area home think that increasing their curb appeal has to be a pricey affair involving landscapers or a new front porch," says Joe Clement, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Properties, Inc.. "But there are a great deal of small, inexpensive things you can do for the outside of your home that will make the overall appearance much more appealing." Clement suggests these simple do-it-yourself projects, all of which will take less than one afternoon, and cost you 100 dollars-or less!

Flower Boxes. "Putting flower boxes under your windows will give your home a pop of color and increase the overall charm factor of your property," says Clement. All it takes is the boxes themselves-which are usually under $35-some soil, and plants. Not interested in flower boxes? A few potted plants lining your porch, steps or walkway will do the trick as well.

Repaint Your Accents. Repainting the accents of your home-including the front door, trim and shutters-will give your house a fresh, clean look. "Choosing a bold color will make your house stick out, but even playing it safe with a neutral tone will make your property appear clean and well cared for," says Clement.

Replace Your Numbers. "Many houses have old, faded or rusted numbers. Buying new, modern numbers-or even customized numeral plaques-can really help the look of the front of your house," says Clement. "This is a small detail that is often overlooked but can have a really nice effect."

Plant a Garden. Planting a small flower garden in the front of your house will give your home a warm, inviting look. "Foliage adds instant curb appeal," states Clement. "If you don't want to tend to flowers, consider planting a tree."

Detailing. Adding interesting details, such as a bird feeder or birdbath, will improve the appeal of your front yard. "Inexpensive stepping stones trailed throughout a garden or up to the front door are also attractive touches," suggests Clement.

Mailbox Makeover. "Getting an upgraded or customized mailbox adds great detailing to the front of your house," says Clement. "Whether you opt for a mounted box on the side of your home or a curbside container, having a mailbox that stands out is a nice touch."

"There are many different low-budget options for bolstering your curb appeal," says Clement. "Doing so will immediately make your home more inviting, assure a great first impression and enable a faster selling time."

 

For more information on the importance of curb appeal when selling your home, please click here to contact one our exceptional Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Region broker associates.  Or, email info@wesellmore.net.  You may also call one of our four locations: 

Monument: 719-487-6100
North: 719-598-4700
Downtown: 719-635-7653
South: 719-576-5000

 

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October 25, 2010 15:25:47

Target Market Analysis - 15 Weeks At-A-Glance
Number of Listings vs Number of Showings

Click Here to download a printable version of the expanded Target Market Analysis for October 18-24, 2010

Week	Listings	Showings
Jul 12-18	1060	670
Jul 19-25	1055	686
Jul 26 - Aug 1	1059	735
Aug 2-8	1066	737
Aug 9-15	1080	691
Aug 16-22	1078	779
Aug 23-29	1073	653
Aug 30 - Sep 5	1057	743
Sep 6-12	1042	663
Sep 13-19	1042	667
Sep 20-26	1039	659
Sep 27 - Oct 3	998	710
Oct 4-10	996	669
Oct 11-17	999	684
Oct 18-24	1001	614

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