Why Expensive Renovations May Not Boost Your Sale

Why Expensive Renovations May Not Boost Your Sale: Though home improvement adds value to a property, your sellers don’t always have to undertake big projects to win a higher price at resale.

63% of International Buyers Pay Cash

63% of International Buyers Pay Cash

63% of International Buyers Pay Cash

63% of International Buyers Pay Cash

10 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.
4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.
5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.
6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.
7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air,check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size, but you’ll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.
8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.
9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.
10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

 Source: The Pet Realty Network

Groups to Study Asian-American Home Ownership Rates

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, August 14, 2013

REALTOR® University Center for Real Estate Studies and the Asian Real Estate Association of America have partnered to study Asian-American home ownership and learn more about housing market preferences among Asian immigrant groups.
The university, created by the National Association of REALTORS®, with work with the trade group to study how Asian immigrants use their homes and businesses to better understand their housing market preferences. The results of the study are expected to be released in 2014.
Asian-Americans are the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States and are expected to be a “large source of future housing demand,” according to REALTOR® University and AREAA. There are nearly 19 million Asian-Americans nationwide.
The current home ownership rate of Asian-Americans is 55 percent, which is behind the total population’s home ownership rate of 65 percent.
“REALTOR® University’s mission is to help bring value to home buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals, and so we are pleased to be partnering with AREAA to undertake this new research to advance Asian-American home ownership and real estate investment,” says Richard Rosenthal, chairman of the University Board of Regents.

Existing Home Owners Move in on Market

Daily Real Estate News | Monday, July 29, 2013

Existing home owners are taking a bigger share of the housing market while investors—who have been the powerhouse until late—are slowly retreating.
“A sustainable housing market typically includes a more balanced share of first-timers, move-up buyers and investors, and that's how the housing recovery is beginning to shake out,” Realty Times reports.
Taking the lead: Current home owners—whether move-up, move-down, or move-over buyers—accounted for nearly 45 percent of the market share in home sales in June, up from 43.8 percent in May, reports the Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse.  Recent home price gains and the return of equity is prompting more to make the move, particularly as concerns rise that mortgage rates may soon cut into housing affordability.
Meanwhile, first-time home buyers are still being held back, with a slight drop in their market share from 36 percent in May to 35.7 percent in June, according to HousingPulse. Rising housing costs and mortgage rates as well as toughening up of lending standards have continued to shut out some first-timers.
The investor share in home purchases dropped to 19.7 percent in June from 23.1 percent share in February. It’s the lowest level recorded since September 2012, HousingPulse reports. Rising home prices and fewer distressed homes are prompting more investors to pull out of the market, which they had been dominating up until recently.
Source: “Shifting Share of Homebuyers Supports Sustainable Recovery,” Realty Times (July 26, 2013)

10 Markets Where More Buyers Bring Cash

10 Markets Where More Buyers Bring Cash

Daily Real Estate News | Friday, July 26, 2013

Home buyers who require financing for their home purchase can struggle to compete against buyers who have offers of all-cash.
Where are all-cash deals are the most prevalent? Cash deals represented 80 percent of home sales in June in Vermont; 58 percent in Nevada; 57 percent in Florida, and 51 percent in New York, according to RealtyTrac. Cash deals represent a very small percentage in Texas, Utah, and New Mexico.
The markets with the most all-cash transactions tend to have a high number of foreclosures and depressed home prices, which attracts investors and private equity firms, according to RealtyTrac.
The following 10 metros had 40 percent or more all-cash deals out of the total home sales in June, according to RealtyTrac:

1. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale: 64%
2. Las Vegas: 62%
3. Tampa, Fla.: 58%
4. Detroit: 56%
5. Orlando: 53%
6. New York: 49%
7. New Orleans: 43%
8. Memphis: 43%
9. Jacksonville, Fla.: 42%
10. Atlanta: 42%