COME JOIN ME AT MY NEW BLOG

It has been pleasure blogging with you all here and I invite you to visit my new Blog at www.realestatenorthernillinois.com/blog to receive more great Real Estate information and resources.

MAKE OR BREAK A SALE WITH FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You only have one chance to create a powerful first impression with potential buyers and this will normally start with the exterior of the home. Curb side appeal is important in grabbing the buyers attention to the home and leaving them with the feeling that your home is inviting them to take a closer look. First impressions don't end there. Buyers will have a definite impression of your home within a couple of minutes of walking in the front door. This is where you want to "wow" the buyer and draw them into the rest of the home.

The following article has some great tips on how to create a powerful first impression with curb side appeal and interior decorating ideas.

PRICE REDUCTION OR BUYER INCENTIVES?

In a slowing market similar to what we have been experiencing lately, many home "sellers" and agents are faced with the challenge of pricing properties right in order to sell.

Typically what will happen, is if after a predetermined amount of time passes and the property has not sold, the agent will implement a price reduction to the sale price of the home; something "sellers" are generally reluctant to do.

What other option do they have if they want the property to sell? There are options to be discussed with your agent, and you can read more about them in the following article here.

AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION TO SUBPRIME LOANS

As the subprime mortgage industry is in a downward spiral, many first time home buyers and people with less than perfect credit are wondering how, and if, they will be able to secure a mortgage.

There is hope. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is expanding their offerings to credit-impaired and first time home buyers with insured mortgages. You can read more about the FHA and their insured loans in this article FHA a mortgage source amid subprime loan mess.