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I was just reading an article this morning on MSNBC – Life Inc.  CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.   My biggest concern and question is when Pro’s offer insight to how much return on investment you get for your remodel job.  This varies greatly and can be very misleading.  It also depends so much on what you are starting with.  But the article had a great synopsis:  ”You want your house to be as good or slightly better than your neighbors’ houses.  But don’t go overboard, the most expensive house on the block is often the hardest to sell.  In this market, a house that appears to be neglected is even worse.”

Here was the rundown and my comments.

1. Paint the place – I agree, this is the best return on investment.  Neutralize colors!  You never know exactly what color the buyers are going to want to paint, but if you have offensive colors it is much worse than having a neutral canvas to start with.

2. Use landscaping to boost curb appeal – I agree with this too!  The author claims a return of 7 – 14% ROI on well-landscaped homes.  I don’t have any evidence of this in Helena, MT.  But, in general, this is accurate.  Just keep it simple, weed flower beds, mow the lawn, fertilize, and put in new mulch or rock.  Any of these will help immensely.

3. Spruce up the kitchen – BE CAREFUL HERE HELENAN’S.  It is NOT my advise to rip out cabinets and counter tops if there is nothing wrong with yours.  The kitchen is the single-most expensive room in the house to remodel!  I do NOT feel it is as important for every buyer to have granite counter tops.  Now, at some price ranges this may be more of an expectation than others, obviously.  But, I have sold several high end homes with nice formica counter tops.  Give us a call and we’d be happy to come by and check out what you have.  Our advise is only worth the experiences we have, but I’d hate to jump on the granite bandwagon and have someone write a big check and not get that money back out when they sell.  If your kitchen is offensive – old, dated, & worn out – fix it up!  That will be necessary.

4. Bathroom Makeover – In my opinion, I’d paint the bathroom, re-caulk everything, clean the heck out of it and call it good.  Now, if you live in a 1950′s home and have the matching pink bathtub, sink, & toilet – you may want to consider getting a bid to replace with more neutral colors.  I do NOT believe you will get 100% ROI but this will help your home sale.  I have never done this, but the author talks about having your tub “re-glazed”  this would be worth checking into with a plumber to see if it is possible, here in Helena, MT.  The bathroom is the second most expensive room in the house to remodel.

5. Clean and Replace Carpets – This would be my number 2!  I think if your carpets are dirty – clean them!  Cleanliness is key when selling your home.  If your carpets are worn or old and dated – get a bid to replace those old carpets.  Keep all carpets in the house in the same color family.  I do hear complaints from buyers when Roy’s room has blue carpet and Jills’ room has pink carpet.  Neutralize!  Start with the first room buyers are going to see first.  If they walk into your living room first, make a big impression there.  This is money best spent, in my opinion.  First impressions are Lasting!

Call Bruce or Ryan Swinney and invite us over if you are thinking about selling.  We’d love to do a walk through and help customize a list of items to repair / replace and give you our two cents worth on the subject.  We also have Kathy Swinney in our office – Kathy is a decorating Guru!  She can decorate on a dime better than any person I have seen.

SwinneySells.com

I feel like a broken record, sometimes.  But, the more articles I see published by qualified sources like forbes.com like this one, CLICK HERE TO READ.  The more I have to write on this subject.  There are just so many factors that are playing into the fact that this spring is the best time to purchase real estate, such as interest rates & housing prices.

To insure that you are ready to purchase a home, it would be my recommendation to do the following:

1. Get pre-qualified with a good local lender!  Call me, Ryan Swinney, at 406-442-3616 and I can refer you to one if you do not already have one.  A good place to start is with your local bank, where you have your checking and savings accounts.  They will most likely have a real estate department where you can make an appointment to get pre-qualified.  There are many reasons why to get pre-qualified.  This will be a good second article which I will write soon.

2. Start looking at real estate.  I have heard numerous reports claiming that approximately 90% of home buyers begin their home searches online.  Where would you do this?  Go to www.SwinneySells.com and type in your criteria.  Other avenues to begin searching are open houses.  In Helena, Sunday afternoons are the most popular time for open houses.  This is also a great opportunity to begin “interviewing” real estate agents.  Trying to find one that will work well with you!

3. Get ready to move!  Some local Realtors will offer assistance with your moving, albeit, we do not help with the physical loading and unloading, we do offer a FREE Moving Truck for our clients!  Just another benefit to using The Swinney Sells Team.

SwinneySells.com

I just read an article on cnn.com stating that US Home Prices hit a 9-year low .  Meaning, nationwide, home values have depreciated to 2002 prices.  This isn’t that alarming to me, most of my take on this is that house values have lost just a bit more than the false appreciation we gained from the boom.  This boom started for most of the nation in 2006 – 2007.  Locally, in Helena, we saw good appreciation in 2006, but it wasn’t crazy like many places saw.   Over the course of 2006, we saw roughly 18% appreciation, for most single family residential homes in the Helena area.  For a comprehensive overview of this click here, Shaun Moore at Moore Appraisal Firm in Helena has been tracking the Helena Real Estate Market carefully for some time.  Our median price in Helena is currently $184,000, lining up with where we were in 2006.  My synopsis of this is that the boom happened and is gone, and now we are back to a more traditional growth pattern of single digit appreciation.  Now, I don’t have a crystal ball, and thus cannot see into the future.  But, the economic signs are showing signs of life, again.

Besides, the semantics of how much or little depreciation we have seen locally, and when.  The major take-away point is that today it is a great time to buy.  This is proven by several indicators: low interest rates, low housing prices, & high rent prices.  Whether you are a current renter, or someone who is thinking about investing in Real Estate, there has been no better time to buy real estate.  If you are a tenant, you are paying top dollar for rents.  This was just cited yesterday in USA Today.  For the article click here.  For investors, there will be plenty of tenants that will not qualify for a mortgage, so it is still a good time to own investment properties.  The caveat is, of course, not everyone is cut out to be a landlord and they should always consult their Attorney’s, Accountants, and trusted Real Estate Professionals to weigh the pros and cons of being a real estate investor.

With interest rates being at historical lows, and prices being at 2006 prices in Helena, there are many opportunities to get in now and make a good purchase.  To see what’s on the current market in Helena go to www.SwinneySells.com or give us a call at 406-442-3616.

SwinneySells.com

If you’ve already been to the HBIA Home Show this weekend, and your still in the Real Estate mood, then apply that newly learned knowledge at an open house or three.  Bruce Swinney & Associates, INC is having four open houses today (Sunday March 25, 2012).  And here is the advertisement in the Independent Record.

Bruce Swinney & Associates 3-25-12 Ad

1228 Stetson – Open 1 – 3 March 25 – price $374,900 – link to listing - http://swinneysells.com/inc/pmisc?pid=874

3860 Kismet - Open 1 – 3 March 25 – price $194,900 – link to listing - http://swinneysells.com/inc/pmisc?pid=905

810 Motsiff – Open 1 – 3 March 25 – price $154,900 – link to listing - http://swinneysells.com/inc/pmisc?pid=901

3641 Sly Rd – Open 1 – 3 March 25 – price $284,900 – link to listing - http://swinneysells.com/inc/pmisc?pid=906

SwinneySells.com

If you are thinking of remodeling your home, or building a new home go to the Helena Fairgrounds this weekend (March 24 – 25).  There will be lots of booths there with everything from builders, obviously, to home decorators.  It is always informative and a great event for the weekend.

If you are interested in an honest opinion on whether or not to remodel – give us a call.  Many home improvement projects do NOT net sellers a positive return on their investment.  This varies depending on the degree of necessity, but if you are ever curious, give us a call at 406-442-3616.

HERE IS A LINK TO THE HBIA HOME SHOW FLYER FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

If building a new home is a thought, give us a call to.  We can refer some excellent builders in Helena.  We can also assist you in finding the right piece of dirt to build on too.

Take a minute and watch this video.  Finally, the national media is reporting good news about the housing market.  In the video they say the average days on market is around 4 months (120 days).  Locally, in Helena, Montana our average days on market are 143 days.  That is not unusual, though.  Helena does have slightly longer days on market in good times and others…

What we are seeing locally is a lot of people curious about their house value in this economy.  The best way to get answers to this question  is to contact The Swinney Sells Team  and we will conduct a market evaluation for you for free.   Just click on this link and fill out the information and we will be in contact shortly.  This is the best way to separate myth from reality.  Our market has depreciated in the past 3 years, this is a fact.  But, we have basically lost the false appreciation we gained from 2006 – 2008.

In today’s market, it is very important to be priced right!  Buyers today are very tech savvy and are utilizing the internet to do virtual showings and compare real estate without ever stepping into your home.  Our goal, at Bruce Swinney & Associates is to get you as many second showings as possible.  To get you as many people through your door, onto your carpet as we possibly can – using whatever techniques we can.  Call us today at 406-442-3616 and let us tell you about our customized marketing strategy, that will help you convert first showings into potential buyers.

Part 2 Tips on Moving from the Swinney Sells Team Helena, Mt.

So you have sold your home and you are on the move to beautiful and spectacular Helena, Montana and you are preparing to load up your car for the long drive, here is an additional checklist that might be of help.

___ Have your car serviced, check fuel, oil, have the tires rotated.

___ A list of your children’s immunization record and previous school documentation.

___  Get copies of your bank statements, savings account numbers, stock and bonds act.

___ Safe Deposit contents and key, What are you going to do with your previous safe deposit box, Cancel or keep?

___ Return any borrowed items.

___ Cancel memberships in organizations,

___ Transfer Church related items

___ Make reservations at a motel in advance just in case you are not spending your first few nights at your new home.

___ Don’t forget to pack overnight clothes, tooth brushes, razor medications,  flashlight, children’s favorite blankets, pillows, etc.

___ Cancel your newspaper and milk deliveries

___Make certain to leave all keys to your previous home including garage door openers

___What about your pets, how are they going to travel?  Do you have a list of their up to date vaccinations from your veterinarian?

___Ask for referrals from your previous Realtor, attorney, doctors, bankers, veterinarian, any one of the essentials.

___Be sure to leave your existing home in a “Broom Clean Fashion” for the new buyers, including cleaning out the refrigerator,

dishwasher, empty all trash and debris.  Replace light bulbs if necessary. You want to keep the new buyers happy and proud.

One idea is a hand written note thanking them for purchasing your home, leave some candy, a bottle of wine, soft drinks, etc.

Moving is hetic at best.  Try to get a good nights sleep before leaving,  Make certain the children, pets are all secured before departing.  Don’t pull a Vacation  and back out of your garage with all of your luggage on top of the family truckster without checking that it will clear the garage door!  Buckle up and drive safely!  Call us if you need anything 406 442-3616. The Swinney sells Team!

Remember we offer a Free Moving Truck for local moves..call for details and reservations

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE OUR FREE – LOCAL MOVING TRUCK!

PS.  Just a note to let you know that we have a NEW Cell Phone Ban including texting while driving in the city limits of Helena, Mt.

Moving can be a complicated and chaotic time, The Swinney Sells Team has created a moving checklist to assist you in this process.  Moving locally is different as compared to moving out – of – state.  So, not all of these will be pertinent to everybody but can easily be printed out and used as a reference.  Ryan and Bruce Swinney Helena, Mt. Real Estate Brokers offer a few lasts minute moving suggestions.

In your car keep these items with you prior to closing on your new home, you may need them at closing.

___All phone numbers of anyone related to your home sale and new home purchase, including lenders, and your favorite real estate company.

(Example:  The Swinney Sells Team  406-442-3616 or Ryan Swinney 406-431-8130 or  Bruce Swinney 406-431-1508)

___  Copy of Buy-Sell From Previous Home and estimated net sheet.

___  Copy of new home purchase Buy-Sell

___ Cancellation of previous insurance on previous home

___ Copy of new insurance binder for your lender and closing agent

___  Copy of checking and savings account numbers and records

___   Most recent pay stubs (just in case)

___  Copy of current driver’s license

___  Pick up any last minute laundry before you leaving town permanently

___  Return all borrowed items

___ Mail Change of Address forms: Example Banks, Credit Card Companies, Magazines, Post Office, and Personal Friends.

___ Cancel any monthly memberships, do you have any rebates or deposits coming?

___ Pay final utilities, including water, HOA Fees from previous home

___ Safe Deposit items, are you keeping the existing safe deposit box?

___Cell Phone, previous and current phone book if needed.

___ Ask your Physician, Dentist, Attorney, Realtor, for referral information in your new area

Part 2 will be posted soon, so come on back!

SWINNEY SELLS TEAM OFFERS FREE MOVING TRUCK

Not all Helena, MT Real Estate Offices are the same!  One of our unique features is that we offer the use of a FREE Moving Truck to our clients, and or other charitable organizations who are in need of helping others.  Items you will need to supply us with are a current Montana driver’s license, proof of insurance, pick up and return the truck in a timely manner as agreed upon, & refill the gas you use.  The Swinney Sells Team is helping Helena, Mt homeowners move one mile at a time.

Our moving truck has been used by hundreds of our clients, churches, for food drives, and countless other events!  Don’t hesitate to call us to check availability for our moving truck at 406.442.3616.  Or you can simply fill out the form by following the link below.

FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE SWINNEY SELLS TEAM MOVING TRUCK CLICK HERE!

We apologize the website does not keep track of the trucks schedule, so you must call us for availability.  Weekends do fill up quickly, especially in the summer months, so call as soon as you know when you are moving.  Also, if you are just thinking of moving,  selling, or buying, call us.  We’ve helped many Helena families out with Real Estate Services over the past 15 plus years and can help you as well.

Helena Montana Real Estate Team - The Swinney Sells Team

Golden Estates 3 has been a good area for The Swinney Sells Team this 2011 real estate season.   The Swinney Sells Team, www.swinneysells.com sold or participated in the sale of  three single family properties in this area alone.  After almost 30 years in the single family residential real estate market it is almost a phenomena.  If you are a homeowner thinking of selling, and you see one sold sign pop up in your neighborhood you can certainly believe that more homes will sell in your neighborhood in a short time frame.   For some strange reason other homeowners and buyers are thinking the same thing about buying and selling.  This was true for The Swinneysells team participating in three closed transactions for 2011.  Patients and perseverance pays off.  Congratulations to the sellers, buyers, and agents in the Helena, Montana real estate market.

Sold MLS # 277072

Sold MLS # 277100

Sold MLS #277126.

If you live in Golden Estates and are thinking of selling and would like a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) or would like to talk Real Estate Marketing call  Bruce or Ryan Swinney at 406 442-3616.  If you would like to request a CMA click here!