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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 94

Kitchen Face Lift

by John Jacobus

A minor kitchen remodel may carry a high price tag, but it's a relatively inexpensive face-lift to what many buyers consider the most important room in the home.  Consider these cost-cutting ideas:  Keep your existing electrical wiring and plumbing in place; If you need new cabinets, use less expensive ones to replace out-dated styles; Instead of a laminate floor that resembles wood, opt for ceramic tile.  Laminate flooring may get a  negative reaction and ceramic flooring is about the same amount of money; Consider a laminate counter top vs. marble, granite or other natural stones.  The selections today are very impressive with many mimicking the look of more expensive counter tops; Do as much of the work yourself as you possibly can.  For example, remove the old counter tops and cabinets yourself.

 

New County Assessments

by John Jacobus

I've been getting a lot of calls lately regarding the new county assessments. Some think the assessed value is too high and others that it is too low.  Here in Ohio the auditor of each county is required to keep the assessed values current so they reassess every 6 years.  The value the auditor places on your property is for tax purposes only. It has nothing to do with the real value... which may be higher or lower.  Real estate agents do not consider the auditor's assessed value and buyer don't either.  

 

Your property is worth whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it.  Everyone else's opinion is just that... an opinion.  Unless of course, the buyer's lender's appraiser thinks the buyer overpaid. Then the appraiser's valuation limits the value. 

 

So, as far as I am concerned... the lower the assessed value the better!  If you think the assessed value is too high you can challenge the valuation. Go to your county's auditor's website and fill out the appropriate forms.  You will need to provide comparable sales or an appraisal to support your case.    

Big Bang Projects

by John Jacobus

Big-bang projects can make or break a home sale from the moment potential buyers exit their car.  Not only can a new front door make a lasting impression, but so does a garage door.  If you're thinking of replacing your garage door in preparation for selling your home, consider several factors:   Consider how potential buyers might want to use the garage.  A selling point for garage tinkerers might be windows or upgraded insulation.  Windows let in natural light and make an enormous difference in the usability of your garage.  BUT...place the windows in the top panel only - not the 3rd panel to prevent would-be thieves from checking out the contents.    Insulation will knock the edge off of the cold in the winter and keep the garage cool in the summer and will prevent bumps on the inside from showing as dents on the outside.

First Impressions are Lasting Impressions

by John Jacobus

Big-bang projects can make or break a home sale from the moment potential buyers exit their car.  Not only can a new front door make a lasting impression, but so does a garage door.  If you're thinking of replacing your garage door in preparation for selling your home, consider several factors:   Consider how potential buyers might want to use the garage.  A selling point for garage tinkerers might be windows or upgraded insulation.  Windows let in natural light and make an enormous difference in the usability of your garage.  BUT...place the windows in the top panel only - not the 3rd panel to prevent would-be thieves from checking out the contents.    Insulation will knock the edge off of the cold in the winter and keep the garage cool in the summer and will prevent bumps on the inside from showing as dents on the outside.

John Video Tip--Ohio Loan Programs

by John Jacobus

Click the link below to view John's video tip on Ohio Loan Programs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7oCqGXxldI

John Jacobus' Video Tip (funny) - Snow & Ice Removal

by John Jacobus

Click the link below to get good advice on taking care of your walks & driveways AND spending quality time with your wife.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LyrdFTGd4

3 Options for Sellers

by John Jacobus

Click the link below to view John's 1 minute 5 second Video Tip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIdBMxsqArA

Help Buying or Selling a Home in Columbus, OH

by John Jacobus

Click below to view John's 48 second video tip.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDdFZGsqu4c

Interest Rates, Buying a Home in Columbus, OH

by John Jacobus

Check out John's 56 second video about buying a home and interest rates. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KkfZGyozbo

FREE Information Market Snapshot

by John Jacobus

Would you like to receive FREE market updates on homes in your area?  If so, go to www.FREEcolumbusmarketsnapshot.com

We can customize a search for you so you receive up to date information on the sales and listings in your area.

In addition to the market updates you can also get information on the community and schools.

It's easy to sign up, just click on the link above to get started or give me a call.

Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 94


Last modified: 10/24/08