Design

Also, I have a gift that only about 10% of people can do. I can visualize minor or major improvements and changes that could make a property you would have passed on be the right one for you. I am excellent with colors, placements of walls, furniture and even textures. I have built from the ground up both residential and commercial properties. I have staged hundreds of homes for sale.

I have more than 30 years of knowledge and experience in residential, multi-family and commercial properties. I have done many probates, 1031 exchanges, and foreclosures. I have lived through the ups and downs of real estate markets and can share that advice with you.

Negotiating

I will:

• Give you accurate pricing. 
• Provide fair and aggressive negotiating in the offer process. 
• Negotiate repairs needed from the home inspection report, the appraisal conditions, and lender issues.

I always say, “I keep my clients for life”, and I mean it. So, give me a call with your wish list and let’s get started.

Sincerely,

Ashley Jensen, Principal Broker

General Guidelines:

• ELIMINATE CLUTTER! Removing knick-knacks and unnecessary pictures will make your home appear more spacious and attractive. Store or sell any furniture you do not plan to take with you. Removing extra furniture makes the home appear larger and less cluttered. To help remove these items you can hold a garage sale, store unused items, or prepare to move before your home goes on the market.
• Use neutral colors, finishes, and styles. The goal is to have your home be a blank canvas where potential buyers can imagine their belongings.
• Clean or replace all carpets. This relatively inexpensive act makes your home show much more beautifully and has over 100% return on investment if it needs to be replaced.
• Think about a home inspected before making large improvements if possible. For example, you do not want to have your newly installed floor having to be ripped up due to water damage being found below.
• Remove or open curtains and blinds that block natural light. “Light and bright” homes are cheerful and sought after.
• Remove personal items such as photos, postcards, and religious and political material. Otherwise, potential buyers will focus on who the seller is instead of the house.
• Rooms should have one function. The combination office/exercise room/children’s playroom confuses buyers and makes the house feel short on space.

Kitchen:

Studies indicate that buyers consider the kitchen to be the most important area in the home. While a major kitchen remodels will not add more value than its cost, the minor aesthetic improvements suggested below will make your kitchen shine without costing you a great deal.

• De-clutter the kitchen countertops by removing appliances.
• Re-paint dark cabinets with light paint.
• Install new knobs on kitchen cabinets.
• Replace badly worn linoleum floors with a neutral-colored flooring.
• Clean fans and vent hoods.

Bathrooms:

• Replace old towels with clean and fluffy towels.
• Place an air freshener in a discreet place.
• Place all bodily care articles out of sight.
• Remove toothbrushes, combs, and grooming supplies from the counter.
• Clean all mirrors, counters, and toilets. Eliminate all soap scum, mildew stains from bath, sink, and toilets.
• Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
• Consider replacing old sink faucets or other plumbing fixtures with new fixtures (usually brushed nickel).

Bedrooms:

• Organize closets to increase their perceived size. Store unused clothing.
• Throw away unused hangers.
• Avoid oversized beds in rooms that are too small or cluttered. Small rooms should have a twin bed and a nightstand, but no bureau.
• Remove televisions.

Garage:

• Keep the garage neat and uncluttered to show its true size.
• Hang up gardening tools.
• Clean oil stains.

Major vs. Minor Repairs:

Major repairs, such as adding a new wood deck, adding a room, or completely remodeling your house have under 100% return on investment. It usually takes years before the expense of these items is recouped, if ever. The major improvements that come closest to having 100% return on investment are remodeling kitchens, bathrooms and possibly the addition of a second bathroom or a third bedroom.

In contrast, minor repairs that improve the appearance of your home can be done with little expense and offer over 100% return on investment. These minor repairs should be undertaken before you sell your home, as you will typically get more money back for each dollar you spend on them.

Minor repairs include:

• Replacing all light bulbs with the highest wattage allowed to bathe the house in light.
• A fresh coat of exterior and interior paint.
• Flowering plants bordering your entryway and by your doorway.
• Trimming hedges.
• Replacement or cleaning carpets

Repairs in Anticipation of the Property Inspector:

A “clean” property inspection report increases a home’s desirability as many buyers, are too busy to focus on home improvement.

The following repairs will be relatively cheap and result in a higher selling price:

• Directing water away from the house’s foundation if you know you have a problem. The addition of drainage taking water from the downspout and directing it away from the foundation is good for resale and a good preventative measure. Flexible and cheap drain piping is available at Home Depot.
• Repair all leaky sinks and toilets.
• Properly strap the water heater with the straps now required.
• Clean the leaves out of roof gutters; This is always mentioned in property inspection reports if it is not done.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
  

Internet Marketing

The real estate industry is changing due to the constant evolution of technology and the Internet. It has never been more important to hire a Realtor who understands how to use the latest technology to market your home. 90 percent of home buyers searched online at some point during their home buying process. (From the National Association of Realtors)

• Google/Yahoo/MSN
• Zillow.com
• Trulia.com
• Realtor.com
• Homefinder.co
  

To get the best mortgage for your situation. The most important thing you can do is to educate yourself about what options are available to you. As the old saying goes, "Knowledge is Power.” I recommend that you get and review a copy of your personal credit report and credit score before meeting with lenders. Often there will be mistakes on your credit report that you will want to get corrected because lenders will want to pull your credit report/score before they quote you rates.

The bank loan officer works at a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that offers home loans directly to you, the consumer. The loan officer is employed by the institution that is offering the loan or mortgage. They will often have a variety of loan products available and their loans originate from within their institution.

A mortgage broker is a professional who is licensed by the state's Division of Finance & Securities. They may work independently or be part of a larger brokerage company. The primary distinction between the mortgage broker and the bank loan officer is that the mortgage broker or their brokerage company are not funding the loan themselves. One of the primary benefits of working with a mortgage broker is that they will frequently have access to home loans and mortgages from hundreds of different financial institutions. This can be especially helpful when dealing with unusual financial situations, very bad credit, or more exotic types of loans such as construction loans or land/lot loans.

What factors affect a loan's interest rate?

• Size of Down Payment
• Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Loan
• Points Paid
• Credit Scores
• Conforming or Non-Conforming (Jumbo) Loan
• Type of Real Estate Loan (Residential, Multifamily 1-4 Units, Commercial, Lot/Land, Construction, Condominium)
• Employee or Self-employed
• Owner Occupied or Investment Property
• Length of Employment

The down payment amount that you need will vary greatly depending on the specifics of your loan. Many of the loan factors will influence the down payment requirement. Typically, loans with less than a 20% down payment will require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).