We Would Like to Welcome Kelci Cashman to It's Closing Time Realty!

Curb Appeal - The Real Deal

Even though your potential buyers have already 'seen' your home via the multitude of online home sites, the first few moments they drive up to your home is pivotal. We all do it.  We make judgements based on first impressions. Homebuyers - even more so. There are simple steps you can take as a home owner to prepare your home for potential buyers that will increase your chances of make that stellar first impression.

1. Lose the garbage.  Ensure that all your trashcans and recycle bins are out of sight. Be sure you're emptying them regularly as well. Potential buyers don't want any lingering odors while they tour your home.

2.  Manicure that lawn.  Potential buyers instantly notice the yard and landscaping. If you're having trouble keeping it cut and manicured each week, spend the extra cash to have someone do it for you.  Trust me, you don't want your unsightly yard to deter a buyer.

3. Flower power.  No matter what the season, there are flowers that will sustain and be hardy in that weather. Head down to your local flower market or nursery and pick up a few brightly colored flats to plant along the front of the home. I'd even recommend two large, decorate pots of flowers on either side of your garage door.  Instant brightness!

4. Clear up the windows.  Take a few hours on a Saturday afternoon and prepare your windows to be seen.  Be sure to take the time to clean them both inside and out for maximum effect.  Side note: Be sure none of your landscaping is overgrown and covering your front windows.

5.  Front door welcome. Does your front door need a new coat of paint or stain? For just a few dollars you can add quite a pop of welcome to your home.

6.  Accessorize! Whether it be metal numbers to add your house number to the door or a style welcome rug, your front entry path needs to be accessorized to welcome the potential home buyers. If you have a full front porch, add throw pillow in the chairs.  The concept to create the idea of an additional living space outside.

7.  Upgrade lighting. Does your front porch have the same lights from when you bought the house 12 years ago? If so, it's time for an upgrade. Your local hardware store typically has some classy lighting options taht don't break the bank.

8.  Check the paint. Take a few moments to walk around the exterior of your home.  Do you see signs of weathering and flaking on your paint? Are their areas in need of touch up? It may be well worth your time and dollars spent to refresh the outside of your home.

You can read more staging and design tips from Kim on her website, The Home Team, on twitter @thehometeamblog and on her Facebook page. 

Shortcuts Aren't Usually Shortcuts

We all like to get our work done without any unnecessary effort, getting the most out of the time and energy we spend on each task. This is called being efficient. By all means, find every way possible to be more efficient in your work.

But make no mistake that it takes diligent effort to build something worthwhile.

The most effective way to handle what must be done is to just do it.  Put in the required labor and get it done.  Don’t sell yourself short by taking shortcuts that will more often times than not, result in an undesirable outcome.  Getting where you want to go in life is not about finding a shortcut. It is about putting in the necessary time and effort.  You must set goals and fulfill commitments in a way you can be proud of, knowing you spent the time and energy needed to do the job right.  

There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. -Helen Keller

Genius is 1% talent and 99% effort. - Albert Einstein

There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs. - Author Unknown

You can follow Shannon Berube, Realtor at It's Closing Time Realty on her website or twitter account. 

New Listing in Keller, TX priced under $200,000 MLS #13308147

I didn't want to post this property without the pictures however I wanted to give some of you the opportunity to see it before it is gone. This home went on the market yesterday evening and has been showing all day. So, if this sounds like something you would like to see please give me a call at 817.657.9776 or Text 129GLORIA to 79564 for more information! Oh by the way, we have an Awesome Mobile Seach App you can download for FREE that's right I said FREE!. It's now available on ITunes and Google Play. Text SAM to 87778 for your free app!

129 Gloria Street , Keller TX 76248

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

This property is located at 129 Gloria Street , Keller 76248 in Tarrant county is currently for sale. This property is offered by Its Closing Time Realty, agent Sam Berube, . The property at 129 Gloria Street has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,538 and was built in 1979. The seller has installed new window throughout the house, he has recently replaced the roof, the hot water heater, installed a full lawn sprinkler system in the front and back. The seller also complete renovated the master bathroom with new tile shower, tile flooring and granite counter tops. The kitchen has been update with Granite counter tops, an attractive backsplash and stainless steel under-mount sink. Oh and did I mention the house has a brand new Trane HVAC and additional attic insulation completed in November of 2015. I would say check out the curb appeal but we don't have any pictures yet... So call me today to see this gem! It's not going to be around for long. 129 Gloria Street is in Keller and in the ZIP code of 76248.

PROPERTY LOCATION

FEATURES

BEDROOMS
BATHROOMS
HOME SIZE
GARAGE
LOT SIZE
BUILT

3
2
1,538 sq.ft.
2
8,712 sq.ft.
1979

BROKER

Its Closing Time Realty
1705 W. Northwest Hwy, Ste 175
Grapevine, TX 76051
Office: 800-991-9205

Cell 817.657.9776

CONTACT

Contact Sam Berube for more information about this single family home.

What Do You Actually Need to Get a Mortgage?

Click Here for the Full Story!

Fannie Mae recently released their “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study. The study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home. Here are three takeaways:

• 59% of Americans either don’t know (54%) or are misinformed (5%) about what FICO score is necessary
• 86% of Americans either don’t know (59%) or are misinformed (25%) about what an appropriate Back End Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratios is
• 76% of Americans either don’t know (40%) or are misinformed (36%) about the minimum down payment required

To help correct these misunderstandings, let’s take a look at the latest Ellie MaeOrigination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.

2016 Design Trends