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Of course the main focus when buying a home is on the price and size, but what about the floor plan? Sure, it’s big enough, but it must also suit your needs in terms of your use of the space. You want to try to choose a floor plan that allows for a good circulation or flow of traffic throughout the home, not a maze. You might also want to consider furniture size, etc. and whether or not it will make the rooms look cluttered or cause interference when moving from room to room. Here are some things to consider when thinking of a floor plan that will work for you:

• Good mix of public & private places
• Plenty of storage space
• Sufficient # of bathrooms
• Make a list of everything you need/want
• Consider special use requirements

    How do you find out the Fair Market Value on your home?...ask a local real estate broker that is familiar with the area! With so many factors playing into the determination of fair market value, a real estate broker would be able to come up with a more accurate value than if you were to try to do it on your own. Different people define the expression of fair market value to mean a wide range of values. Rather than spending a bunch of time trying to research tax records or newspaper ads, just contact a local real estate broker to see if they would mind giving their opinion as to the value of the property you are researching. Before I list a home I always do a 7-Point Price Opinion so E-Mail me or call me for this today. You might also check out my report at www.CMooreHouses.com/ListWithChris

“Payback Time”

Our Trade Magazine has just released the 2007 Cost vs. Value Report. This is an article I look forward to every year and would be glad to share with you. With many factors affecting the cost recouped on home remodeling projects, there are still a couple that stand out among the rest. Aside from upscale remodels, the kitchen and bath seem to be the most reasonable as well as bring the most consistent cost recovery rates of more than 80 percent. The important thing to remember when doing a remodeling project of any kind is to take in the entire scope of the property. “Are you adding value to one area that, in turn, devalues another area of the property?” is a question that should be at the forefront of the rehabber. Overall – just make sure your plans for updates will maximize your home’s value. Your best resource for this is your local real estate professional. Please contact us for the full article on the “Cost vs. Value Report”. Also – feel free to talk with me BEFORE you spend money on updates to make sure your plan is effective.

See other helpful tips at www.cmoorehouses.com/stagingchecklist

This week I have spoken to several people who are looking for a house in the OKC Metro area and are moving from another state. One couple from Georgia tells me that sales are up in their market and there is new commercial development happening everywhere. They said the only thing that is keeping them from selling their Georgia home and buying something here in the Oklahoma city area is: 1) public perception fueled by media and 2) competition with new homes in the area. Does this sound familiar?

In a recent article in the Daily Oklahoman entitled “We’re Out Of Step”, Richard Mize, real estate editor, reiterates the continued growth in the Oklahoma City Metro’s economy and housing market. He talks about the importance of getting “Targeted Data” from local professionals. Remember, there are only about six or seven states that are truly seeing a housing slump. It just so happens that these states i.e. Florida, California, etc. are very influential to national media. Most of the stories on our local station concerning real estate are just syndicated stories from the national news sources – just watch the video footage – in most of these reports, none of the video is from the OKC area!

To see the full article, “We’re Out Of Step”, from the Daily Oklahoman, use this link: http://newsok.com/article/3175247/1196392836

For more targeted information on your market and your home, call or email Chris Moore at www.CMooreHouses.com

MOVING ON: POWERFUL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

Maybe you're moving to a larger home to accommodate a growing family, relocating for a new career opportunity, or purchasing a townhouse for retirement. Whatever the reason for the move, you'll need to take the necessary steps to sell your home for the best possible price, within a reasonable amount of time. Where do you begin?

If you're like most people, you'll start by seeking assistance from a professional. A local real estate sales associate, who knows your neighborhood, can help you determine a fair market price. The sales associate should also recommend the extent to which you should make repairs or improvements to your house.

In order to select a real estate professional who's right for you, ask family, friends and neighbors for referrals. Attend open houses and interview several sales associates to find out how professional or experienced they may be. Get a written outline of how they plan to market your property and the services they will offer you.

Once you've identified a qualified professional, the rest is chemistry. Is the sales associate someone with whom you would like to work closely? Do you feel comfortable with the sales associate as your partner, working with you to give you advice and acting as your representative? Does he or she practice a consultative selling approach, focusing on the long-term client relationship and on the importance of exceeding client needs and expectations or is he or she caught up in the proverbial 'hard sell?'

The brokerage firm that your agent is associated with is also important. Research the firm's success rate and commitment to quality service. Does it survey existing clients in order to ensure customer satisfaction? What are the results of those surveys? How in tune are they with consumer needs? Do they offer guidance with mortgages or any discounts for other home related or moving services?

Determining your home's fair market value is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the home-selling/buying process. Your sales associate can help you set a fair price based on local market conditions. For instance, she or he will provide sale prices and other statistics of homes similar to yours that have recently been sold. Prospective buyers will be comparing your home to others on the market. Therefore, setting a comprehensive price can determine if your property will or will not sell.

For the first offer made, it's rare that the prospective buyer matches the asking price. If the offer is reasonably close to the asking price, carefully consider the offer before you consider turning it down. Curiously, it's the first offer that can often be the best offer. If the first offer is unacceptable to you, it may in your best interest to have your sales associate respond with a counter offer. Whenever considering an offer, ask yourself if you would purchase the property for the amount being offered. Always be willing to negotiate, especially if the prospective buyer is pre-qualified for a mortgage.

Once you decide what terms are acceptable, let your sales associate negotiate with the prospective buyer to work out the best agreement for you. You'll need to be patient while the buyer arranges financing and as the real estate company compiles and prepares pertinent data.

Careful planning and sound advice from a real estate professional can make selling your home a very satisfying experience. For further information, please contact, Chris Moore 308-0281 www.CMooreHouses.com                   Century 21 Goodyear Green