Vintage Real Estate, LLC

Top 10 Homebuyer Magnets

2012-02-09T06:08:00.000-08:00

(article originally featured on http://realestate.msn.com/neighborhood-homebuyer-magnets)

Access to Transportation
Good Schools
Nearby Amenities
Area Architecture
Reputation
Parks & Outdoor spaces
Low Crime Rate
Your Neighbors
Local Economy & Stable Home Values
Proximity to Cultural Experiences

Is there something that you think is missing from this list?

Top 10 Apps that Our Agents Love to Use

2012-01-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

Realtor.com
Zillow Real Estate
Trulia Real Estate
Map
Homes.com
EZ Loan Calculator
QR Code Reader
YouTube
Camera
Facebook
Tape Measure

Vintage Real Estate believes in utilizing Today's Technology while providing our clients with Vintage Service.

Top 10 End-of-the-Year Updates

2011-12-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

1. Review Insurance Policies - Are you getting the best deal? Reevaluating your policies could result in big savings!

2. Stay Connected - Compare cable/interest service providers. Should you switch providers? Sometimes bundling your services can save you a bundle.

3. Here's a Bright Idea - Call local electric companies and see who can give you the best deal; it could make a big difference once you start plugging in all of those holiday lights!

4. Organize Receipts - Go through the piles of receipts and papers you've been collecting for the past 11 months. This will be a big help when it comes time to do your taxes!

5. Box It Up - As you pull down boxes of holiday decorations, be sure to keep them organized and store them in sturdy plastic containers...and donate what you don't use.

6. Holiday Tune Up - Winterize your car. And be sure you have an ice scraper and an emergency kit in the car.

7. Has This Expired? - Go through your pantry and check expiration dates on food items. While you're at it, go through your medicine cabinet and properly dispose of any expired medications. Keep your family healthy & safe this season!

8. Warm Hands, Warm Heart - Dig out that box of hats, gloves, and scarves and donate gentle used items that you don't need; That's what the holidays are all about!

9. Picture Perfect - Print out those photos that have been saved on your camera for the past year.Put them in frames or albums to give as gifts to family & friends

10. All You Need Is Love - It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But slow down and think about what's really important. Take time off and spend it with the ones you love!

Pittsburgh Makes the List!

2011-11-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

National Geographic Traveler Magazine compiled a list of the Top Travel Destinations in the World.
These top notch locations include New Zealand, Guatamala, and....Pittsburgh, PA!
That's right, our very own city made this tremendous list as one of only two US cities featured (the other city being Sonoma, CA)

View the article here:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2012/#/botw-main-gallery-pittsburgh_41334_600x450.jpg

What's your score?

2011-10-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

This information comes from REALTOR Magazine.

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:

1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.

2. How much you owe. If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.

3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better. The average consumer's oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she has been managing credit for some time, according to Fair Isaac Corp., and only one in 20 consumers have credit histories shorter than 2 years.

4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.

5. The types of credit you use. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit — installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, visit www.myfico.com.

Cool and Crisp

2011-09-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Cool, crisp air has arrived in Southwestern, PA! Many of us were digging out our jackets for this morning's commute.
In honor of the cool air, here is a great article from HouseLogic about inspecting your doors and windows for leaks.

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/windows-doors/how-inspect-windows-doors-stop-air-and-water-leaks/

Fix those gutters!

2011-09-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Repair Sagging and Leaking Rain Gutters to Save Money

Repairing sagging and leaking rain gutters is a simple task that can be tackled in a day. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

This Stinks!

2011-08-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

While we have been enjoying the cooler, milder temperatures here in Pittsburgh, some local inhabitants are heading indoors to stay warm.

Stink bugs. Yes, stink bugs are back and ready to bother families & farmers everywhere.
Most people know two things about stink bugs: They smell terrible if you squish them, and for every stinkbug you catch there are 5 more that will show up.

We are seeing more and more products and DIY solutions for catching stinkbugs. Have you used any products? Do they actually work? Comment on our Facebook Page and let us know!

Get Rid of the Junk Drawer!

2011-08-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Are your countertops a mountain of bills, junk mail, art projects, and coupons? Do you slide all of these items into your “junk drawer” in the kitchen or office when you have guests visiting or having an open house?
While junk drawers are convenient for the time being, the thought of having to sort through all of those items can haunt you and deter you from ever opening that drawer again. Why not purchase something that will help you keep those items out of the dreaded junk drawer and is stylish enough to keep on your counter?

Stores like IKEA have affordable and sleek storage solutions that you won’t be embarrassed to keep in plain view. Some of my person favorites are the “Palm Leaf Box with Lid” and everything in their KASSETT series.
Ok, so maybe you like having a junk drawer- I understand! But, there’s no reason why you can’t keep it organized. Stores like William Sonoma (and many others) have affordable modular drawer organizers. Break up the drawer with smaller bins to keep your pens, coupons, and party invitations separate and easy to grab when needed!

I find that once I purchase bins or boxes that I find to be stylish, I am more likely to utilize them. So grab that stack of papers, pitch the expired coupons, credit card offers, & birthday party invitations that you've already attended and free up your countertops!

Author: Michele H.

Keep Your Home Safe!

2011-08-09T08:36:00.001-07:00

Home Security Check

The first step toward protecting your home from break-ins is to conduct a home security check that will show where your property is most vulnerable. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

What's Available for Struggling Homeowners

2011-07-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article about foreclosure aid...written by Tim Schooley at the Pittsburgh Business Times.

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/07/11/funding-fore-foreclosure-assistance.html

Buy Now!

2011-07-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

An article from Houselogic.com tells us that HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says it's a good time to buy a home.
http://www.houselogic.com/news/articles/hud-secretary-says-its-good-time-buy-house/

Make a List & Check it Twice

2011-06-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

So you have found the home of your dreams and now it's time to celebrate.
Not so fast!
Here are a list of things to look for during your final walk through:

Be sure that:

Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties.
All items that were included in the sale price—draperies, lighting fixtures—are still there.
Screens and storm windows are in place or stored.
All appliances are operating.
Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.
Hot water heater is working.
HVAC is working.
No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.
Garage door opener and other remotes are available.
Instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are there.
All personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed.

Source: Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

No Trespassing

2011-06-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Did you tell everyone on Facebook when you are leaving for vacation? You might want to think twice about letting the world know that your home will be empty for a few days.

Take a look at these Burglary Prevention Tips from houselogic.com, brought to you by the National Association of Realtors.

http://www.houselogic.com/news/articles/7-burglary-prevention-tips-your-summer-vacation/

Facts about Deer

2011-05-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

There are more than 20 million whitetail deer in the United States. And that number is growing!
It is estimated that damages caused by deer cost homeowners more than $1 billion annually.
Want to know what types of plants deer find most attractive? Check out this 26 page list online at http://njaes.rutgers.edu/deerresistance
In your garden, do NOT mix plants that deer like with deer resistant planting; This will result in deer trampling all of your plants to get to the types they like. Cluster deer preferred plants.
There are four types of deer repellents

Contact Repellents are applied directly to plants. The unpleasant taste causes the deer to move along.
Area Repellents work by scent. Most contain sulfur compounds. Human and/or coyote hair can be effective, along with coyote decoys.
Mechanical Repellents are motion activated mechanical devices, scare crows, etc... and are only truly effective if they are moved frequently.
Sound Repellents come in different shapes and sizes, but not all are suited for residential settings. It is best to use ultra-sound to avoid disturbing your neighbors.

Source: "Critter Chatter": The official Critter Control Newsletter. Spring 2011. Vol. XXI, No.1.

Today's Technology, Vintage Service

2011-05-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Our company's mission has always been clear; to help our customers buy and/or sell a home by utilizing today's latest technologies while providing them with personable, vintage service.

Technology is constantly changing and improving, and we do our best to keep up with the latest and greatest tools that can be used to market homes for sale, to help buyers find homes, and to improve how our office does business.

Our team had a great meeting last week about new marketing strategies & tools we have begun using that will provide our clients with the same technology used by larger companies. Pair these new tools with our commitment to being attentive, personable, and professional with every customer and you have a winning combination!

Be sure to visit our website, Facebook Page, YouTube Channel, blog, and more to see the new marketing strategies we are implementing!

www.vintagerealestatellc.com
Facebook: search "Vintage Real Estate LLC"
YouTube: search "VintageRealEstateLLC"

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Rentals Get Pricey and Scarce, Study Finds

2011-04-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Rentals Get Pricey and Scarce, Study Finds

Here is an interesting article from REALTOR Magazine. Can you believe that over 10 million people spent half of their income on rent & utilities in 2009?

Breaking the "Mold"

2011-04-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

We all know April showers bring May flowers. but they can also bring moisture and mold into your home.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Air and Radiation provides valuable information about mold, moisture, and your home. Here are a few tips to help you keep mold out of your house!

Why is mold growing in my home? Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air. You will start to notice mold spores when they come in contact with wet surfaces.

Can mold cause health problems? Molds do have the potential to cause health problems. Some people who are sensitive to molds can have allergic reactions when they inhale or come in contact with mold. Even if you do not have an allergy, mold can still be an irritant and also cause problems in people with asthma. Talk to your doctor about how mold might affect you and your family.

How do I get rid of mold? You can control mold by controlling moisture. You must clean up the mold AND get rid of the moisture in your home. If mold is affecting a small area of your home, you should be able to take care of the issue yourself. Fix leaks as soon as possible and dry all areas. Use detergent & water to scrub away mold- be sure to dry the area completely! Some materials that are porous may have to be thrown away. Painting or caulking over mold will not address the issue! And remember, protect yourself by wearing gloves and any other necessary protective gear when working around mold. If you have a large area being affected by mold, call a professional to take care of the problem.

For full details about how to handle a mold situation, visit www.epa.gov/mold.

Tax Benefits of Homeownership

2011-03-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

With Tax Day only a few weeks away, we thought we would share an example of how the tax deductions you’re eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here’s how it works.

Assume:

$9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-five interest)
$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)
______

$12,577 = Total deduction

Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate.

For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56

$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate)

Note: Mortgage interest may not be deductible on loans over $1.1 million. In addition, deductions are decreased when total income reaches a certain level.

Source: REALTOR Magazine www.realtor.org

Homeownership Still Makes a Difference | REALTOR.com® Blogs

2011-02-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a great post by a fellow Blogger, courtesy of REALTOR.com.

Homeownership Still Makes a Difference | REALTOR.com® Blogs

Curb Appeal

2011-02-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

With Spring on the horizon, many of us are itching to get started on those outdoor projects we've been dreaming up all winter. Landscaping, putting up new siding, replacing those old windows; but how do you know which home improvement project will give you the biggest payback when it's time to sell your home? Here is an excerpt from an article by Realtor Magazine...

Once again, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

1. Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)

2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)

3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)

4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)

5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%)

6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)

7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)

8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)

9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%

10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)

Source: http://www.realtor.org/

What projects do you have lined up for your home this Spring?

Happy with Home Ownership

2011-02-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

According to the results of an NAR survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a substantial majority of home owners as well as renters agree that owning a home is a smart long-term decision.

In fact, 95 percent of owners and 72 percent of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home. Of those home owners surveyed, 93 percent are happy with their decision to own, and would buy again.

The survey, American Attitudes About Homeownership, also reveals differences between owners and renters. More than half of home owners are “very” or “extremely” happy with the overall quality of their family life, while only one-third of renters reported the same.
For more survey results, visit www.realtor.org/statsanddata/homeownership/attitudes_homeown
Source: www.realtor.org

How do you feel about being a homeowner?
Share your motivation to own a home by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page by clicking the badge to the right.

Vintage Real Estate, LLC

Top 10 Homebuyer Magnets

Top 10 Apps that Our Agents Love to Use

Top 10 End-of-the-Year Updates

Pittsburgh Makes the List!

What's your score?

Cool and Crisp

Fix those gutters!

Repair Sagging and Leaking Rain Gutters to Save Money

This Stinks!

Get Rid of the Junk Drawer!

Keep Your Home Safe!

Home Security Check

What's Available for Struggling Homeowners

Buy Now!

Make a List & Check it Twice

No Trespassing

Facts about Deer

Today's Technology, Vintage Service

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Rentals Get Pricey and Scarce, Study Finds

Breaking the "Mold"

Tax Benefits of Homeownership

Homeownership Still Makes a Difference | REALTOR.com® Blogs

Curb Appeal

Happy with Home Ownership