Democrats And Housing

Homeowners and prospective home buyers will see changes when the Democrats take control of both houses of Congress early in 2007. Democrats have different priorities from Republicans on issues such as affordable housing, land-use restrictions and predatory lending. Full story...

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Knox County, visit my website to view all real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.

Sam Miller Offers Client Discounts From Lowes

Sam Miller Partners With Lowes and Obtains Client Discounts

Before homeowners list their homes they typically spend time preparing their home for sale. I offer my clients a specialized Video/DVD's called "Preparing Your Home For Sale" that shows homeowners some tips and tricks that help get your home in show ready condition and now I have something new for each homeowner I represent. I have recently negotiated a 10% discount for my clients with Lowes along with other additional rebates and free delivery offers on major appliances. I can register anyone wanting me to list their home with me and all you need to do is let me know you will be selling your home and within a week or less you should get your discount certificate in the mail from me. It is SUPER easy and you can use the certificate to save up to $1,000.

Consider that when most people list their home they spend time cleaning the interior and exterior of their home, they do some repainting of walls and trim if needed, they replace old or worn carpeting, they add brighter wattage light bulbs, they clear out the clutter from the basements, closets and garage space in an attempt to make the house look and show it's best.
This is yet another reason why it is always best to work with The Sam Miller Team...we can save you time, money and provide you added value beyond just selling your home.

For homebuyers I have good news for you also because I can register you once you place your purchase offer on your home and I can get you a 10% discount also. This will come in handy when you want to do decorating or make personalized changes to your new home. I can also register you to receive rebates towards features like paint, door key sets, free delivery on appliances over $397 and I can even get you a 20% discount on special order carpeting. If you want decorating tips for your new home I can now get you a FREE subscription for "Lowes Creative Ideas" which is great magazine for Home and Garden ideas and improvements.

Watch for additional announcements for future discounts for my clients and customers because I am committed to providing you with value and service after the purchase and sale of your home. Contact or visit my website if you would like to experience this kind of service!

Top Tips For Selling A Home During The Holidays

Consider potential buyers spiritual backgrounds in your market before decorating for a holiday.
-Minimize holiday decorations to keep focus on your home and its features and benefits.
-Less is more when decorating a home for the holidays while you are trying to sell. Streamline the amount of holiday specific decorations you display.
-Christmas trees and other large holiday decorations consume space that might make rooms appear smaller.
-Install and remove exterior holiday decorations 2 weeks before and after holiday.
-Turn off lighted holiday decorations before showings, buyers should focus on your home and not your decorations.
-If you are having out-of-town house guests, ask your agent to postpone showings until after your guests depart.
-Leave out a plate of home-made holiday treats for potential buyers.
-Display summer photos of home and gardens to inform buyers of the features of the home in other seasons.
-Before showings remove snow, ice and leaves from walkways and driveways. Don't overlook outside entrances to basements, garages, and porches.
-If you plan to close the purchase or sale of a home near a holiday, check with your agent, title, company and lender to verify two business days before closing that they have all the required documents and funds have been wired to complete the transaction.
-If you are closing on your new home, select a mid-week day, early in the day, to schedule your closing time, to accommodate last minute delays by a mortgage loan processor, insurance or title company.
-If you plan to move during the holidays, keep in mind that moving companies will require more notice and could charge additional fees for packing, moving and delivering household goods on week-ends and holidays.

Thinking of buying or selling Knox County real estate? Visit my website to view all real estate listings, get the current value of your home and more.

Should You Try to Sell Your Home During the Holiday Season?

A common misconception is that trying to sell a home during the holidays is a bad idea. If you are serious about selling, it can be an excellent time to list. During the holidays buyers are more serious. They have a different motivation like using vacation time to search for property. They're doing that because they have to buy, rather than want to buy. Remember Thanksgiving and Christmas is one day a piece not two months.

10 reasons why you should list your home during the holidays

1. Most November and December buyers are particularly serious and very likely facing some sort of deadline.
2. January is the biggest transfer month of the year and job transferee’s use the holidays to house hunt.
3. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons. Investors usually want to close escrow by year-end for tax purposes.
4. Most sellers wait until spring or summer to list their home. This means that during the winter months your property will have far less competition versus any other time of the year.
5. Homes show well when decorated for the holidays creating a sense of family and people are much more emotionally drawn to the house, emotion sells.
6. Many people take vacation around the holidays allowing more time to look for a home.
7. Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other services are more available and at less of a premium.
8. There is plenty of mortgage money available for buyers.
9. Lenders aren't as busy and can process loans faster.
10. Showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.

Thinking of buying or selling Knox County real estate? Visit my website to view all real estate listings, get the current value of your home and more.