Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Real Estate Agent Speak … What Does It Mean?

Real Estate Agent Speak … What Does It Mean?

Real Estate Agent Speak … What Does It Mean?

Real Estate Advertisement Real estate Agent SpeakAgents say many things in their advertising, but often we’re left wondering what does it mean?

There is always an implied meaning, but the serious Buyer usually wants to know what they are really saying about a property. Sometimes even agents don’t know and need to make a translation phone call to find out.

For example, “Gourmet Kitchen”. A kitchen is often termed Gourmet if it has a 5 burner, or larger, cook top, over sized vent hood, and a double oven, but does that make it gourmet? We’ve had true gourmet cooks comment on the abuse of the term. One of their key determinants is the quality of the fixtures, i.e.- high heat cook top and broiler capabilities. A pot filler spigot by the cook top is fun, but does it a Gourmet Kitchen make?

The "Great Room" is another term used liberally. Is it an Open Floor plan – divided by pony wall but open, or is it one big room with the kitchen and dining areas in it? Mother in law unit is another advertising dandy. Is it a separate building or an add-on? Does it have its own kitchen, living room, private patio or garden?

“RV Parking” can be anything from room on the side of the house to park a tent trailer to a parking area for any sized RV complete with water, dump drain and electricity. “Horse set up” can be a lean-to with panels or a barn with power, tack room and automaticNorthern Nevada Real Estate for sale waterer. “Garden area" can be rose or vegetable, functional or token.

“Fully Landscaped” – is it natural sage or lawn, shrubs, and trees? “Needs a Little TLC” – anything goes with this one. A little Tender Loving Care usually means thorough cleaning, yard care and paint, but could turn out to be carpet replacement, and more. It’s a little better than a “Fixer Upper”, but not “Move in Ready”. “Fixer Upper” That can be all the above plus broken windows, punched sheet rock and doors, missing fixtures and roof shingles, etc.

“Carpet Allowance” signals worn out or cat-affected flooring, but not always. A carpet color recognized to be unappealing can induce an allowance to help a sale. “Dog Run” can be anything from a cross fence by the garage that creates a closed area, to a true dog run with proper fencing, concrete for easy cleaning, dog house, etc.

First time Home Buyer Nevada Homes for sale“Great for First Time Home Buyer” usually means it is nominally priced or modest, but can also simply be smaller.

“Great Family Home” is another just about anything goes comment. Does it mean that there are many bedrooms, or enough bathrooms to get everyone out the door in the morning? Does a family or bonus room offering separation of kids from adults make it family? What is great for a family will truly be family specific.

Our Advice: Descriptive terms and what they represent mean a lot to a Buyer and can be an important factor in a sale. It is important to represent the property and its attributes accurately. Have your agent make sure that what has attracted you to the property works for your wants and needs, and isn’t something that has the description of what you want but is only 25% of your expectations. Description abuses can be laughable at times, but they can also waste time. Be sure to determine what that “cream puff” is really all about.

Ad language is designed to attract, to make the phone ring. It’s up to the Buyer and her Agent to determine if the property description is puffed.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs … Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Back to school in Lyon county Nevada

Back to School in Carson City, Nevada

Back to School in Douglas County Nevada

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Back to School in Lyon County Nevada

Back to School in Lyon County Nevada

Back to School in Lyon County, Nevada.

The Official "Back to School" date in Lyon, Nevada will be August 29, 2011 for most Lyon County School Lyon County School district Back to schoolchildren.

Lyon County Nevada encompasses several communities, each with their own school district! For detailed information for each community please follow these links.

For the complete 2011 - 2012 Lyon County School calendar follow this link for the School Calendar.

Lyon County School Calendar

For complete Lyon County School District Contact Information follow this link.

Lyon County Contact Information

Here's wishing all our new and returning Lyon County Nevada Students a wonderful and productive educational year!


Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Back to School in Carson City, Nevada
Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Back to School in Carson City, Nevada

Back to School in Carson City, Nevada

The Official "Back to School" date in Carson City, Nevada Was August 22, 2011 for most Carson City Back to School in Carson City NevadaSchool children.

For the complete 2011 - 2012 Carson City School calendar follow this link for the school Calendar.

Carson City Nevada School Calendar


If you need additional information on specific schools, locations, or contact information ... use this link for the Carson City Nevada Schools Administration Website.

Carson City School District General Information

For Current Bus Route Information for the entire Carson City, Nevada area click this link.

Carson City Nevada Bus Schedule

Here's wishing all our new and returning Carson City Nevada Students a wonderful and productive educational year!

Eerience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Back to School in Douglas County Nevada

Back to School in Douglas County Nevada

The Official "Back to School" date in Douglas County, Nevada Was August 17, 2011 for most Elementary Back to school in Douglas County NevadaSchool children and August 22, 2011 for most Middle School and High School children.

For the complete 2011 - 2012 Douglas County School calendar follow these links for the appropriate schools.

Carson Valley Nevada Elementary School Calendar

Carson Valley Nevada Secondary School Calendar

Lake Tahoe Nevada Elementary School Calendar

Lake Tahoe Nevada Secondary School Calendar


If you need additional information on specific schools, locations, or contact information ... use this link for the Douglas County Nevada Schools Administration Website.

Douglas County Nevada List of Schools

For Current Bus Route Information for the entire Douglas County click this link.

Douglas county School Bus Route Information


Here's wishing all our new and returning students Douglas County Students a wonderful and productive educational year!


Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Skunks and Chickens ... A Lesson in Private Property Rights!


Skunks and Chickens ... A Lesson in Private Property Rights!

Private Property rights are essential to real estate. Included in the bundle of rights is the right to quiet enjo
Skunks and Private Property Rightsyment. Regardless of the size of the property, everyone enjoys this right. We’ve seen occasion, however, where larger parcels of land are mistreated by the public Sometimes its trespassing, other times it is more flagrant.

The other day as we were leaving our house we saw a person stop by the road. We thought nothing of it until we saw in our rear view mirror that she was pulling a cage out of her car. We pulled over and walked back. Her intention was to release a skunk by the irrigation ditch in our front field.

Chickens and Private Property rights in NevadaYes, we live on 10 acres and, yes, it is rural ... people live nearby and so do our chickens and ducks. We explained how the skunk will walk down the ditch to our home in the distance and feast on our birds all winter.

We invoked God’s blessings on her for saving the baby’s life, and her well intended mercy act was taken to another venue saving 15 or so feathered lives, that's how many birds we lost last year to skunks and other predators.

As a Property Owner, your front yard is no different than your kitchen when it comes to your Private Property Rights. It is yours and nobody should use it without your permission whether as a trash receptacle, bedroom to camp in, or just to cut across the corner. Whether you own a condo, 10 acres, or thousands, the Private Property Rights are the same and nobody should have them compromised because of the size of their front yard.

Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?
The Nevada Homestead Exemption Act

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land
You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!
Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!
How To Be A Good Real Estate Buyer
What is You "Investional" Fortitude?



Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Nevada Homestead Exemption Act

The Nevada Homestead Exemption Act

The Nevada Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Act in NevadaThe Nevada Homestead Exemption Act doesn’t mean you can squat on 160 acres of public land and eventually own it, rather it is a means to protect equity in your home against seizure or forced sale by general creditor claims and judgments that are entered against you. The Nevada Homestead Act is one of the gifts the Constitution of the State of Nevada gives to homeowners, but few people take advantage of it.

If you have unpaid medical bills, credit card debt, business or personal loans, a judgment from an accident or other cause, etc., you can protect the equity in your primary residential property up to $550,000 in Nevada. The key word is equity, the market value less any debt secured against it. The property must be your primary residence. It can be a condo or even a mobile home on land you don’t own. Exception - if you are one of the rare few that has established alloidal title and not relinquished it the exemption extends to all of your equity.

A Homestead Exemption does not protect you from a forced sale due to nonpayment of a mortgage, unpaid taxes, home equity loans, Home Owners Association/Condo fees, or work that was done on your home. Also, be aware that Federal Bankruptcy Court can modify the protection of the Nevada homestead exemption for some credit card debt.

The homestead exemption application can be made by husband or wife, or both, or a single person. A recent change by the Legislature allows protection for individuals that put their property in a trust provided the trust if for the benefit of the person or persons who declared the homestead. Another interesting quirk is that Tenants in Common may declare homestead rights on their respective estate and enjoy homestead rights and privileges. Note that they are, however, subject to the rights of their co-tenants to enforce partition of such common property.

The Homestead Exemption is easy to implement and free except for the cost of recording the document. You Homestead Exemption Act in Nevadacan get the form online at the Nevada Real Estate Division site, http://red.state.nv.us/forms/654.pdf, or at your County Recorder’s office or website. You will need to gather some information as the form requires your Assessor’s Parcel Number and legal description. If a mobile residence you’ll need the Assessor’s Manufactured Home ID Number, and manufactured home description. You can get this information online, or call your agent for assistance.

With that information, completing the form is simple. Check the appropriate boxes, provide your name and the address of the property, and sign it in front of a Notary. After it is completed take it to the recorder for recording and, voila, you have a Homestead Exemption.

Our Advice: We recommend that every property owner file a Declaration of Homestead on their primary residence. It is easy and of nominal cost, but can protect you from the unforeseen and unknown that could wipe out your life’s hard work. Few things in life are so easy, cost so little, and return so much as a Declaration of Homestead. Think of it like an insurance policy – you wouldn’t be caught without it. Take a moment and get it done. Consult your attorney if you have specific questions about your circumstances.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

How To Be A Good Real Estate Buyer


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Thursday, August 18, 2011

What is You "Investional" Fortitude?

What is You "Investional" Fortitude? (edit/delete)

Investinal Fortitude ... A re-post of our most recent article in the Carson Valley Record Courier!

Opportunities to invest your money come in many varieties. Some are safe, low return situations, while other have more risk and afford greater return on the invested dollar. Some are stable over the long haul, while others can change immediately.

Stocks are a good example of the latter. There are many opportunities in the stock market, high or low risk, and each has the commensurate return. We’ve recently seen how volatile stocks can be with GM and the bottom falling out of its stock price. Real estate has dropped dramatically and is a daily headline in the news, but it has taken years for it to drop to half or one third of its peak value. Stocks can be reduced to a fraction of their peak value in a matter of hours.

Some investors choose gold, silver, or other such investments. While they have seen price volatility in the past, there seems to be stability and growth in that area now. How high will they go? That is anyone’s guess and the guesses change with each article or opinion that you read.
Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine Nevada Houses for sale
Real estate affords a great variety of investment opportunities. You can buy a cash flow, a depreciable property, speculative property, etc., each with its own benefits and risk. Real estate prices have fallen over the past four years, but it is important to recognize that it took that long for the prices to fall where they have fallen to. The extent of the decline was startling, but it wasn’t immediate. In most cases, the recovery of real estate pricing is just a matter of time. Things will turn and the demand will be good.

Demand is always a driving force in investments. High Demand = High Price. While the financial crisis has limited the number of people that can buy right now, there is still a strong latent demand. The population has continued to increase No construction in Northern Nevadawhile housing starts have been non-existent creating increased demand. In our beautiful region with the wonderful people and other amenities that make it so attractive, demand from people looking to relocate here will rise again in the future when they can structure their lives to be able to leave where they are. That compounding factor makes our area an excellent place to invest in real estate with confidence.

Depending on the amount and objective of your investment capital, it is important to diversify your investment portfolio. Some investments provide cash flow, others create wealth. It is important to recognize what you wish to achieve with your money and make a plan to get it. Investing isn’t for the faint of heart unless you are getting 1% on your money in a safe harbor. If you are putting your money at risk to achieve substantial gains you must have the “Investinal” fortitude to stick it out. Real Estate Investment in Northern Nevada today can help calm your nerves while your money is so invested ... prices are great and the upside full of potential.

There is always risk in any investment. If you lose value with stocks you will have a piece of paper. If you lose value with gold you will at least have gold bars, coin, etc. If you lose value with real estate you have something, and they aren’t making any more of it. There are many types and opportunities in real estate so you should work closely with your agent to find the right match for you. When you do, buy and go forth with confidence… you’ve made a good investment. No gut wrenching today buying real estate in Northern Nevada.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com,
www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Selecting A Buyer’s Agent in Today’s Real Estate

How To Be A Good Real Estate Buyer

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Friday, August 12, 2011

502 East aJohn Street Carson City Nevada

Photo Gallery






Description
502 East John Street Carson City Nevada - 5,000 Sq. Ft. Office Building For Sale and For Lease

* 5,000 sq ft cinder block building constructed in 1975
* Spaces within the building range from 319 to 4600 sq ft - perfect opportunity for an owner/user looking to lease space for additional income
* Excellent parking (private lot) and access to John St. and Corbett St.
* MFA RC Commercial zoning
* Owner financing available to qualified buyer with 30% down payment and terms and conditions acceptable to Seller
* Space also offered for lease
* APN 002-142-08 - Taxes: $5,520
* Space offered for lease at $0.85/sq ft MG Perfect for professional office uses or services


Features
Square Footage: 5000
Zoning: RC Commercial Zoning
Broker: Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine
Property ID: 110008532
Floors in Bldg: 1
Lot Size: .43 Acres
Ample Off Street Parking: Yes

Location
Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyer Id: 55195010

A Grandpa's View Of A Home Run

A Grandpa's View Of A Home Run

The triple is the most exciting hit in baseball, except for the rare inside-the-park homerun. After trailingGabe Wetzel catching CarsonValley Little league by as many as eight runs, my grandson's Little League team was catching up having scored four runs in the final inning. Trailing by three, the tying run was at the plate in the form of my grandson. All three had to score due to the five run rule - a stop in the action without a homerun would end the game. The sun that was in his eyes all game long as a catcher and hitter had gone below the mountains. He stepped up to the plate. He could see. The pitch. A swing and a miss.

The crowd had grown as the three other games at the park were over. Baseball aficionados and friends from the other games were lingering to watch this game wrap up. Strike two. Another healthy swing. The kind of swing that appears to be three-quarter speed, the visual effect common to the power hitter as opposed to the quick flick swat of a contact hitter.

There was murmuring in the crowd as the pitcher wound up. The underdogs were ahead and this was the last strike pitch. The pitch. The swing. The CRACK of the bat! As one the crowd inhaled, in awe, as the ball arced high towards right field. Silence continued a moment as the ball began to drop. Then it hit between the outfielders and rolled.

Gabe Wetzel Home run  carson vlley little leagueThe roar erupted and grandson rounded first. Runner scored from third. Coaches yelling, "Run!" "Throw it!" as they tried to score runs or get an out to end the game depending on which dugout they were yelling from. Grandson rounded second with a bit of a stumble but not a wobble as he clearly had a goal of reaching the pentagon known as home plate.

Another run scored. The ball was thrown to an infielder. The fans were yelling ... some the roar of fan excitement... others pleading/coaching their players to do their will. No drops by the defense. The ball was steadily moving towards home through a series of players. As it was youth play, every throw and catch was in itself a suspenseful act.

Rounding third in fluid motion sped grandson. At a full run with desire in his eyes, he was not going to quit. The throw to the catcher... the turn to make the tag... just a fraction of a second late as the sliding runner had pointed his cleated toe with a perfect low slide that seemed to furrow the basepath until gravity ruled and the momentum was stopped with just a cleat and an ankle where grandson wanted them... safe at home.

Everyone roared and clapped for both sides. The game went an extra inning. We lost the game but all were winners in a bigger sense. Everyone in the Park that night left with a glow knowing that they had just witnessed their child's growth, the education of life values. Perseverance, commitment, discipline, teamwork, and more, kept both teams in the game to the very end. Everyone, too, knew that they had experienced baseball at its best. Two hours of methodical ennui with a sudden explosion of high action and emotion. All were happy to be a witness to and a part of the action.

In a moment's time I went from thinking of the Mighty Casey when grandson had two strikes to watching him rise from his scoring slide and run to his teammates with outstretched arms and a smile that seemed wider than his ears. Regardless of what he does the rest of his baseball career, this 10 year old has a lifetime memory of a grand moment in time... as does his Grandpa. Youth sports are a wonderful thing for everyone - the athletes, their coaches, families, friends and the administrators that work so hard to facilitate the sporting opportunities for them.

Thank you Carson Valley Little League for the experience and memories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

1576 East Valley Road, Gardnerville, Nevada ... The Crown Jewel of East Carson Valley

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Eagle Ridge Subdivision at Genoa, Nevada - Sierra Foothill Lots ... Unbelievable Prices!

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate

Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate

Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate have never been so far apart as they have been of late. Logic would dictate that they would be one and the same, but the reality of today’s real estate market is that they are often far apart. Market Value is considered to be the most probable price that a sufficiently marketed property would bring in an arm’s length transaction between a knowledgeable and willing seller and a knowledgeable and willing buyer with neither under duress to perform. Price can be what someone is asking, or what it sold at – both are “price”.

Market Value is established by Appraisers and Agents looking at recent sales of comparable properties. Agents can also look at comparable listings, what they will be facing in competition from similar properties offered for sale. The ultimate number used by lenders is that of the Appraiser, the one licensed to deliver an opinion of value. Appraisers use sold comps, a snapshot of the market looking backwards. Agents use a combination, see trends, and can adjust the price looking forward. This is an important difference in a moving market, up or down, and can lead to a disparity between Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate.

Price can be anything, but is usually what the Owner and Agent determine they can sell it for. That can be interesting at times. It is important that price has nothing to do with what someone paid for a property. If it were given to them would you expect them to give it to you? If they paid $200,000 more than it is worth today, will you pay them the $200,000? Of course not. Price is what the market will bear given the amenities, condition and location of the property.

Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate  Lisa Wetzel and Jim valentineWe’ve seen some interesting examples of Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate lately. A property listing at 19.5% below an appraisal completed in the same week the property was listed … and it has generated no showings. The price is definitely right to attract a Buyer, but none have stepped up to date even at that great price! Another example ... a bank-owned property. Banks are quite cautious on their values when they sell, but in this case the accepted sales price was 7.5% less than the Buyer’s loan appraisal. Both of these current situations may seem to reflect a declining market because of the ratio of appraisal to price, but does it?

The market is stabilizing somewhat so maybe they are simply prices designed to get the property sold. That would be a willing Seller … certainly a willing Buyer ... but is it Market Value or a Low Price?

Sometimes prices seem too good to be true. Buyers steer clear of the “smoke’n deal” because they think there may be a problem. Conversely, Buyers at times avoid a high priced property when the Seller is just waiting for their offer. Occasionally, a mistake is made in pricing. If it is high, the property sits on the market. If low, the property jumps off the rack as the opportunity is easily recognized by active Agents and their Buyers.

Our Advice: Whether buying or selling, it is important to remember to make your Price Versus Market Value decisions based on your wants and needs, and your understanding of the Market. People buy and sell for many reasons, not all of them immediately apparent.

Don’t get hung up on Price, Comparable Listings and Sales, Rumors, or Anything Else that will keep you from making a sale or purchase that is a great deal for you and your circumstances. Price Versus Market Value In Real Estate ... like Beauty ... is in the eye of the beholder. See it through your eyes, not those of others.

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are real estate agents with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates in Gardnerville. They are short sale and foreclosure specialists and certified distressed property experts. Contact them at carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com. 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


When it comes t
Experience is priceless carson valley lando choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Selecting A Buyer’s Agent in Today’s Real Estate

How To Be A Good Real Estate Buyer

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Saturday, August 6, 2011

How To Be A Good Real Estate Buyer

How To Be A Good Real Estate Buyer

Like everywhere, Real Estate Buyers in Northern Nevada come in many varieties, each special in their own right.  Some want Nevada income tax benefits, some land for their retirement, others their first home.  Each is serious in their quest, and deserving of a good agent to help them achieve it.  It is important to understand that being a good real estate buyer can significantly affect the outcome of their real estate experience by doing their part in the process.

First of all, be happy and nice.  There can be stress in the real estate process.  From the property selection, through negotiation, to the end of the escrow, stress can appear in many ways.  Frustration can occur, but anger need not be a part of it.   Work to a solution in a positive manner.  The solution is the goal, not the emotions or processes along the way.  They will be forgotten in time, but the outcome of the transaction will not.

Be ready for action, especially if you are buying a bank-owned or short sale.  You can wait weeks or months and then have just a few hours to respond.  Fair?  Not really, but it is the reality of dealing with those types of properties and getting upset won’t get your escrow closed.  A better course of action is to laugh at the absurdity and sign quickly.  Action is also important if the “right” property is suddenly available – don’t hesitate, act! 

You will incur costs along the way such as inspections.  Please, either pay them onsite at the time of the inspection, or, if you don’t close, immediately with the cancellation of your escrow.  The work was done for you, not the agent that likely ordered it for you.  It will save your agent from having to ask you for the payment on behalf of the inspector.  This keeps your relationship intact to move on together and find the right property.

A good real estate buyer is gracious in a home
regardless of the occupants’ lifestyle.  It is their home, they are choosing to live in the manner that they live.  Nice interaction and chit chat can go a long ways to making you a likeable person, helpful during negotiation.  It is amazing how often this little part of the process becomes important, especially when there is a tight neighborhood and the Sellers want to leave their community with a good neighbor.

Good real estate buyers do what their agent asks of them
.

There will be times when your agent needs you to do something to move things forward.  It could be a signature, a selection or decision.  Timing can be critical in a real estate transaction.  Do what is asked of you as expeditiously as possible in your own best interest.  Interestingly enough, one of the most impactive statements an agent can make on your behalf when asked to modify a transaction is, “They’ve done everything you’ve asked them to do!  That statement can only be made if you have, indeed, done so.  It is a powerful statement that can reap an assortment of rewards for you.

Our Advice: Be candid with your agent.  If you are holding back important information your agent can’t do a proper job for you.  Don’t worry about hurting your agent’s feelings if you don’t like a property, you are the Buyer!  Ask a lot of questions along the way.  You’ll get answers, and depending on their quality, will gain confidence in your agent.  More importantly, your agent will learn what you need/want to know, or what is important to you. That can help you both as you work together to get you what you want. 

Time and effort will be put forth by agent and Buyer to achieve the successful purchase and realization of the Buyer’s goal.  Be positive and the results will more likely be positive.


When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs Experience is Priceless!  Lisa Wetzel  and  Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472.  carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?

Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley

Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land

You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!

Maximizing Your Price As a Home Seller In Today's Market!

Selecting A Buyer’s Agent in Today’s Real Estate


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog.  Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704.  To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com




Thursday, August 4, 2011

Selecting A Buyer’s Agent in Today’s Real Estate Market

Selecting A Buyer’s Agent in Today’s Real Estate Market

A recent call reminded us that Buyers, and Sellers, don’t always know how to select and use a real estate agent
. The Buyer called on a listing, and it turned out he was calling every listing agent on a long list of properties to get information.  Commendable for the effort, but not an effective way to use agents for his benefit.

He was driving around neighborhoods looking at signs, taking phone numbers, and calling. Finding a home using that method takes much time, not to mention a lot of gas.  There are also many frustrating calls to make trying to connect with each agent to find out the price, bedroom count, and other important information such as distressed status.  Even with that time and effort, the hard working Buyer is never sure if he knows the market as the ideal property could have just been listed and the sign put up after the house hunter drove that street.

An agent can look at all of the properties in the Multiple Listing Service, MLS, at once and determine if the price is okay, there are sufficient bedrooms, etc.  The agent should interview the prospect to find out his wants and needs in a home so she can offer suggestions as to area and homes.  The agent can search the MLS with specific criteria to find the “hidden” gem.  Sometimes the idea home is right under everybody’s nose, and it goes unnoticed without professional perspective.  Cull the list with the agent and then drive around.

So how do you select an agent?


Looking at their ads everybody is number one at something while others are funny.  They are all attractive.  You will be working with this person or team for an extended period of time while you find a home, negotiate an offer, and navigate the escrow process, to the end goal, Home Ownership.  You don’t have to particularly like them, but you must have confidence in them.  Using your Aunt Betty’s grandchild’s wife’s sister’s neighbor isn’t the foundation for a successful relationship.  Don’t be bashful about interviewing for a good agent to represent you.  They should have real knowledge about what you intend to do.

An agent should be concerned about your wants and needs
.  They should ask many questions so they understand what you are looking for, or dreaming of.  They should ask you about your financial status, if you’ve talked to a lender.  What can you afford and what do you actually want to pay?  They should stick to your price range, unless they find you what you want for less than you can afford.  They should explain the process they’ll use to get you the right home.  Different types of homes can require different techniques and timing.  They are there to help you, to do the work for you.  

Our Advice: Pick your agent wisely.  You can find them in the newspaper, from a sign, a referral, or online.  Regardless of how you connect, you should become confident that the agent hears you, understands you, is honest and can do the job for you.  There are many ways to work with an agent and many agents to work with.  Determine your goals and work with a good agent to accomplish them together. When you get a good agent don’t bounce around, you’ll end up with nobody working for you.

Remember, it is easy to search for homes in the newspaper, real estate magazines, and online.  Buyers these days often provide a list of homes to their agents who then research the properties’ details for them.  That way you can search and interact with your agent about what you find.  You’ll be involved in the process and when the right property comes along you’ll know it.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs …
Experience is Priceless!  Lisa Wetzel  and  Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472.  carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Passion ... Inspiration ... What Is Your Why?
Douglas Pop Warner Little Scholars Awards Three Scholarships to Graduating Seniors in Carson Valley
Vacant Lot Myths ... Northern Nevada Land
You Really Don't Have to Be A Jerk! ... More Tales From The Trenches!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog.  Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in
Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704.  To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com