How to Add a Touch of Room Service to Your Home Using the Four Senses for a Quicker Sale!

Welcome! Over the course of this year, I am going to touch on many topics relevant to home selling, home buying and staging. That is just for starters! There is mortgage, foreclosures and special features that will be coming your way! One of the biggest questions I am asked daily is how to get a home sold quickly, while achieving the best price obtainable, all in the shortest period of time. Of course, who doesn’t want to achieve that? Last week, I listed a beautiful home in the Lexington Kentucky real estate market, specifically in the Kennawood neighborhood. Two days later, my sellers were thrilled to have a contract - signed, sealed and delivered to me, their agent. As I went over to meet with the appraiser yesterday, he asked….what made this home sell so quickly? He wondered if the seller’s just bottomed out to an unheard of low asking price. As I unlocked the door to let him in, I didn’t have to say a word! He saw what I did and what the new buyers did! It was a home, well prepared by its owners and eagerly awaiting a “Sold by Kim” sign in the front yard. So how did they sell their home in just Two days? Bottom line: their home appealed to a buyer’s Four senses. I am going to touch on those Four important senses. Follow my guide and start packing because you are moving!

1. Light /Sight: It is a proven fact that buyers react more positively to a property shown under bright lights than darkness. Strive to maximize light in every room!

*Replace the light bulbs
*Use table lamps in combination with overhead lighting
*Open drapes and blinds
*Use light paint colors
*Make sure your windows are clean
*Mirrors are great to magnify the space and the feeling of light
*Try to turn on the lights before the buyer/agent arrive

2. Color: Don’t use every color in the box of Crayola!

*Neutral is your best bet! Stick with buyer friendly colors such as a beige, white or gray on the outside
*The safest color choice for the interior is white, off-white, a light beige or very soft pastels (and so soft they *still appear nearly white*).
*Try to avoid wallpaper at all costs. I recommend eliminating any and all wallpaper from homes, especially in kitchen and bathrooms.
*Keep walls very neutral but spruce up a room with bright colored rugs, towels and shower curtains.


3. Sound: Sellers usually overlook this area, but listen up and pay close attention here!

*Peace and quite are the best sounds to experience when looking at a home. This allows a buyer to truly focus on picturing themselves living in your home.
*Before a showing, the seller needs to make sure not to run the dishwasher or leave on a TV. Trust me, even the quietest dishwasher talks and do you really want the buyer to flop themselves on your couch to catch the last few minutes of a ballgame? Keep their attention on your home!
*Make sure there are no sounds such as a dripping in the tub or sink, or mechanical problems like banging pipes.
*If you insist on a sound to set the mood, go with a classical or instrumental sound. Get the buyer in the mood to look around and explore all your home has to offer. Ever noticed the music that is played at the grocery store? It’s usually fun and upbeat…it makes you want to shop and buy more! There is a strategy behind that! Have a strategy behind the sound of your home.

4. Smell: This one sense will make or break you within the first few seconds after a buyer walks into your home! Think about a model home -it’s new, fresh and clean…strive to create those features.

*Bottom link: think CLEAN!
*Clean your home frequently. Lemon oil can have a long lasting scent, so use it!
* Painting your walls, having the carpets cleaned, adding a fresh coat of polyurethane to wood floors will give you the smell of new.
*Place special cleaning emphasis on areas where your pet stays.
*Try to not cook shortly before a home showing. A cooking smell can be a major turnoff.

This may seem like a lot to worry about. But just service your home room by room and you will have your place show ready in a matter of no time. For more information and more tips, email me and I will be happy to answer questions, provide you with additional tips or even stop by for a personalized home consultation. If you correctly set the mood, your work will pay off. Are you thinking of buying another home? You better be because your home is about to fly off the market to a sold position. Let me guide you on exactly what to watch out for. I am ready to go to work for you.

Wishing you all my best in your home selling and home search in the Lexington Kentucky real estate area! -Kim AKA KimSoper.com!



Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate
www.KimSoper.com
Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax
kim@kimsoper.com

Kentucky Derby Features

Happy Holidays from KimSoper.com!

In real estate, growing and maintaining strong relationships is the key to successful selling. I enjoy working with Lexington Kentucky real estate homeowners over time. Throughout their lives, I stand by my clients, ready to help them as change arises. If you or someone you know is thinking of buying, building or selling a home, in the Lexington real estate area, call me or visit my website today for expert guidance. When you think of real estate, think KimSoper.com. Happy holidays to you and your family! -Kim Soper

How to use the new $7,500 tax credit to save you THOUSANDS of dollars!

It seems like several times a week, I have a buyer who asks about the $7,500 tax credit from the government. They are wondering if it is a loan or a gift? It is a loan, but it is a good loan to utilize if you are a buyer. Basically, the government will give you the 7,500 tax credit and in return over the next 15 years, you will pay them back $500.00 per year. Now, I know it’s never fun to have an extra expense at tax time, but I am going to tell you the biggest benefit of this tax credit. If I were in the shoes of a first-time home buyer, I would take that $7,500 credit and apply that directly toward the principle portion of my home mortgage. By doing so, you will save yourselves over $20,000 in interest over the life of the loan. Sounds like a pretty good savings, right? It truly is! So you could even look at this credit as a gift. I do! If someone is going to help me save 20,000 or more...I am thrilled! Below you will find some commonly asked questions regarding the tax credit:

Tax credit offered to new homebuyers
Expires June 30, 2009!

1. Who is eligible?
a). First-time homebuyers or any homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence in the last three years

2. How does it work?
a). Eligible purchasers can claim the $7,500 credit on their annual tax return form.

b). Amount of credit: 10% of cost of home or a maximum of $7,500

3. How is it repaid?
a). Two years after the credit is claimed, the homebuyer will have to start paying it back.

b). 15 equal annual installments will have to be paid back to the IRS every year.

c). 6.67% of the borrowed amount or a maximum of $502

d). If home is sold before 15 years, the remainder of the loan will have to be repaid to the IRS upon the sale.

e). Part of the liability can be forgiven if the gain on the sale is less than the amount of the loan.

4. What are the restrictions?
a). Home purchase time limit:

b). Homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009

c). Home must be a single family residence (including condos, coops) that will be used as a principal residence.

d). Home must be located in the United States.

e). Home cannot be financed through mortgage revenue bonds.

f). Income restriction: To qualify for full $7,500 credit, the taxpayer must make no more than
1). $75,000 for single returns
2). $150,000 for joint returns

g). To still qualify for credit but at a lesser amount, the following income caps apply
1). $95,000 for single returns
2). $170,000 for joint returns

For more information on the tax credit:

http://www.realtor.org/gapublic.nsf/files/hbtaxcreditqa2008.pdf/$FILE/hbtaxcreditqa2008.pdf

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq.php


When you are ready to home shop, call me! I am your home shopping expert. With the tax credit and record low interest rates, the buyers are in the driver’s seat. Truly, this is the best time in history to purchase a home. Don’t miss out! Let’s get started today and you will be on your way to buying a home and saving a great deal of money in the long run! For more helpful tips, check out my buyer‘s section on my Lexington, Kentucky Real Estate website. Did you know that it costs you nothing to have a buyer’s agent? Yes, that is right! I will be your professional guide throughout the entire process and it does not cost you a single penny! I, Kim Soper, will take great care of you! Go get your $7,500 15-year interest free loan from the government and score the home of your dreams!

Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky, your LexVegas Blogger, AKA KimSoper.com!

Take an Inside Look at one of Lexington, Kentucky's Most Technologically Advanced Horse Farms!

The creme of the crop in the Lexington Kentucky real estate market is my spectacular listing, Lexington’s Horse Haven Farm, was recently featured in the book Horse Farms & Horse Tales of the Bluegrass, by Wilma Clapp. In Clapp’s book, she profiles Kentucky’s most prestigious Horse Farms including Three Chimney’s, Calumet, Hamburg Place and Lane’s End. Clapp included a three-page spread on Horse Haven and noted it as one of the most technologically advanced farms around.

Here at Lexington, Kentucky's Horse Haven Farm, it truly is a haven for the horses. The barn is a 6,000 square foot heated and cooled facility designed to meet a horses’ every need. There are six 12 X 14 stalls and two 14 X 14 stalls. These spacious stalls are custom made of yellow pine, which as been stained and glazed for premium attractiveness. Truly, these are some of the most beautiful stalls you will find in any barn in the country. Each stall has a Nelson waterer, fly control commercial grade fan and a security camera. In addition, the barn features 2 wash bays, a central vac system, surround sound and an intercom system. There is also a place to pull in your horse trailer so it is covered from the winter weather. There is 2,200 square feet of finished space in the barn, which houses the kitchen, tack room, an abundance of storage and much more.

The farm has also been certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as a Certified Quarantined Facility. Many horse owners around the country will bring their horses to Horse Haven for rehabilitation after a surgical procedure. These owners have the benefit of checking on their horse 24/7 via the internet and feel at ease knowing their horse is well taken care of by the owners, who live on site, and the farm manager who is on the property daily. The property also consists of a 50-ft. Round Pen, 4-horse Odyssey walker, a 200’ by 100’ training arena and 4 paddocks, all of which allow the horses to regain their strength while having the option to undergo training while on site.

It was no shock to me that Horse Haven Farm was included in Clapp’s horse farm book. From the minute you step on the property, you know immediately that this is a facility offering the finest in horse care. The owners have taken immense pride in their work and truly have the horses best interest in mind. If you are in the market for a turn-key state-of-the-art horse facility, look no further. This facility would be a dream come true for the avid horse owner to call home! The farm is currently on the market and includes a beautiful home with over 5,300 square feet. The property consists of 20 acres of gently rolling Kentucky farmland and is just minutes from a major shopping district, schools, hospitals, equine facilities and downtown Lexington, Kentucky. It is listed at $2,895,000 and this honestly is a place where one can move right in, and not to have update or change anything in the home or barn. This property was built for the future and comfort for both the residents and horses. Both the residence and the barn were meticulously executed by the owners, who thought of every detail to make it a true gem!

There are just so many features to this great haven. To see more pictures of the farm, the home and for more detailed information, visit my website http://www.kimsoper.com/.

Are you in the market for a truly special Kentucky Horse Farm? Or are you looking to sell a farm? Born and raised right here in Lexington, just a stone throw away from historic Paris Pike, I know the area, the history, the land and how to help you land your dream Kentucky Horse Farm. I will help you get on the right track to finding that perfect farm for you, and for your horses and animals. There are so many beautiful farms and homes for sale in the Lexington Kentucky real estate market and I have the magic key to those stunning palaces and horse havens. Call or email me today and let’s get into the Kentucky horse race and on to the Winner’s Circle!

Also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of Clapp’s book, Horse Farms & Horse Tales of the Bluegrass. It sure is a great read for anyone wanting to learn more about Kentucky’s most famous horse farms. Visit your local bookstore or order a copy here!

Happy Holidays from beautiful Lexington, KY and Your LexVegas Blogger, AKA http://www.kimsoper.com/!

When you think of Real Estate, think http://www.kimsoper.com/ and let's get started today!

Is your home at the top of buyers’ wish list? Top 10 Holiday Selling Tips from www.KimSoper.com!

It’s time to come home for the holidays! But is your home ready for the holiday sell season? Just because people are busy shopping, planning holiday parties, baking and spending time with family and friends, does not mean they are too busy to purchase a new home for the holidays! That is definitely good news for you sellers! There are thousands of buyers nationwide who will be buying a home during the holiday season. These buyers are highly motivated due to job transfers and some will be relocating to the Lexington Kentucky real estate area and to the City of Lexington. These transferees can not wait until the spring to find a home. Chances are, if they look at your home and like it, they will be quick to bring an offer to purchase. Here you will find the Top 10 tricks of the trade to get your holiday home sold!

1. First impressions count year around. But with the cold weather here, those impressions are more important than ever before. Keep the driveway, sidewalks and entry ways to the home clean from snow and ice. You certainly don’t want to be known as the home where the buyer slipped and fell before making it inside. Trust me, buyers see a lot of homes and they will remember you as that home. So throw on your winter coat, gloves and put in a little elbow grease in beforehand and I promise you, your hard work will pay off!

2. Having doormats are key. Place a mat outside the front entry, inside the front entry and in the garage. Don’t forget the basement door and patio door. This will save your floors and keep them clean longer.

3. Leave lights and blinds open. Do not use candles that will be unintended. It is simply too dangerous. Same goes with a fireplace. Looks nice, but it will be unintended. I love going into homes that have a combination of overhead lighting and lamps because it gives the rooms a very warm feeling. Bottom line: use every light source possible.

4. Yes, you want to project a bright and airy home, but turn off those holiday lights. You don’t want buyers to focus on your decorative décor. You want them to see your home and its benefits. Colorful holiday lighting is too distracting even to the most focused home buyer.

5. Keep holiday decorations to a minimum. You may have a lot of homemade ornaments, but go ahead and just pack them away to use at your new home next year. Pack now and have less to do when you move. You will be very thankful later!

6. Remove all religious items. It may offend someone if they have different religious beliefs.

7. Make sure you don’t have presents under the tree. This may sound silly but presents can sometimes be too tempting for children and even adults.

8. Scents are important and will lure buyers through the house. A nice cinnamon, vanilla, or pumpkin scent reminds buyers of holiday gatherings. Just don’t over do it. Febreze has a new dual scent plug-in that will rotate between two scents. Try it! Or fresh flowers on the table will work just as well.

9. Make sure to de-clutter your home. During the holidays, we sometimes like to stuff even more in our closets. Go ahead and clean them out and use a storage facility to hold those extra items. Better yet, donate those unused items to a local charity or a shelter. They will be grateful for your donation.

10. Try not to delay a buyer from seeing your home. If you are having a holiday gathering, make sure to let your agent know in advance. If you must delay a buyer, try not to for too long. This may be the only chance the buyer has to see your home. Again, buyers this time of the year are working on tight deadlines. So remember, if a buyer calls just a few days before the holiday, they are a very serious buyer! It just takes that one special buyer who sees your home as the ultimate present! I must say most sellers in the Lexington Kentucky real estate market are great about getting a buyer into see the home.

Those are just 10 tips for selling during the holiday season. For more valuable selling tips and seller insights, visit my Lexington, Kentucky Real Estate website. Of course, I would also be happy to make a visit to your home and give you a more personalized overview. Contact Me anytime via phone, text or email. And to find your new dream home, check out my dream home finder.

Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky, your LexVegas Blogger, AKA http://www.kimsoper.com/!

When you think of Real Estate, think http://www.kimsoper.com/ and let's get started today!

Kim Soper, REALTOR
Residential & Commercial Real Estate

http://www.kimsoper.com/

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Relocation Specialist

CMS - Certified e-Marketing Specialist

Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty

2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101

Lexington, KY 40503

(859) 509-8008 cell
(859) 269-0065 fax

kim@kimsoper.com

How can you make sure your home shopping experience doesn’t turn into a Door Busting Black Friday Frenzy?

Today is Black Friday 2008! Oh, the madness that comes along with today. It feels like National Door Buster Special day! Shoppers hop in lines during the wee hours of the morning, or even camp out the night before. If you ask me, it’s simply crazy…but exciting at the same time! But what do all these bargain hunting buyers have in common? Besides getting a bargin on anything and everything, they usually have one red-hot ticketed item at the top of their wish list. Have you ever waited in line all night? You’re freezing to death and burning up your Blackberry minutes chatting away to kill time. Then finally it’s time for the doors to open! You roll into the store only to find you were merely seconds away from getting your frostbitten hands on your prized possession! You’re heartbroken and exhausted, and it’s not even 5 a.m. yet! Frustrating huh?

Okay, how would you feel if you found your dream home, the home you’ve waited for months to hit the market? Excited right? It’s the place you truly can’t live without! So you call your Lexington Kentucky Realtor only to hear them say: I’m sorry it’s already sold! You’re heartbroken and frustrated once again! Hello Black Friday, hello to missing your dream home!!

My clients and I don’t miss those dream homes! In fact, most of the time, we are the first ones in to see a home as soon as it hits the market! We are the kings and queens of securing the door buster specials! That’s because I offer my clients a service called the Home Buyer’s Scouting Report (HBM). This free-to-you service matches your personal home search criteria with properties that are currently listed for sale and in your price range. It’s online…available 24/7. At your convenience, you login in with your private password and view all the homes, pictures, prices, addresses, directions, maps and more. You have total control over your search; you can create a very specific search to focus on a certain neighborhood or broaden your search area to include the entire city, or several cities. You also have the ability to save a property to a notebook to review later for easy reference and will receive updated information on those properties.

Many busy homebuyers have heard about a great property only to find that it had already been sold! Just ask my buyer’s Michael and Sara. A home in a downtown Lexington real estate neighborhood hit the HBM Scouting Report at 3:00 p.m. on a Wednesday and an hour later we were in the home and made an offer! They were so happy we had the upper hand. In fact, there was a great deal of interest on that home. And in case our home inspections did not pass our standards, there was another buyer waiting on the sideline to get their hands on Michael and Sara’s dream home! The home received a clear bill of health and Michael and Sara are still counting their blessings everyday that they secured their dream home!

With the HBM Scouting Report you can receive daily updates on new listings and best of all, there is no obligation! Truly, you will fall in love with this service and it will allow you to get a real sense of the current housing marking in the privacy of your own home. Whether you are looking to buy a new home soon or just thinking about a new home; I believe this is the best home finding service available and as a preferred costumer, I would like you to know about it. So throw on your pajamas, login and start shopping online!

If you are interested in learning more about the Scouting Report, please click here to see a video demonstration on how this tool will benefit you. Feel free to call/email/text and I will be happy to answer any questions. If you know of someone, who might benefit from the Scouting Report, make sure you tell them to visit my website at: http://www.kimsoper.com/ to sign up!

Are you ready to house hunt in the Lexington real estate market? I am ready! -Reporting live here in Lexington, Kentucky, your LexVegas Blogger, AKA http://www.kimsoper.com/

When you think of real estate, think http://www.kimsoper.com/ and let's get started today!

Kim Soper, REALTOR

Residential & Commercial Real Estate

http://www.kimsoper.com/

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Relocation Specialist

CMS - Certified e-Marketing Specialist

Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty

2424 Harrodsburg Road, Suite #101

Lexington, KY 40503

(859) 509-8008 cell

(859) 269-0065 fax

kim@kimsoper.com