The CENTURY 21 System Launches Innovative Tool

Have you recently listed your home for sale, or do you plan to do so soon? If so, then you probably understand the importance of marketing your property on the Internet. After all, a recent National Association of Realtors survey of home buyers and sellers found that about 90 percent of home buyers use the Internet to search for a
new home.

CENTURY 21 home listings typically appear on over 500 websites, which provide extensive exposure for our listings. With so many websites, however, it can be overwhelming to monitor the effectiveness of online marketing efforts. That’s why the CENTURY 21 System has introduced an exciting new tool that will make it easier for CENTURY 21 Agents to monitor the online activity of their listings—and to keep sellers up to date on who’s looking at their homes online as well as any leads resulting from those views.

Called “The Golden Ruler,” this reporting tool also helps Agents keep better track of online listings and their marketing efforts. That means that sellers will have more extensive information, in real time, as to how their online listing is performing.

The Golden Ruler is an innovative way that CENTURY 21 supports the online marketing efforts of our sellers and Agents.

The Golden Ruler will not only keep sellers up to date on which websites their homes are listed on, but it will also indicate the number of page views, visits and leads.It provides information about the geographic area that leads are coming from and how similar properties are performing within the CENTURY 21 network of websites as well.

Interested in learning more about The Golden Ruler and other tools we use to market our listings? Give our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offices a call today at 626.358.1858 - Monrovia or 626.963.7621 - Glendora.

Do You Need A Home Warranty?

When Lisa Santucci moved from Kansas to Florida last December, she was happy to learn that her 16-year-old home carried a warranty. “We felt like it was an incentive for us to purchase,” she says. “We were new to the area, and we wanted to be sure that if something did go wrong, we had something to fall back on.”

Santucci hasn’t had to use her warranty yet. But she says she has peace of mind knowing it’s there.

A home warranty is a renewable service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the most frequently occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances, according to Heather Wilson, a spokeswoman for American Home Shield, one of the nation’s largest home warranty sellers. These breakdowns are usually not covered by homeowners insurance.

According to the Service Contract Industry Council, home warranty sales increased in 2009. Many sellers added home warranties to help distinguish their properties from others on the market, and many buyers insisted on a warranty before completing their purchase, the SCIC said.

Items covered by a typical home warranty include major systems such as the HVAC and plumbing, as well as appliances. Some warranties offer additional coverage for pools, spas, extra air conditioners, etc. The average cost of a home warranty is $300 to $500, Wilson said. It must be renewed annually.

Home warranties can provide both financial and emotional security for buyers of existing homes. But they may not be necessary for every purchase.
New homes, for example, carry a homeowners warranty directly from the builder. In addition, home warranties are limited in scope. Buyers need to
read their contract carefully to understand what the warranty covers and does not cover.

Want to learn more about home warranties? Give our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offices a call today at 626.358.1858 - Monrovia or 626.963.7621 - Glendora.

How to Improve Your Curb Appeal This Season

You’ve heard the old adage: You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. That
statement underscores the importance of curb appeal if you’re trying to sell your home.

Curb appeal—the attractiveness of the exterior of a property--is particularly important if you live
in a market where there are a lot of homes for sale. Then it’s essential that your home make a
statement and stand out from the competition.

What can you do to improve your home’s curb appeal this season? Here are some tips:

• Spruce up the exterior. Clean the windows and gutters, trim bushes, make sure the
  grass is maintained and in good condition, and plant some flowers—mums come in
  many beautiful fall colors--to make the house look appealing and brighten up the
  exterior. Consider a fresh coat of paint—if not on the whole house, then at least on the
  doors, shutters and other trim, where you can add accent colors.
• If your house is not well lit, install some new lights in the front and on the walkways.
  This not only improves safety but also helps showcase your home and its unique
  features.
• Rake up leaves and remove them. Sweep your walks and front porch, and shake out
  mats.
• Add a few finishing touches relevant to the season, but don’t overdo it. Pumpkins and
  dried wreaths are holiday classics and can create a warm, homey feeling in potential
  buyers. Steer clear of extensive Halloween decorations or religious displays.

Interested in learning how to make your home stand out? Give our CENTURY 21 Adams &
Barnes offices a call today. Monrovia - 626.358.1858 or Glendora - 626.963.7621

8 Tips for Eliminating Clutter

Getting ready to list your home? One of the best things you can do to improve its appeal to prospective buyers is to get rid of clutter. Real estate agents often recommend that sellers de-clutter because it’s easy, inexpensive and can make a dramatic difference.

Here are some ways to eliminate clutter in your own home:

• Remove things you don’t use on a daily basis. In the kitchen, that means putting away the juicer; in the
  family room, toss all the magazines and books you’ve been meaning to read for years. Try to make your
  rooms look spacious and airy
  
• Organize shelves. Remove knick knacks and photographs.
  
• Get rid of excess furniture. Make it easy to walk through rooms. Try to create an open floor plan.
  
• Don’t forget about closets. Removing excess clothing from bedroom closets or towels from linen closets
  makes them appear larger. Everything should be neatly arranged and folded.
  
• Clear walls. If you have a lot of photographs or paintings, consider removing some. A more minimalist
  look gives the appearance of a larger space.
  
• Remove heavy curtains. Simple blinds or even bare windows let in more light and are more pleasing to
  the eye. Ornate curtains or other window treatments are visual clutter.
  
• Stow possessions in closed storage. Rather than using open shelving, for example, use a storage unit
  with drawers and doors. Or stash extra blankets in a trunk at the foot of your bed rather than the closet.
  
• Be honest when assessing your stuff. If you really don’t need it, get rid of it. You can trash it, hold a
  garage sale, donate it or sell it on eBay. Just think: The more you get rid of, the less you have to pack and move.

Interested in selling your home or learning more about eliminating clutter? Give our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offices a call today at 626.358.1858 or 626.963.7621.

10 Tips to Land the Home of Your Dreams

It’s still a buyers’ market—interest rates are historically low, available homes are abundant, and sellers are
eager to sell. But if it’s a great time for you to buy, it’s a great time for everyone else too. How can you compete
against other buyers and snag the home of your dreams?

• Be decisive. Decide exactly what your dream house looks like. How many bedrooms and baths do you want? What location? This will help narrow down the possibilities faster.
• Always consider a house’s potential. An older home that needs cosmetic updates, such as fresh paint or a new kitchen, may net a better price than one that’s newer.If you can pay cash, you’re in the driver’s seat. Sellers like cash deals because they’re uncomplicated and close quickly.
• If you can pay cash, you’re in the driver’s seat. Sellers like cash deals because they’re uncomplicated and close quickly.
• Offer a high downpayment. The more you put down, the more attractive the deal to the seller.
• Try to limit contingencies. You won’t want to waive your inspections or do anything foolish, but the fewer the contingencies, the more secure the seller will feel with your offer.
• Stay on top of the market. New houses are listed every day. Your agent may even know of houses about to hit the market.
• Prepare yourself for a bidding war by deciding ahead of time what your maximum offer will be.
• Consider distressed properties, such as short sales and foreclosures. But remember that they may not be in tip-top condition—and that you may have to wait weeks or months to find out if your offer was accepted.
• Most important, find a qualified agent who is familiar with your target area. That will save you a lot of time.

Want to learn about available homes in your area? Give our CENTURY 21 office a call today. at 626.358.1858 or 626.963.7621.