Top 10 Reasons to Purchase a Home

By Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

There are many reasons people purchase homes in New York. Illustrated in the list below, are the top 10 most common reasons people purchase real estate:

1. Marriage. Usually after a couple gets married they begin thinking about buying a home. Some couples desire a fresh start; others just want a bigger space. Sure young couples list security and "wasting money on rent" as reasons why they want to buy a home, but at the core, their primary driving factor is thinking about starting a family and having the space to do that. This leads me to number 2.
2. Having a baby. I think this one is self-explanatory. Babies require space, good school districts, and ideally a back-yard to play in.
3. Shelter. We all have to live somewhere, so why not own where you live.
4. Pets. When you own your own home, you are not bound by the pet restrictions of a landlord, or Co-op/Condo board. So you can have Fido and a Kitty too. Though, you might want to check on your town's regulations about exotic or farm animals before you run out and buy a pet cow or lion for your yard. ;)
5. Taxes. Or, should I say a desire not to pay so much in taxes. Homeownership offers wonderful opportunities for tax deductions. Check with your accountant about your specific tax situation.
6. Security. When you own a home you can make it as secure as you'd like. So go ahead and build your own version of Fort Knox!
7. Wealth building. While investing money in a home is not a guarantee to build wealth in the short term, it is on the other hand, one of the surest investments you can make over the long term. While everything else you might purchase like a car, or clothing depreciates, your home is sure to build wealth for you in time.
8. The American Dream. Yeah, I said it - it is true. Many people want to own a home simply because they were raised to think it is the right thing to do. And, guess what, the people who put this idea of ownership in our heads in the first place, do make a very compelling point (Read the rest of this list!). Home ownership has MANY advantages.
9. Space for Stuff. That's right - people need space to put all the stuff they buy somewhere. And, once you have outgrown your 1 bedroom apartment, unless you are willing to part with that stuff, it is time to think about upgrading.
10. Freedom. In your own home you can walk in your underwear, talk to your cat, watch TV until 5 a.m. and sing in the shower like it is no one's business. That is because, in YOUR HOUSE, it IS no one's business!

Whatever, your reason for wanting to buy a home, I can help you find the home that is right for you and your needs! Call me, Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos, today at 917-921-5397.

Moving Tips

Moving Tips

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

Everybody hates moving, it does not matter if you have done it once or several times, it is never an easy task. Here is some tips you may find helpful:

1. Notify the post office of your new forwarding address.
2. Cancel subscriptions that would not or cannot be forwarded.
3. Change addresses on your bank profile and checks.
4. Arrange for utilities and telephone at your new location.
5. Plan for needs of children and pets during the move.
6. Plan for sufficient cash during the move.
7. If you are packing and moving yourself, make arrangements with local moving supply dealers and truck rental agencies. If not, make sure you have a quotation all set up in advance.
8. Start the weeding out process for what to keep and what to dump.
9. Pack one room at a time.
10. Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
11. Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it will go in.
12. GO GREEN! Use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items. Save the environment AND Money too!
13. If possible, pack audio-video and computer equipment in their original boxes.
14. Do not pack valuables like jewelery, carry them with you.

Showing Tips - Best Practices for Showing Your Home While it is For Sale

Showing The Home:

Whenever possible leave your home during showings, if not, follow the tips below.

1. Three's a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during showings. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
2. Music is mellow. But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the your agent and buyer talk, free of disturbances.
3. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way--preferably out of the house.
4. Silence is golden. Be courteous but don't force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house--not to pay a social call.
5. Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained agent answer any objections. This is his/her job.
6. Remain in the background. The agent knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. You will be called if needed. Allow the buyers to take "psychological possession."
7. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
8. A word to the wise. Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. They are eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
   

Five Tips for Making Vacant Homes Feel Less Vacant

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

1. Rent furniture. Staged homes tend to sell for more and in less time. Depending on your market and budget, renting furniture for key rooms can make a big difference. If renting does not work, leaving a few pieces of furniture can provide a sense of space.
2. Keep it comfortable. Leave the utilities on and keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
3. Remove ghost lines. Hide the effects of furniture. Paint the walls the same color, shampoo the carpet, and replace rugs so there is no evidence of what used to be there.
4. Hire a maid. Make sure the home remains fresh and clean.
5. Keep up curb appeal. Hire a lawn maintenance service. Make sure the lawn gets watered and the landscaping stays alive.