The Mortgage Interest Rate Lock Advisory for September 22, 2009 Here are some of the events affecting mortgage interest rates today in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. What the Mortgage Backed Securities Market is Doing Today: The price of the FNMA 30-Year 4.5% MBS coupon opened down 1/32 this morning to 100.38. The price of the FNMA 30-Year 4.5% MBS coupon closed down 3/32 yesterday to 100.41 (as shown by the white line). MBS is currently trading up 3/32 to 100.50 (as shown by the blue line). Remember, on mortgage backed securities (MBSs), as the price goes up, the yield comes down - and mortgage interest rates come down with it. I expect that mortgage interest rates will essentially be the same in price today as compared to yesterday Economic Reports, News, and Events Affecting Mortgage Int... 09/22/2009

150,000 POINTS ON ACTIVE RAIN AND COUNTING...... A couple of years ago a friend who is an Active Rain member suggested I join the social network and after checking it out I did join. In the beginning I didn't really do too much with it. I would go on every few days and see if there was any blogs of interest to me at the time. It was about a year later that I actually started to blog. As time went on I realized how much worthwhile information there is among the members and started spending more time on AR. It soon became a daily routine. I began to blog occasionally which soon lead to more. I was amazed to find so much worthwhile information existed among the members. Generally I looked for blogs with real estate related information. Photography is a passion of mine and I was delighted ... 09/12/2009

The First Day of School - August 31, 2009 the day that every mother in the country has been waiting for!  Yippee! The First Day of School - August 31, 2009 the day that every mother in the country has been waiting for!  Yippee! What a beautiful day it is, perfect weather indeed, sunny warm temperatures of 75 degrees here in seacoast NH and it's the first day of school  Alone at last, this is the day that every weary mother has been waiting for. Counting down the days on the calendar to get closer to packing off the kids. After a busy summer vacation, run here-go there, today every mom will breath a sigh of relief. For seven hours today moms across the country are breathing a sigh of relief. Alone at last we mothers can call our soul our own. Or can we? There's the cleaning, the laundry,... 08/31/2009

The biggest bang for your buck, by far, is using paint to improve your home's appearance.  Paint will make a room cleaner, fresher, brighter, and more stylish.  It gives buyers the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.  It makes your home more competitive with new construction. Paint can be used to help minimize negative features and to help showcase positive features.  It can be used to create a flow throughout the house and to create a lasting positive impression.Many people have trouble choosing paint colors or are afraid of making the wrong choice.  Many times sellers choose colors that they personally like, without taking into consideration the need to be appealing to all potential buyers.It is very important that the colors you choose are neutral, but n... 08/25/2009

One big mistake many sellers make is underestimating the importance of preparing their bathrooms for sale.I recently did a staging consult for a seller who responded "it's the bathroom, it's supposed to have toothbrushes in it" when I told him to remove his toothbrush from the counter. There is no room in the house more personal than the bathroom, and it is the last place buyers want to be reminded that you live there.As buyers, we know other people are living in the house and obviously use the bathrooms, but emotionally, we don't want to think about it.  It's like staying in a nice hotel...when we arrive the bathroom has been made to appear as though we are the first person to ever use it.  We know hundreds of people have been there before us, but right now...there are clean towels, br... 08/23/2009

The visual appearance of a home prompts potential buyers more than any other factor.  Once they step inside, buyers decide within the first ten seconds whether they want to buy your home.  They should be greeted with a spotless, move-in ready home, which gives the appearance of being well maintained and cared for.Clean or freshly painted walls, spotless or new carpeting are a must.  Hardwood floors must be in excellent condition.  Floor tile should be a light neutral color, with clean grout lines. If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you. Previous Tips:Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures Tip #2  Identify Red FlagsTip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff Tip #4  Define Space & Function Tip #5 ... 08/21/2009

Did you know that only 10% of buyers can actually visualize a room any other way than how you show it to them.It is very important, when preparing a house for sale, to clearly define the space and function of each room. Don't expect potential buyers to try and figure out how to better arrange the furniture because your furniture is not working in the room.If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.Previous Tips:Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures Tip #2  Identify Red FlagsTip #3  Pre-Pack Your Stuff  Tip #4  Define Space & FunctionBuyers looking at this room on the MLS have no idea what room it is.  It seems to be a home office for a clock collector.  The dated window treatments an... 08/19/2009

I understand that dealing with years of accumulation can be overwhelming for you.  But, think about how overwhelming it is for potential buyers to have to look past all your stuff.  You at least have a sentimental attachment to the stuff.If you want buyers to consider making your house their new home, you need to remove all evidence of you and your family. If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.Previous Tips:Tip #1  Update Lighting Fixtures Tip #2  Identify Red Flags Tip #3  Pre-Pack Your StuffIt is more commonly known as decluttering.  Supposedly, sellers know they have to "declutter" and yet, the evidence says otherwise.  The mistake most sellers make is in determining wha... 08/17/2009

If you currently have your house on the market or are planning on selling your house in the near future, then this seven-part series was written for you.If you missed it, Tip #1 was Update Lighting Fixtures Tip #2  Identify Red FlagsDo you know what a "red flag" is? A signal of danger or a problem can be referred to as a red flag.  In real estate, a red flag is something that gives potential buyers the impression that there is an existing problem, was a problem in the past, or could be a problem in the future.I find red flags in most of the houses that I stage.It is very important that you go on a "search and destroy" mission throughout your entire house and identify your red flags.  What are you looking for?  Here are three examples:1.  Evidence of Past DamageThe most common red flag I... 08/15/2009

New Hampshire Home Stager reveals secrets to selling.  Secrets to selling your house?  Can there be any secrets left?It seems with all the home staging information out there and so many home staging shows popular on HGTV, all the secrets must be told by now. And yet...take a look through your local MLS and see the pictures that people are using to represent their "product for sale."Home staging is still a fairly new concept in New Hampshire and most other parts of the country, and it is obvious that the secrets are not all out of the bag just yet.Over the course of the next two weeks, I will be sharing some of the things I believe to be very important when preparing your house for sale, things that most sellers don't think of.  Every other day, I will post a new "secret" strategy that y... 08/13/2009

TAKE A TARGETED APPROACH TO FINDING THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU....If you are buying a home, one of the first things I like to  do before taking you on home tours is to discuss with you and try to determine the type of house you want and need. Style, size and number of rooms is important. However, just as important is the type of community you want to live in.  Knowing what your requirements are will help narrow your home search and save time. To expedite the house-hunting process, start by making a list of the dream home factors  the "wish list" as it's called that are most important to you and your family. Consider style, location, proximity to work and schools, yard size, near all major highways, and price. Whether you have children or not, buying a home in a community with good schools i... 07/30/2009

SELLING YOUR HOME FAST IN A DOWN MARKET.... Selling your home fast in a down market takes guts. It usually means you'll sell it for less than you hoped you'd get. However, that's the way it is going west in the real estate market today. To sell your house quickly realistically let it go for 10% to 15% lower than other listings in your neighborhood have sold for recently.  If you need to sell your house fast they take the emotion out of it. Price it at the lowest price point that you are willing to accept immediately, don't wait to see what's going to happen and then reduce. This is detrimental truly.....pick a reasonably/low price and list it there!  People don't want to see a hous that hangs on for months with small price reductions. It gets old fast, very fast. CURB APPEAL IS EVERYTHI... 07/28/2009

What does home staging cost in Portsmouth New Hampshire?  For many New Hampshire sellers the concept of home staging remains a fairly new concept, even though it has become very common in other parts of the country.  Even with all the television shows and media attention, there is still alot of misunderstanding when it comes to the subject.  Many sellers are under great financial stress and truly believe they can't afford this service.   Home staging in New Hampshire is often perceived as expensive, and unfortunately, by some realtors, as unnecessary. In many cases, the perceived definition of home staging is the problem.The most common representation of home staging involves a total remodel - all new furniture and accessories brought in by a team of workers...costing thousands of dolla... 07/26/2009

"EXPERIENCE ISN'T EXPENSIVE....IT'S PRICELESS!"  I love this phrase and it's so true I think. At least for the most part it's true.  When I'm looking for a doctor I always look at his/her experience, how long they been practicing, where they went to medical school, what is their specialty, are they Board Certified and so on.  When I'm looking for "legal advise" I generally feel that those attorneys with the most experience have an edge by virtue of there experience. Years of practical work in court and dealing with the many different leagal cases must give them the knowledge one is seeking for advice. Do those sellers and buyers looking into the real estate market look for Realtors who have years of experience? Do Certifications like Buyer Agency, Sellers Agent, GRI, Licensed in more th... 07/25/2009

MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD HOME /August 2009 Historic Essex Street- Salem, Massachusetts   Where the infamous "Witchcraft Trials of 1692" took place           only a few blocks away I grew up in Salem Massachusetts near “Gallows Hill  where the witches were hung.  As a teenager in High School I worked summers at “ The Witch House” and “The House of Seven Gables.” The hidden stair case always fascinated me. Families would hide in the staircase when the house was raided . Being a tour guide was fun as well as interesting. I met many interesting people from everywhere around the world. One million visitors come from all over the world each year to take in the Historic sights. Salem is a pedestrian friendly city where residents and visitors can walk around downtown to stores, shops, resturant... 07/23/2009

  There are those agents that believe in "updating their voice mail daily. I curious though as to how many agents do this. Changing the voice mail, with the date and time and message seems somewhat repetitive and not needed to me.  Most of us have a voice message that answers any calls and we check for these messages through the day. Do you think that changing the voice message daily allows you to be more in control or not? My updated daily message today might go like this.....    .."  Good morning, this is voice mail for Patricia Aulson @ Prudential Verani.  It  Thursday, July 23rd...At this time I am          unable to answer your call but please, do leave me your name, contact number and nature of your call.  I'll return your call promptly and welcome the opportunity to speak with yo... 07/23/2009

According to the New Hampshire associations of Realtors this past week, home sales in NH saw a slightl rise in June transactions, another increase in the past four months. June sales numbers recently released by the New Hampshire Association of Realtors showed the number of residential unit sales in June was up 0.5 percent over June 2008 — from 1,145 in 2008 to 1,151 in 2009. While this may be be a huge increase it is some good news . There appears to be a declind in NH housing inventory and a decrease in foreclosures statewide. Also the news shows that the home sales overall in NH is up some. This is some encouraging news to read on a Sunday... For those of you who are interesting in property in seacoast NH can go to my website @ www.patricia4realestate.com and search the entire MLS fo... 07/19/2009

STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM....                   History Happened Here...there is lots of wonderful places to tour if you are in Portsmouth NH but one of my favorites is Strawbery Banke Museum which is located at 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth NH  You are taken back in time when you stroll about marveling at the way people lived back in those days. You can experience four centuries of American life at this wonderful place in Portsmouth New Hampshire's oldest waterfront neighborhood. Lots of newly added exhibits and expanded buided tour options await you. Open Daily at 10:00AM-5PM during May - October For more inforation-check out their website @ www.strawberybanke.org For Portsmouth NH real estate check out my website @ www.patricia4realestate.com 07/19/2009

It is not all bad news out there.  There are houses selling, there are buyers buying.Many of the Realtors that I know are very busy, the busiest they have been in a long while.  Others, are finding it difficult to survive.  I have a hard time accepting when a Realtor blames the market and suggests another price reduction as the only option for their clients. Please don't misunderstand, many times price reductions are warranted. I'm certainly not saying all agents resort to this practice, but too many times cutting the price is suggested by agents who know no other way.The key to their marketing plan is to reduce price rather than increase the perceived value of the property.  Many will reduce the price before a home staging consult is even considered.  These realtors aren't familiar wit... 07/18/2009

Remember the saying...."it's not what you say but how you say it?" I have found when dealing with reluctant sellers you need to be firm about lowering the price to get the exposure it needs.I don't meet with them at the house. I ask them to come to my office where I can discuss with them the plan for getting the home more exposure in a professional atmosphere.  Taking them out of the house takes away the emotional element at home. I let them know that I have a plan that will give the home more exposure. At this time I point out the need to lower the price to encourage more qualified buyers who are looking at homes. Pointing out that the price of the house is key to getting the house sold.  Now is the time to reduce the price and get the attention it needs to get the house sold. While t... 07/16/2009