Tips for Making a Winning Offer on Your Dream Home

The Grand Junction real estate market is hot, hot, hot right now so if you're searching for a new home be sure to listen to this show! Dave and Robert discuss some tips for making an offer that will win you your dream home. Skim the list of tips below and listen to the show for all the details.

Tips for Making a Winning Offer on Your Dream Home

1. Mentally prepare for a marathon house hunt.
2. Don't drag your feet when you find the right home.
3. Consider using a well-known, local mortgage lender.
4. Do not offer your max pre-approved amount.
5. Don't put in a low ball offer!
6. Do not offer above the property's appraisal value.
7. Attach fewer contingencies to your offer.
8. But do NOT waive the inspection contingency!
9. Do not let outsiders sway your offer.

Market Update + 2017 Flooring Trends to Watch

Is the Grand Valley real estate market hot or not? Find out on today's show! Robert and Dave discuss market stats from April and what it means going into the month of May. They also discuss flooring trends for 2017. Check them out below and listen to the show to get Dave and Robert's opinion on which ones will stick around.

2017 Flooring Trends to Watch

1. Wood Flooring
2. Parquet Flooring
3. Wide Plank Flooring
4. Large Tile Flooring
5. Gray Colored Flooring
6. Espresso Colored Flooring
7. White Colored Flooring
8. Blonde Colored Flooring

What not to do when closing a home + closing terms to know

Congratulations! You're under contract on a home! On this show Robert and Dave talk about what not to do when you're closing a home. They also take on all those confusing terms and acronyms that you'll hear throughout closing. This show is a great listen for any homebuyer!

What Not to do when closing a home:

1. Make any big financial purchases or changes
2. Obtain a car lease
3. Switch jobs last minute
4. Have poor communication with your lender
5. Fail to communicate with your lender about large gifts from family or withdrawals from your IRA for a down payment

Closing terms to know:

• COE: "Close of Escrow"--the day you offically become a homeowner.
• EMD: "Earnest Money Deposit"--the funds the buyers put down to prove to the sellers they are making a serious offer.
• Contingencies: Certain criteria that must be met before closing on the home. If they are not met, a buyer may back out of the deal without losing their EMD.
• Title Insurance: Offers protection against any unexpected competing claims on the home.
• CD: "Closing Disclosure"--a document the buyer is required to receive three days perform closing. It summarizes the buyer's loan terms and all fees the buyer needs to bring to closing.
• Cash to Close: The total amount the buyer needs to bring to closing to seal the deal.
• Prorations: When certain fees and taxes are divided between the buyers and sellers, like property taxes. 
• Credits: These add wiggle room to closing costs to help cash-strapped home buyers seal the deal.

SOURCE: Realtor.com

Top 8 Home Features Buyers Want + Real Estate Market Update

This show is a great listen! Robert and Dave start off by discussing the current state of the Grand Junction Real Estate Market. You can lean more about it by visiting our market stats page! Then James Pulsipher calls in to the show to talk about what you should look for in a home mortgage depending on your goals for the future. It's important to have a plan when looking for a mortgage!

Continue listening to hear Robert and Dave's break down of these top 8 home features buyers want:

1. Open concept homes
2. Outdoor living spaces
3. Neutral decor
4. Modern kitchens
5. Energy efficient homes
6. Smart storage
7. Hardwood floors
8. Multi-functional space

10 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning a Little More Fun (Really!)

Spring has officially arrived in the Grand Valley and along with it comes your annual spring cleaning. Usually we don't think of cleaning as fun, but we've dug up ten ways to help make it just a little more fun. Use these tips and the cleaning will hopefully fly by!

Listen as Robert and Dave put their own spin on these tips, or see a quick list of the ideas below.

1. Make cleaning a game: This one especially works if you have kids. Get creative here!
2. Use vodka: Did you know vodka is a great disinfectant and household cleaner? Plus a few Moscow Mules might make the cleaning a little easier to get through!
3. Use cleaning as an excuse to go shopping: Cleaning out your closest of unworn clothes gives you an opportunity to go shopping as a reward! 
4. Listen to music, an audio book or podcast: This is a welcome distraction to the task at hand. Your cleaning will fly by!
5. Plan a party or event: Use this as an incentive to get your house clean.
6. Play chemist with your cleaning supplies: There are a ton of ways you can make all natural cleaning products and you'll have a little more fun doing it!
7. Make your cleaning a workout: If getting some exercise is your motivation, why not use it to get you cleaning?
8. Upcycle your old clutter: Give your old items new life! Old shirts into pillows, a coat of paint on old furniture, etc.
9. Create your own rewards system: Do what you need to do! Whether it's chocolates, going to a movie or extra nap time, use this to motivate you!
10. Build a campfire: A fun way to get rid of your hold documents!

Unwritten Etiquette Rules Every Home Seller and Buyer Should Know

If you're thinking of selling or buying a home, be sure to listen to this show to learn unwritten etiquette rules you should know. From how you should treat showing appointments to leaving feedback afterward, this is one you don't want to miss!

For Sellers

1. Leave your house during showings.
2. Take your pets with you during showings.
3. Move your car(s), so parking is plentiful.
4. Be patient waiting for feedback.
5. Don't be greedy when it comes to contemplating offers on your home.
6. Listen to the professionals!

For Buyers

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before looking at homes.
2. Be punctual to appointments and showings.
3. When in doubt, remove your shoes at showings.
4. Don't bring an entourage to showings.
5. Don't linger too long at showings.
6. Avoid excessive multiple visits.

Home selling and buying advice you'll hear, but shouldn't believe!

Once you make the decision to buy or sell a home, you'll probably start hearing a lot of advice about the process. On this show Robert and Dave discuss bad advice you might hear, why you might hear it and why it isn't correct.

Be sure to give this how a listen before buying or selling a home!

11 Easy & Must Do Home Improvements to Make Before Selling Your Home

Dave and Robert go over 11 easy home improvement you should do before putting your home on the market. See the short list below and then listen to the show for more details.

1. Spruce up your curb appeal.
2. Pay special attention to your floors.
3. Check windows & doors and fix any problems.
4. Wash your walls or give them a quick coat of paint.
5. Clean your cabinets.
6. Give your appliances a face lift if necessary.
7. Update your lighting.
8. Step up your storage.
9. Spiff up your kitchen and/or bathroom.
10. Depersonalize your home.
11. Stage your home.