The market we now have demands networking – meeting  people, not just other REALTORS, but the public!

So many things to tell you and so much of it seems like a broken record – for you young guys that is something repeated over and over monotonously – so here goes:

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS: Go over your offers as you write them, as you receive them on your listings.  Are there any surprises?  (For this week, make sure which form was used since TREC 20-9 was rescinded in an Emergency Session.  All is well now as 20-10 is now in Zipform ready for use.)  Take another look at your listing’s features and descriptions.  You are looking for errors (we all make them) or surprises or wording that can be read two ways.  It is our job to clear up/clean up details and to keep our clients from making mistakes.  Even if it is the Buyer’s or Seller’s responsibility, they will try to blame it on the REALTOR.  Take the responsibility to double check yourselves for your client’s protection.  Use the checklists on the Listing Control Sheet and Sales Control Sheet.  Do you have ALL the paperwork you need on this transaction???  Get it all prior to closing, please.

STAY CURRENT: The Code of Ethics says that we will only sell where we are an expert and that is HARD.  It is also our responsibility!!!  Go to classes, seminars, etc.  Beverly McDonald deserves the credit for hearing about-and letting me know-about TREC’s emergency session on 2/14.  It takes teamwork to stay informed, and camaraderie.  That is why sales meetings are important for us all to attend and to share information.  Clients want to know about road plans, Barnett Shale, radon-even if not an issue in DFW.  And HUD, know how to make a bid BEFORE the opportunity arises.  STAY CURRENT.

DISCLOSE: Read what Seller’s write in their disclosures.  Remember that you cannot touch or advise “how” to fill out the Seller’s Disclosure, but then READ IT.  If they have shared with you some occurrence or repair that they have recently made-maybe in the past couple of years-ask them about it, suggest they go back and add it to the Disclosure.  TAR and TREC preach that once a repair is made, that it does not have to be disclosed.  LISTEN UP:  this is where lawsuits arise.  I hear too often, “If I had known about that, I would never have bought this house.”  This is fodder for a DTPA claim with triple damages.

DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE any thing that you know that might be detrimental then explain what has been done to correct the situation.  Carefully read inspection reports, too.  I am a firm believer that repairs can be negotiated, the “deal” doesn’t have to be killed-NEGOTIATE!!!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The market we now have demands networking–meeting  people-not just other REALTORS, but the public.  Mingle with them, join civic groups, Chamber of Commerce, Church, PTA, Garden Clubs, political campaigns.  Go places where you MEET people.  Start conversations, pass out business cards.  Participate in your community.  People need REALTORS like YOU.  Don’t be a secret agent.  Be friendly, smile, welcome, VOLUNTEER.  Meals on Wheels just came to mind-the elderly will end up selling their homes eventually.  GET INVOLVED.

Do not be afraid, just get out there and work, it is fun.

Jan

Attention Homeowners – What is “Homestead Exemption”?

As you are clearing the clutter and getting your finances and tax information in order. One very important “to do” NOT to forget is the Texas Homestead Exemption. If you have not previously filed your homestead exemption, now is the time!

Although you have probably heard the term “homestead exemption” you may be a bit confused about what it is and how to take advantage of it. Here is some information that is sure to help:

Important note: Do not confuse the Texas Homestead Law with the Homestead Tax Law. The Homestead Law is created by the Texas Constitution, and no filing is required for it.  It cannot be waived by contract or even a change in the state law.  Every property owner and leasee has homestead protection (with certain restrictions, of course). For information on the Texas Homestead Law visit www.bit.ly/txhomestead.

The Texas Homestead Tax Law – or “homestead exemption”, allows a homeowner to apply for homestead tax exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, your home is appraised at $100,000, and you qualify for a $15,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $85,000.

To qualify for the homestead TAX exemption, the homeowner must own and live in the property as a principle residence on January 1st of the tax year.  And, the homeowner must submit a homestead exemption application to the appropriate appraisal district between January 1 and April 30. The law now says that if this was overlooked, the homeowner can file in any year of ownership, and the exemption will revert back one year.

You may be wondering “do all homes qualify for homestead exemptions?” No, only a homeowner’s principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: A separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land. The home’s owner must be an individual (for example: not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. (If you are age 65 or older, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 homestead exemption.)

There are several types of exemptions you may receive (for the details be sure to check out the offical site here):

* School taxes (this is the “general homestead exemption”): All residence homestead owners may receive a $15,000 homestead exemption from their home’s value for school taxes.
* County taxes
* Age 65 or older and disabled exemptions
* Optional percentage exemptions
* Optional 65 or older or disabled exemptions

Filing your Homestead Exemption

You can file an Application for Residential Homestead Exemption with your appraisal district for the $15,000 homestead exemption up to one year after the taxes on the homestead are due. Click here for the form. Once you receive the exemption, you do not need to reapply unless the chief appraiser sends you a new application.

Filing Deadline

You can file any homestead exemption up to one year after the delinquency date. The delinquency date is normally February 1st. If you are 65 or older or disabled, you qualify for the exemption on the date you become 65 or become disabled. To receive the exemption for that year, 65 or older or disabled homeowners must apply for the exemption no later than one year from the date you qualify or one year after the delinquency date, whichever is later. If you miss the deadline you may apply for the following year.

If you need help or clarification on how to file, or if you quailify for a homestead exemption, consult with your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite REALTOR.

  CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company 

800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.
]]> http://askthejudge.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/what-is-homestead-exemption/feed/ 0 askthejudge PostcardFRONT-Exemption http://askthejudge.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/how-can-i-reduce-my-stress-when-buying-and-selling-real-estate-choose-a-realtor/ http://askthejudge.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/how-can-i-reduce-my-stress-when-buying-and-selling-real-estate-choose-a-realtor/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:10:24 +0000 askthejudge http://askthejudge.wordpress.com/?p=471 ]]> Real Estate 411 – Reduce the stress, choose a REALTOR!

From analyzing all the information to staging your home for sale to negotiating the best terms for your contract, a REALTOR has the training and the expertise to remove the stress from your real estate transaction to make your buying or selling experience a positive one.

Why choose a REALTOR? With all the information and connectivity at our fingertips, we are all more inclined to do things for ourselves these days.  But think about this:  when you have a health need and need an operation, you seek a professional – a doctor.  When you have a legal issue, you seek an attorney.  When you have a real estate need, the most effective way to handle all the details and bring you to a successful closing is to choose a professional – a REALTOR.

Transaction details, negotiations, contract errors, stress and worry, short sales, foreclosure, relocating, market knowledge, staging your home, legal issues, online marketing, networking – these are just a few of the things that a REALTOR will take off your shoulders – but don’t take our word for it, see what our clients say about the REALTORS who recently helped them with their real estate transaction:

“I cannot tell you how impressed we were with Becky Hopkins.  She was great!  We had a very difficult loan process and then a very difficult seller and we both agree that we’re not sure this house would have ever closed without all of her hard work, attention to detail and persistence!”
A.B. of Dallas, Texas

“Our experience with the company and especially our Agent, Serena Mar was wonderful! We couldn’t have asked for a better person to navigate us through the sometimes stressful process of selling and buying a house. Serena was so knowledgeable and reassuring every step of the way. She was so delightful as a person, showing good understanding of our needs as well as protecting those needs with true professionalism.”
G.C. of Coppell, Texas

“We had a situation (Foreclosure) that had to be handled as a SHORT SELL, but our agent Karen Smith always treated us with kindness and respect throughout this difficult time for our family and made the transition smooth, considering the situation.  We would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who needs a real estate agent.”
G. D. of Duncanville, Texas

“David Beer and his assistant, Amber, were amazing! I could always reach someone when I had a question or concern–even on holidays and weekends. This was our first time buying property, and it was really wonderful to work with such an outstanding office.”
J.M. of Richardson, Texas

“Liz Witte is a kind, caring person who takes her profession as much more than just a job. She went way above and beyond the call of duty many times in the almost six months that it took us to find a house in Denton.  That included putting in an offer on three houses and having that offer accepted on two of those houses.  I don’t see how Liz could have done any better a job for us.  I consider her a friend and I miss the daily interactions with her now that we have bought a house.”
M.M. of Denton, Texas

“Jamie is a one in a million agent. If only all agents were like her. Her passion, knowledge and experience is second to none. On top of that, she is a wonderful, warm, genuine, and caring person who is Weatherford’s best promoter and their best asset!”
S.C. of Weatherford, Texas

“Our agent Victor Malone was super fantastic. He took the time to explain key concepts and market lingo terms that I was unfamiliar with. Victor made purchasing my home effortless and very stress free. His wealth of knowledge about the different types of loans and insurances was extremely helpful and needed.”
E.W. of Heartland, Texas

“I found Judge Fite Company via the internet and called the general number.  By fate, Roger answered the phone.  I had a difficult short sale to make.  Based on my experience with Real Estate Agents in the past, I asked Roger a few questions and I liked the answers.  Hired him on the phone, drove from Austin to Dallas to meet, see house, sign papers… on Father’s Day Sunday, 2010!  He had 2 contracts in 2-3 weeks.  He suffered through the difficult closing while we dealt with the old mortgage company and the new lender… He was great.  Highly recommend.”

L.C. of Dallas, Texas

Let us help you with all the many facets of your next real estate transaction – we want to be your REALTOR for life!

101 Reasons to Choose a REALTOR – read it here.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite REALTOR today to help you with your next real estate transaction.

In an overly saturated “marketing” business climate, how do you cut through the clutter and get your property in front of the buyer?

There are many choices available to market real estate today, so many in fact it can be confusing. We have put together a list of six marketing trends that we have seen be successful in getting more exposure to your property. Although there are tried and true methods that have worked for years, today’s marketing climate demands that we stay up with where and how people get their information. The six trends we will look at are:

1. Mobile technology
2. Web marketing
3. Email marketing
4. Social media marketing
5. Flyers in front of house
6. Just listed postcards

Number one on our list is MOBILE TECHNOLOGY. Since over 75% of America is receiving information on some type of mobile device, this is our first pick in getting information out to the consumer about your property. For buyer’s, it makes it easy to find a home that fits your needs in the location your desire.

From Century 21 to Realtor.com to many hundreds of other mobile applications, there are apps tailored to the consumers needs, phone technology, and technology level. A consumer can choose the app that fits their mobile phone brand and technology platform, and that has all the bells and whistles they want to help them in their home search.

For example, the Century 21 mobile app for the iPhone is a user friendly and simple application. Just open the app and the GPS will find your location and bring up a list of homes in that area. Or, you can be more specific and choose a city or zip, set your pricing and other criteria, and up pops the properties that fit your search – either in list form or on a map.

Other real estate mobile apps to check out are Realtor.com, Trulia.com, and Zillow.com. Many companies are now adding applications that you can use on other Smart Phones other than just the iPhone.

Why is mobile technology important and how does it work?

Mobile technology simply “feeds” information from the Web to your Smartphone in various programs or applications (apps). For the consumer on the go armed with a smart phone that has a real estate app, it’s as easy as pulling up in front of the home you like and with a few clicks on the phone look at photos of the interior and view the price and other important details. If you want to set an appointment to view the home, just click on a button and you can instantly be connected to the agent’s phone number, or contact them via email or text.

The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information
The advantage to the seller: Information to the buyer 24/7

Number two on our list is WEB MARKETING. We all know where we go these days for information and help – and looking for a house is no exception. We go online to our favorite websites, or we go to Google or another search engine. Recent estimates say that over 84% of people looking for a home start their search online. So, your property MUST be viewable on the World Wide Web (www) if you want to reach the multitude of homebuyers!

Real Estate search engines like Realtor.com and Trulia.com provide INSTANT information to the consumer, helping them make a more informed decision. In today’s web marketing you also have what we call “syndication” which means the real estate search engines send out their information to other thrird party websites, increasing exposure and views of the properties. What used to be a simple weekly ad in a newspaper with a limited readership is now a real estate ad that provides information to potential millions of interested viewers 24/7! School, community, and neighborhood specifics – and much more are also included on a listing that is marketed correctly on the Web. Mix that with a REALTOR that understands the market and can act as a guide and a negotiator along the way, and you have a WIN WIN for all parties!

The advantage to the buyer: Immediate access to information
The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people

Number three is EMAIL MARKETING. If you are like 98% of the country, you are using email as a means of communication. Email marketing, just like Web marketing, broadens the potential exposure of your property.

A REALTOR with an extensive network of local real estate professionals and sphere of influence (SOI) can reach potentially thousands of interested parties with a simple email “blast” announcing their new listing. It is no secret that email is a preferred method of marketing in today’s world. And now with mobile technology bringing our emails to our phones, we can view these anytime, anywhere!

The advantage to the buyer: Information delivered from a trusted source even BEFORE it is available anywhere else
The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people

Number four is SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING. Facebook.com has over 500 millions users and other popular networks like Twitter.com and YouTube.com have hundreds of millions of active participants as well. Through social media, people can “connect” to savvy real estate professionals they trust and like and likewise Realtors can find qualified buyers using their social media networks. The Realtor that employs social media in their real estate marketing can expose your property to potentially thousands of interested prospects. One friend tells another that tells another and before long your property lands in the right buyer’s account. It broadens the possiblities, and that’s just good marketing!

YouTube.com is the #2 search engine in the world next to Google.com. More and more savvy marketers are turning to YouTube to feature videos of properties that give a personal and up-close, realistic view of the house. When the time comes for you to list your home, be sure you ask your Realtor to shoot a video of the home – and if you’re game, put on your camera face and join in the fun of making the video. Who knows, your video might go “viral” and get a million views!

The advantage to the buyer: An on-demand review of a property from the comfort of their home
The advantage to the seller: Greater exposure to more people

Going back to tried and true basics, number five is FLYERS IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. As we can see, marketing that works is marketing that gives INFORMATION on demand, when the consumer wants it. Instead of dialing a number, viewing the info on a smartphone, or emailing the agent for information, when driving around looking for homes (which is a favorite past time for many prospective homebuyers), information available at the property is a no-brainer. A box or tube with flyers that give basic facts about the house like price, number of bedrooms, and a photo of the kitchen, simply works.

The advantage to the buyer: Instant gratification by providing key facts about the property when they are there looking
The advantage to the seller: Providing key facts that qualifiy your property to interested prospects

The last real estate marketing trend on our list is another method that has been used for years and is still successful even in this digital age. Number six is JUST LISTED POSTCARDS that announce to your neighborhood or area that your house is for sale. (Statistics show that most people moved only 12 miles away from their previous home.) When a Realtor expands that distribution to their sphere of influence (SOI), the message reaches even more real state professionals and interested parties who might be looking for what your home offers.

The advantage to the buyer: They receive information on a home that is available in their selected neighborhood or area
The advantage to the seller: Exposing your property to potential buyers in your direct area

So that completes our list of SIX REAL ESTATE MARKETING TRENDS that are proven to provide better exposure of your property when the homebuyer wants it.

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Realtor today to find out how they plan to market your property to get the best price in the shortest amount of time!



In today’s real estate market good deals are abundant for those ready to invest.

In fact, today a buyer can buy real estate and have a better cash flow than in years past.  Two years ago an investor would be happy with buying an investment property that could cash flow $200.00 a month over the mortgage payment.  That was figured on a 20-year mortgage including taxes and insurance.  Today you can buy rentals that will cash flow up to $400.00-$500.00 or more per month.

TODAY’S OPORTUNITY IS BETTER THAN EVER.

Plan your future with rental houses in it.  Buying investment property today comes with low interest rates and lower taxes due to the lower sales prices – resulting in lower payments than just two years ago. Rent prices are stable and we continue to see a growth in the rental market due to our economic times.

Once you buy an investment property, follow the model of successful investors and hire a professional management company to handle the day to day minutia.  Spend your time locating those real buys and let a property management company do the management.

Be sure to look at homes that need work.  Mortgage companies are not generally interested in spending more funds repairing them, resulting in you getting a lower price.  All sounds real simple, right?  It doesn’t have to be complicated, following a few simple steps will help you get started.  The following tips will keep you on track as you grow into a real estate mogul with successful investing!

5 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE INVESTING

1.     Make a plan – Determine how many houses you want to purchase per quarter, per year, and know how much cash-flow you want each property to produce for you over and above mortgage, insurance and expenses.  Other items to plan for are:

a.     What areas do you want to target? Look for properties that meet your criteria in the areas that you choose.
b.    Look for a win/win in every purchase; it needs to work for you, the bank and the owner.
c.     Don’t get emotional, learn to negotiate – this is a business purchase.
d.    Remember that ugly ducklings can be made beautiful.  Look for properties you can fix up to increase the value of the neighborhood – which in turn increases your investment.

2.     Know your objectives – Write out your objectives for investing.  Do you want to

a.     build future wealth on investments that will cash-flow itself while building a retirement income on a 20-year note,
b.    build short-term wealth that provides a monthly income from the cash-flow on a 30-year note,
c.     or, get immediate cash by buying low and flipping (fixing up and selling for a profit)?

3.     Set your Parameters – Determine the parameters in advance, i.e. what type of house will you buy?  What type of lease will you take? What can you afford to buy?

a.     Go for the lower maintenance, more popular styled home for your area: i.e. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-car garage, central heat and air, with brick exterior.  Remember, the better quality home the better quality tenant/lease you will be able to secure.  Stay away from homes that require continuous maintenance and upkeep (i.e. homes with wood siding).
b.    Go with a minimum 2-year lease.  A tenant who signs a 2-year lease will most likely sign for another 2 years, and another 2 years – you are already 6 years, into paying off your investment!
c.     Know how much money you can invest in a property without breaking YOUR bank!  Look for REO’s and houses that have been on the market for a very long time (180 days +).

4.     Get your $$$$$ in order – Of course you will have to get your credit in order and have a good relationship with your lender.  Here are a few “secrets” from the experts to continue your success:

a.     Have a 6 month “emergency” fund put back to protect you and your investments.
b.    Save money to take care of your future.  No one else can do this for you.
c.     Pay attention to your business, your assets, what you are spending and what you are saving.
d.    Learn to GIVE.  It will come back to you.

5.     Use a property management company – One of the biggest mistakes and “time guzzlers” is in  trying to manage your investment properties yourself. Experts advise you NOT to manage your properties yourself…”don’t worry about the $45 and $50 items that need to be fixed at your property, instead focus on the $40,000 equities that are out there!”  A property management company will take care of these things for you, freeing your time and resources to develop your investment portfolio:

a.    advertising your vacant property
b.    thoroughly screening a prospective tenant
c.    performing move-in, move-out and periodic inspections
d.    expediting emergency repairs
e.    handling regular maintenance and upkeep of your property
f.     overseeing any legal or collection issues

Real estate investing is a proven way to build wealth, and anyone can start!  Use these simple tips to get started then contact a trusted real estate professional to help you with your first purchase.

Happy investing!

To find a real estate professional, contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, a locally owned DFW real estate brokerage with over 70 years of real estate, mortgage and insurance experience.  Call 800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Find out how to make your property management worries disappear. Contact CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Management today!  Call 972-780-5380 or email propertymanagement@judgefite.com.

Whether

If you are a seller, you want to get the best price, you want a hassle-free transaction, and you want it to happen fast, right?  If you are a buyer, you want to get the best value on a home, you want a hassle-free transaction too, AND you don’t want it to take forever!  As I see it, in a market like we have here in Texas in 2010, you can accomplish all these things with KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, and the right TOOLS – here are my definitions as they relate to real estate:

KNOWLEDGE – acquainted with the real estate facts, truths, and/or principles, trained, studied, and investigated, general knowledge to help you along your real estate path, familiarity with the market, the industry, and the transactional process.

EXPERIENCE – a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing the real estate process, the process or fact of personally observing, managing, encountering, or undergoing a real estate sale or listing (been there done that!) and the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from it.

TOOLS – anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose.  In the case of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, the tools used to give your listing the best possible exposure and bring you the best price, or to help you conveniently find your dream home, and bring it all to a successful close in the shortest amount of time!

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company has the knowledge, experience and the tools to give you the real estate results you are looking for.  But that’s just THREE GREAT reasons, read here for more!

5 things you can do this weekend to improve your home’s Saleability

Making a good first impression can mean the difference between receiving serious offers or none at all.  If you are selling your home, always keep it in ready to show condition even when you don’t have appointments, you never know who will knock on that door and want a quick look. If you are not selling and your budget permits, why not make these simple improvements and enjoy your home even more!

1.  Focus on curb appeal. The outside of your house can be the source of a very good first impression. Keep the grass well-watered and mowed. Have your trees trimmed. Cut back overgrowth. Plant some blooming flowers. Store toys, bicycles, roller-skates, gardening equipment and the like out of sight. Have at least the front of your house and the trim painted, if necessary. Sweep the porch and the front walkway. After dark, turn on your front porch light and any other exterior lighting.

2.  Clear out the clutter. Loose the clutter! If your home has too much furniture, overflowing closets, crowded kitchen and bathroom countertops or lots of family photos or collectibles on display, potential buyers won’t be able to see your home. Get rid of anything you don’t need or use.  Have a garage sale, donate to Good Will, or rent some off-site storage space if that’s what it takes to clear out your home.

3.  Use your nose. Many people are oblivious to scents, but others are extremely sensitive to offensive odors. To eliminate bad smells, bathe your pets, freshen the cat litter box frequently, shampoo your carpets, dry clean your drapes, and empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays. Light a candle or incense, put out fresh flowers or potpourri and use air fresheners.

4.  Make all necessary repairs. Buyers expect everything in their new home to operate safely and properly. Picky buyers definitely will notice and likely magnify minor maintenance problems you’ve ignored for months or even years. Add new doorknobs, paint the front door, fix leaky faucets, replace burned-out light bulbs, repair painted-shut or broken windows, replace inoperable appliances – these repairs may seem small, but left undone they can lead buyers to question whether you’ve taken good care of your home.

5.  Introduce lifestyle accessories and make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible. Rearrange the furniture, set the dining room table with your best dishes. Put out your only-for-company towels. Make up the spare bed. Hang some fresh curtains. Put some logs in the fireplace.  Get creative!

10 things that can increase the value of your home

1. Updated/modern kitchen
2. Updated/modern bath
3. Well-appointed master suite
4. Natural materials like ceramic tile, hardwood floors and granite counter tops
5. Curb appeal for a great first impression
6. Light, airy, spacious feel – clean out the clutter
7. Good windows and well-placed skylights
8. Landscaping
9. Lots of storage
10. Basement

10 things that can decrease the value of your home – Liabilities

1. A pool
2. No garage or a small garage
3. Garbled floor plan
4. Outmoded appliances or systems
5. Stale or overly personal décor
6. A bad roof
7. Bad location
8. Poor maintenance – a home not cared for
9. Environmental hazards like lead, mold or asbestos
10. List of needed improvements

For more information visit www.DallasRealEstate411.com.

What’s new in the new home market?  Here are 5 Significant Trends for 2010:

1.  Lighting – Traditional incandescents may be a thing of the past.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 directed the Department of Energy to set performance standards for general-service incandescent light bulbs to perform 25 to 35% more efficiently than current incandescent bulbs by 2012-14.  Although the Act does not dictate what technologies can be used to meet its requirements, lighting professionals predict that only halogen, CFL, LEDs or some other new technology will be able to meet the standards.

To ready us for the changes ahead, ENERGY STAR’s Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) requirements encourage the use of the new lighting technologies.  In order to sport the ALP designation, 60% of the fixtures used throughout the house and all ceiling fans must be ENERGY Star qualified.

New types of light bulbs are 75% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

2.  Life Simplifying Solutions

In this day and age, we crave anything that simplifies our life (provided we can quickly learn how to operate it).  Our job is to know that whatever our buyer’s desire to automate or remote control, there is quite likely some technology out there that will allow them to accomplish their goal.  Having a reliable and customer-friendly home electronics professional on your team of subcontractors is important in today’s rapidly changing world.

Z-Wave equipped door locks can now be remotely and wirelessly controlled.

3.  “Home Synthetic Home”

Manmade products that emulate wood, stone, slate, clay tile, natural stucco and other materials are primarily to thank for making it possible to have a Cape Cod in California, a Tuscan in Texas or a Pueblo in Pennsylvania.  During the past decade, “Home Sweet Home” has quickly turned into “Home Synthetic Home”.

DaVinci Roofscapes products are fire-retardant and able to weather tough conditions from all climates throughout the year.  They are made of 100% virgin resin and are 100% recyclable.

4.  The Modern Movement

One way to gage what’s hot in home design is to look at the products being introduced by the lighting and hardware industries.  A few years ago, when rustic designs were all the rage, everything was all about oil-rubbed bronze.  Today, sleek, modern, minimalistic designs in chrome finishes complement the move toward contemporary design.  Photo courtesy of Lee Lighting.

5.  Cutting-edge Energy Efficiency

We’ve come far in recent years when it comes to advancements in energy efficiency, and we’ll go even further in 2010 and beyond.  In particular, technology is under development to deliver solar power at prices competitive with coal-fired electricity.

The 2010 New American Home, built in Las Vegas for the International Builder’s Show, features a proprietary gas-powered heating and cooling system with a SEER rating of 18 combined with other energy-efficient features such as low-E windows, advanced insulation, vertical and horizontal solar overhangs and window louvers.

Article courtesy of Beverly Smirnis of Building Savvy Magazine – Beverly@buildingsavvy.com

Contact your CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Agent
to help you with your real estate needs.

Visit us at www.CENTURY21JudgeFite.com

Whether you are listing your home to sell or looking for your dream home, three things matter most – price, convenience, and time.  CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is positioned to give you the best real estate transaction ever!

If you are a seller, you want to get the best price, you want a hassle-free transaction, and you want it to happen fast, right?  If you are a buyer, you want to get the best value on a home, you want a hassle-free transaction too, AND you don’t want it to take forever!  As I see it, in a market like we have here in Texas in 2010, you can accomplish all these things with KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, and the right TOOLS – here are my definitions as they relate to real estate:

KNOWLEDGE – acquainted with the real estate facts, truths, and/or principles, trained, studied, and investigated, general knowledge to help you along your real estate path, familiarity with the market, the industry, and the transactional process.

EXPERIENCE – a particular instance of personally encountering or undergoing the real estate process, the process or fact of personally observing, managing, encountering, or undergoing a real estate sale or listing (been there done that!) and the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from it.

TOOLS – anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose.  In the case of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, the tools used to give your listing the best possible exposure and bring you the best price, or to help you conveniently find your dream home, and bring it all to a successful close in the shortest amount of time!

CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company has the knowledge, experience and the tools to give you the real estate results you are looking for.  >>> But that’s just THREE GREAT reasons, there’s more!

QUICK FACTS about CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company:

• Recipient of The Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award, the most prestigious company award in the Century 21 system, presented annually to one company that demonstrates the highest level of leadership, customer service and professionalism.

>>> What that means to you: exemplary service and customer care when you choose to work with CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

• Named one of the “Best Companies” to work for in the State of Texas by the Texas Association of Business, publishers of Texas Monthly magazine, and the Society for Human Resource Management.  The awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Texas, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses.

>>> What that means to you: The experience, technology and proven real estate services offered by our company are recognized by the leadership in our state and available to you when you choose CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

• International brand recognition through the Century 21 system that covers the globe in over 60 countries and with over 120,000 real estate professionals.

>>> What that means to you: More exposure for your listings and access to properties worldwide – saving you time in your home search and when selling your home

• Professionally trained network of real estate professionals that cover the Dallas/Fort Worth and North Texas area.

>>> What that means to you: Convenience by access across the Metroplex to our system of offices, management personnel, and real estate professionals and better exposure for your listings and access to more buyers – Reducing the hassle!

• State-of-the-art Marketing and Technology with access to social media, YouTube, blogs and multiple websites to enhance your listings, and current tech-tools to help you find your dream home – even while you sleep.

>>> What that means to you: Exposure, exposure, exposure that fosters potential millions of views of your listings and gives access to more buyers/sellers

• Local Real Estate Experience Since 1937 The Judge Fite Company has been a leader in the DFW real estate landscape.  All of our leaders from the Judge to his children – Jim and Jan – have held the esteemed title of “REALTOR of the Year” – leadership is a heritage at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company.

>>> What that means to you: No one knows Dallas/Fort Worth real estate like CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company – better to lead you and assist you in making the BEST real estate decisions and give you the exemplary service you deserve!

Call or email us today to let us help you with your real estate needs – 800-451-8055, 411@judgefite.com, or visit our website to search for properties in the entire North Texas MLS at www.C21JFC.com.