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The Evelyn Bruder Las Cruces Real Estate Dream Team is extremely happy to report that Single Family Home Sales have increased significantly versus this same period last year.

This has been the best First Quarter for home sales since 2008.

The number of Las Cruces homes sold each of the 3- months of this 1st Quarter of 2012 is up an average of 10% versus the same month in 2011. Not only are number of sales up versus 2011, but the number of homes sold has steadily increased each month during this 1st Q. February’s home sales were up 29% over the number sold in January, and the trend continued with March’s home sales up another 22% over February.

These Statistics give us every reason to believe that the Las Cruces Real Estate Market may be well on its way to recovery.

These statistics for Las Cruces Homes Sold are even more impressive when we consider that we have not yet entered our Spring Selling Season. The Spring Months of April, May, and June are the peak months for Las Cruces Home Sales.

We are not alone in our optimism…

An extensive article on Forbes.com on March 27th lead with the headline: "This Spring Could Be The Best Home-Buying Season In Years"

And USATODAY.com on April 1st quoted a number of Economists, Realtors, and Wall Street Analysts as saying that they have ”Great Expectations for the housing market's spring season."

IN CONCLUSION

HOME BUYERS: Need to be aware that the current “Buyer’s Market” presents them with a great opportunity to buy a home while there are still a lot of homes available at very affordable low prices. Now is the right time to buy a Las Cruces Home. This buyer's market may not last past this Spring’s Buying Season. With increased demand, the Market will be much more competitive.

HOME OWNERS / HOME SELLERS: Anyone that is even thinking about selling a home in Las Cruces needs to know that: NOW!!! IS THE TIME TO SELL The rise in Demand expected during this Spring Buying Season, should result in Higher Home Values for Sellers.

For those with homes already listed for sale, and for those that want to sell their home this spring, you can use this link for 2 additional videos and accompanying Articles.

• The Top 10 things to do to sell your home this Spring

• 7- home-selling blunders to avoid to get your home sold this spring

If you want to know more about selling your home visit our dedicated Seller’s Website: http://www.SellingAHomeInLasCruces.com

Average Days on Market

Average days on market is a number almost every real estate agent knows by heart. If your agent can't give you that number, you might want to think about hiring an agent who can. To determine the average number days on market yourself, figure out the day each home in any given month goes on the market and count the days to pending. Add those days together and divide by the number of homes.

What Makes a House Sell Quickly?

Sometimes there is no logical reason for the length of time it takes to sell a house. It could be luck. Your house could come on the market on the very day a specific buyer is looking to buy such a house. But more likely, how long it takes to sell a house depends on the following 3 factors:

Price

A smart strategy some agents use to entice multiple offers, which tend to push the price higher, is to price the house a little bit under market value. Price range makes a difference, too. Often, lower price ranges sell faster than higher price ranges simply because there are more buyers who can afford lower-priced homes.

Location

The adage: location, location, location is true. If the home is located in a highly desirable neighborhood near excellent schools, there will be more demand for the home. If it's located on the wrong side of the tracks near a toxic dump, it might never sell.

Condition

Homes in tip-top shape that sparkle and shine sell much faster than homes that need repairs or are cluttered. Home buyers need to imagine how they will live in that house, and they can't do that if the home looks like it belongs to you or is a mess.

Market Temperature Determines How Long it Takes a House to Sell
In seller's markets, homes tend to sell faster because there are fewer sellers and more buyers. When more than one buyer is trying to buy the same home, that can result in a bidding war with offers above list price. It's not unusual for a home to sell in a seller's market in less than a week.

In buyer's markets, buyers have more choices and can take their time. If the home isn't exactly what a buyer wants, a buyer will pass it over and keep looking. If you are a seller in a buyer's market, patience is key.

We here at the Evelyn Bruder Dream Team would love to work with you to achive your goals! We have a Unique Strategy when it comes to selling your home.  Our philosophy for selling your home is based upon Positioning.  We put your home at the top of every buyers wish list.  We make sure you home is seen!  Please visit our website and learn more about the oportunities we provide for home sellers.

www.sellingahomeinlascruces.com

There are some fantastic real estate deals on the market right now. From properties in various stages of foreclosure to already foreclosed -bank-owned properties. You have a great opportunity to get the home you want at a bargain price. But what about those holes in the wall and that pet stained carpet? Looking past these stressful items can help you reap huge benefits financially.

Over the past several years we have seen huge numbers of distressed sales. According to RealtyTrac, 23% of all U.S. home sales in 2011 were in some stage of foreclosure. So nearly one in every four homes sold in 2011 was a distress sale. Couple this with the fact that these distressed homes sell at a significant discount to the non-distress sales (up to 40% discount for some bank-owned homes), there is a huge opportunity for buyers.

When considering buying a Foreclosure Property, look Past the Cosmetic Items: The paint may be ugly or the carpet may have spots. Or the kitchen may not be as clean as you like. None of these items should ever be a deal breaker in that they are easy and relatively inexpensive to remedy.

Focus on the Space: If you fall in love with a place that meets all of your other needs but it really requires some minor renovation, repairs or new carpet and paint that's ok too. Just make sure you estimate the cost into the overall price of the home.

Be Aware of "Too Much Work" Syndrome: When many buyers look at properties, they will often say that there's just too much work with that property. Sometimes you get that lazy feeling...or your human nature takes over and you want it to be perfect right now! Don't let this keep you from getting the best property at the lowest price. If you do find a screaming deal in a great location but it needs a new kitchen, bathroom...etc., don't hesitate to go for it.

These foreclosure properties are often the best deals in today's real estate market.  Once you've gone through the "minor" items above and have decided that this property has big potential, go ahead and hire a qualified individual to review the home for any major defects including a review of the structure, mechanical systems, roof,...etc.

Once you have a list of items to be completed, create an estimate for each item to determine your total investment required and be sure you are still getting a good deal on the home.

When comparing the cost to update and purchase a foreclosure property with a regular re-sale home, it can be difficult to stay focused on what's important. Keep in mind, if you end up adding a new kitchen or bathroom, and doing the repairs and renovations to the foreclosure property, you will get exactly what you want, and at a great price.

GET A FREE LIST OF ALL LAS CRUCES FORECLOSURES BY CLICKING THE IMAGE BELOW

Take 1-Minute to watch the Video below, and you'll find out that...

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING A HOME, WITHOUT A DOUBT,
THE BEST DEALS ARE THE FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES.

Having a Buyer's Agent - especially one with Foreclosure Expertise -
assures that you will have a Personal, Trusted Advisor to guide you
so you end up buying the best home available for the best price.

Click Here - See All Of the VIP Buyer Services I Provide

The official first day of spring is March 21, but in Las Cruces, it is beginning to feel like spring is already in the air.

For some reason, outdoor jobs that must be done in the spring become enjoyable activities while they're simply chores at other times of the year. Perhaps it is the anticipation of a new season about to begin and visions of colorful, fragrant blooms that are soon to appear.

So let's get outside and see what we can do.

Look at that lawn!
It might be a bit of a sorry sight after the winter, but with a bit of TLC, you can coax it back to verdant life. If you can see a fair amount of thatch (the dead, straw-like stuff that is often tangled near the grass roots) you will need to rake it out before you attempt any other lawn care projects. The reason? Anything you add, such as new seed or fertilizer will simply sit on the thatch, rather than getting down into the soil, unless it is removed.

Once you have de-thatched your lawn, you can add a fertilizer. Most garden centers carry a variety of lawn fertilizers. If you're uncertain, describe your lawn conditions to the manager at the garden center and ask him or her to recommend a particular type of fertilizer. If that doesn't help, you can always drop an e-mail to steve@landsteward.org and I'll try to help. Above all, when using fertilizer, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly!

If you need to re-seed (sometimes called overseeding), that's the final step after any de-thatching or fertilizing that your lawn needed.

Plant and transplant
March is a good time to plant those new roses, berries, fruit trees and most deciduous plants. If you're still not sure what to plant, there's still time to go online and do some research but don't leave it too long.

As for transplanting existing plants from one spot to another, time is running out, so do it as soon as you can because many plants are already starting their annual spring growth.

Pruning
If you need to prune ornamental trees and shrubs, the best time to do so is before growth starts. The exceptions to that rule are spring-flowering shrubs. For those, you need to wait until after they finish flowering. This would be a good time to prune roses if they look like they need a trim. Again, I'm happy to advise on any specific pruning questions you might have.

Weeding
Probably everyone's least-favorite garden activity, perhaps because it feels destructive rather than constructive, and it can be backbreaking work. As I've said before, do a little at a time, interspersed with more enjoyable garden activities, and it will seem less of a pain in the, uh, knees.

If you're using a cultivator as part of your spring gardening project, don't be tempted to use it in bulb beds. Remove the weeds by hand or you'll risk injuring the delicate root systems.

Pick your perennials
Even if it is still too early to plant perennials in your area, take a look around your landscape and decide if you can brighten the place up with a few new "faces." Gardening books and magazines and online Web sites should give you plenty of ideas, once you determine the amount of sunlight and the soil conditions affecting that part of your landscape.

Buying perennials that have already experienced at least one full growing season is worth the additional cost as they will probably be sturdier and more likely to thrive than smaller, cheaper options.

I like to think of perennial plants as the backbone of the flower garden because they're the plants with staying power. Their leaves die back as winter approaches, but with luck, the following spring, they come back. Some plants are short-lived, but old favorites like daylilies, and hostas can thrive for decades.

Get outside, breathe in that fresh (almost) spring air and learn why you love your landscape all over again!

If you are thinking about selling your home curb appeal
followed by that landscaped back yard sells homes.

It's a tough market.

You want YOUR Home to be the one that will sell!
Staging is positioning your home to be at the top of the buyer's list.

Properly staged homes outshine the competition every time!
We want to help CLICK and learn all about Staging Your Home to SELL!

For more tips for your home, Real Estate News, Local Arts and Culture, Events, and much much more... Visit our website www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com

There are plenty of ways to improve the value of your home whether you want to sell up or just invest some money into the place that you live.

Of course building an extension is one strategy, but that isn't exactly practical or affordable for the majority of people. So here are 5 alternatives which won't cost quite as much and can quickly add a little bit of value whilst at the same time making your home a little bit nicer to live in.

1. Redecorate

This is one of the simplest ways to quickly reinvigorate your home if it is looking a little bit shabby. You are never going to make a fortune just by painting a few walls of course, but if your decor is looking a little shabby, a fresh lick of paint can make your house a whole lot more salable and it will certainly pay for itself in terms of the cost.

2. Update the Exterior

Curb appeal really does matter and if the outside of the building is out of date or run down it could knock significant value off of your house, so consider putting right what you can, make sure your windows look solid, clean and are in fitting with the type of home (sash and case windows go great with cottage style homes) - replacing them if needed, make sure your guttering is all in place and consider re-painting your front door if needed.

3. Redo the Garden

Just as can the outside of your house, having a shabby and unkempt garden can cost your house a significant amount of money. Tidying up your garden doesn't have to be expensive, just having a well kept lawn and keeping it free from weeds might be all you need - but a nicely landscaped garden certainly wouldn't hurt.

4. Loft Extension

This is a slightly more expensive job, but it is certainly cheaper than a full extension and if you happen to have a good sized loft an extra bedroom can actually add significant value onto your home. The key is to use the space effectively, don't leave yourself with a house that doesn't make much sense - like having 4 bedrooms and only 1 rest room.

5. New Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house in terms of value, and if your kitchen is looking a bit old or un-inspiring, getting a new one can often add significant value. If you are able to fit the kitchen yourself you can potentially make a profit, but even if you have to pay someone else, you will probably add enough value to offset the cost of the investment.

It is understandable to have questions when coping with a new and challenging situation, especially when a home is at stake. The reality is that millions of homeowners across the country are finding out that they have more questions than answers.

We hope that the following information will help you better understand the circumstances. If you have further questions not addressed below, or would like additional information resources, feel free to Contact Us.

Do I qualify for a short sale?

The qualifications for a short sale include any or all of the following:
1.Financial Hardship - There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2.Monthly Income Shortfall - In other words: "You have more month than money." A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3.Insolvency - The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

What is a mortgage modification?

A mortgage modification is a process through which your mortgage lender changes any or all of the following:

• Your interest rate
•Your principal balance (through a reduction)
•Your loan terms (example: from an adjustable to a fixed rate)This process can allow borrowers to stay in their property when they can no longer afford their current mortgage payments.

Why would a lender modify my mortgage?

Lenders have realized that in some cases it is better for them to work with current borrowers to lower payments or possibly improve terms in order to keep homeowners in their properties. The average foreclosure can cost a lender from 35-50% of the value of a property, so keeping borrowers in their homes is a good option for everyone.

Visit our Avoid Foreclosure Website for more frequently asked questions regarding foreclosures. 

A friend asked me the other day what will happen to the Las Cruces real estate market in 2012. 

Not being Nostradamus I hesitated to give a prediction, but the truth is that the real estate market is pretty good for certain people, especially buyers. Plus mortgage rates remain at their lowest point in nearly 60 years, and prices are settling. 

And people still move up and still move down -- buying and selling homes to meet those ends. Here are 5 tips for you looking to engage in real estate next year.

1. Buyers - Redefine Value

If your home has been on the market far too long, there's a good chance you're not facing market realities. The value of your home isn't what the tax assessor says it is, or the sum on that two-year-old appraisal you have filed away. It's not what a similar-size home that sold across town. It's what a buyer is willing to pay today.

To arrive at that sum, the sales prices of foreclosures and short sales must be factored into the equation, along with the average value of seller concessions in your submarket. These factors are advanced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA, in its appraiser code-of-conduct revisions to ensure more accurate documentation of market conditions. If your agent tells you that you're overpricing your house, he or she may not just be trying to grease the wheels for a quick commish, as you might suspect.

2. Hire Professionals

As tempting as it is to share the seller's agent to save a couple grand, don't.

The same goes for using the other party's inspector and appraiser. They were hired by the seller and have a fiduciary allegiance to the person who's paying them.

Don't automatically opt for real estate professionals referred to you by your agent either. A huge capital purchase is not the time for such friendly accommodations.

Briefly interview three of each by phone. Make sure your appraiser and your inspector (and perhaps a separate termite inspector) are appropriately state-licensed or state-certified and, ideally, have been practicing for at least five years and have done more than 200 inspections or appraisals. Compare the results of your inspector's findings with the inspection findings of the other party, and you're likely to stumble on disparities or omissions.

3. Sellers - Think Like a Buyer

Put your ego aside, sellers. Your for-sale home is no longer about you -- it's about the buyer. So be empathic.

What would you expect to see on a tour of a for-sale home? Even though you're essentially marketing brick, mortar and land, the emotional response you elicit in a buyer is often what seals a deal. Neutral colors allow buyers to picture themselves in your house.

To appeal to their olfactory pleasure senses, employ the age-old tactic of baking fresh cookies before potential buyers arrive -- then leave them for your visitors to enjoy. Or at least light a candle or two. To convey an inviting atmosphere, de-clutter the place with renewed vengeance, stow away your inexpensive or tattered furniture and box up cherished mementos. Remember that the illusion of space is almost as important as the space itself.

When the Evelyn Bruder Dream Team puts your home Online, it receives unique positioning and exposure. If you are looking to sell your home in Las Cruces, you need a comprehensive online marketing plan. 

Here's a sample of the things we've found to work:

1. Our Website Network

We sell your home on OUR OWN Internet Network of Real Estate Websites.

View This Site Map and Visit Our Websites

These are all of our Websites. All are custom-designed and self-administered. This arrangement provides specific benefits for your home that are rarely found among Realtors with one "template" website.

A. The power to customize and maximize the presentation of your home.

See what this looks like. 

B. We draw in home buyers. A potential home buyer may be searching for information about our area, or something else that is provided on one of our niche or specialized sites.

They can get their desired information easily, but all of these sites allow them to search your home among our "Featured Listings."

Most potential Buyers will want to search the MLS database. Each of these sites encourages them to search, and makes it easy for them to do that. We have created the Most Advanced Homes Search Possible, and we make the home buying experience, not only easier, but actually fun.

C. All of our Websites offer information or services which results in many of these browsers identifying themselves as potential home buyers, and by following up quickly, we can find out if they might be a buyer for your home. They then become a part of our Targeted Marketing Campaign.

2. Craigslist

A very important source of buyers in this new Marketing world is Craigslist.

We get significant response from our postings of home listings. Responses are most heavily from in-town potential buyers, but many are from out of town Buyers looking to retire or relocate to Las Cruces.

We post daily. Your home will appear on a 3-day rotation, and every posting has a link to your Virtual Tour or Virtual Tour Video.

Click here for an example of what our Craigslist postings include.

Again, we have a report generator which will tell you how many individual visitors saw your home per day.

3. Realtor.com

We pay for, and provide you with, an enhanced property listing created on Realtor.com. This is the largest and most used national home search website. It accounts for 82% of all real estate searches in the US. We in effect are creating (and we market it as such) a single property website for your home.

Here is an example of one of our listings with detailed explanations.

Enhanced listings are seen first on Realtor (yielding as much as twenty times more exposure than non-enhanced listings). We will provide you with weekly reports of the number of times your home has been "viewed."

While these are 3 key elements of your home's online marketing plan, this list is far from complete. Visit our Selling a Home in Las Cruces Website for the rest of the list.

Sometime a little remodeling can go a long way if you're trying to make a few extra dollars on the price of your home. The bathroom may be an great place to start. 

When you think of bathroom renovation, you may immediately think of the big projects. It's true that some of the most distinctive bathroom home improvement jobs such as installing bathtubs, showers, vanities and flooring, are major efforts that require money, time and professional contractors. But the bathroom is the perfect place to prove that in decorating, less can definitely be more.

For an Inexpensive Bathroom Remodel

Pick a Theme

As any decorator can tell you, you can't always just put together a bunch of elements that you like and expect the resulting whole to be attractive. This goes for any decorating project, but perhaps especially for a bathroom renovation. Decide what you want visitors to notice when they walk into your bathroom, and start there. It could be the bathroom mirror, or perhaps the shower curtains. Make everything else you put in compliment that one detail, both in color and in patterns. A theme of two or three colors, and one major pattern, typically looks best.

Bathroom Fixtures: Focus on Sink and Mirror

When you walk into a bathroom, you can't help but look in the mirror. Reflective surfaces always catch the eye, and mirrors can be attention-grabbing. Make sure you surround the mirror, as well as the sink that is usually below it, with the theme you are showing off.

Vital Bathroom Design Element: The Shower or Bathtub

Most bathtubs and showers are relatively simple affairs. Even the most expensive shower or tub may be absent many distinctive visual features, making it perfectly neutral and great for embellishment. For an inexpensive bathroom remodel, put up shower curtains in the theme you want. Or, direct bathroom lighting to shine on your attractive shower or bathtub fixtures. An addition of a single orchid on your shower windowsill can create an elegant statement. Think about bathmats, towels, candles, and the placement of robe hooks to make your bathtub or shower as welcoming as possible.

Now go give it a try and we'll see you next week for more Tu Casa Home Improvement ideas. 

If you recently moved into a home in Las Cruces with a bathroom like the one above, this blog is for you. 

Remodeling your bathroom can seem overwhelming and expensive. However, you don't have to gut the whole thing to give the room a fresh appearance. Before taking the drastic step of gutting the whole thing, consider these quick and inexpensive bathroom remodeling projects.

Inexpensive Bathroom Remodel Tips

The key to a quick bathroom remodeling is to leave all the major plumbing fixtures where they are. This doesn't mean you have to live with the ugly sink, but it means avoiding costly plumbing costs for moving pipes, tubs and toilets. If you have plumbing experience, you can tackle this yourself. Otherwise, talk with a plumbing contractor.

Step One - The Vanity

The place to start is the vanity area, as this is a highly visible part of any bathroom. If the vanity is sturdy and worth saving, consider painting or staining the exterior. Otherwise, shop around at area home improvement stores for a new one with a rich furniture look. Add a marble or granite countertop, a crisp white bowl and a new faucet.

Step Two - The Bathtub

The next stop is the bathtub. One easy way to give it a new face is with bathtub reglazing. This process takes about four hours and, because of the heavy chemicals involved, should be done by a contractor. For about $350, the contractor would spray a new surface on top of the old tub and any surrounding tile. Top this off with a new tub filler and pulsating showerhead and that area of the room will shine.

Step Three - Finishing Touches

The final step is adding the finishing touches. Look for interesting cabinet hardware, plus fresh towels and a vibrant shower curtain. Top it off with a fresh coat of paint in a bright blue, yellow or sage color.

With a little creativity and hard work, your bathroom can be transformed into a designer's showcase. All within a week--and without breaking the bank.

For more home improvement blogs visit our Tu Casa tag.

For the last few weeks we have been paying close attention to foreclosures (except for last week when we had some Halloween fun). 

Today we want to pick up the conversation with some alternatives to foreclosure. This list is just part of our overall Foreclosure Resources that are available for free on our website. 

Other Alternatives to Foreclosure

Reinstatement

A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, but often the most difficult to achieve. The homeowner simply pays the total amount past due (including late fees) to the lender.

Mortgage Modification

A mortgage modification involves the reduction of one of the following: the interest rate on the loan, the principal balance of the loan, the term of the loan, or any combination of these.

Deed-in-Lieu

Also known as a "friendly foreclosure," a deed-in-lieu allows the homeowner to return the property to the lender rather than go through the foreclosure process.

Forbearance

A forbearance or repayment plan involves the homeowner negotiating with the mortgage company to allow them to repay back-payments over a period of time.

Rent the Property

This option does not require lender approval, but does require the homeowner's ability to rent the house for enough money to cover the monthly mortgage payment.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

If a member of the military experiences financial distress due to deployment-and their debt was entered into prior to deployment-he or she may qualify for relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Bankruptcy

Many believe bankruptcy is a "foreclosure solution," but this is only true in some states and situations. Entering bankruptcy can be a risky and costly process. Be sure to seek the advice of a qualified bankruptcy attorney when pursuing this as an option.

Refinance

Refinancing means you will acquire a new loan based on your current credit standing. If you have already missed mortgage payments, your credit score may make it difficult to find a loan with cheaper payments. Knowing that foreclosure can be avoided gives you the ability to develop a realistic strategy to plan for a future that is both financially stable and full of hope

For more resources on Avoiding Foreclosure visit: http://www.avoidforeclosureinlascruces.com/avoid_foreclosure_free_reports_offer.php

Okay, if you're selling your home you may not want to look like the picture above, but just because your home is on the market doesn't mean you can't get into the Halloween spirit. Here are a few ideas that give you the flexibility of having fun, while not turning away buyers.

1. Pumpkins 

Halloween pumpkins have been around for many years symbolising the need for protection. With carved faces and placed in windows, Halloween pumpkins are supposed to ward off evil spirits. Put them together with horror movies and frightening stories to create a gloomy feeling for all that take part in the celebration. On the night when the border between this world and the Otherworld becomes thin enough to let spirits roam free, the tradition says that we must wear costumes to be left out of harm`s way.

Hint: Go get your pumpkin from one of the popular Pumpkin Patches in town.
http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com/blog/every_fall_we_get_maze_crazy/

2. Pillows

Orange and black pillows set the mood for Halloween. In a beautiful, modern and contemporary home, you might not want to have just any kind of decoration. So prepare for Halloween with beautiful pillows that can be used as autumn accents all throughout the fall season. Celebrations are always a good reason to change the feeling of your home for a short period just to get in the mood for the holiday.

3. Lights

Lights are an immense part of decorating for Halloween. Candles everywhere, dim lighting and corners with almost no light at all make a party successful. The Halloween motifs are a great way to change how your home looks for a few days.

4. Houseware

In the kitchen is where all the action happens before Halloween: finger food and ghoulish goodies, potions and atrocious appetisers, all of them will begin their story in the kitchen. Getting in the Halloween spirit means never being scared by a little interior redecorating. A pumpkin here, some dark beverages there and many items to remind you of the night when magic happens can lift up your spirit and prepare the perfect party mix for your guests.

Looking for outrageous ideas? Take a look at this great list of the craziest Halloween House Decorations:
http://blog.builddirect.com/craziest-halloween-decorations/

With all the talk about foreclosure and short sale out there we thought we'd take some time today to make sure you aren't believing some of the most common myths out there. 

1. The Bank Would Rather Foreclose than Bother with a Short Sale

This is one of the most common misconceptions. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on your property because the foreclosure process is incredibly costly. Banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered.

Overwhelmingly, banks receive more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure. The qualifications for a short sale include:

Financial Hardship - There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording
your mortgage.

Monthly Income Shortfall - "You have more month than money." A lender will
want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your
mortgage.

Insolvency - The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid
assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

2. You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale

While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency. 

If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

3. There is Not Enough Time to Negotiate Your Short Sale Before Foreclosure

This is a myth that probably hurts homeowners the most. Many do not realize that
foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.

The foreclosing party-in most cases a lender-can stall a foreclosure up to the final
day of the process. Today, many lenders will stall a foreclosure with as little as a phone call from you explaining that you are trying to sell, and almost all lenders will stall a foreclosure with a legitimate contract. For real estate professionals who understand foreclosures and short sales, there is time available until the foreclosure process is complete.

Read 4 more short sale myths and other foreclosure reports at our Avoid Foreclosure website:
http://www.avoidforeclosureinlascruces.com/avoid_foreclosure_free_reports_offer.php

It's unfortunate, but there are people (and birds) out there looking to take advantage of just about everyone.

Right now we all know that there are tousands, if not more, home owners who are concerned about foreclosure. And sure enough, foreclosure related scams have popped up. 

The following items should serve as a warning that a mortgage relief service is not legitimate (this is just one section of the foreclosure reports that we offer for free on our Avoid Foreclosure Website):

1. Upfront Fees

Always avoid any mortgage relief company that charges upfront fees. Not only is it illegal, it's certainly a sign that the relief is fraudulent. POINT BLANK: Do not pay for the promise of results ... pay for the results themselves.

2. Guarantees

Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees mortgage relief. Any legitimate agent or company should know that the mortgage relief process is complicated and dependant on many factors, and that to guarantee a successful result is unrealistic. Fraudulent parties will make this promise to falsely raise your hopes, making them appear as though they are providing a rare opportunity. As common
sense suggests, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

3. Government Affiliation

Certain fraudulent companies present themselves as government agencies or other authoritative entities by creating websites with official-looking seals, official-sounding names, or video clips of politicians. If someone claims to represent the government, a lending institution or a bank, be sure to verify his or her affiliation. The best way to do this is to check with your lender, Better Business Bureau, or the government's official Making Home Affordable website (http://
makinghomeaffordable.gov).

4. Deed Transfer 

Beware of people who pressure you to sign papers immediately, or who try to convince you that they can "save" your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house. Some call this "taking over your property subject-to existing financing." But no matter what you are told about why you should sign over the deed, understand that once this is done, you no longer have legal rights to the property and can be removed from it. Always seek legal counsel before proceeding with an option like this. 

For a list of common scams visit our Foreclosure Reports: 

http://www.avoidforeclosureinlascruces.com/avoid_foreclosure_free_reports_offer.php

There you will find all the information you need if you are concerned about or facing foreclosure.

FTC Mortgage Assistance Relief Assistance (MARS) Disclosure: Evelyn Bruder Dream Team and Steinborn & Associates Real Estate are not associated with the government. Our Avoiding Foreclosure Services are not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept this offer of assistance, your lender may not agree to any change of your loan or any other solutions we propose. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may reject any offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender. We do not charge for our services unless the final solution you agree to is a "Short Sale." If you accept that solution, you agree that we will list your home, and a real estate commission will be negotiated in the Listing Agreement. Beware: If you stop paying your Mortgage, you could lose your home and damage your credit rating.
We are not engaged in the practice of law or accounting, and we do not gives legal or accounting advice. It is highly recommended that you seek appropriate professional advice.

We have written before about how presenting an attractive home to potential buyers can greatly increase your chances of selling your house quickly.

Here are 6 more ideas on how to make the inside of your Las Cruces home stand out.

1. Float the Furniture

Though it may seem natural to push furniture against the walls, try "floating" the furniture to make more intimate spaces for conversation. Lisa LaPorta, designer on HGTV's Designed to Sell, recommends visualizing a figure-eight or the letter H and placing furniture in that pattern. Just remember to create clear pathways for traffic to help the flow of the room.

2. Work the Windows

Window dressings can serve as the perfect accent to any room. If the room is small, consider opaque curtains, which allow more light to shine through and give the room a bigger feel. If your windows are narrow, extend the curtain rods about a foot on each side to give an illusion of width. Remember that curtains featuring vertical patterns create an elongated effect; this style compliments most windows in a home. We talked about your windows in more detail last week.

3. Don't be Afraid of Color

Painting is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to revive a home. Keep in mind that painting walls with a rich color can make the spaces more intimate, dramatic and cozy, while lighter, paler shades help rooms appear more spacious. When in doubt, go neutral.

4. Draw Attention to Art

Instead of hanging art along an invisible line encircling each room, consider hanging pieces in diagonal, triangular or vertical patterns. Michael Friedes, a stager with Nest Home Design, says this creates visual interest and can help direct the eye toward interesting features in a room, such as a bay window or high ceilings.

5. Accessorize in Threes

When creating displays for table tops, shelves, walls and other spaces around your home, experts recommend accessorizing in odd numbers - especially groups of three-and grouping objects by unifying elements, such as color or texture. Display items of various heights and widths with the largest objects in the back.

6. Get Some Flowers

Seasonal flowers help a home appear fresh, clean and beautiful. Whether you showcase budding magnolia clippings in spring or holly branches in winter, there are beautiful arrangements to display in any season. You can't make mistakes when arranging flowers, so remember to get creative and have fun!

Bonus: Choose a Realtor who can help you!

Here are seven of the most common myths about foreclosures:

Myth 1: Foreclosures only happen in poor areas.
Foreclosures come in all shapes and sizes and occur in all neighborhoods. From low-income to million-dollar properties, you will see the full spectrum of homes entering into the foreclosure process. Economic forces such as rising interest rates and decreasing home values affect homeowners from all types of neighborhoods.

Myth 2: Financial irresponsibility causes most foreclosures.
While there are always those cases of financial neglect, most homeowners have shown some high level of financial responsibility in order to qualify to purchase a property in the first place. Unforeseen events such as job loss or a catastrophic accident can cause sudden and unpredictable financial havoc for homeowners. In addition, foreclosures also tend to increase when interest rates are up and property values begin to decrease. When this occurs, homeowners may find themselves paying higher monthly mortgage payments for a property that is no longer worth what they originally bought it for.

Myth 3: All foreclosures are in disrepair.
While some foreclosures can be in less than ideal shape, many are in great condition. The myth that all foreclosures are in disrepair seems to be driven by the other myth that foreclosures are usually caused by financial irresponsibility. Many homeowners who find themselves in a default situation encounter circumstances that are out of their control. Even so, this usually does not negatively affect the condition of the property. However, if you are not an expert in buying foreclosure properties, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a professional who is experienced with these types of sales to avoid common pitfalls.

Myth 4: Lenders want to foreclose on homeowners.
The foreclosure process is costly and time consuming, and is a last resort for lenders to recover their investment. When a homeowner defaults on a mortgage agreement, the lender must first file a public default notice after which the homeowner is given a grace period known as a pre-foreclosure period. During this time, the homeowner can pay off the debt or choose to sell the property. The minimum timeframe for a pre-foreclosure period varies by state and can range from 27 days (Texas) to 290 days (Wisconsin). Only at the end of the pre-foreclosure period can the lender auction the property off to a third-party buyer or repossess the property and sell it on the regular market.

Myth 5: Foreclosures are often bought for pennies on the dollar.
While it is true that foreclosures are often purchased below market value, one should be leery of anyone claiming that one can consistently find discounts of less than 10 percent of market value. According to a RealtyTrac analysis of foreclosure sales in the last seven months, the average savings on foreclosure purchases nationwide is approximately 29 percent below full market value.

Myth 6: Foreclosure buyers usually take advantage of the homeowner.
While homeowners in default should be wary of unscrupulous buyers and investors who try to take unfair advantage of the situation, most foreclosure buyers can actually help an owner to walk away with something to show for equity in the property and avoid a bad mark on his or her credit history. During the pre-foreclosure period, a potential buyer may approach the homeowner in default and arrange to buy the property before the foreclosure actually takes place. This pre-foreclosure sale also benefits buyers, allowing them to often purchase properties below full market price.

Myth 7: Foreclosure buying is only for professional investors.
Perhaps at one time this may have been the case, but with all of the tools available to today's buyers, more people than ever before have the opportunity to purchase foreclosure properties. Using online resources such as RealtyTrac's online foreclosure database, potential buyers can search nationwide for properties in pre-foreclosure, up for auction or banked-owned, as well as find extensive reports on each property listed. Buyers can also get financing and find real estate agents familiar with ins and outs of the foreclosure market to help create a smoother transaction.

If you think that you are heading into a foreclosure situation with your own home, visit our Avoid Foreclosure webiste. We have many free foreclosure reports to help you. 

Supply, demand, foreclosure rates, mortgage rates - buyers think they need to run spreadsheets and do fancy math to make a smart offer. And THAT can be super intimidating.

But the fact is, there is a pretty short list of steps you need to take to make a smart offer - one that gets you a great value, but is also likely to be successful at getting the property. (A low offer does not make for a great deal if you don't get the house!) And most of the same steps apply to sellers trying to set the list price that will lure the most buyers (and net them the most cash)!

Step 1: What do the "comps" say?

First things first. When it comes to pricing a home, or making an offer to buy one, the ‘first thing" is the home's fair market value.

Both buyers and sellers should work with an experienced, local agent to understand what the home's value is. Most agents will do this by offering you a look back at similar properties that have recently sold in the neighborhood - i.e., the comparable sales, or comps.

Step 2: What can you afford?

This step is much more critical for buyers than for sellers. (Unfortunately, sellers, the facts that you need to net a particular amount to buy your next home or pay your existing mortgages or credit card bills off has no relationship whatsoever to the price at which you should list or will sell your home.)

Buyers - it's a must to make sure that your offer price for any given home falls within the range of what is affordable for you. This includes offering a price within the range for which your mortgage was preapproved, but also includes making sure that the monthly payment and cash you'll need to close the deal (down payment + closing costs) are affordable in light of the particular house. If, for example, the property will require repairs for which you'll need to conserve cash, or has HOA dues you hadn't planned on, you may need to rejigger your offer accordingly.

Step 3: What's your competition? (And what's theirs?)

This is another step at which it's critical to check in with your agent. You need to know what level of competition you'll face - whether you are a buyer, or a seller.

As a seller, you can find this out by looking at things like how many comparable homes are listed in your town or your neighborhood in your general price range (your agent will brief you on this). Sellers should also consider what type of transactions their home will be up against - the more distressed properties (foreclosed homes and short sales) with which your home must compete, the more aggressive you must be with your pricing to get your home sold.

The more competition you have, as a seller, the lower you should tweak your list price to attract buyers to come see your home. (And the more buyers come to see your home, the more likely you are to get an offer!)

Buyers should also be cognizant of the competition level they will face for homes. Believe it or not, even on today's market there are properties and neighborhoods in which multiple offers are the name of the game. Work with your agent to understand the list price-to-sale price (LP:SP) ratio , which lets you know how much under or over the asking price properties are selling for in your target home's neighborhood; the higher the LP:SP ratio, generally speaking, the less competition there is among buyers.

Step 4: How much do they need to sell (or buy) it?

Buyers: Has the listing in which you're interested been reduced at all? By how much? Has the listing agent informed you that her clients are highly motivated, flexible or have an urgent need to sell?

Sellers: most buyers are not in a high state of urgency to buy these days, given the long-term, high affordability of homes and interest rates, except when they have an urgent personal reason for moving, e.g., buyers who are relocating for work. Of course, all of real estate is hyperlocal, so it's important to understand how motivated buyers are in yourlocal market, generally speaking, before you set your list price.

Step 5: How much do you want to buy, or sell, the place?

Step #4 was about taking the motivations of the folks on the other side of the bargaining table into account when formulating your offer and your list price. This step is all about you - what's your level of motivation?

Now, buyers, you certainly shouldn't offer a price way above what the place is worth (see Step #1) just because you really, really want it, unless you have the cash to throw around. But within the range of the home's fair market value, it may make sense to move higher within that range if you are highly motivated to get that particular property.

Sellers: think of your list price as the most powerful marketing tool at your disposal. if you really want or need to sell, get aggressive about setting your price as low as makes sense for your your home's value and local market dynamics to attract qualified buyers and help your home stand out against all the competition.

The Kitchen

Family activity centers around the kitchen, so this is the most important room of the house. Larger kitchens are better, and they should be provided with modern appliances. Obviously, the dining room and breakfast nook should be located adjacent to the kitchen. In newer houses, the family room should also be extremely close to the kitchen.

There should be easy access to the back yard, as there will be occasions for barbecues and outdoor entertaining. In addition, it should be a short trek between the garage to the kitchen so hauling groceries in from the car does not become a horrendous chore.

Fireplaces

The only room where you absolutely have to have a fireplace is the family room. A fireplace in the living room may be nice, but you pay extra for it and will probably rarely use it. At best, it serves as a focal point of the living room, but does not add much in real value.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools do not provide as much added value as they once did. Safety issues about families with younger children have become more publicized than in the past, so families with small children tend to avoid homes with pools. As a result, having a pool may actually reduce the number of potential homebuyers when you try to resell the home.

Buy a home with a pool for your own enjoyment, not as an investment.

Since we are on the subject of swimming pools, here is a word of advice: If you want a pool, buy a home that already has a pool. Paying a contractor to install one for you is like throwing money away. You will never get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment.

This wraps up our seriese on factors to consider when thinking about future resale value. Let us know if we missed something or if you disagree with any of the points we made. 

House Size

In each residential neighborhood, houses will vary in size and rooms, but they should not be too different. If resale value is an important consideration, you should not buy the largest model in the neighborhood. When determining market value, the homes nearest to yours are most important. If most of the nearby houses are smaller than your house, they can act as a drag on appreciation.

On the other hand, if you buy a small or medium house for the neighborhood, the larger homes can help pull up your value. This is one of those times where determining your "wants" versus your "needs" can be extremely important. Buying what you need in a more prestigious neighborhood may provide more financial reward than getting what you want in a less desirable neighborhood.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Three and four bedroom houses are the most popular among homebuyers, so if you can stick in that range you will have more potential buyers when it comes time to resell. Five is okay, too, as long as you do not have to pay too much extra for the additional bedroom.

There should always be at least two bathrooms in a house, preferably at least two and a half. One bathroom with a place to wash up for day-to-day visitors, one for the master bedroom, and at least one to be shared by the other bedrooms.

Closets, Garages, and Laundry

Walk-in closets are extremely desirable for the master bedroom. For the rest of the house, just be sure there is plenty of closet space. Don't forget space for linens and towels.

Garages add to the resale value and you should always make sure to get at least a two-car garage. Lately, three-car garages have become desirable in some areas of the country.

The laundry facilities should be located somewhere convenient on the main floor of the house, but not in a place it will create an eyesore. Think about whether you want to walk up and down stairs when carrying loads of laundry.

What did we miss? Are there other things that you think impact the value of your home at resale? Tell us below. 

Here are 2 things to consider when thinking about your resale value.

Buying a Home With a View May Not be Worth the Price

Homes with a pleasant view of the horizon often sell at a premium above similar homes without the view. However, if a view is important to you, buy it mostly for your own pleasure and not as an investment. Though you may place a considerable dollar value on the view, future buyers may not be so like-minded. It may take you longer to find a buyer when it comes time to resell the house. Or you may end up dropping your price to more nearly match other sales prices in the neighborhood.

In short, if you are buying a house with a view, try to pay as little extra as possible. Otherwise, you might not get your money back.

Lot and Landscaping Matter

Even though most real estate value is usually concentrated in the building, the lot is important, too. Obviously, it should be as level as possible. Assuming the property is in a typical neighborhood, the lot should be rectangular - no odd shaped lots or oddly situated lots.
Yard sizes are smaller in modern homes than in older homes, but there should still be a decently sized front and back yard. Do not buy a house where the entire back yard is taken up by a swimming pool, for example.

Do not purchase an over-landscaped property, either. You would normally pay a premium for that, which you may not be able to recover when you sell. You will get your best value if the house is moderately landscaped or under-landscaped for the area. You can always improve the landscaping during your ownership by improving the grass and adding bushes and trees. Just do not spend too much.

Next week we'll take a look at a few other things that affect resale value. Is there anything in particular that you'd like us to look at? Leave a comment below.