But I don't want to make any repairs!!!

Many times I go to a listing appointment and I have to have the dreaded conversation with the seller regarding repairs that should be made before putting the home on the market. It can be anything

from small cosmetic changes to major repairs.

As you can imagine, this is not always a favorable topic. I am usually met with two kinds of challenges.

It’s hard for sellers to see the value in making cosmetic changes since “they love that color” or “those gold fixtures were expensive (20 years ago)”. But sellers, you must remember once you put your house on the market its not your home any more it’s a product you are selling and the best way to appeal to a wide variety of buyers is to update your home even with something as inexpensive as new paint and a couple of new light fixtures. These relatively inexpensive repairs, if not done can cost you thousands in the end.

I know expensive repairs such as windows, furnace, roof, etc., not everyone can afford to make these repairs. But if these items need to be repaired or replaced, the price must reflect those repairs needed. Nothing screams “DON’T BUY ME” like a 40 year old furnace and a 30 year old roof. I have also heard from sellers that they would rather wait until after the home inspection and see if the buyer wants those items repaired, “why fix it if I don’t have to”. I always felt this is the wrong approach to selling your home. You want your home to show its best and costly needed repairs will turn away a large group of buyers. As a result your home will sit on the market longer and eventually you will have to decrease the price. So in theory, you didn’t want to spend $3,000 on that new furnace, but you have reduced the price of your home since listing it by $10,000.

Don’t be foolish trying to save a few bucks in the end it will probably cost you!!!

This great blog post was written by Lee Ann Obenauer, and is published with her permission. She can be found at Metro Roberts Realty. hamburg, NY. Her phone number is 716-983-3607. Or, email her at Metro_Obenauer@yahoo.com

Car Hobbiest Is Selling His Diggs!

This listing is not for everyone, but for the person that needs what it offers, it is nirvana! Check out this incredible property. Currently owned by a gentleman who restores and repairs sports cars, it can serve so many purposes! There is a large out building that is heated, has electric and H2O, several large overhead doors. The house is immaculate and large. There is a full suite in the bottom level which is a walk-out. It could serve as an apartment, teen or in-law suite for sure.
Check this gem out and if you don't want so outstanding a property, but think you might know someone else who would benefit by owning it, please pass it on! Here's the link http://2938monroewaynecountyline.greatcustomhome.com/

We are showing it Saturday Morning at 11:00 am. if you would like to see it call me before the showing so we can invite you to join us!

Rochester NY Doing's for May 12, 2012!!!

Rochesters annual clean sweep is underway early Saturday morning in Rochester's northeast quadrant. Go to the Northeast Neighborhood Service center early in the morning at 500 Norton St. If you want to participate. FMI call 311 if you are in the city, or call 428-5990.

If you are a bird lover head over to Washington Grove at 8:30am. Bird expert Peter Debes will identify song birds, explain their lifestyles and how to help preserve these special little creatures for the next generation. Best bring your binoculars! If it rains this event is postponed until May 15th.

The Monroe Branch of Rochester Public Library is hosting a Spring/Summer talk by Master Gardners of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County. (www.mycce.org/monroe). I am not sure what the topic is this week, but it will last about 4 minutes and you can ask questions through out the session. Head on over to the library be there by 12:30, at 809 Monroe Avenue. Afterwards you should get over to the Lilac Festival!

Time again for Lilac Festival in Highland Park!!!

Summer's almost here!!! I mark the seasons by the events we get to enjoy! For me the kick-off of the season always is Rochester's own Lilac Festival! Being held this year on May 11-20, the lilacs should in in great bloom. There's always lots to see, do and eat! A great combination in my opinion.

The Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale takes place during the entire event. They have lots of plants, including lilac bushes for sale. Members of the organization are on site to answer your gardening questions, if you have any. Check it out, you find just the plants you need for your yard. The plant sale is located in front of the Cornell Coopoerative Extension of Monroe County at 249 Highland Avenue. For more information go to www.mycce.org/monroe or call 461-1000 ext. 0.

Down the road from the lilac Festival you can tour the historic Ellwanger Gardens, they are open to the public during the festival days. The gardens were established in 1867. Expect a riot of color and ideas to be gleaned for your own gardens! You will enjoy tulips, daffodils, fern-leaf peonies and so many other plants, trees and bushes. The Ellwanger Garden experts expect peak blooms to be Saturday June 2nd-3rd, 2012.

There is a suggested donation of $5.00. You can go through the gardens between 10 am - 4pm. Located at 625 Mt. Hope Avenue.

May is National Preservation Month!

May is National Preservation Month. This years theme is "Discover America's Hidden Gems".

To get started lets check out: America;s Historic Hotels. Go to this link to see incredible photos and stories about places  many of us may never have considered as a vacation destination. Time to rethink that! Check it out!!! http://www.historichotels.org/

Or, would you like to know about Americ's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places? Go to http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered/ to see all the listings starting in 1988! Fascinating!!!

For more information on National Preservation Month go to http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/preservation-month/

Lovely Hide Away in the Woods! New Listing!

This lovely property is currently available in Italy, NY! To see the peoperty and it's details go to:

http://5515highlandsdr.canbyours.com/

This is a For Sale By Owner MLS Listing. Yes, we do offer For Sale By Owner MLS Listings for those that prefer to sell their homes on their own. Go to see this listing to see what we offer to For Sale By Owners!