Daily Real Estate News | December 29, 2006

10 Tips for Pet-Owning Sellers

Pet-owning sellers may turn off potential buyers if they don’t keep Fido or Fifi out-of-sight during showings.

"If a dog or cat is around during a showing, I've found that a buyer either freaks out because they're afraid of or allergic to animals, or they fall in love with the pet and don't pay attention to the house," says Maria Rovegno, a broker with Prudential Douglas Elliman in Port Washington on New York’s Long Island.

Here is a list of advice for sellers when showing a house that has a pet:

1. Remove photos of pets from the walls, shelves, or refrigerators.
2. Clean food and water bowls regularly, and hide them when not in use.
3. Stash away pet toys, crates, carriers, and leashes.
4. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and wood floors.
5. Keep litter boxes clean and out of sight, and remove signs of doggy potty pads.
6. Open windows to let in fresh air.
7. Neutralize odors with fresh-smelling candles and air sanitizers.
8. Hire professionals to remove unsightly pet stains.
9. Board or crate animals during open houses.
10. Repair visible signs of pet damage, such as scratched walls or floors.

Source: Newsday, Aimee Fitzpatrick Martin (12/29/06)

Daily Real Estate News | December 29, 2006

Mortgage Rates Climb for Third Straight Week

Home-loan interest moved north for a third consecutive week, according to Freddie Mac. The mortgage financier reported the 30-year rate at 6.18 percent, up from 6.13 percent last week but still a far cry from this year's high of 6.8 percent set in July.

Rates for 15-year fixed products, meanwhile, climbed to 5.93 percent from 5.89 percent; while five-year, adjustable-rate mortgages bumped up to 5.98 percent from 5.96 percent. One-year ARMs also rose to 5.47 percent from 5.44 percent.

The recent upward pattern follows a sustained period of lower rates that helped precipitate a comeback in new- and existing-home sales. "The lower mortgage rates in November and early December are giving the housing market a bit of relief at year's end," says Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft, who also notes that recent favorable reports on consumer spending and home sales suggest that the worst of the residential property slump is over.

The market data also is being interpreted by the financial community as a sign that the Federal Reserve will not move quickly to lower rates early next year to prop up a softening economy. Many economists speculate, in fact, that the Fed will keep rates in a holding pattern until mid-2007.

Source: Baltimore Sun (12/29/06) © Copyright 2006 Information Inc.

Real Estate for Sale in DeSmet, SD - !!!SALE PENDING!!!

DeSmet, SD Real Estate Listing #06-723
List Price $35,000

!!!SALE PENDING!!!

This is a wonderful, landscaped addition to my DeSmet, SD listing (#06-722), a great possible building site for a few spec homes or just a beautiful, large lot for your new home. Current oweners added landscaping and concrete work. Lots of space. Lot sale is contingent on the sale of owners home, listing #06-722.

For more information and a full photo tour Click Link:
http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=816138

Selling Your Home? Real Estate Sales Tip #1

5 Ways to Improve Curb Appeal on the Cheap!

Curb appeal is important. When the outside turns off buyers, they may never bother to look at the inside of a home. An investment of as little as a few hundred dollars can make a huge difference in the appearance of an exterior.

Here are some simple but effective suggestions:
-Wash the windows and replace any cracked or broken panes.
-Put a fresh coat of paint on siding, downspouts, and doors.
-Fill cracks in the driveway and walks.
-Trim bushes to below window height. Edge the lawn.
-Fertilize the lawn and plant blooming flowers. Put potted plants in strategic places.

Source: Chicago Tribune (11/27/06)

Real Estate for Sale in DeSmet, SD - !!!SALE PENDING!!!

DeSmet, SD Real Estate Listing #06-722
List Price $171,900
!!!SALE PENDING!!!

Immaculate, single owner, ranch home in DeSmet, SD with over 3000 sq.ft. finished, built in 1983. The addition, with full basement, was completed in 1996. This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 gas fireplaces and a nicely finished basement. The garage provides 4 stalls for the hobbyist or 4 frost-free cars. This real estate is a must see. Call today to schedule a showing.


For more information and a full photo tour Click Link:
http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=814632

!!!SALE PENDING!!! Real Estate for Sale Outside Oldham, SD

Oldham, SD Real Estate Listing #06-660

!!!SALE PENDING!!!-- $134,900

This is a great opportunity to purchase your country home with hobby potential. The ranch style home is situated on 6.6 beautifully matured acres. This property includes 4 outbuildings, of which, one is a hobby/work shop supplied with H2O and electric. This is a great real estate value located in awesome hunting and fishing territory near Oldham, Brookings, and Madison, SD.

For more information and a full photo tour follow the link below:
http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=778744

Welcome to my Brookings, SD Real Estate Blog

Welcome to my Brookings, SD real estate blog. Please be patient with me while I'm in the setup process. Check back often as I intend to post new real estate listings for sale in and around the Brookings, SD area. I will also include information regarding the real estate conditions in South Dakota and news on national real estate.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email with any questions regarding homes for sale in South Dakota.

Thanks,
Justin Fjeldos
Broker Associate
Best Choice GMAC Real Estate
Brookings, SD