Wanda's Blog

NE Side Listing! 7520 CATTAIL CT NE $199,900.00 This is a DEAL!

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:12:14 -0400

HOME SWEET HOME! THIS 5 BEDROOM HOME IS LOCATED ON A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC CONVENIENT TO ROCKWELL COLLINS, HIAWATHA BUSINESSES, PARKS AND ENTERTAINMENT. YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED BY THE OPEN FLOOR PLAN, EXPANSIVE ENTRY WAY, FORMAL DINING ROOM, CATHEDRAL CEILING, TREY CEILING, PALLADIUM WINDOW AND LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN WITH BREAKFAST BAR. THE MASTER BEDROOM HAS TWO LARGE WALK-IN CLOSETS AND MASTER BATH SPORTING COUNTER HEIGHT DOUBLE SINKS. TONS OF STORAGE. SELLER WILL PAY UP TO $500 FOR A HOME WARRANTY.

Another new listing in the Riverbend Neighborhood! 4808 Olde Mill Ct. NE

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:10:22 -0400

THIS LIGHT AND AIRY BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY FEATURES OVER 2100 SQ. FT. LOCATED IN THE POPULAR RIVERBEND COMMUNITY COMPLETE WITH NATURE TRAIL MAINTAINED BY LOW YEARLY ASSOCIATION DUES. THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS CONVENIENT TO CEDAR RAPIDS AND HIAWATHA BUSINESSES, BIKE TRAILS, I380, SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT. THE HOUSE ITSELF SITS ON A GORGEOUS TREED LOT THAT SPORTS A MAGICAL PLAY SET FOR THE KIDS AND A DECK FOR THE GROWNUPS TO ENJOY. OTHER FEATURES INCLUDE AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM, NEWER A/C UNIT, NEW ROOF, 4 LARGE BEDROOMS, EXPANSIVE ENTRY, FORMAL LIVING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, UPDATED KITCHEN, UPDATED LIGHT FIXTURES, NEUTRAL DECOR, FINISHED RECREATION ROOM, WORK OUT SPACE AND WORK SHOP. TAKE A LOOK AT THE VISUAL TOUR FOR MORE PICTURES!

$5000.00 Price Reduction 5008 Willowbend Rd. NE, now $184,950

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:55:37 -0400

MOVE IN READY! YOUR NEW HOME IS IN A GREAT NE NEIGHBORHOOD, ADJACENT TO THE RIVERBEND COMMUNITY WALKING TRAILS, CLOSE TO SHOPPING, SCHOOLS, BUSINESS PARKS AND CONVENIENT TO INTERSTATE 380. THE INTERIOR FEATURES A LIVING ROOM WITH OAK FLOORING AND WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE, LARGE UPDATED KITCHEN AND A WIDE STAIRCASE UP TO THE SPACIOUS BEDROOMS WITH LARGE CLOSETS. THE BASEMENT WAS PROFESSIONALLY FINISHED FOR YOUR COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT OR FOR OVERNIGHT GUESTS AS IT ALSO INCLUDES A FULL BATHROOM. THE OUTSIDE FEATURES A BEAUTIFUL LOW MAINTENANCE FLOWER GARDEN COMPLETE WITH WATERFALL. THE LARGE DECK IS JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO SIT DOWN AND RELAX WITH YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS.

"No Moms Allowed!"

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:38:59 -0400

Do you every wish you could include the caveat "No Moms Allowed" to an agency agreement? Oh yeah, and add "Over Protective Dads", "Grandpas Who Bought Their First Home for $5,000", "Spoiled Sisters In Law" and "Know It All Best Friends"... Family and friends who accompany first time home buyers on their house hunt have good intentions, no doubt. But their lack of market knowledge, strong opinions and subjectivity can really kill a sale.

Well-meaning friends and relatives can offer so many conflicting opinions that it can cause confustion and frustration. First time home buyers start to second guess their instincts, become indecisive and reluctant, and rely too heavily on what everyone else thinks they should do.

It's a good idea for an agent to have a "Prep Talk" with clients before setting out on what can become an excruciating number of showings if things get out of control. Preparing your buyers for the process by giving them objective, informed and practical advice can prevent some of the common roadblocks.

One piece of advice that works well with first time buyers is to have them wait until they have narrowed their search down to three properties before bringing in the troops for a barrage of opinions. By the time they have narrowed it down, they have hopefully learned about their needs and wants, the realities of what their budget will buy, and their personal tastes. Also, at this point it may actually be helpful to hear what others think, as they may have experiences that could provide good insight.

By suggesting this method to buyers, you may also take a little pressure off of them by giving them a plan. It's hard to say "no" to Mom and Dad, but a simple statement, like the one below, can help ease any guilt and hard feelings and set the tone for the transaction:

"Jake and I are seeing properties this weekend. As soon as we have our top three, we will definitely need your help and opinion before making a decision."

First time home buyers in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area should contact Wanda Tharp for expertise, experience and trustworthiness. Contact Wanda today at WandaTharp@CBHRealty.com or 319-361-2383.

Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Foreclosure

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:45:04 -0400

From Frontdoor.com

Read the Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Foreclosure:

Scents, Smells & Selling a House

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 09:43:35 -0400

Great advice from a colleague is featured below. Take advantage of lovely spring weather and air out your home to give an appealing and fresh feeling, rather than stuffy and overpowering scents.

Via DebOnTheWeb AKA Deb Agliano - Medford, MA Real Estate (ERA Andrew Realty):

There’s an old saying in real estate “If I can smell it, I can’t sell it”. If your home has strong unpleasant odors, you want to eliminate those smells so a buyer won’t literally turn up their nose at your house. However, some people like to use scented candles, potpourri or other plug-in, stick-up artificial scents. I was in one house last week and was greeted by something that smelled almost but not quite like fresh baked cookies. Something was a bit off in the smell. There were no cookies in the oven – it was a scented candle. The nose knows real aroma from fake scent.

I’ve seen home sellers overdo it where each room has a different aroma. The heavier the scent, the more buyers will think you are trying to cover up a nasty smell. You also want to keep in mind that many people have allergies. The Misty-Meadow-After-The-Rain scent that you find very attractive could set off a sneezing fit in a buyer looking at your home.

When you’re selling a house, my recommendation is to clean the house and open the windows to air it out rather than use any type of artificial scent.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Bowman Woods

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:39:24 -0400

When you choose a home, you are not just choosing what is beneath the roof and within the walls. You are choosing, a neighborhood, and essentially, a lifestyle. The Cedar Rapids area has a wide variety of neighborhoods, all with their own unique features. This post is dedicated to highlighting a little bit about what this Northeast neighborhood has to offer.

Homes in this family-orienteted neighborhood tend to sell very quickly. Many buyers are drawn to the desirable school district, and convenient location with close proximity to Rockwell Collins, the Lindale Mall area, and easy access to 1-380. The first home was built in 1964, and the area has been continually developed since. With several different phases from Bowman Woods I, II, III, Bowman Ridge and Bowman Trail, and so on, home prices range from the mid 100,000's to half a million dollars.

Many of Bowman Woods' residents enjoy the private pool and tennis court within walking distance from home. Bowman Woods Elementary also is adjacent to a lovely park and a large hill famous for sledding! Whether you are in the older section on top of Brentwood hill or the newly developed area still underconstruction, you are certain to find friendly neighbors, happy kids, and a comforting sense of home.

To visit homes available in the Bowman Woods neighborhood, contact Wanda Tharp today at 319-361-2383 or email WandaTharp@cbhrealty.com

Do you have $10 and 2 minutes?

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:39:16 -0400

Imagine at the age of 7 being unable to tie your shoes. Not because you haven't learned, but because it hurts too badly. Imagine at the age of 26 having your spouse dispense your toothpaste, squeezing out hair gel with your knees and being unable to turn the keys in your car's ignition. Imagine at 55 being unable to hold your grandchildren or plant mother's day flowers as you've always loved.

This is the daily reality of life with arthritis. My little sister has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis since the age of 20. She was an all star athlete, fitness enthusiast and as healthy as can be. Never did it occur to her that at age 26, her husband would have to carry her up and down the stairs of their townhome on her "bad days".

I hope you can find a little extra change and a little extra compassion to help support our team in the upcoming Arthritis Walk. Our family takes part every year and is committed to helping find more effective treatments and a cure.

If you cannot make a financial contribution, we also welcome you to put on your walking shoes and join our team! We also gladly accept positive vibes, prayers, etc. Thank you for your consideration!
Click Here to Donate

Do Your Homework: What happens when your dream home is not in your dream school district?

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:32:45 -0400

We all know that when it comes to real estate, it's all about "location, location, location." And for home buyers with families, school district gets particular attention. So what if you find a home you love, in a great location, but in school district with a less than stellar reputation? If you truly love the home, and plan to live in it long term, then this isn't a deal breaker. You do have options, and a little creative problem solving is all you need.

Here are some tips from a teacher with experience as a real estate agent in the Cedar Rapids area:

Don't judge a book by its cover. Make a point to visit the school yourself and formulate your own opinion. Look at the teacher-student ratio and the visibility and interaction of administrators. What is the overall tone of the school when you walk through? Are the children happy and quietly engaged, or running wildly or acting defiantly? If you decide it is NOT the place you'd like to send your children, you still have some choices and options.
Private/parochial schools are located conveniently throughout the area with an elementary school in every public school district. Busing is often available, as is before and after school daycare. This is helpful for families with work hours that do not coincide with school day hours. These schools do charge a tuition which varies greatly depending on parish membership, etc. Scholarships and aid are also available to those who qualify.
Consider open-enrollment. You can choose to keep your children enrolled at their current school, regardless of what district you move to. You can also choose to enroll in any of the other area schools that are not at their maximum capacity. The application process is simple. One thing to consider is transportation. You will likely be responsible for transporting your child to and from school. Think about carpooling or arranging your work schedule to accommodate this.
The age of your kids and grades served in your neighborhood's school should be considered. If your youngest child is in fourth grade, and the school is K-5, then the issue may not be as crucial as you thought. One year of making accommodations for open enrollment isn't a deal breaker. On the other hand, one year at that school will not make or break your child's education.

The best advice is to be realistic, creative, and informed when it comes to choosing a home and school for your family. Your Realtor should be able to provide you with resources about area schools, and each school's PTO will be an excellent source for you as well.

New Listing in Riverbend Neighborhood!

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:18:13 -0400

THIS HOME IS "OUT OF A MAGAZINE" AWESOME! IT IS LOCATED IN THE POPULAR RIVERBEND COMMUNITY WITH A BEAUTIFUL TREED LOT. ENJOY THE OUTDOORS IN THE GAZEBO OR ENCLOSED PRIVATE HOT TUB. VISIT THIS HOME AND YOU WILL DISCOVER AN UPDATED KITCHEN, BATHROOMS, FLOOR COVERINGS, COUNTERTOPS AND MORE. CLOSE TO SHOPPING, ENTERTAINMENT SCHOOLS, PARKS, GOLF, HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS, AND EASY ACCESS TO ROCKWELL COLLINS AND 380.

$240,950.00, 3 bedrooms, 2230 sq.ft., 3.5 baths, 2 stall Garage

MLS 1003085

Kermit the Frog Was Wrong: IT'S EASY BEING GREEN!

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:24:51 -0400

Spring has sprung and everywhere you look, things are turning green. Why not take a cue from nature and join in? Here are some simple tips to "going green" in your own home.

Use cloth bags for shopping. Most retailers sell environmentally friendly shopping bags with handles that fold up and can be stored under your driver's seat. Reducing the amount of plastic bags used keeps them out of landfills, water sources, and from blowing around littering the community. If you do use plastic bags, collect them and periodically drop them in the convenient recycling bins at supermarket entrances.

Ditch the plastic water bottles. Not only can they contaminate your water with harmful chemicals, they also account for an enormous amount of our trash. Choose a refillable container and use one of the simple filtratons methods available if your tap water is not palatable. Talk to your co-workers and go in on a water cooler with delivery service if your office typically uses vending machines or bottled water.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in half of your fixtures. I know, I know, they are not as flattering or pleasant as incandescent bulbs. But if you strategize, you can mix and match them and still benefit. Use strictly fluorescent in the garage and outdoor fixtures, closets and storage rooms. In fixtures with multiple bulbs where quality of lighting is more important,(bathrooms, dining room, ceiling fans) use half fluorescent and half incandescent. This will still cut down on energy consumption, while giving the desired lighting. Use a low watt fluorescent in one lamp to be left on when no one is home.

Recycle everything! Take the extra second to place recyclable items in an appropriate receptical. Make recycling easy and an expectation at your home by having separate bins and teaching family members about sorting their garbage.

Put on a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat, or use a ceiling fan rather than during it down. Just by keeping it a few degrees lower in the winter, or higher in the summer, you can cut your energy consumption considerably.

Buy local produce and meats. Even though some may seem to cost a bit more, their impact on the environment is substantially less. The shorter the distance from farm to store, the less fuel used to transport and the fresher the product will be! Earn extra green points for finding sources that practice sustainable farming practices. These are the most Earth-friendly, and in return are better for you, too.

Sacrifice convenience and make conscious choices. Disposable products may be easy, but if there is a reusable version available, use it! Recycle the paper disposables that you do use, and wash and reuse plastic. You can easily get several uses out of plastic forks, cups and plates with just a little effort. Plus, it saves you money by not having to buy them for every party or event.

Use Earth-friendly cleaning products. They are affordable, effective, as well as safer for pets and children.

Sellers Are Affected by the Buyer Tax Credit, Too!

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:22:13 -0400

A very timely and straight forward article from a fellow agent. This is a great opportunity for sellers to increase the odds of success...

Via Village Real Estate:

Sellers, in most areas, it's a buyer's market. No matter how great your home is, there are others on the market that buyers will see. Although you may have a hot commodity, the existance of other competing homes will complicate your selling. Here's how to sell in a buyer's market:

Look at the other competing properties and see how they compare to yours.

Make sure your home is in the best showing condition, possible. This means no clutter, floors clean and in good condition, paint in good condition, everything clean and in working condition.

Price it lower than the like-homes that are on the market and see what homes that are similar have actually sold for. The actually sold homes are what warrant market value. A buyer, given two identical properties that are a few thousand apart, s/he will buy the lower priced property. Buyers are always looking for the best deal. If you're priced too high, the buyers may never view the property.

Value is determined by recently closed sales and not by how much you've put into a home. Only additional added square footage will bring the value higher than identical properties. Repairs and updates only make the home more appealing and better to compete with other homes at the same price point.

Staging: Selling your home is selling space. Buyers want to see the size of the rooms, not really your decorating expertise, photos and personal items so pare down everything that isn't being used right now, even if you must store some items. You want to keep the buyer focused on the home, not on you.

In a buyer's market, you may have to make some concessions if you want to sell. This means that, if you're fortunate enough to have a ready, willing and able buyer in this market, you may have to sacrifice a little on the price and/or terms if you want to sell and you may have to pay some of the buyers closing costs. Remember, right now, the supply out there is more than demand.

Buyers have until April 30, 2010 to be under contract to receive their tax credit. The amount of buyers out there may dwindle some after this date so, don't play games and wait for something better. Your first offer is usually your best so, if you have a buyer who is interested in your home, do all you can do to get that buyer to sign up and move on with your life. If a buyer misses the deadline, you can be sure that they're going to try to compensate for that loss...by making lower offers!

If you understand and heed this advice, everybody wins!

If you have any questions about Nashville homes, Nashville Real Estate, home buying or home selling, please contact me, Alyse Sands, at ASands@RealtyNashville.com or 615-668-9940.

Alyse is a second generation Broker-Agent and has been working full time in the Nashville area since 1999. She is also a licensed loan professional/consultant. Prior to that, she worked as a mortgage broker and Advertising Exec in Florida.

5 Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:36:15 -0400

1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don't do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems, www.realestatechecklists.com.

One Weekend + One Hundred Bucks = Priceless Appeal

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:48:02 -0400

Whether you have had your home listed for some time, or are preparing it for market, you can add tremendous appeal with one weekend of a little elbow grease and one hundred dollars. Let's face it, life gets so busy that we often put off the little projects around the house that aren't urgent. While understandable and acceptable for every day living, it's definitely not going to help you sell your home.

Budgets and time are getting tighter and tighter, and an "extreme home makeover" is just not realistic for the majority of home owners preparing for market. But there IS a way to give your home the added appeal it needs to catch a buyer's eye WITHOUT breaking the bank or sucking up all your free time!

One weekend and one hundred bucks will get your home ready for buyers! Here is a simple list of tasks that can be accomplished in one weekend, by even the most "un-handy" of home owners.

Clean up the home's exterior.Take down any ornamental objects and holiday decorations. Keep children's toys in the garage or shed, and put away any small toys or objects on a daily basis to keep a neat appearance. A $3 laundry basket is a great way to keep balls, bats, Frisbee's, etc. tidy.
Give your landscaping a little love. Mow the yard, trim the bushes, rake leaves, get rid of weeds and dandelions. Home stores offer a variety of cute and inexpensive planters. A few pots, bags of soil and flowers will set you back about $50. Add a few planters with bright flowers to the front porch or walkway. Trim back bushes and leaves that block out natural sunlight from entering windows. Clean out gutters and remove any debris from roof.
Break out the broom. Get rid of cobwebs under the awnings and around the front entry. Sweep the front walk, stairs, porch, driveway and even sidewalks that line your property. You will be amazed at what this does to the overall feel of the property when buyers approach the home. Don't forget to clean up the BACK of the home, too!
De-personalize and de-clutter the interior. Not everyone can appreciate your collection of tiny spoons or little cherub statues, and they could become a major distraction to those buyers. Some buyers just cannot overlook furnishings, decor and possessions within a home. So make it easy for them to see the HOME itself, not your PERSONAL belongings. Take down personal photos, clear off the fridge, put away collections and knick-knacks and make the space as NEUTRAL as possible. Rubbermaid totes are sturdy, seal well and cost about $9. Pack away your very personal items that may detract from your homes features.
Kitchens and bathrooms should sparkle! Clear off counter tops of unnecessary items and store personal hygiene items in medicine cabinets, drawers or closets. No one wants to see globs of toothpaste and your toothbrush on the vanity! Do a deep clean in every nook and cranny of the kitchen and all bathrooms using a deodorizing and disinfecting cleaner. Spend $8 on a new clear shower liner if you have a shower curtain, and keep all glass surfaces clean and streak free. Dust light fixtures and keep blinds open and window treatments drawn to allow as much light in as possible. Dirty, dingy spaces are going to turn buyers off.
Organize behind closed doors. Buyers are nosy, and rightfully so also want to see what kind of storage your home offers. Clean out bulky and out of season clothing from closets to make them appear roomier, use white plastic hangers that are all the same in every closet for a clean look. A pack of ten runs about $3 at discount stores. Keep linens folded neatly and pantry shelves orderly. Storage rooms should have items neatly placed in containers on shelving or safely stacked.
Tie up loose ends. Little things that you can typically ignore should now get your attention. Replace all burned out light bulbs, patch or touch up any wall damage, scrub away grime and fingerprints from walls and handrails, straighten a crooked cabinet, tighten loose hinges, etc. All of these little fixes will give buyers an overall impression that the home has been well maintained. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers will remove grime and hand prints from walls in high traffic areas, as well as any artwork your kids may have added on their own! They also remove soap scum from showers and tubs, and cost about $3 for a pack of 2.
Keep it up! Now that your home is in tip-top shape, keep it that way! Just a few minutes of maintenance a day will keep it looking its best and prevent you from having to go back and "re-do" everything. Make a checklist and delegate jobs so that even in a pinch, you can have your home looking its best for a last minute showing. Keep a container of disinfecting wipes in each bathroom and the kitchen and do a quick swipe of all surfaces before leaving your home. A 3-pack economy priced set is around $11.
Keep 'em guessing! The most perfectly marketed home I have ever sold gave buyers no indication of who the owners were. You could not find a single personal photo or tell-tale personal objects that said "Mr. and Mrs. Smith live here with their 2 children and golden retriever, Max." Buyers only noticed that the home was immaculately clean, well kept, updated and neutral. Needless to say, that home sold the first day on the market. Take pets with you and conceal their more unattractive paraphernalia like litter boxes, food dishes, and ratty old toys. If a non-cat lover walks into your home to find a giant litter box in the master bathroom, they are going to walk right out! Buyers should not be able to tell if you have pets, how many people live in the home, or guess your personal beliefs or interests. Political and religious items could also offend some buyers, so better to pack those up for display in your new home.

New Listing in NE Cedar Rapids Under 100K

Wanda Tharp (Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:35:54 -0400

BACK TO THE BASICS! THIS PRISTINE SLAB HOME SITS ON A LARGE BEAUTIFUL FENCED IN LOT. THERE IS SPACE FOR A LARGE GARDEN OR TO ADD A LARGER GARAGE. YOU CAN ENJOY THE BACK YARD SITTING ON THE COVERED PATIO. THE WALLS HAVE BEEN FRESHLY PAINTED AND THE WINDOWS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. NEUTRAL PALETTE AND MOVE IN READY! THIS HOME WOULD BE GREAT FOR THE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER OR THOSE LOOKING FOR ONE LEVEL LIVING. 3 BEDROOMS, ONE BATH, ONE STALL GARAGE. HOMEOWNER'S WARRANTY INCLUDED. $99,950.00