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Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lifelover - Sjukdom (2011)
Artist: LifeloverAlbum: Sjukdom
Year: 2011
Genre: Black Metal/Depressive Rock
Country: Sweden
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 131 MB
Year: 2011
Genre: Black Metal/Depressive Rock
Country: Sweden
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 131 MB
2. Led by Misfortune 03:07
3. Expandera 03:49
4. Homicidal Tendencies 01:44
5. Resignation 03:37
6. Doften Av Tomhet 05:03
7. Totus Anctus 03:51
8. Horans Hora 06:19
9. Bitterljuv Kakofoni 04:14
10. Becksvart Frustration 04:28
11. Nedvaknande 02:51
12. Instrumental Asylum 04:52
13. Utdrag 03:17
14. Karma 04:30
Total playing time 56:10
Condos and views near Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver
Across the road from the West Vancouver mall are great condos located ranging in price mostly between $700K and $3 mil.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Find Palm Springs homes for sale on my Palm Springs real estate blog. It remains a fantastic time to purchase a Palm Springs vacation home or full-time residence. I can show you a good selection of mid-century modern, California Ranch, Spanish-style ranch, Spanish Revival, cottage and single-level condos, located in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities.
When you buy or sell in Palm Springs, contact me for professional and friendly representation.
Call or text: 760.902.3121
Email: RussellHill@dc.rr.com
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| Village Racquet Club, 8 pools/spas, tennis, Palm Springs, CA |
Here is the activity for January 14th thru 17th, '11. Click on the link @ property address to see property details and photos!
Central Palm Springs:
New Listings:
967 S Village Square, Village Racquet Club, 2/2, $124,000.
401 S El Cielo Rd., #180, La Palme, 2/2, $129,000.
401 S El Cielo Rd., #230, La Palme, 2/2, $135,000.
1281 Tiffany Cir., S., Rose Garden, 3/2, $180,000.
575 N Lujo cir., Sun Villas, 3/2, $184,900.
1199 N Sunrise Way, Ruth Hardy Park, 3/2, $249,000.
1950 E El Oro Way, Sun Villas, 3/2, $396,696.
1276 N Rose Ave., Vista Las Palmas, 4/3, $999,000.
190 W Hermosa Pl., Old Las Palmas, 5/5.5, $1,999,000.
928 N Avenida Palmas, Movie Colony, 6/6, $2,995,000.
In Escrow:
401 S El Cielo Rd., #211, La Palme, 2/2, $129,900.
766 N Barcelona Cir., Sunrise Alejo, 3/2, $219,000.
2040 Tangerine Ct., Tangerine, 3/3.5, $445,000.
1163 Pasatiempo Rd., Ruth Hardy Park, 2/2, $440,000.
1350 E Tachevah Dr., Ruth Hardy Park, 3/3.5, $679,000.
1764 Royal Palm Ct., Little Tuscany, 3/4.5, $899,000.
Sold:
None
South Palm Springs:
New Listings:
5300 E Waverly Dr., #H4, Palm Springs Golf/Tennis, 1/1.5, $89,000.
505 S Farrell Dr., #J60, Mesquite Country Club, 1/1, $129,900.
1950 S Palm Canyon Dr., #135, Sandstone Villas, 1/1, $134,500.
1655 S Andee Dr., Calypso Palms, 1/2, $148,500.
2545 Miramonte Cir., W., #D, Canyon Sands, 2/2, $177,500.
2417 Los Patos Dr., Villas De Las Flores, 2/2, $185,000.
2601 S Broadmoor Dr., #70, Summerset Springs, 3/2, $214,900.
7445 Regency Dr., #47, Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 2/2, $289,000.
1309 E Siera Way, Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $399,000.
2492 Playa Cir., Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $429,000.
570 E Mesquite Ave., Tahquitz River Estates, 3/2, $419,000.
2493 S Camino Real, Canyon North, 3/3, $420,900. (foreclosure)
436 E Avenida Olancha, Tahquitz River Estates, 4/4, $494,900.
2700 S Calle Palo Fierro, Canyon North, 4/4, $880,000.
In Escrow:
7451 Paseo Azulejo, Cathedral Canyon Country Club, 2/2, $227,900.
2473 S Pebble Beach Dr., Tahquitz Creek Golf, 3/0, $339,500.
2995 E Orella Cir., Los Compadres, 3/3, $399,000.
Sold:
None
Source: Desert Area MLS. Listings/sales are not necessarily those of Russell Hill - deasy/penner&partners
Russell Hill Lic #01427657 760.902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com RussellHillintheDesert.com HomeinPalmSprings.blogspot.com
Deathspell Omega - Infernal Battles (2000)
Artist: Deathspell OmegaAlbum: Infernal Battles
Year: 2000
Genre: Black Metal
Country: France
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 91 MB
Download
Download
Year: 2000
Genre: Black Metal
Country: France
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 91 MB
1. The Victory of Impurity 05:02
2. Drink the Devil's Blood 04:22
3. Extinction of the Weak 05:27
4. Sacrilegious Terror 04:56
5. Raping Human Dignity 04:20
6. The Ancient Presence Revealed 05:39
7. Knowledge of the Ultimate Void 04:42
8. Death's Reign (Human Futility) 04:20
Total playing time 38:492. Drink the Devil's Blood 04:22
3. Extinction of the Weak 05:27
4. Sacrilegious Terror 04:56
5. Raping Human Dignity 04:20
6. The Ancient Presence Revealed 05:39
7. Knowledge of the Ultimate Void 04:42
8. Death's Reign (Human Futility) 04:20
Download
Download
Excruciate - Passage of Life (1993)
Artist: ExcruciateAlbum: Passage of Life
Year: 1993
Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 95 MB
1. Confused Mind 06:53
2. Endless Suffocation 04:39
3. Inhumation Postnatal 05:49
4. Eternal Incubation 04:51
5. Anatomical Self-Fertilization 05:32
6. Passage of Life 04:58
7. Sabbath in the Mortuary 05:37
8. Beyond the Circle 03:57
Total playing time 42:16
Download
Download
Top 6 Tips on Buying Furniture
After temporarily or permanently moving into your new home, you’re bound to need some new furniture, sooner or later. You might have not brought all that basic stuff you need such as a sofa and your personal bed from your old place. The feeling of the need and emptiness of the house because of the lack of furniture in the house makes you want to buy some right away. You would need a dining table and chairs or extra bed for your friends or families whenever they would visit you.
Photo Source: publicdomainpictures.net
There is no need rush yourself to buy furniture off the budget. Even a person in the street can last days sleeping on a box or newspaper (I’m quoting this with a sad heart, mind you), I know you can also sleep on something temporarily. Before you bring yourself and decide to buy furniture, you must first plan on where to buy or what furniture to buy that you would see fit for your new home. Here are some few tips that you, as a furniture buyer, should know.
Don’t Rush It
There are always on-sale items if you look around different shops or even in the internet rather than buying an expensive one right away and regretting it after. You wouldn’t need to buy furniture based on their brand names. You can always check how good the quality is. The secret here is walking around town to see if there are any stuff on sale. You can just wait for less than a month for some stores to go on sale. You can always ask.
Don’t Think You Can’t Get Something for Free
You would be surprised to know that there are some people who are giving away some of their stuff just because they felt like getting a new one. Some people also throw away things that can still be fixed. If you are hard working, you can get that thing fixed for yourself. You can ask your friends to ask their friends if they know someone who would throw away stuff you need. There are also some websites that give away things if you are near the area.
Don’t Forget to Plan Ahead
One of the most common mistake people make is not planning ahead. You must know what you want. Think of what you need, what size and color would you like, etc. When the time comes, you are fully prepared to buy and place that furniture in your house.
Don’t Leave the Store Without a Test Run
Never buy a furniture without trying it out first. If you plan to buy a bed make sure you jump on it, sit on it, roll on it, or even try sleeping on it. Try it out and see if it meets your standards or ask the sales person to show you their other products.
Don’t be Cheap on the Bed Because You want to Buy More Expensive Stuff
Know what is more important and essential to you than any other stuff. You can compare them such as television or computer. I have asked a lot of people of what the most important furniture is and they all agreed that it is the bed. Why? It is where you sit and read you books before you go to bed, it is where you relax your body, mind and the perfect place for you to get your well-deserved rest. You need to have furniture that are comfortable and prioritize the ones you need.
Don’t Ignore the Warranty
Whenever the furniture you bought has damage, you have to go directly to the store where you bought it for a new replacement. You have to know the extent of the furniture’s warranty. Some warranty are void once you transfer to another place. You have to ask all the possible things when you buy the item before it all becomes a waste.
In no time, you will complete and fill your new home with wonderful furniture that would last decades. You are now a wise furniture shopper, don’t forget the tips listed here. Good luck decorating your new home. - Global Real Estate Guide
Reference: http://www.123movers.com/guides/buying_furniture_tips.asp
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bloodhammer / Ride for Revenge - Chords of the Left Hand (2010)
Artist: Bloodhammer | Ride for RevengeAlbum: Chords of the Left Hand
Year: 2010
Genre: Raw Black Metal
Country: Finland
Quality: mp3@VBR268kbps
Size: 71 MB
Bloodhammer
1. Lakes of Fire 04:10
2. Mestaaja 03:00
3. Violence of the Summoned Dead 00:54
4. Grave of the Unholy Beast 04:59
5. Lords of the Old Coffin 04:27
6. Hate Pattern 02:04
Ride for Revenge
7. Barbarian Death Command – Intro 00:55
8. Glory of the Barbarians 00:35
9. Unearthly Terror 00:34
10. Venomous Lizard Demons 00:45
11. Holy Sister Sodomy 00:19
12. Taste My Poison (Armed by Sathanas) 01:03
13. Despise From Hell 01:02
14. Cum Upon the Altar 01:12
15. Mortality of Morality (Harsh Attack) 00:32
16. Barbarian Death Command – Outro 01:37
17. Ride of the Wicked 01:30
18. Goat Violence 02:10
19. Perverted Goddess of Astronomy 01:44
20. Wir Sind Götter Pt.2 03:42
Download
Download
Goatmoon / Dead Reptile Shrine - Winterforest (2010)
Artist: Goatmoon | Dead Reptile ShrineAlbum: Winterforest
Year: 2010
Genre: Black Metal/Ambient
Country: Finland
Quality: mp3@VBR170kbps
Size: 56 MB
Goatmoon
1. Winterforest 24:55
Dead Reptile Shrine
2. The Threshold of Choice 03:44
3. Across the Morbid Chaparral 05:38
4. Battlefield at the Southeastern River 04:10
5. Mausoleum of Winds 02:15
6. Black Thrones of the Anunnaki 04:37
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Couple selling Alabama antebellum mansion
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| picture courtesy of TuscaloosaNews.com |
I came across a story this morning in the Tuscaloosa News concerning a new listing in Eutaw, Alabama. This is not your normal listing. This home was built in 1852. The property includes 8 acres with formal gardens, fenced fields and pecan, peach, pear and fig trees. The home is listed with Advantage Realty Group which is located in Tuscaloosa. Here is link to view the story - http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110113/NEWS/110119873.
I have always had an affinity for older homes. Growing up in Mobile, I have always enjoyed driving down Government Street, Dauphin Street, and Springhill Avenue in Mobile and looking at the older antebellum like homes in our area. I have also had a chance to visit several antebellum plantations such as Oak Alley, Madewood, and my favorite Nottoway in Louisiana.
We do not have many plantation style homes for sale in Mobile but if you are interested in what similar homes available for sale, please visit my website listed below for my contact information. By the way if you are interested in the home in Eutaw, please let me know and I will be happy to gather information for you.
Steve Shaw
Gulf Region Properties Team
Keller Williams Realty
Join Life in a Day today for its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival
This is a cross-post from the YouTube Blog.
On July 24, 2010, thousands of people around the world uploaded videos of their lives to YouTube to take part in “Life in a Day,” an historic cinematic experiment to document a single day on earth. From Australia to Zambia, more than 80,000 videos, totaling 4,500 hours of footage, were submitted to the project. After months of hard work, Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald and a team of editors have created a 90-minute documentary film that gives a surprising, honest and entertaining self-portrait of our world.
While “Life in a Day” will be officially released later this year, tonight you have a very special opportunity to tune in to the world premiere direct from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. The premiere will be followed by a live Q&A with Kevin Macdonald and key contributors to the film. You can submit questions for the Q&A here.
Today’s stream begins at 12pm on the Life in a Day channel. You can catch a rebroadcast on Friday, January 28, at 7pm in your local time zone, captioned and subtitled in 25 additional languages, with an additional option for audio description (AD) in English.
We hope you enjoy the film!
Tim Partridge, Product Marketing Manager, recently watched “Life in a Day: A new type of filmmaking”.
Palm Springs Modernism Week
Palm Springs Modernism Week is February 17-27, 2011. Take a look at their website HERE to see the schedule and purchase your tickets!
Russell Hill 760.902.3121 RussellHillintheDesert.com
Retiring real estate on Google Maps
This is a cross-post from the Google Lat Long blog
At Google one of our key philosophies is to take risks and to experiment. To that end, in July 2009 we announced the ability to find property for sale or rent directly on Google Maps. This is one of the “search options” next to the search box on Google Maps, and is currently available in the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Japan.
In part due to low usage, the proliferation of excellent property-search tools on real estate websites, and the infrastructure challenge posed by the impending retirement of the Google Base API (used by listing providers to submit listings), we’ve decided to discontinue the real estate feature within Google Maps on February 10, 2011.
We’ve learned a lot and been excited to see real estate companies use Google Maps in innovative ways to help people find places to live, such as Coldwell Banker’s use of Google Maps and YouTube, or Realtor.com’s Android app that lets you draw a shape on a map to find all properties you’re interested in.
Yet we recognise that there might be better, more effective ways to help people find local real estate information than the current feature makes possible. We’ll continue to explore this area, but in the meantime, Google offers other options to home-seekers: you can still access other information in Maps such as local businesses, directions and transit times, as well as aerial and Street View imagery to explore where you might want to move, and also use Google search results to find helpful real estate information and websites.
Real estate companies can also continue to use tools from Google to help connect with buyers and renters who use the Internet to research properties. For example, companies can use the Google Maps API to embed customised maps that are useful to potential clients right on their own web pages. Our Google for real estate professionals site contains various methods for generating leads and improving real estate business operations.
Posted by Brian McClendon, VP, Google Earth and Maps
Rippikoulu - Musta Seremonia (1993)
Artist: RippikouluAlbum: Musta Seremonia
Year: 1993 (re-release 2010)
Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Finland
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 72 MB
1. Kadonneet Jumalat 05:32
2. Kuolematon Totuus 03:54
3. Ikuinen Piina 06:04
4. Anteeksiannon Synkkä Varjo 05:59
5. Pimeys Yllä Jumalan Maan 03:59
6. Musta Seremonia 06:11
Total playing time 31:41
Download
Download
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Svartsyn - Wrath Upon the Earth (2011)
Artist: SvartsynAlbum: Wrath Upon the Earth
Year: 2011
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Sweden
Quality: mp3@VBR172kbps
Size: 45 MB
Year: 2011
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Sweden
Quality: mp3@VBR172kbps
Size: 45 MB
1. Intro 02:20
2. Wrath of Leviathan 04:31
3. My Mountain 06:40
4. Deathsworned 04:45
5. Dawn of Triumph 03:56
6. Pyramids of Deathlight 04:43
7. Blood Temple 04:31
8. He Who Knows 04:41
2. Wrath of Leviathan 04:31
3. My Mountain 06:40
4. Deathsworned 04:45
5. Dawn of Triumph 03:56
6. Pyramids of Deathlight 04:43
7. Blood Temple 04:31
8. He Who Knows 04:41
Horna - Sotahuuto (2007)
Artist: HornaAlbum: Sotahuuto
Year: 2007
Genre: Raw Black Metal
Country: Finland
Quality: mp3@320kbps
Size: 84 MB
1. Lähtölaukaus 05:01
2. Vapise, Vapahtaja 04:23
3. Verimalja 04:19
4. Tuhontuoja 04:57
5. Sodanjano 04:54
6. Ukkosmarssi 03:02
7. Sotahuuto 03:19
8. Vihanlietsoja 03:49
9. Tulikäsky 02:42
Total playing time 36:31
Palm Springs Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Find Palm Springs homes for sale on my Palm Springs real estate blog. It remains a fantastic time to purchase a Palm Springs vacation home or full-time residence. I can show you a good selection of mid-century modern, California Ranch, Spanish-style ranch, Spanish Revival, cottage and single-level condos, located in many of Palm Springs' most popular neighborhoods and condo communities.
When you buy or sell in Palm Springs, contact me for professional and friendly representation.
Call or text: 760.902.3121
Email: RussellHill@dc.rr.com
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| For Sale: Biltmore Condo, 1/1, renovated! Views! $135K |
Here is the activity for 01/13/11 and 01/14/11. Click on the link @ property address to see property details and photos!
Central Palm Springs:
New Listings:
110 E Amado, #13C1, Casa Verde, 2/2, $129,000.
1951 E Tachevah Dr., Desert Lanai, 1/2, $140,000.
400 N Avenida Caballeros, #5, 1/2, $169,000.
1049 Audrey Dr., The Morrison, 3/3, $465,000 to $475,000. ( 3 listings)
In Escrow:
471 S Calle El Segundo, #C1, Biarritz, 1/1, $99,500.
355 N Avenida Caballeros, #8, Center Court, 2/2.5, $155,000.
1151 W Tiffany Cir., N., Rose Garden, 2/2, $180,000.
288 S Lugo Rd., St Baristo, 3/2.5, $599,000.
282 N Sunset Way, Sunrise Park, 3/2, $279,000.
332 N Sunset Way, Sunrise Park, 3/3, $414,900. (foreclosure)
500 S Fern Canyon, Tahquitz Canyon, 4/3.5, $549,900.
1190 N Rose Ave., Vista Las Palmas, 3/2, $765,000.
600 W Linda Vista Dr., Tennis Club, 4/3.5, $1,250,000.
Sold: Now listing original list price, "current" list and final sold price.
500 E Amado Rd., #207, Deauville, 2/2, $299,000./$249,000./$239,000.
677 E Arenas Rd., 48@Arenas, 2/2.5, $339,900/$310,000.
South Palm Springs:
New Listings:
2190 S Palm Canyon Dr., #50, Canyon CC Estados, 2/2, $127,000.
2347 Los Patos Dr., Villas De Las Flores, 2/2, $179,000.
6288 Driver Rd., Sandcastles, 2/0, $265,000.
1368 Primavera Dr., E., Deepwell Ranch, 2/2, $299,000.
2185 S Madrona Dr., Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $379,000.
670 S Mountain View Dr., Demuth Park, 4/3, $189,000.
1498 E Via Estrella, Canyon North, 4/3, $719,000.
In Escrow:
1111 E Ramon Rd., #25, Ramona Villas, 2/2, $130,000.
269 E Canyon Vista Dr., Canyon View Estates, 3/2, $250,000.
1585 Palm Colony, Biltmore Colony, 3/3.5, $540,000.
259 W Camino Alturas, The Mesa, 5/5, $989,000.
Sold:
1392 S Camino Real, Biltmore, 1/1, $84,900/$54,900. (foreclosure)
5285 E Waverly Dr., #109, Palm Canyon Villas, $65,900./$64,500.
1950 Golf Club Dr., #1, Mountain Shadows, $144,000./$139,900.
1821 Navajo Cir., Twin Palms, 4/3, $650,000./$449,000./$400,000.
2165 Silverdo Cir., Canyon North, 4/3.5, $695,000./$679,000./$627,500.
64561 Via Fermato, Bellamonte, 4/4.5, $819,800./$767,800./$750,000.
Source: Desert Area MLS. Listings/sales are not necessarily those of Russell Hill - deasy/penner&partners
Russell Hill Lic #01427657 760.902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com RussellHillintheDesert.com HomeinPalmSprings.blogspot.com
1951 E Tachevah Dr., Desert Lanai, 1/2, $140,000.
400 N Avenida Caballeros, #5, 1/2, $169,000.
1049 Audrey Dr., The Morrison, 3/3, $465,000 to $475,000. ( 3 listings)
In Escrow:
471 S Calle El Segundo, #C1, Biarritz, 1/1, $99,500.
355 N Avenida Caballeros, #8, Center Court, 2/2.5, $155,000.
1151 W Tiffany Cir., N., Rose Garden, 2/2, $180,000.
288 S Lugo Rd., St Baristo, 3/2.5, $599,000.
282 N Sunset Way, Sunrise Park, 3/2, $279,000.
332 N Sunset Way, Sunrise Park, 3/3, $414,900. (foreclosure)
500 S Fern Canyon, Tahquitz Canyon, 4/3.5, $549,900.
1190 N Rose Ave., Vista Las Palmas, 3/2, $765,000.
600 W Linda Vista Dr., Tennis Club, 4/3.5, $1,250,000.
Sold: Now listing original list price, "current" list and final sold price.
500 E Amado Rd., #207, Deauville, 2/2, $299,000./$249,000./$239,000.
677 E Arenas Rd., 48@Arenas, 2/2.5, $339,900/$310,000.
South Palm Springs:
New Listings:
2190 S Palm Canyon Dr., #50, Canyon CC Estados, 2/2, $127,000.
2347 Los Patos Dr., Villas De Las Flores, 2/2, $179,000.
6288 Driver Rd., Sandcastles, 2/0, $265,000.
1368 Primavera Dr., E., Deepwell Ranch, 2/2, $299,000.
2185 S Madrona Dr., Canyon Estates, 3/2.5, $379,000.
670 S Mountain View Dr., Demuth Park, 4/3, $189,000.
1498 E Via Estrella, Canyon North, 4/3, $719,000.
In Escrow:
1111 E Ramon Rd., #25, Ramona Villas, 2/2, $130,000.
269 E Canyon Vista Dr., Canyon View Estates, 3/2, $250,000.
1585 Palm Colony, Biltmore Colony, 3/3.5, $540,000.
259 W Camino Alturas, The Mesa, 5/5, $989,000.
Sold:
1392 S Camino Real, Biltmore, 1/1, $84,900/$54,900. (foreclosure)
5285 E Waverly Dr., #109, Palm Canyon Villas, $65,900./$64,500.
1950 Golf Club Dr., #1, Mountain Shadows, $144,000./$139,900.
1821 Navajo Cir., Twin Palms, 4/3, $650,000./$449,000./$400,000.
2165 Silverdo Cir., Canyon North, 4/3.5, $695,000./$679,000./$627,500.
64561 Via Fermato, Bellamonte, 4/4.5, $819,800./$767,800./$750,000.
Source: Desert Area MLS. Listings/sales are not necessarily those of Russell Hill - deasy/penner&partners
Russell Hill Lic #01427657 760.902.3121 RussellHill@dc.rr.com RussellHillintheDesert.com HomeinPalmSprings.blogspot.com
Get the Best Price for your home. 5 Tips to Prepare for a Home Appraisal
Get the Best Price for Your Home: (5) Tips to Prepare for a Home Appraisal
With home values down as much as 40% from three years ago, it will be a long road to recovery in the housing market as foreclosures continue to flood the market. The importance of getting an accurate value for your home through an appraisal is essential. Though it's not encouraging to hear, many homeowners are competing with these distressed properties when trying to sell.
Yet, every home has something special or unique that can help lift the selling price. Securing the right appraiser is key to establishing a selling price for your home. This appraiser should have experience in your neighborhood, preferably your street, and have first-hand knowledge of what other properties look like and know variables, such as their appeal and current value.
The appraiser needs to understand the advantages of living in your neighborhood. In Chicago, one block can make a huge difference in the "feel" and composition of a neighborhood. So when pulling together data for an appraisal, the appraiser should know which buildings to compare with yours. The appraiser needs to value not only the sales of other units in similar buildings, but also be aware of the amenities and lifestyle your building offers, particularly when compared with other buildings in your area.
Before you list your home, check with friends and neighbors, or go online to a site with user reviews such as Angie's List (http://www.angieslist.com/) and find a company that is highly regarded and works in your neighborhood. Then it's up to you to prepare for the appraiser's visit. The appraiser's focus is to see your residence in the same way a potential buyer will see it and quantify that experience in the form of an estimate of market value.
Former banking professional and veteran appraiser Michael Hobbs, President of Pahroo Appraisal & Consultancy (http://www.pahroo.com/), has the following tips to prepare a home for an appraiser's visit in advance of selling your home:
1.) Gather your documents on the financial history of your building/home, create a list of amenities, investment capital into the building and/or your individual unit, including remodeling/updates, parking availability, management company and neighborhood association (if applicable). One place online for condo owners to resource while gathering such information is Chicago Condos Online (http://www.chicagocondosonline.com/).
2.) De-clutter and get organized. While an appraiser and ultimately a buyer are looking at the physical space that will be purchased (and not your personal items), you want to optimize their experience of the residence. If you wouldn't invite your friends over, much less a potential buyer, then tidy up. Start with the most cost-effective improvements: de-cluttering your home, throwing away that stack of old junk mail, giving unused items to a local charity or Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmy.com/), putting your lesser used items in portable storage, such as SmartBox (http://www.smartboxusa.com/), or hiring a professional organizer, such as Laura Olivares (http://www.borganizedinc.com/).
3.) Light up your home, which is another cost-effective improvement. Walk through your home and look closely at those individual light bulbs that burned out months ago, and replace them. Consider higher wattage, more energy efficient bulbs. By brightening up your home, you change not only the experience of a potential buyer, and therefore the appraiser, but you also change the energy. Dimly lit rooms seem small and are not necessarily suited to today's buyers. Bright and open spaces are more appealing to buyers and will sell faster per a recent article by http://www.realtor.com/.
4.) Clean, clean, clean (inside and outside) your home, another very cost-effective improvement. Have you ever arrived at a house and had a bad feeling before you even got out of the car? When was the last time either you or a cleaning company went through and deep-cleaned your home, specifically the kitchen and bathroom which are areas of primary concern to potential buyers? After curb-appeal and general basic landscaping, these two areas account for the primary attention of would-be buyers and should be clean and odor-free. Remember, first impressions are typically the only opportunity you have to show off your home.
5.) Repair broken items. Before you consider overhauling your home for that would-be buyer, make those minor cosmetic repairs that you've been putting off for months or years. A well-maintained house not only shows well and indicates move-in ready condition, but also sends a message to a buyer that if what they see is cared for, then likely what they can't see has probably been taken care of as well. Whether you're a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair person, or you hire a local trusted handyman such as Dad's Handyman Service (www.calldads.com), make those quick fixes to maximize the appeal of your home. If you are considering bigger investments, check out the recent cost vs. value analysis at (http://www.remodeling.hw.net/).
In summary, there are many features of your home that you cannot change, such as: the size of your home, the location/neighborhood, the total number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and recent sales activity of your neighbors. Yet for all of these variables you cannot change, by performing the actions above, you can make sure that you have represented your home most favorably not only for the appraiser, but ultimately for that future buyer.
Michael Hobbs is the President of Pahroo Appraisal & Consultancy. His firm is an Angie's List 2010 Super Service Award Winner, a designation given to less than 5% of all firms. Michael is also an Appraisal Institute associate member. Contact him at (773) 388-0003. His e-mail address is Hobbs@PahRoo.com.
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