J.D. Power Ranks RE/MAX #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Buyers and Sellers

Results from the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, recognize RE/MAX for providing the highest overall consumer satisfaction for both home buyers and home sellers. In last year’s study, two different companies ranked the highest in each category, but this year home buyers and sellers both rated RE/MAX the highest.

“It all comes down to professionalism and a commitment to a premier level of customer service,” said RE/MAX Chairman and Co-Founder Dave Liniger. “Because RE/MAX agents average more experience and training than other agents, they are better prepared to deal with home buyers and sellers in any kind of market. And, consumer preferences tell the story . . . nobody sells more real estate than
RE/MAX.”

This is the fourth annual study of home buyer and seller satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies, conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. For the home buying experience, three factors were considered: agent/salesperson, office and a variety of additional services. Four factors were examined for the home-selling experience: agent/salesperson, marketing, office and a variety of additional services.

As a full-time, professional RE/MAX Capital City Agent, I am proud to know that our customers appreciate all we do for them.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell I would love the opportunity to speak with them.

3 ways to save on home costs

1. Negotiate on repairs and upkeep

Price trend: Contractors, still facing a slumping real estate market, will strike a deal to get your business. In a May survey by consumer review website Angie's List, 81% of contractors say they'd negotiate labor costs; more than a quarter say they'd drop prices by more than 10%. Service providers like house cleaners and landscapers are cutting rates, too.

How to save: Get multiple price quotes. You'll have the most bargaining power if you can be flexible about the timing of your project. If a builder won't drop his price, see whether he'll upgrade you to higher-end fixtures, says Steve Gonzalez, author of "Before You Hire a Contractor: A Construction Guidebook for Consumers." 

And don’t forget as your Real Estate Agent I can give you recommendations on great contractors to hire, or point you in the right direction. Just give me a call!

2. Trim the cost of borrowing

Price trend: The average rate on a 30-year mortgage was 4.7% in May, down from 5.1% in February; it's expected to hit 5.8% next year, says the Mortgage Bankers Association. Some borrowers will pay more even sooner when jumbo loan limits expire this fall.

How to save: The recent rate dip has opened up another refinancing window. To save on closing costs, request a good-faith estimate before you apply. You can negotiate any fees the lender charges. You'll have the most wiggle room on adjustable-rate and jumbo mortgages. Need to find a reliable lender? Just give me, your Real Estate Agent, a call and I can recommend someone to you!

3. Get a deal on furniture

Price trend: Higher shipping and materials costs are pushing furniture prices up, says Kimberly Causey, author of "The Furniture Factory Outlet Guide."

How to save: When sales slow in the summer, many mom-and-pop shops will make deals to move inventory, says Causey. Ask for 20% off, and don't settle for less than 10%. Gently used floor models can go for 25% off. Sign up for e-mails from furniture shopping sites like Decorati.com and OneKingsLane.com, where a $2,970 Noir brand sofa recently sold for $1,499

http://money.cnn.com/2011/06/22/pf/home_repair_savings.moneymag/index.htm

Getting Settled In Your New Home

Relocating to a new community involves a lot of planning and attention to detail. Much attention goes into getting moved out, but getting moved in is just as important. Here are some of the things you’ll want to do once you arrive at your new home:

# 1: Unpack the essentials
With a little planning you can create an “open first” box or two that will have your essentials for the first few days. If you’re not moving everything yourself, plan for the possibility of arriving before your stuff does. Toiletries, medicine, a few changes of clothes, and basic kitchen items (such as a can opener, wooden spoon, cutting knife, one pot and one pan) are good examples of must-have items.

# 2: Help your pets acclimate
A move can leave pets excited and scared. If possible do not leave them unattended in the yard. Staying in their presence will be calming and lessens the chance of runaways.

# 3: Get the kids settled
If your things have arrived, help each child set up their bed and unpack one box of toys. Otherwise, get them excited about “camping” in their new home. Make sure you have a bag with their few favorite toys, or for teens and pre-teens some CD’s and books or magazines.

# 4: Go to the grocery store
Consider eating out the first night, and buy essential groceries on the way home. Focus on easy-to-make foods and quick snack items. Buy any cleaning supplies that you need (most chemicals should not be transported anyway). If you have a pet, buy any food and supplies not already in your “essentials” box.

# 5: Cover the windows
If your home doesn’t yet have the proper window coverings, hang sheets up to add privacy and security.

# 6: Set a finish line
Make a list specifying the order in which you will unpack and complete other moving-in tasks. Creating a time frame in advance will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

# 7: Get the lay of the land
Walk through your new home to check the heating, air conditioning, and electricity, as well as all appliances. Take your family on a walk through the neighborhood to learn your surroundings, and if possible meet your neighbors.

Need help navigating your new neighborhood? As your Real Estate Agent I can help you find all the essentials you need, just call, email, or text!