Team Feeken Archives - Page 12 of 12

Home Safety & Security Tips

January 11, 2013 By Glenda Feeken

A quick once-over of the items on this list may improve the safety and security of your home and could protect your family and friends. It is important to periodically pay attention to these things because things change over time.

Security

Does each exterior door have a deadbolt?
Does the lock on each window work?
Have you added pins or clips to your windows for additional security?
Do you have dowels or broom sticks in the track of windows and sliding glass doors?
Do you have security company labels or signs displayed prominently?
Do you have an alarm system? Is the system monitored?
Do you have a dog that barks when strangers approach the home?
Are emergency numbers posted near the telephones?

Fire

Do you have smoke detectors near all sleeping areas?
Do you check the batteries monthly and change them annually?
Do you have two carbon monoxide detectors?
Do you have an escape ladder for upper floors?
Do you have fire extinguishers near exits and in the kitchen?
Do you have an emergency escape plan and is the family familiar with it?
Are any outlets or switches warm to the touch?
Are kitchen ventilation systems working properly?
Is the dryer ventilated to the outside and is the exhaust free of lint?
Is the furnace cleaned and serviced yearly?
Is the space around the hot water heater clear of combustible materials?

Falls

Are all electrical and phone cords out of the flow of traffic?
Are rugs and runners slip resistant?
Is your step-stool sturdy and in good condition?
Are stairs clear of objects that could cause a fall?
Are all entrance ways, exits, halls and walks well lighted?
Do bath tubs and showers have non-skid strips or suction mats in them?

Other

Do you keep drugs and medicines out of reach and sight of small children?
Are interior doors designed so small children cannot lock themselves in rooms?
Are pool and play areas fenced to keep small children in and uninvited guests out?
Are firearms kept out of reach and sight of children?
Is a well-stocked first aid kit available for emergencies?
Is there one member of your family trained in first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver?

Kenai Peninsula Real Estate Update :: New Listing

January 11, 2013 By Glenda Feeken

North Kenai Real Estate: 54110 Field Drive North Kenai, AK 99635

Soldotna Real Estate: 48350 PATSY Court Soldotna, AK 99669, L3 B1 Rockwell Drive Soldotna, AK 99669, L4 B3 Rockwell Drive Soldotna, AK 99669, MP 92 Sterling Highway Soldotna, AK 99669

Kasilof Real Estate: 19540 Carson Street Kasilof, AK 99610

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NAR Video: Pending Sales Up In November

January 9, 2013 By Glenda Feeken

National Association of REALTORS video reporting on national trends in home sales and economic outlook for 2013.

Get Your Kenai Home Offer Accepted

January 9, 2013 By Glenda Feeken

As the market shifts from a buyer’s market, it’s good to know how to improve your chances to have the seller accept your offer on their Kenai home.

Once you decide on a home, don’t waste time; write an offer and submit it as soon as possible. Competing with another buyer happens more frequently than you’d expect. Multiple offers are a seller’s advantage but here are some tips to level the playing field. TEAM FEEKEN recommends:

Realistic offer – don’t give the impression you’re trying to “steal” the property. Submit comparable sales that justify your offer.
Pre-approval letter – this satisfies seller’s biggest concern that an unqualified buyer will unnecessarily take the home off the market and the seller will lose other opportunities.
More earnest money – it shows you’re serious and makes the seller feel like the contract will actually close.
Minimize contingencies – from a seller’s standpoint, each contingency is one more reason why the sale won’t go through. They feel the home is “off the market” and they’re in limbo.
Shorten inspection period – your agent can help you set a reasonable date but let the seller know you’re willing to close prior to that if possible.
Write a personal letter to the seller telling them why you want their home – this can be the emotional connection to the seller that makes the difference in you getting the home.

A seller wants to feel confident that the offer they accept will actually close so they can plan for their next move. Following tips like these can definitely affect negotiations and help put together an offer that is more likely to be accepted.

Buyers Gone Missing For Kenai Homes

January 8, 2013 By Glenda Feeken

My client came in to the office to talk about the sale and marketing effort on his home. My client is a former agent and had several questions.

“So why are you not doing open houses. When I was a selling real estate in the lower 48 we did open houses. Where are all the lookers? Where are all the people that are just curious about the home. Why are we not getting more showings on my property?”

I was just getting ready to answer when a voice rang out from the next office. We have a open window between offices…. It said we hold your home open 24-7 and now that curious person can just go on line and look at the virtual tour or You Tube video to get a up close look at your home from the comfort of their home in their jammies. Why bother putting your coat on and trudging out in -30 weather when your can just fire up the computer. The client looked a little stunned and said “well I never though of that.”

I went on to explain that buyers are doing extensive research online before they even contact a Kenai REALTOR to look at homes. That is the reason we provide great pictures, virtual tours and a local area specific custom web site to make this process so much easier for the buyer.

So the mystery is solved. The Kenai Homes buyers are not missing, just home by the fire on the computer checking your home out from a distance. If you are selling or thinking of selling be sure that your home is prepared to impress online.

New Years Resolutions

January 2, 2013 By Glenda Feeken

After spending the holidays with family and friends, this is a time of the year to start thinking about changes to make in our lives, both personal and in business. Team Feeken wanted to share one of ours with you.

Our goal is to become your Kenai REALTOR® for life. We want you to think of us first when you need to buy or sell and that you’ll recommend us to your friends too. That kind of trust has to be earned and we’re committed to helping you be a better homeowner even when you’re not buying or selling.

The strategy is simple. A well-informed homeowner will make better decisions. We’ll periodically offer information through articles and social media on a wide variety of home-related topics like maintenance tips, tax law changes, financing suggestions, insurance, equity building strategies, and rental property investments.

Please contact Team Feeken if you need a recommendation on a service provider. Our experience has built a list of reputable and reasonable contractors that you can rely upon. When you have any kind of home-related questions, I hope you’ll have the confidence to call us.

Happy New Year. We sincerely look forward to helping you or your friends.