Audrey & Frank's Blog

Sat, June 6, 2009 @ 12:40pm

Getting a home sold in this real estate market is tough enough but to lose a potential buyer before they get in the home would be devastating.  There are some simple fixes to make the home more inviting to buyers driving by that will not cost that much money to do and could be the reason your home sells.

The following tips will make your home shine:

1.  Remove any clutter and debris.

2.  Mow and weed the lawn.

3.  Prune and cut back the shrubs and trees.

4.  Freshen doors and trim with a new coat of paint.

5.  Spray the siding so that it is clean.

6.  Update any old lighting fixtures.

7.  Mulch or clean up landscaping and trees beds.

8.  Make sure the driveway and walks are in good repair.  Clean if necessary.

9.  Remove any old sheds, bikes, etc. from the street view.

10.  Replace any lost roofing shingles, downspouts, etc.

11.  All decks and porches should look neat, clean and presentable.  Powerspray if needed.

12.  Make sure all window treatments look nice from the outside and that the windows are clean and shine.

By taking these few steps while putting your home on the market could save yoy thousands in the long by getting you to where you are going faster with fewer troubles during the selling process.

Audrey & Frank Serio, CRS have been selling real estate for over 24 years in the Fenwick Island/Bethany Beach De area  and are the Broker/Owners of REMAX By The Sea.  Their website is www.TheSerios.com.

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Thu, July 31, 2008 @ 10:31am

In today’s market a Home Warranty could be just the right value added ingredient to get your home sold.  Not only does the Home Warranty give the Buyer some peace of mind after the purchase but it can also protect the seller during the marketing period of their home.  According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), many new-home owners are unaware of the limitations on home warranties, which can cause confusion and unnecessary frustration when problems crop up and repairs are needed. To prevent this, the BBB suggests prospective buyers do some research before accepting the keys to their new home.  

• Find out how long the warranty company has been in business. Request a reliability report from your local BBB.


• Shop around for the best prices. Most home warranties cost between $300 and $395, but not all offer the same benefits — and make sure to factor in the deductible.


• Ask questions regarding the company’s policy on home repairs. Many have their own service contractors but others allow you to choose your own.


• Get a professional home inspection so you are aware of any possible problems that may not be covered by your warranty.


• Call the warranty company to ask questions and see how the customer service department treats you; this might indicate how you’ll be treated during future calls.


• Know what is covered and what is not. Always ask about "pre-existing" conditions.  Typically, major operating systems and appliances are covered due to normal wear and tear for the first year.

 For more information contact Audrey and Frank Serio, CRS at Frank@TheSerios.com or visit www.TheSerios.com.  REMAX By The Sea

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Thu, July 24, 2008 @ 2:52pm

We hear and see all the negative press about today's housing market and begin to believe that it is true.  The market is in bad shape.  Oil and food prices are rising.  Foreclosures are still a concern.  Big lenders awaiting bail outs.  The Fed is trying to keep inflation in check and at the same time make money affordable to keep the economy going.  All of this is making for prime material for the media.

If we think back, in the '70's we had the oil crunch.  Gas stations would only serve "regular" customers.  Gas stations were closed on Sundays and if you could get gas, after waiting in long lines, you could only get 10 gallons at a time.  In Ocean City Maryland, the Mayor guaranteed anyone that could get to the resort would be able to get a tankful of gas to get home.  The real estate market became Buyers' market and those that bought in the down market made out very well.

The 80's brought the double digit interest rates and the collapse of the Savings & Loans.  And once again price stood still and it was a great time to buy.  The 90's had the Internet boom on stocks.  Real estate was taking a back seat until the bubble burst on high tech stock.  Those that bought real estate instead of stocks fair very well.

Now after several years of a real estate boom the market is adjusting and has become a Buyers' Market.  Many potential buyers are waiting for the bottom to jump in.  The  problem with that philosophy is that you only know the bottom when it passes you by.

With the large inventory to choose from, the best interest rates in almost 35 years (absent the past several) and sellers that are motivated in many cases to sell, now is a great time to buy.

If you have contemplating buying a new home, call a REALTOR® today and see for yourself the advantages of buying in a down market.

Call Audrey & Frank Serio, CRS at REMAX By The Sea, 302.537.3171 or email us at Frank@TheSerios.com

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