Alvin Bowyer\’s Blog

Late summer, early fall is the best time to begin renovating your lawn. This year with the excessive heat and many downpours we have experienced, many lawns are not looking up to par. Crabgrass and weeds have taken over many lawns. Crabgrass is a very aggressive annual grass that spreads and kills out the good grasses. One good thing about crabgrass “ it dies in winter. The bad thing about it is it produces prolific seeds that sprout in the spring.  To help revitalize your lawn, I would recommend getting a soil analysis done. This is very easy to do and an inexpensive way to get a wealth of information about your soil. To do this you need to get some samples from various areas of your lawn. I do this with a shovel cutting out a narrow slice about 6 inches deep. Put these in a CLEAN bucket and mix together all samples (you don™t need a lot here “ about a cup of soil is all that is necessary). Remove all grass from the sample. Many area garden supply stores offer this analysis at minimal cost, county extension agents can direct you as well. What you will get back is a very detailed report showing fertilizer levels, soil alkalinity, etc¦ From this report, you can add nutrients which will help build your soil such as fertilizer, lime, etc¦  You don™t need to buy expensive chemicals for this, typical garden fertilizers will do wonders. Late summer/early fall is the best time to do this, and you will see results by next spring. Most lawns in areas east of Mississippi river are acid and require lime every few years to keep them up. If they become too acid, your lawns will show it and you will see lack of vigor.  Another task that you can do is to overseed your lawn. This is not that difficult and can easily be done with your typical lawn equipment. I like to mow the grass at a very low setting (much lower than you normally do), this exposes the soil and you can simply sow a quality grass seed over this. As for seed “ in our area, Turf Type Tall Fescues are the best, followed by a Blue Grass Blend.   Don™t spare expense here, you want quality seed. You can hand toss it, and not overdue it. The idea is to evenly sow it over entire lawn. Do not put down any weed killers at this time as it will destroy your seeds and sprouting grass, you can do this later in fall once seed is sprouted. Make sure lawn gets a good watering at least once a week with 1 of water. You can set a small cup in area and measure when you get 1 in it.  A little bit of work and effort now (I call it Sweat Equity), will show results by next spring. You can have the lawn that will make your home stand out.

Now that we are in the midst of winter, let me remind property owners of the importance of winterizing your homes and properties if they are vacant. If you have the heat turned off, or down, any water remaining in pipes, toilets, appliances, etc… will freeze and can cause substantial damages. Especially with pipes, when they do eventually thaw, then you could face water damage from water free-flowing from damaged pipes. Just turning off the water does not stop damage, the home must be winterized by a professional who does this properly. Anti-freeze must be placed in fixtures (toilets), and all water must be drained from lines. A qualified plumber would be the best source for contacting about this service.

It is also important, where properties have not been winterized, that you turn the heat up a little  during cold spells, leave undersink cabinet doors open to  allow heat to reach the pipes. Basement doors  should be  opened. In crawl spaces, close the vents to  help prevent pipes from freezing under the floors.

Under  no circumstances should you leave unattended free-standing heaters running. They are fire hazards, and not safe to be left unattended.  

New Listing, located in Highlawn Area of Huntington. On desirable corner lot, 3 Bedrooms, new 1 1/2 baths, refinished hardwood floors, new kitchen, new service electric with 200 amp service, central heat and air, 1 car attached garage, small fenced yard in rear. Only $90,000.

Many buyers are scared of buying older homes due to amount of money needed to bring them up to date and being able to get a loan on them. The thoughts of re-wiring, re-plumbing, new windows, insulation and lots of sweat equity are dream of many, but few seek out these deals that have the opportunity to be a gem in the rough. The character and features of many older homes no longer exist in newer homes, and when other homes in neighborhood are in good upkeep, these older homes can be a great idea and investment.

Did you know that with loans, an appraisal is required that must show home is livable and safe. Many get discouraged to make an offer on home to find out that it does not pass underwriting requirements. One thing that many do not know is that there are special types of Federal loans “ called Rehab/renovate loans, technically known as a 203K loan that are available through a few lenders that allow money over and above the purchase price to do these repairs.

 How much work could be done with an up to an additional $35,000 to renovate an older home? You get all information up front with your contractor of what is needed, and add to this other œwish list items that you may like such as re-painting, carpet, etc¦These rehab loans allow you this flexibility. Add to this the Federal Stimulus Tax Credit of up to $8,000 for first time home buyers and that is up to $43,000 available to you to make an older home your home. The appraisal is still required, but is done when all renovations are completed and with assistance of lender, an approved licensed contractor, and some patience “ this could work for you. New kitchens, baths, central heat and air, whatever the home needs you can utilize this rehab loan. For an example, on a home purchase of $65,000 you would need $2,275 down, plus closing costs. The down payment can come from œgift funds of a relative or employer, which is a big boost with many families who are suffering from the economy. Another option that is available is that it is permissible to ask seller of home to pay up to 6% or the selling price of home to cover closing costs.

With the changing economy, there are stricter requirements for all loan programs, a Realtor can help get you with a lender who can help in your particular situation.

Should you be interested in this program or any others I will be happy to assist, just give me a call.

 John D. Short is a Home Mortgage Consultant with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage of Huntington, you may reach him at (304) 523-8661. John.D.Short@WellsFargo.com Alvin Bowyer is a Realtor with Century 21 Homes & Land of Barboursville. Monica McMellon “ Broker. You may reach him at (304) 208-4650. WWW.THEDETAILGUY.ORG

  This is a question we hear quite often. Here are a few answers to help you determine why it did not sell.  

1.  There is a BUYER for every home”AT THE BUYERS PRICE! Price is the single biggest reason homes do not sell. Buyers determine the market value of homes, not sellers or appraisers.   If buyers are not willing to pay the asking price”then home will not sell. When a home comes on the market priced too high, then drops substantially, buyers are afraid there is a problem. If you are not getting showings within 30 days of being on the market, price is usually the biggest problem. In today™s market even with a high price offer, it may not appraise for the offer amount and deal could fail.  

2.  Location, Location, Location. What is your neighborhood like? The quality of schools?   Crime? This needs to be taken into account with the pricing as well.

3.  How well does your home show? Have someone look at it objectively. Does it need a fresh coat of paint? How about the carpets, do they need cleaned. Do you have any odors from pets? A few dollars here could go a long way in how buyers see your home.

4.  Is your Listing Agent working for you? Some agents take homes at any price just to get it. Then when listing expires, you are upset that your home did not sell and have a bad taste for Agents in general. Some agents do not market it properly if at all. Are they unresponsive to calls from potential buyers and other agents.   If your agent is difficult to work with”you should consider another.

5.  Marketing and exposure. How is your home being marketed? Do you have placement in local home buyer publications? What about internet”how many sites? Flyers? Classified ads? Open Houses? Local MLS (Multiple Listing Service which markets home to area Realtors)?   Did you know that currently about 80% of buyers find their home on the internet? Especially with out of town buyers. The more exposure here the better.

6.  Market Conditions”where are we? In a sellers market, homes sell fast as many buyers are seeking homes. Buyers market home sales slow as there is an excessive inventory. These are cyclical and change with time.  

Medical professionals and associated fields, here is an excellent opportunity with a medical office suite for sale. Located next door to St. Mary™s Medical Center, it features a reception area, 3 exam rooms, lab, office, and business office area™s. See virtual tour by clicking link below. Only $100,000. Call today for additional information and showings. (304) 208-4650 https://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=1950741&sk=21

Everyone dreams of purchasing their first home! Now with some new federal legislation, this dream is now attainable for many more people.

In February 2009, the Federal Government passed legislation allowing up to $8,000 tax credit on homes purchased before December 1, 2009. On May 29, 2009, the government has changed the legislation allowing buyers to immediately utilize this towards purchase of their home, rather than waiting for the tax refund next year. To qualify as a first time homebuyer “ you must not own or have owned a home for the past 3 years.

The limitations to this are that the loan will be a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, and subject to a 3.5% down payment which is required by FHA. This tax credit can be applied towards closing costs, and/or a portion of down payment over and above the 3.5% required by FHA. The initial 3.5% is required to be paid solely by buyer apart from tax credit.

For First Time Homebuyers who qualify, this means you will get up to $8,000 cash back on a home purchase. Of course the home you wish to purchase must meet FHA requirements, which are a little different from typical bank loans. You should contact an FHA lender for additional details.

If you are a qualified First Time Homebuyer, this is a great incentive to buy now. It will also give you up to $8,000 towards your purchase. You must act before December 1, 2009 to utilize this tax credit.

Alvin Bowyer is a Realtor with Century 21 Homes & Land of Barboursville. Monica McMellon “ Broker. You may reach him at (304) 208-4650. WWW.THEDETAILGUY.ORG

In the heart of Downtown Huntington, just 1 1/2 blocks from Marshall University, here is a 9 unit apartment building that is great for students. Close to Pullman Square. Great Investment potential. Call me today for additional information (304) 208-4650

See Visual Tour – http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/viewer.asp?t=1903598&sk=38

A new Federal Housing Administration program allows qualified home buyers to apply the $8,000 tax credit towards their downpayment above the 3.5%, or to cover closing costs, and even buy down the interest rate. This is available to qualified buyers through December 1, 2009. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. If you are a first time homebuyer, or have not owned a home for the past three years – you should check into this!