Free Homebuyer Seminar

Thursday February 18th

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Learn everything you need to know about buying a home!  Licensed professionals will be discussing the following fields involved in your purchase transaction:

• Realtor
• Lender
• Home Inspector
• Insurance
• Title Work

The government has issued an $8000 dollar tax credit for first time home buyers that does NOT have to be paid back..we will also be discussing the tax credit for individuals that currently own a home.  This opportunity ends this year, the deadline quickly approaches.  NOW is the best time to buy a home!  Prices are low, interest rates are at historical lows and the tax credit makes it even better.

If you are interested in attending this free seminar, contact me to RSVP by February 16th!

Tye Pameticky, ABR

cell  316-993-9416

e-mail  tpameticky@weigand.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

To search homes in Wichita or the surrounding areas visit:

http://www.tyesellshomes.com

Are you interested in replacing some of your appliances?  Check out the State Energy Efficient Appliance Replacement Program.  Kansas citizens can apply for assistance in the purchace of new energy star appliances.  Buying a new appliance helps in a few different ways:

• Reduces monthly bills
• Helps local businesses
• Helps the environment

The reduced bills alone are a good reason.  Helping local businesses is a great idea right now while the economy is recovering.  The reduced usage of energy will help the environment.  Every little bit helps.

There are income requirements to qualify:

• 1 person $27,247
• 2 people $35,630
• 3 people $44,014
• 4 people $52,397

If you would like more information on this program visit http://www.kshousingcorp.org/programs/seearp.shtml for more information.  This has the potential to help a lot of people as well as help get the economy moving in the state.  To apply go to http://www.kshousingcorp.org/display/files/SEEARP/SEEARPApplication%20packet%2001152010.pdf. 

I hope this is of use to some of you.  Happy shopping!

Tye

http://www.tyesellshomes.com

Did you know you control the sale of your home?  There are four reasons a property sells (or doesn't ):

• Location
• Price
• Condition
• Marketing

Location is the one thing you have no control over.  It does however help determine the value of the home.

Price is one of the three you do control.  It's best determined by a well researched Comparative Market Analysis or CMA.  As a seller you should receive a written or computerized CMA comparing your property to similar properties that have recently sold. 

Condition is also controlled by you.  When selling your home you need to put your best foot forward.  The best way to do that is to have a clean, well maintained home to show.  It is also important to stage the home properly to enhance it's appearance.  Don't forget about landscaping.  It's the first thing people see when driving up to the property.  Remember, the rule is to appeal to as many prospective buyers as possible.  This is a good time to make changes that will attract the largest number of prospective buyers.  --You may like that wallpaper with dragons on it in the bedroom but not all buyers will.

Lastly is marketing.  The world today is quickly changing.  Advertisement via print media such as the newspaper is quickly going by the wayside.  More and more people are shopping for homes online.  It is vital that your home have a strong online presence.  It is not enough to just be listed in the local MLS and have an ad in the paper. Contact me and I will be happy to share my marketing strategy so we can sell your home for the most money and in the shortest time possible.

Some people make a big mistake by ignoring the 3 factors they control.  In todays very competative real estate market you need any edge you can get to help your home stand out.

If you live in Wichita or the surrounding areas and you would like to know what your home is worth visit http://www.tyesellshomes.com/WhatIsMyHomeWorth.aspx .

Why is knowing what your home is worth so important?  Having some sort of idea what your home is worth can be helpful when considering additions or investing in that big home remodel project such as a kitchen or bathroom.  You may not plan to move now or even in the near future, but knowing what your home is worth now in comparison to others in the area can help guide you in the right direction.  When doing home improvements you don't want to over-improve or you may price you way out of the neighborhood.  The best thing with home improvements is to make up the money spent when you sell.  Not so easy to do if your the only house on the block with granite counter tops and slate floor while everyone else has laminate counter tops and tile floors.

The best thing about finding out what your home is worth is that it doesn't cost anything.  It's a good step to take to prepare for the future. Just follow this link:  http://www.tyesellshomes.com/WhatIsMyHomeWorth.aspx to find out.  If you would like a more in depth analysis give me a call!  I would be happy to help!

http://www.TyeSellsHomes.com

As I sit eating this donut and drinking this birch beer at the Donut Whole I can't help but wonder why food has to be healthy?  Of course I understand the importance of healthy eating, but what about enjoying what you eat. 

As a Realtor I spend a lot of time eating on the run which is most likely the absolute worst possible way to eat.  Much of what I eat isn't what I would consider healthy or flavorful for that matter.  When I do get a chance to sit down and eat something for the sake of enjoyment I have a tendency to be picky.  One thing I really love is a good soda and some donuts.  The Donut Whole happens to have both as well as a calm atmosphere to wind down a bit. 

Part of the eating experience should be the environment where it is eaten.  I try to make it a point to hit a place like this every now and then to keep things fresh.  It's a nice change of pace to alter the norm and hit a little coffee shop, or donut shop for that matter. 

Let's not forget about the variety of interesting people who frequent those sorts of places.  As different as they all are from one another and myself they all have one thing in common. They all like a good donut.

In an attempt to further develop my knowlege of the sacred American treat, the burger, I asked for some imput from followers on Twitter and Facebook.  I received a good number of responses.  I have yet to have the time to try all of them but I will list them anyway.

Leslie from Facebook says Sportsburger is at the top of her list.  I've driven by it on Hillside several times.  I really need to stop.  Starting at a buck you will be hard pressed to beat the price.

Several people mentioned TJ's in Delano, Red Robin, TGIFridays, and Shorty Smalls.  I've eaten at TJ's and liked it a lot.  A fine example of what a burger should be.  I will tell you I have never seen so many police and firemen in the same place at the same time.  That speaks pretty loudly.

Big Larry's in Valley Center had a mention as did the Gettaway in Garden Plain.  If you are ever in the area why not give them a try.

Bills and the Oasis both were mentioned once.  I didn't know of either, so I will have to try them as well.

As for me, I seem to be drawn to Toc's Coffee House.  Toc's has a couple of locations, one near Harry and George Washington Blvd. and one on East Harry behind Felipe's near Webb Road. They have pretty much the same menu as Jimmy's Diner but with out the icecream selection.  Great burgers, onion rings and fries.  If you are on a budget the burger basket is an inexpensive option.

If you have any others I missed, please comment and let me know.  One of the great things about Wichita are the burger options.  Let's face it, we must eat to survive.  Why not enjoy it a bit.  I won't tell your Doctor if you don't tell mine.

Thanks to Leslie on Facebook and the following on Twitter:

@atomicn3rd, @ksfishgirl, @lauren_75, @LampySue, @AEveland25 and @iRyans

Over the years I have been associated with people (my mother included) that seem to have a bit of an obsession with the small woodland creatures known as garden gnomes.  In the case of my mother they remind her of her childhood or possibly some ties to the country her parents migrated from.  Others seem to use gnomes as a means to annoy neighbors that find them repulsive or distasteful.  In the case of my friend Claudette from college she found them to be happy creatures that she felt needed "liberated" from the enslavement of their owners.  I have always found people that love these small creatures to be fun, light-hearted individuals that have a sort of tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. 

I suggest to anyone thinking of adding a gnome to their family please check with their neighborhood association regarding restrictive covenants that might limit their rights to place gnomes in their yards.  No one wants to adopt a gnome and have it immediately taken away. 

On a humorous side note I suggest you check out http://www.freethegnomes.com to read about some people who are concerned about the enslavement of the little guys.  Very funny.  I in no way condone the liberation of gnomes from their owners, unless it is purchased.

Enjoy your gnomes.  Just make sure your neighbors enjoy them as much as you do.  Happy neighbors are good neighbors.

Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit to include people who have owned and lived in their principal residence for at least 5 of the last 8 years consecutively.  They can get up to a $6500 tax credit.  The first time home buyer tax credit of up to $8000 has been extended for people who have not owned a principal residence for the last 3 years. 

Both tax credits will terminate April 30th, 2010.  The first time homebuyer credit is available to individuals making up to $75,000 per year or couples making up to $150,000 per year.  The credit is available to homeowners whos individual income is up to $125,000 per year or couples up to $225,000.

The current homeowners have a price cap on the purchased home of $800,000.

This will all go into effect when President Obama signs the bill which is expected to happen today.  This is great news for homeowners thinking of listing their property as there will be a large number of new buyers.  Buyers will benefit from an increased inventory of homes that would not be on the market otherwise.

If you have any questions please contact me.  I would be happy to find out the information for you.

Happy home hunting!