Staging to Maximize Marketability of Your Property

Do you think staging properties will help sell property? Absolutely! I have a great testimony. The property I was marketing, for over a year, belongs to an artist and she had every textile in every color on every wall you could imagine. Remarkable pieces of art. The problem was that it was a distraction. Buyers were looking at her art rather than the property. Michael Saunders & Company has an affiliation with ASID-certified Interior Designers, Stage III Designs and I hired them for the job. Without adding a single piece, they visually transformed the property. They knew what needed to be removed and they master the art of placement. I was a little worried that the owner would be offended, but quite the contrast. She saw her home in a new way - I believe she liked the results.

Within one week, I had an offer on the property and we are marching on to closing. These designers offered an invaluable service during a very challenging market. The amount of money I would have spent on additional marketing was better spent on staging. So, yes, I believe and will do it again when necessary.

History of Mortgage Interest Rates

Did you buy a home back in 1981? Did you actually pay 18% on your mortgage?! I was thinking back over the years, all the places I have lived and the homes I have owned, specifically: Florida, Kentucky, California - and finally, Sarasota. I came across this chart that shows the history of Mortgage Interest Rates and see the spike back in 1981. It was 1980 that I bought a home in Bradenton, FL and wasn't even phased by the interest rate - we wanted to buy a home and that was it. With the state of the economy what it is today, we can at least appreciate the OPPORTUNITY that exists with the current interest rate, whether we are in a position to jump into the market or not, it's something to appreciate. To me, FOURTH OF JULY is a day to reflect and appreciate. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Sarasota area, I'd like to represent YOU. If you're planning to buy or sell in another city, I have the resources to find and connect you with a reputable agent in your area. Call or email me. Michael Saunders & Company, Licensed Real Estate Broker BernadetteCaswell@MichaelSauders.com Cell: 941-320-8265

Renovation Loan Program - Thinking Ahead

Did you know that there's a "Renovation Loan" program offered through Wells Fargo, allowing buyers to finance the purchase and cost of improvements into the loan amount. This program is ideal for the buyers of REO's or short sales where there tends to be a high incidence of deferred maintenance or obsolescence. Examples of allowable repairs include:

• Roofs, gutters, downspouts


• HVAC Systems


• Plumbing, Electrical systems


• Existing flooring


• Minor remodeling


• Interior and Exterior painting/siding


• Weatherization including storm windows, doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.


• Appliances - free standing and built-ins allowed


• Handicapped Accessibility


• Mold remediation


• Repair/replace exterior patio/porch


• Septic and well systems/repair and replace


• Fencing (no, this is not your "martial arts" training)

There are some "ineligible work items", however.

We are also talking about FHA loans ($442,500) and the maximum renovation cost allowed to borrow is $35,000 and it MUST be a primary residence. I did the math and realize that the cost of using this money, rolled into the mortgage is definitely economical. If you want to discuss further, I would be happy to share what I know and turn you over to the most trusted Wells Fargo Rep I know.

Rates on 30-year Mortgages up slightly

Interest rates on a 30 year-fixed mortgage are still below the 5% mark, but rose slightly for the 2nd straight week. To read more on this story, click here: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/N1-051509.cfm

As an agent with Michael Saunders & Company, I have the pleasure of working closely with Harry Fager, who is a private mortgage banker with MSC Mortgage, an affiliate of Wells Fargo. My experience of working with Harry is that he is extremely responsive and reliable. For anyone shopping for a loan, I suggest going to www.mscmortgage.com to start the process and then contact Harry.

Visit Sarasota

Sarasota...on Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast

Why Visit Sarasota

Well of course, it's the Cultural Capital of Florida and Sarasota offers some of the best-of-the-best in live performance, music, ballet, theatre, film, and graphic mediums from sculpture and paintings, to photography and jewelry.

Florida Fact: Founded in 1949, the Florida West Coast Symphony has the distinction of being the oldest continuing orchestra in the State of Florida.

Not only are the culture offerings outstanding, Sarasota offers an abundance in Life Quality. Weather that is near perfect, year-round, golf, tennis, boating, hiking, canoeing or rollerblading....your choices are beyond compare.

Don’t Miss Siesta Key Beach
Sarasota offers an expressive chain of barrier islands, featuring some of the Best Beaches anywhere. World renowned and award-winning Siesta Key Beach attracts residents and visitors alike to its powdery white sand and calm azure Gulf waters.

The Legacy Trail
The origin of The Legacy Trail dates back to 1911, when it was the hub of transportation in Southwest Florida. Carrying soldiers and circus folk, the rail line eventual closed in 1971. This area has been resurrected as a recreation location, with an amazing 12-mile paved trail to bike, or walk. Abundant natural surroundings and local history accompany you from Sarasota to Venice. More information is available scgov.net/legacytrail.