Michelle Osborn
Realtor®
(479) 544-8236
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BEAVER SHORES BEAUTY

COME HOME EACH EVENING TO BEAVER LAKE

Just 14 minutes from downtown Rogers and you would be home at the end of each day to enjoy lake living.   This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is just a few yards from Beaver Lake with lake access.   There is plenty of room for parking an RV or boat on this .86 acres with 2/3 completely fenced.   There are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on the main level with a living room, kitchen, dining room and laundry.  Downstairs there is another living area or media room with bar area along with a bedroom and bath.

Exterior Front Entrance 8003 Cedar Ln Rogers Arkansas-16

Exterior Front 8003 Cedar Ln Rogers Arkansas-9

Dining room

Dining room

Up in the trees....aaahhhhh!

Up in the trees....aaahhhhh!

A well equipped kitchen with deck access for grilling

A well equipped kitchen with deck access for grilling

Lake view from your kitchen window

Lake view from your kitchen window

Covered RV or boat parking with driveway

Covered RV or boat parking with driveway

Downstairs family room or media room with wet bar

Downstairs family room or media room with wet bar

Hot tub on the back deck

Hot tub on the back deck

Huge fenced back yard

Huge fenced back yard

Posted by June | Micky | Valerie | Comments:Please leave a comment.

Unique Energy Efficient Home in Bentonville

Partially underground home with Bentonville address!

This is a very nice home that is located 6 miles from Bentonville, Pea Ridge and Bella Vista in a beautiful rural area of Bentonville.

Fantastic underground home on 1.68 acres

There are 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 living areas.

Lots of mature trees, nice setting

Great views!

Awesome views

Wonderful views!

Living room

Living room

Wood burning fireplace/stove

Wood burning fireplace with stove insert.  Wonderful for those cold evenings.

Kitchen

This kitchen has more storage than you can imagine, plus there is a pantry.

Plenty of counter top space and more cabinets!

And even more cabinets and counter top space

Pantry area in utility room between kitchen and 2nd living area

Pantry area

Master bedroom

Master bedroom opens up to a wonderful patio.  The master bathroom has a generous walk in closet.

40 x 26 detached shop with 3 rooms

40 x 26 Shop with 3 rooms, wired for 220 and 110.

Posted by June | Micky | Valerie | Comments:Please leave a comment.

44 Effective and Inexpensive ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale

happy family sold homeExterior Of Your Home

Overall, buyers are looking for a home that looks clean, neat, and well-maintained.  By addressing exterior issues, you immediately give your buyers a positive “first impression.”

Here are 13 first impression items to examine:

Tip #1: Get into your car and drive away from your home.  Drive towards your home the way a potential buyer would.  Notice your first impressions of your home. Is the landscaping well groomed?  How about the driveway and curb?  Can you easily see the architecture of the home, or is it blocked by trees and bushes.  Notice your roof.  Is it in good condition?  Make a list of items that need attention.

Tip #2: Paint your front door and mailbox.  Polish your door and entry hardware.

Tip #3: Make sure your doorbell is functional.

Tip #4: Wash or thoroughly clean wood, aluminum, and vinyl sided homes.  You can hire a contractor to pressure wash an entire house for about $200.  Pressure washing can remove dirt, grime, peeling paint, and mildew.

Tip #5: Rake leaves, trim shrubbery and trees, cut the lawn, and plant a few new, fresh flowers.  Put down fresh mulch or peat moss around shrubs and flower beds.

Tip #6: Sweep and hose off the walkways and driveways.  Pressure wash if necessary.

Tip #7: Clean the gutters and extend downspouts to prevent flooding or basement water seepage.

Tip #8: Organize the garage.  Get rid of clutter by either putting it in boxes, or pack ahead of time and rent a storage locker for your garage belongings.  Make sure you wash your car.

Tip #9: Check the locks of your home at both the entry, back entry, and garage.  Locks can give a first impression of a home that needs maintenance.  And they’re the first thing a buyer sees.  A small dab of graphite will make them work like new.

Tip #10: Clean oil stains from your driveway and garage.  This is best achieved by using poultice with Portland cement.  Scrub with a detergent and rinse.  Clean rust stains beneath rails with the commercial product, Zud.

Tip #11: Clean up any litter in the yard or walkways.  Remove any leaves or debris in the yard or walkways.

Tip #12: Touch-up the paint on the exterior of the home if necessary.  In some cases, it pays to repaint the entire exterior if it hasn’t received a coat of paint in years.  Hardwood trim on the exterior of the home can make or break its appearance.  Make sure it looks clean.

Tip #13: Look for any cracks in exterior plaster, and make sure they’re fixed and repainted to match exterior paint.

Interior Of Your Home

There’s a little known secret about home buyers that you need to know.  People buy homes based on the emotional FEELINGS they get from the home.  They fall in love, for example, with the kitchen or the master bedroom.  Or perhaps the roaring fire in the family room fireplace touched off an old memory.

And while they’re viewing your home, they’re visualizing in their mind’s eye what it would be like to live there – the backyard barbecues they’ll host…Sunday dinners with family…college graduation celebrations of their children.  Or simply relaxing in the backyard hammock.

It’s all about emotions.  And if your home doesn’t feel right, you will quickly lose interest from buyers.

So remember this: Purchase decisions are EMOTIONAL.  Once a decision to buy is made, we usually justify our purchase with logical reasons.

By dressing the interior of your home right, you’ll encourage your buyers to stay.  People buy with their eyes, ears and noses, and the longer they stay in your home, the greater the likelihood of an offer.

Here are 18 interior tips to help you “dress” the interior of your house so it feels like home to your buyers.

Tip #14: The entry way sets first impressions.  So make sure it’s in great condition with fresh paint and clean floors.  If the entry tile floor has build-up, consider using a commercial stripper and re-waxing.

Tip #15: Clear out about one-third to one-half of your furniture.  You want your home to look uncluttered, and the rooms to feel open and bright.  The average home has too much furniture for showing, and you need to move anyhow.  So you might as well pack away any furniture that clutters any rooms in the home.

Tip #16: Put away nick-knacks and items that make the home look overly personal to YOU.  You do not want your buyer feeling that they would never fit in the home because it has so many of your personal items in it.  Put away cluttered photos and other objects that will detract away from the home.

Tip #17: Do a thorough interior maintenance review.  Oil squeaky doors, tighten doorknobs, clean and repair ALL windows, and repair leaking taps and toilets.  Look for chipped paint and cracked plaster or drywall that needs repairing.

Tip #18: It is a good idea to have all windows professionally washed.  And clean all window shades and blinds.

Tip #19: Replace all burned-out light bulbs and clean lighting fixtures.

Tip #20: GIVE YOUR HOME A SPACIOUS LOOK.  If you’ve ever toured a model home, you’ve noticed that the home is spacious and bright.  Make your home look the same by: 1) Clear out stairs and halls of clutter and excess furniture, 2) Clear counters in the kitchen and bathrooms, and 3) Make closets and storage areas neat and tidy.

Tip #21: Make sure your home is clean by doing the following:  1) Shampoo carpets, 2) Clean washer, dryer, and laundry tubs, 3) Clean the furnace, 4) Clean the refrigerator and stove, 5) Clean and freshen the bathrooms.  Hire a professional cleaning service if needed.  The money you spend on these areas will come back to you in purchase price.

Tip #22: Wax or polish floors, and glue down any seems if you have vinyl flooring.

Tip #23: Make sure windows and doors operate properly and lubricate closet door tracks with a silicon spray.

Tip #24:  Glue loose wallpaper seams and remove soiled wallpaper.

Tip #25: Clean around fireplaces and remove ashes.

Tip #26: Organize all closets, pack up unnecessary items for storage, and put all toys away.

Tip #27:  Make sure all beds are made, bedrooms are neat and clean, and laundry is clean and folded.

Tip #28:  Consider holding a yard sale BEFORE you place your home on the market to get rid of excess items that can make your home look cluttered or small.

Bathrooms and kitchen are some of the most influential areas of a home.  Spending a small amount of money in these areas frequently nets owners many times their investment.  Here are a few suggestions for each.

Tip #29:  Your Bathrooms.  Repair loose tiles.  Remove loose grout using a grout file, and apply new grout.  Faded tile colors can be improved using an epoxy spray.  Remove old tub and tile caulking with a hooked scraper, install new white silicone tub, and tile caulk.  Concentrate on areas such as counter corners, shower corners, and base of toilet.  Clean mildewed caulk by spraying Tilex, or use diluted chlorine bleach and let stand for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.  Old tubs can often be sprayed with an epoxy coating.  Remove all soap scum and dirt build-ups.  Again, diluted chlorine bleach will help here.  Clean glass doors with vinegar, and replace badly soiled shower curtains.  Don’t forget to vacuum exhaust fans.

Tip #30:  Your Kitchen.  Clean ovens thoroughly.  Clean cook tops and exhaust fans.  Remember to clean behind your appliances.  Double-check all burners to make sure they’re working.  Defrost freezers, and thoroughly clean the interior of your refrigerator.  Remove mold from refrigerator gaskets.  Empty the water collection tray under the refrigerator.  Neatly arrange soaps and cleaning accessories.  Thoroughly wash fronts of cabinets using Murphy’s Oil Soap or Pine Sol.  Cover counter burns with ceramic tile or heat resistant glass.  Make sure all handles are securely in place.  Install new shelf and drawer liners.

How To Show Your Home For Maximum Profit

There’s a right way to show a home…and a wrong way.  Many homeowners lose money, or turn-off buyers because they simply didn’t know how to handle a home showing.  Here are 13 tips that will help you show your home for maximum profit:

Tip #32:  Save those receipts.  If you completed any substantial work on your home, save the receipts and ONLY take them out if someone questions the value of the work performed (in the negotiating process).  Many times extra work will increase the value of your home beyond your costs.  So only use the receipts if you need support to justify the work.

Tip #33: Save those utility bills.  Buyers frequently have questions about utility costs of owning a home.  If you have past utility bills, you will greatly increase your credibility and help provide precise answers to important questions.  Save electric, gas, water, oil, sewage, and waste management bills.

Tip #34:  Go away during organized showings.  Three’s a crowd when your home is being shown.  The only exception to this rule is if you have specific knowledge about features of the home a Realtor cannot answer.  But in most cases, don’t stay.

Tip #35:  Turn on ALL lights.  Illumination is like a welcome sign.

Tip #36: Open all drapery and bring in as much natural light as possible.  Buyers hate dark homes.  Anything you can do to brighten your home will help.

Tip #37:  Turn off any radios and TV’s.  Turn off the football game.  Tell the kids that the loud music will need a reprieve while the home is being shown.  Occasionally very soft, background music can enhance a showing.  But generally, no music at all is your best bet.

Tip #38: Plan a pleasant aroma.  Cinnamon sticks or vanilla boiled in a pot of water on the stove emit pleasant aromas and make a home smell inviting.  Apple and cherry wood smoldering in a fireplace do the same.  And who can resist the smell of apple pie or fresh bread baking in the kitchen.  Often, these pleasant smells can override other odors your home may have.

Tip #39: Keep pets out of the home during showings.  It’s best to keep them out of the home for an entire day before an open house.

Tip #40:  Do NOT volunteer conversation.  Be courteous but don’t force conversation with a potential buyer.  They want to inspect your home, not make a social call.

Tip #41:  Stay positive:  Never apologize for the appearance of your home.  Let the showing Realtor answer any objections – they’re trained to know how.

Tip #42:  DO NOT Tag Along.  It makes buyers fearful and uncomfortable.  The showing Realtor knows the buyer’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home.  They will call you if needed.

Tip #43:  Never negotiate during a showing.  Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possessions, and other items with any potential buyers.  If any negotiations arise prior to an offer, politely request the buyer to submit an offer and you can consider it.

Tip #44:  Protect  Your Largest Investment By

Getting REALTOR® Representation

Do you remember the old riddle that goes, “What do you call the person who graduated dead-last in their medical school class?”

Answer: “DOCTOR!”

Well, it’s the same with real estate agents.  Someone with vast experience and extraordinary professionalism usually costs the same as someone with little or no experience, or with compromising standards.  You need to know how to tell the difference up front.

Choosing a competent and experienced realtor can mean the difference between a higher negotiated sales price and losing money, selling in less time or in more time (costing you potentially $1,000’s in added interest), and experiencing problems and hassles or a problem-free transaction.

Our community is loaded with agents who are wrong for you, your area, and your home.  Some agents are in business part time for a little extra cash.  Others are subsidizing other businesses or careers.  And then there’s your “cousin Harry,” whom you feel obligated to because he “really needs your business.”

Selling your home is probably the most important financial transaction you will ever make. That’s why I take my business so seriously.  It’s also why I have developed customized home marketing programs meant specifically for your situation.

WHY ME?

Here’s why you should consider my services to market your home:

I’m not telling you these things to impress you, but to impress UPON YOU the difference between agents who simply “sell” real estate, and those who commit to whatever it takes to serve a client beyond their expectations!

On the surface, it may seem there are many Realtors from which to choose.  But just because there are many Realtors out there doesn’t mean they can all do the same job for you.

Real Estate Agents Are NOT All The Same!

I have enclosed with this report a special coupon.  By simply calling my toll-free number at 479-544-8236, I’ll share with you my exclusive “Maximum Home Value Audit.”  Here’s what you’ll get, absolutely FREE and without obligation whatsoever:

And you won’t get anything like “I have a buyer right now who’s interested in your specific home, and if you list with me, I’ll bring him by right now.

With me, you’ll get NO pressure.  No arm twisting.  Just a real world, honest, fact-filled analysis.

But Please Don’t Wait!

You’ll notice I placed an expiration date for your Free Home Inspection on the attached coupon.  I did this for a very good reason.  I enjoy working with clients, and sometimes my practice gets booked up fast.  In order to make sure I have undivided time for you, I need to hear from you immediately so there are no conflicts in scheduling our meeting.

Plus, I know there’s a natural tendency to procrastinate—to put off important decisions.  But the more you procrastinate, the more pressure ultimately rests with you.

By Not Acting Now, You Could Open Yourself To

Losing Thousands Of Dollars

So call now at 479-544-8236, and I’ll immediately arrange a convenient time to meet, and share with you my Maximum Home Value Audit.  It’s Free.  It’s FAST.  And it could save you $1,000’s on your home sale

Sincerely yours,

Michelle Osborn

Posted by Michelle Osborn | Comments:Please leave a comment.

Service For Life Newsletter

Michelle Osborn…

 

Service For Life!

“Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living…”

Learn Almost Anything

Online For FREE

You don’t have to pay for a college degree program to learn over the internet.  Whether you want to fix a leaky faucet, speak Chinese, or listen to a lecture on world history, there’s plenty of educational material available for free.  Here are some good places to start (and some you might not have thought of):

 Are You Feeling Scrunched?

 

Maybe you just had a child and you need more space.  Or have that nagging claustrophobic feeling.  Or maybe you just need a positive change in your environment.  Either way, I can help.  My service programs can help you find the perfect home.  It’s easier than you think.  Just give me a call at 479-544-8236.  My promise: there’s never any pressure or hassle – I’m here to help!

 

Protect Yourself: How Credit Card Changes Affect YOU

The new rules for credit card companies that mean more consumer protection went into effect on Feb. 22, 2010.  Here’s what they mean for you:

Your credit card company has to tell you:

¨       When they’re increasing your rate or other fees, giving you 45 days notice.  Also, they can’t raise the interest rate on an existing balance unless you’re more than 60 days late with a payment.  And they can’t increase your rate for the first 12 months after you open an account (with some exceptions).

        How long it will take to pay off your balance.  It will say on your bill how long it will take if you only make minimum payments, and how much you’d need to pay each month to pay off your balance in three years.

Monitor your cards closely and follow these tips to protect yourself:

ü  Pay on time.  Companies are required to mail or deliver your bill at least 21 days (instead of 14) before your payment is due.  Plan accordingly.

ü  Stay below your credit limit.  You will, however, be given the choice to “opt-in” to over-the-limit transactions.  If you opt-in and go over your limit, your credit card company can impose only one fee per billing cycle.

ü  Try to make more than the minimum payment.  You’ll pay less interest in the long run. 

ü  Shop for the best deal.  Don’t forget to check out local banks or credit unions when you’re looking for a card with the best rate.

ü  Read your mail.  They may give you 45 days notice on a rate change, but you won’t know if you don’t open the envelope if it looks like junk mail.

Posted by Michelle Osborn | Comments:Please leave a comment.

EXIT Realty is Here… and Growing.

exit-united-squareExit Realty is still here and growing. Thursday, November 12th the regional offices of Exit Realty got together to show the unity of the brand in Northwest Arkansas. A group of eighty plus licensed realtors made a commitment to work together through marketing and the sales of properties in Northwest Arkansas.

Rumors abound… actions speak for themselves

It has been said that the attacks of one’s competitors should be taken as a compliment. The rumor being promoted in the street by one particular group of offices state that a smaller regional franchise has bought Exit Realty International.  This is most certainly not true. Exit is still here and proud to be a leader in the real estate community.

The offices of Exit Realty will continue to work together to increase the number of truly professional agents and the the selling of real estate throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond.

The best choice is now EXIT Realty

full-group-picture-webFor people looking to buy or sell real estate, consider your local Exit Realty office.  No other franchise or independent brokerage in Northwest Arkansas has the training, the technology, and the leadership to stand toe-to-toe with EXIT Realty.  Therefore, no other office(s) can a client’s property as well as the collective offices of EXIT Realty.

For agents looking to make a move to another real estate company, you should also consider your local Exit Realty office. For more information on EXIT REALTY, call 479-636-7777.

Posted by Larry Robison | Comments:Please leave a comment.

Events and Fun Things to Do in Northwest Arkansas

things to do in Northwest ArkansasThere’s always a lot going on in Northwest Arkansas.  Live Music, Sports, Fundraisers… there’s something for everyone.  Check out this week’s list of things to do in Northwest Arkansas for the second week of September, 2009. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Ben Roberts | Comments:Please leave a comment.

The Carnival of Real Estate Meat N Taters Edition

meat and potatoes 156Welcome to the Carnival of Real EstateMeat ‘n Taters Edition!  EXIT Pro Realty is proud to host CoRE #156 this week with just over 20 quality submissions.  So, without further adieu… on with the show! Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Ben Roberts | Comments:Please leave a comment.

EXIT Pro Realty is Hosting the Carnival of Real Estate #155 on Monday, August 31st!

carnival of real estateI had just about forgotten that I signed up EXIT Pro to host the Carnival this month.  This past Tuesday I started getting blog carnival emails and realized… “oh yeah, we’re hosting the carnival this week.”  With that said, this week’s carnival theme is “Meat ‘n Taters.”

No offense to the vegetarians…

meat n taters

We’re BIG on technology around EXIT Pro.  One thing we try to keep our agents from losing sight of is the fact that real estate is about people, not technology.  To keep that in mind for us and for the rest of the real estate community, we thought we’d get back to basics and talk about the meat ‘n taters of real estate.  We also love to propagate the stereotypes of  the deep south so the theme accomplishes two goals.  This week’s carnival winners will be loosely based on how well they apply some of the basic real estate principles of networking, prospecting, closing, yadda yadda.  Of course, we’ll recognize other posts that tickle our worcestershire (that’s a steak joke).

Bring on the articles and submit some posts!  We’ve got 25 or so agents with their steak knives sharpened and ready to slice into some juicy real estate blogs!

Posted by Ben Roberts | Comments:Please leave a comment.

4 Great Home Inspectors in Northwest Arkansas

approved-by-exit-pro-realtyHome Inspection is an important part of the Escrow Process when purchasing a home.  Most Realtors will give you a list of a few different inspectors with their favorites on the top.  Here’s EXIT Pro Realty’s version of ‘the home inspector list”  for Northwest Arkansas that you would get from one of our agents.  Read below and see why each of these competent and trustworthy inspectors is recommended… then you can make an informed decision when you purchase your next home.

Home Inspectors Worth Their Salt

Don Seba – Home Inspection Professionals

home-inspection-professionalSince I’m the one writing this article, I can put my recommendation on top.  Don Seba does some great work.  He’s thorough and honest.  He puts together a great inspection report with pictures of all the issues and suggestions for fixing them.  He even fixes minor problems as a courtesy and has a section that shows you where important features of your home are located… like the water shutoff, the electrical box, pilot lights, etc.  He’s a great inspector and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get a good home inspection.  Don’s number is (479) 855-5777.

Roger Buckley – Ozark Plateau Property Inspections

Karen Brooks, one of our administrators recommends Roger as a great inspector.  She has used him many, many times and he does a great job.  I have used Roger on several inspections as well and always find him knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous.  Reach Roger by calling him at (479) 633-0046 or emailing him at oppinspect1@sbcglobal.net.

Tom Bartlett – A-Z Inspections

Debbie Ransweiler, one of the newest members of EXIT Pro says:

I recommend Tom Bartlett with A-Z Inspections.  He is very thorough, trustworthy and efficient. He e-mails the report, or hand delivers it, usually the same day, that is so complete, even explaining future recommendations and concerns. I’ve never had an unhappy client.

You can reach Tom at (479)466-1959.

David Linn – Covenant Property Evaluations

Mel Reed, our Principal Broker and Trainer, has this to say about David:

David has performed every home inspection with extreme professionalism. He performs an in-depth inspection and is very reasonable in his fees.  David uses the latest technology in the Palm-Tech Inspector which will generate a very helpful report.

You can reach David by calling (479)957-3056.

If you need advice on any professional real estate services… appraisers, painters, carpenters, property managers, lawyers, title companies, insurance agencies, etc.  Please, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Posted by Ben Roberts | Comments:Please leave a comment.

Bad Real Estate Photo of the Week for Northwest Arkansas

bad northwest arkansas real estate photo

I think the picture speaks for itself.  I’m tired of bad (aka unprofessional) real estate photos.  Each week I’ll display one or more photos that just make my skin crawl.  Feel free to stare at this atrocious photo, laugh, or cry as the mood strikes you.

Posted by Ben Roberts | Comments:Please leave a comment.

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