United Real Estate Solutions
302 Jones Street. Suite 100
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
(712) 226-6000
info@unitedrealestatesolutions.com
www.unitedrealestatesolutions.com
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Are you a first-time buyer? Request this free guide.
Buying your first home is a big step and one that's likely to impact your financial future for years to come.
Make sure you make the right decision by asking for our free guide, "How First-Timers Can Make a Wise Buy."
Just reply to this email with your request and we'll send it right out to you.
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Recipe: Valentine's Warm Shredded Beets
According to some, beets are an aphrodisiac, making this recipe the perfect - if somewhat unusual - Valentine's side dish.
Serves 4
2 tablespoons butter
2 large beets, shredded (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1½ teaspoons salt
½ cup water
1 tablespoon flour
Pepper, to taste
Sour cream and parsley, optional
Directions
Heat butter in a large saute pan and add the beets, lemon juice, salt and water.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the beets with the flour and salt, but do not stir.
Cover and cook for another five minutes.
Add pepper to taste.
Serve with sour cream and chopped parsley.
Ask the Agent
Why do I need a home inspection?
Because most homes are sold in as-is condition, it is up to the buyer to investigate the condition of the home by having a home inspection.
1. Negotiate a home inspection contingency in your purchase contract. A week to 14 days is standard.
2. Hire a certified home inspector to do a home inspection for you. Your real estate agent can recommend someone he or she trusts.
3. Review the written home inspection report carefully and ask the home inspector any questions you may have.
4. Get three estimates from licensed contractors regarding any home system repairs that are needed. Obtain a referral from your agent, a friend or a family member. Ask for the contractor's references.
5. Having information about the condition of the home is important for making the right investment decision.
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Selling Your Home? How to Make it Lovable
Today's buyers love vibrant red and orange accent walls, usually in contrast to earth-toned neutrals. They also love stoves with super-quiet exhaust fans, kitchen islands, and recessed lighting combined with hanging pendant fixtures.
In the bathroom, they love glass and stone finishes with brushed nickel faucets and floating vanities. And don't forget the open floor plans that blend kitchen, dining room and family room into a single open space. Seducing today's buyers is almost a necessity in today's real estate market. But how far should you go to cater to buyers' wants?
It depends. Unless you're selling a luxury property, you don't have to buy a professional-grade stove. However, you may want to consider trading your outdated avocado appliances for stainless steel and buying an inexpensive island on casters to make the kitchen feel more modern.
Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so it makes sense to spend the majority of your renovation dollars to upgrade these spaces. In the bathroom, new fixtures, a soft color for the walls and sconce lighting will make a world of difference. Add fluffy white towels, flowers and candles, and you have a spa that buyers will love.
A fresh coat of neutral paint is always a cost-effective solution. And an accent wall can make a space look bigger, warmer and more up to date.
Carpeting is out and exotic woods and travertine floors are in. However, your buyers will likely be as impressed with less-expensive flooring options.
New Year + New Career = New You!
 Many jobs lack flexibility and have few incentives that reward your extra effort. That means being stuck in a position that dictates your work schedule and stifles your creativity. If you have a passion to achieve and the discipline to be your own boss, we would like to visit with you. As a sales associate with United, you can set your own hours, unleash your unique strengths and create a business plan that provides for an unlimited income potential!
Why Unite With United?
United Real Estate Solutions’ associates are among the highest paid workers in Siouxland. In 2010 the average income of an United associate was over $65,000. We give you the tools and training necessary to become the best in your field.
How Hard Can It Be To Sell Houses?
That is a question everyone who enters real estate should be asking. The answer is: It’s hard if you don’t know what you are doing. Did you know the National Association of Realtors statistics show that 3 out of every 4 sales associates that begin their career will be out of the business by the end of their second year? United Real Estate Solutions is the only Siouxland real estate firm with a proven track record of success. Not just with experienced agents but particularly with new sales associates. If you want immediate and long lasting success you need to choose United Real Estate Solutions. We have found that after a new associate’s first year, we almost always get “I wish I would have done this many years ago!”
At United we are committed to preparing you to succeed. Benefits include:
· Award-winning website with back-end agent tools
· Full-time in-house marketing department
· Staff to assist with your smart phone and computer needs
· Internet and relocation leads
· Tech savvy marketing including heavy use of social media
· Full-time Career Development Director to help with your training and business planning
· Fully staffed support personnel to assist with offer and listing paperwork, data entry and license compliance laws
· Warm, welcoming and amicable work environment
If you are interested in learning more about a career with United, please contact Tonya Vakulskas, Director of Career Development at 712.226.6062 or careers@unitedrealestatesolutions.com. OR, plan to attend our FREE Career Seminar on Saturday, February 11, here at the United Center office. The seminar will be held at 10:00 AM and will last approximately one hour. Seating is limited so click on the link below to reserve your seat today!
http://www.unitedrealestatesolutions.com/careerseminar.cfm
Wondering How Much Your Home is Worth?
How has the price of your home changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?
If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your home, we can help.
Just give us a call for a professional evaluation or visit our web site, http://www.unitedrealestatesolutions.com/contact.cfm?action=appraisal to submit your information online.
We won't try to push you into listing or waste your time. We'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value plus information on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!
Just give us a call at 712-226-6000 or reply to this email to arrange an appointment.
How to Leap Those First-Time Buyer's Hurdles
First-time home buyers have plenty of obstacles to overcome. There is an intricate maze of details that need to be carefully navigated. Following are five obstacles that first-time buyers have to overcome when looking to buy a home:
Down Payment: Saving enough for the down payment is not sufficient. Closing costs must also be considered. Closing costs are additional fees such as the lawyer's fees, escrow charges, appraisal fees, financing fees and utility adjustments. A good rule of thumb is 2% of the purchase price will cover the closing costs. So for a $200,000 home with a 5% down payment, you would require $14,000 to cover both the down payment and closing costs.
Mortgage Preapproval: Many first-time home buyers overlook the preapproval process. This mistake can cost you your dream home. Visit a mortgage professional to see what kind of mortgage you qualify for and closely examine the actual cost of the money you must borrow to purchase a home.
Use a Real Estate Agent: Some home buyers think they can go it alone. Buying a home is a complex legal process, and buyer representatives have the knowledge and know-how to make your home-buying experience a happy one.
Know the Difference Between What You Need and What You Want: It is fine to dream big, but the home-buying process can be very frustrating when you have a $200,000 budget and $500,000 taste. It is essential to the buying process to identify what your home must have and what you would like it to have.
Believe in Yourself: It seems that when you are buying your first home, everyone has an opinion about the purchase. This can be confusing because unsolicited advice clouds your decision. Believe in your ability to assimilate the facts, look at the property and decide what to buy.
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