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Judy Kivela
Broker/Owner
    Years of Experience: 26

    CRS: Certified Residential Specialist
    GRI: Graduate REALTOR® Institute
    CDPE Certified Distress Property Expert, SRS
    WHS: Workforce Housing Specialist

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Kivela Montana Realtors
3100 Harrison Avenue
Butte, Montana
406-491-5777

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Posts Tagged ‘Butte Homes for Sale’

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A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

First time buyers… excited to find a good deal, afraid of overextending themselves, confused by all the conflicting reports about real estate.  Well, that might describe any or all buyers right now, but those making their very first purchase may feel elevated levels of all these emotions.  It helps to have someone offer you some guidance.

Don’t be afraid to make your move now, regardless of what you’ve been hearing about the market.  With affordability so high, you’ll find a flurry of activity out there, so you’re not alone in making the right decision to begin your home search.

Just try not to exercise excessive caution, or you may suffer what has been termed “paralysis by analysis.”  Your real estate representative will present you with all the facts and figures you need, and help you to interpret the data so that you can make a sound choice.

Now is not the time to vacillate about whether prices or interest rates will still drop.  There is nowhere to go now but up.  If rates rise to 7.5% (still historically low), the home’s price would have to be reduced nearly 20% to offset the difference in monthly payments.

Set aside your uncertainties.  Chat with an agent who can help you determine your financial footing, and show you an inventory of well-suited homes matched to your particular goals.

For responsible service in all your

Real Estate needs call, Judy Kivela 406-491-5777

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Selling Your Butte Home – Curb Appeal of the 21st Century and Beyond

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

I can hear you now, “Oh, no! Not another article on curb appeal to sell my Butte home!” To which I reply, “Oh, yes.” One more time around the block, but this time, we’re doing it in style.

The 21st Century Curb

Curb appeal is that thing you do to pretty up the outside of your Butte home. It’s the landscaping, the painting and the checking of the little details. However, many home sellers (and real estate agents, for that matter), don’t take into account that the curb nowadays isn’t just the view from the front of your house. In the 21st century, the “curb” starts right here on the Net.

Your online home listing has only three seconds – three short moments of time – to catch a potential buyer’s eye and turn them into an interested party. Unfortunately, it’s hard not to be biased or become used to the problems and eyesores your home may have. Because first impressions are so crucial and the housing market is glutted with competition, you have to bring it up a notch to get your home sold.

The Right Perspective

Most real estate agents park across the street, when they’re showing a home. So, to get the same perspective of your home as potential buyers will have, walk to the other side of the street and stand where potential buyers might stand. Go ahead; walk over there.

Once you’re on the other side of the street, turn around and look at the house for a few seconds. Most buyers don’t look for very long, so don’t stare, just glance. Then, as you slowly walk back to the house, keep your focus close, no more than a few feet out. What are you seeing?

  • Yard ornaments
  • Plain façade
  • Obstructed pathway to the door
  • Driveway stains
  • Yard tools
  • Leaves

These are just a few things that might be detracting from the beautiful home you have to sell. Take one last look around – a long, searching look from the front door – and see if anything stands out. If it does, fix it up!

The Virtual View

Once you think you have your home’s curb appeal perfected, create a video of it for your potential buyers. Take a video camera across the street and start from there. Give your buyers a virtual tour of your Butte home, using your curb appeal to its (and your) best potential. Online IS the new curb – use it!

When you hire me as your real estate agent, I’ll create a professional virtual tour of your home, including its curb appeal. Your virtual tour will appear on key real estate websites giving your home maximum exposure with a 24/7, world-wide virtual open house.

Give me a call today at 406-491-1234 or email me at judy@montana.com for more information.

Keyword/Tag: Butte

Landscaping

http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/index.html

Eyesores

http://www.simplyjen.com/2009/05/are-you-immune-to-your-homes-eyesores.html

Video tour

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_tour

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Posted in Sell Your Home | No Comments »

First Steps to Getting a Mortgage for Your Butte Real Estate

Monday, November 30th, 2009

You’ve reached that time in your life where you’re ready to buy Butte real estate. Even though the mortgage approval process can be intimidating, you can get yourself ready to apply for a loan. These are the first steps to buying your home:

Make a List

First, make a list of your finances. Include all your income, and factor in your normal monthly debts. Miscellaneous bills, like your daily coffee or weekly magazine, should be listed too. Write down everything that you spend each month.

Calculate what 28% of your income is. Most loan officers recommend not spending more than 28% on your housing costs. You may not want to take on a mortgage loan for the maximum amount offered without consulting your list to see what money is actually available for you to spend.

Decrease Your Debt

Once you’ve have detailed your finances, it’s time to make a budget. A good budget can help you eliminate wasteful spending which will allow you to pay off more of your debts. When planning your budget, don’t forget to include some personal money.

Start with the small debts first. Pick the credit card with the highest interest rate and smallest balance and work from there. After one debt is paid off, use the extra money that you’re saving from the first card, and pay off the next. This way, you should be able to pay your balances down quickly.

It only takes a couple of months of good payment practices to begin to see your credit score go up. With a good credit score, you can get a better interest rate. This will save you thousands of dollars in mortgage payments over the life of the loan.

Save For the Down Payment

You’re ready to start saving for the down payment on your Butte real estate. It has to be paid up-front at the loan closing, but sometimes the seller will pay the closing costs.

If you’d like more tips on how to buy Butte real estate, subscribe to this blog. It’s free and easy. Just enter your email address in the subscription section, and you’ll automatically receive tips like this in your email inbox a couple of times a week.

Decrease your debt:

http://www.wisebread.com/six-steps-to-eliminating-your-debt-painlessly

Make a budget:

http://www.mrcheapstuff.com/deals/2009/06/how-to-create-a-budget-the-painless-way/

Credit score:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm

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A Home for Sale in Butte: Are You a Competitive Seller?

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Do you have a competitive nature? Do you always have to have the last say? Do you always feel you have to win? If you have a home for sale in Butte, you may have “competed” yourself right out of a buyer. Please, read on to find out how NOT to make this mistake.

Who Calls the Shots?

You’ve probably heard “it’s a buyer’s market” many, many times already. With the number of people who have a home for sale in [city], this is something you can’t afford to ignore. This is especially true considering that the longer your house sits on the market the more it depreciates.

A competitive nature is all well and good, but, when dealing with potential buyers, you have to rein it in. Winning, in this case, is not getting the last word, but selling your home. As you enter into negotiations, keep in mind that the end goal is to sell.

Buyers know they have the market. While this doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll try to walk all over you, it does mean that they may try to negotiate:

  • On price
  • On closing date
  • On inspection period
  • On closing costs
  • On anything

Now, just because they’re trying to negotiate doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified buyers. You may have a very qualified potential buyer trying to negotiate with you.

Warning: at this point, your competitive nature may try to rise up and crush the negotiating potential buyer. Restrain yourself – strenuously if you have to.

While dealing with offers, counter offers and counter-counter offers, ask yourself if you’re being competitive, silly or surprisingly realistic. Are you turning down their offer because it isn’t an exact fit for you? Do you have a legitimate reason for the counter offer, or are you trying to “one-up?” Will a requested change really make that much difference to you?

Although I’m not suggesting that you take the first offer that comes along without looking at it, or that you take an offer that is less than you can afford to take, I am suggesting that you remember there are plenty of people with a home for sale in Butte. As you look at the offers, keep this in mind. Shut down that competitive nature and remember that the only way you really win is when you sign the papers and hand over the keys.

Ready to get your home sold? I can help. Call me at 406-491-1234 or email me at Judy@montana.com for more information.

Links:

Buyer’s market

http://www.investorwords.com/641/buyers_market.html

Closing costs

http://homebuying.about.com/od/financingadvice/qt/BuyClosingCosts.htm

Counter offers

http://homebuying.about.com/od/offersnegotiations/qt/CounterOffers.htm

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Buying One of the Butte Homes for Sale? Don’t Forget Your…

Friday, October 30th, 2009

2009 might not have brought on the hottest market for sellers, but it’s an excellent market for buyers.  If you’re taking advantage and buying one of the Butte  homes for sale, it means you’ll be moving soon.  It also means that you’ll probably forget something you really need in the new house – after it’s too late.

Don’t Forget Your…

There are at least five items commonly forgotten when moving:

1. Personal Phonebook – Make sure you pack up any personal numbers, phonebooks or notepads you might have written needed numbers on.  If you have time, transfer them to your computer.  Even if you call the numbers a lot, there is still a chance you’ll forget them.

2. Neat and Tidy – Too often, people will be giving their old home a final once-over and find a spot that needs to be cleaned.  Realizing they have packed the cleaning equipment, they rush out to buy new cleaners.  Instead, have your cleaning supplies set aside as one of the last things to go – just in case.

3. Records – No, not the vinyl ones.  If the Butte home for sale is in another neighborhood, you’ll have to get your medical records, vet records for your pet and your child’s permanent school record.  Copies usually aren’t allowed, so make sure you have the real deal!

4. Your Address – As silly as it may seem, it’s easy to forget your new address.  Write it down and put it in your wallet or purse for easy reference.

5.  Hidden Valuables – Did you remember that roll of bills you hid in the attic, or the necklace in the bathroom?  Before leaving, collect all your valuables and put them in a safe deposit box.

If you’re looking to buy one of the Butte homes for sale, I can help.  Call me at 406-491-1234 or email me at judy@montana.com for more information.

Links:

Items commonly forgotten when moving

http://www.articlesbase.com/moving-and-relocating-articles/10-things-people-forget-when-moving-979883.html

Medical records

http://www.genetichealth.com/Resources_Collecting_Medical_Records.shtml#Anchor3

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4 Ways to Set Up the Perfect Home Office in Your Butte Home for Sale

Monday, October 19th, 2009

If you have a Butte home for sale, every room needs to be just right. Most people think about the kitchens and bedrooms, but these days a great looking home office can make a huge impact too. Check out a few ways you can make a big impact:

Designate the right space

Whether it’s a spare bedroom or a computer nook, you need to specify a separate place to do business. Make sure the area has enough room so that you can set up a desk, chair, computer and a printer without making it look messy.

Clean your area

To really have a good home office, the space needs to be neat. To make your home office look its best to potential buyers, get rid of clutter and only retain the essentials.

Don’t waste money

Just because you have a home office doesn’t mean you need to go broke trying to furnish it when preparing your Butte home for sale. Think about wants versus needs first. Then once you get the necessities, use any left over money to buy office supplies such as ink cartridges, computer paper and more.

Add a decorative touch

Now that you have what you need, it’s okay to add some decorative style. Hang artwork. Add a few plants.  But, remember to keep it simple and neutral so that potential buyers can easily imagine it as their own home office.

Many people don’t think of the importance of a home office when preparing their Butte home for sale. But with so many people working from home, a dedicated space for a home office is a great selling point.

If you’re ready to sell your home, with or without a home office, I can help.  Call me now at 406-491-1234or email me.

LINKS

Computer nook

http://www.ehow.com/how_2156879_transform-closet-computer-nook.html

Good home office

http://interiordec.about.com/od/planninganoffice/a/budgethomeoffic.htm

Artwork

http://familyfinances.suite101.com/article.cfm/find_cheap_art_online

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Buyers Beware: Disappearing Homes for Sale in Butte

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

July saw the largest increase in home sales in at least ten years, which brings hope for all the homes for sale in Butte. What’s the culprit for this more-than-expected rise? The first-time buyers tax credit!

The $8,000 tax credit first time buyers are eligible for expires November 30, 2009. Buyers that otherwise may have stood on the side lines are rushing to find the home of their dreams in time for the closing to happen before the deadline. Thanks to that deadline, one out of three homes for sale are getting that coveted “Sold” sign.

So why should buyers beware?

If you’re holding off for a better time to buy one of the homes for sale in Butte, you might never see it! Mortgage interest rates are at a historical low; housing prices are also much lower than they have been.

The tax credit is another excellent reason. If you’re a first-time buyer and close the deal before November 30, you get a 10% credit on the purchase price. That percentage caps out at $8,000. What can you do in a new house with $8,000?

Many buyers are looking at foreclosures, due to lower costs. While the foreclosures may not be in the best condition, the tax credit has helped them make repairs without taking a huge bite out of their wallet. You may have a foreclosure with $15,000 off the initial price and $7,000 in needed repairs. If you receive the full $8,000 tax credit, you actually end up saving $16,000!

So, if you’re honestly looking for a home to buy, go ahead. Take your time; make sure it’s a home you want. However, don’t take too long, because the homes for sale in Butte are rapidly disappearing. Take advantage of the tax credit and the number of possibilities!

If you’re looking for a great home, I can help. Call me at 406-491-1234 or email me for more information.

Links:

$8,000 tax credit

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

Mortgage interest rates

http://www.mortgage101.com/articles/dailyratesurvey.asp

Make repairs

http://www.hometips.com/

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Are You Overwhelmed by Searching for Homes for Sale in Butte?

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Are you looking at homes for sale in Butte and feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Back in the Dark Ages before the Internet (1986 or so), if you wanted to look at a house, you had to call a real estate agent, find out the address and then physically drive to the house. Thanks to the Internet, however, you can start narrowing down your choices before you ever talk to your agent.

What do you need to know?

Looking online can give you the information you want to know about the homes for sale in Butte. However, if you just go surfing on the Web, that information can be as overwhelming as the number of choices. Before you start shopping online, make a list of the things that are important to you about the city or neighborhood in which you want to live, such as:

  • What are the average property taxes in the neighborhood?
  • What is the average utility cost for the home?
  • What is the neighborhood like?
  • How high is the crime rate in the neighborhood?
  • What is the average climate of the city?
  • What is the unemployment rate of the city?
  • How good are the schools?

Once you have your list of questions, go online with an eye to answering them. Here is a list of links that might help you on your quest for information:

My Government Website – Sunshine Review: Here you can find a list of cities with official websites. Choose the city you’re looking for and be magically transported by way of the Internet to that city’s official website. You’ll find all the great stuff that calls people to move to a particular city, including attractions, businesses, restaurants and beautiful housing developments.

City Data: City Data is just that – a website with nothing but data on U.S. cities. You’ll find the nice and not so nice information about any city. Crime rates, shortest commute, weather patterns and more, all at your fingertips. The only drawback is that the information is two years old.

Interest: Interest.com will show you the current mortgage interest rates for the area you’re interested in.

By gathering all this information, you have a much better chance of choosing one of the homes for sale in Butte  that fits your needs. Once you have it all, you can search online or take the information to your real estate agent and get help with your house hunting.

Are you looking for the perfect house?  Let me help. Call me today at (406)-491-1234 or email me for more information.

Links:

My Government Website – Sunshine Review

http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/My_Government_Website:_Number_of_cities

City Data

http://www.city-data.com/

Interest

http://www.interest.com/

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4 Ways to Get the Best Deal for New Butte Home Construction

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Some buyers would much rather have a brand spankin’ new Butte home – fresh, clean and untouched.  Does this describe you?  Then read on and learn some of the guidelines for getting the best deal on your dream home.

Be on the lookout for disreputable builders…

Reputation is everything for a builder.  Ask for recommendations from people you know, but also do your research.  Check with the Better Business Bureau.  Talk to people in the same development about their experiences with the builder.  Look over the homes in the early construction phase to see what type of materials and quality of workmanship they provide in areas such as the foundation and plumbing.

Use your own agent…

Although a builder might offer the use of an agent, keep in mind that the agent is the builder’s.  They aren’t looking out for your best interests.  Hiring a buyer’s agent will give you someone who represents you and your best interests.

Research the location…

When it comes to new Butte home construction, you may very well be looking at a development on the outskirts of town.  It may seem quaint and quiet.  However, if there’s a lot of space around, you could unknowingly settle into a place that will quickly become a bustling metropolis.

Check with the local town or city-zoning board to find out the types of zoning that surround the land.  See if development plans have been submitted.  Will the surrounding land have a strip mall or apartment complex that depreciates the value of your home, or high-end houses that raise it?

Check the weather…

Before you sign that contract, visit the area during or after a heaving rainstorm.  You’ll want to look for signs of bad soil drainage, which can affect your new Butte home and the surrounding property.  Otherwise, you might have to build an ark to get to work.

If you’re looking at new construction and need someone on your side, I can help.  Call me now at 406-491-1234 or email me  for more information.

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Posted in Homes | No Comments »

4 Options You Can Negotiate When Buying New Butte Real Estate

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Are you looking to buy new construction?  Many people are, but just as many aren’t aware that their newly built Butte real estate comes with options and add-ons.  In addition, they see a handsome price on new construction and think they’ve stepped into an unbelievable deal, not understanding that the price they’re looking at is for “bare bones.”

Here are just a few of the options and upgrades you might want to have your real estate agent talk about with your chosen builder:

Flooring – The “standard” for flooring is cheap carpet and thin padding.  If you’re going for hardwood floors, you also may not get what you envision.  An important thing to keep in mind is that most builders make their money on the upgrades and options.  While they may offer upgrades for high quality flooring, it may actually be cheaper for you to buy it yourself and not through the builder.  Do your research and either have your real estate agent try to negotiate down to a price closer to what it would cost you, or have the builder use the cheapest material possible and ask them not to glue or tack it down.

Plumbing and fixtures - Whether you want improvements or additional plumbing and fixtures (such as for a wet bar or a different location for the washer and dryer), these are easier to do before the Butte real estate is finished.

Appliances - Check to see what brand and model the builder expects to use for your appliances.  Most times, your real estate agent can at least negotiate a better model, if not your preferred brand.

Doors – Doors, especially interior doors, are usually thin, non-insulated and easily damaged.  Although this may be fine in some areas, other areas may need better quality doors.  This is a definite place for your real estate agent and builder to negotiate.

Make sure you understand your options, upgrade packages and deals for the new Butte real estate before signing the contract!

If you’re thinking of buying new construction, let me negotiate the best price, and all the details, for you.  Call me before you start shopping for your new construction at 406-491-5777 or email me for more information.

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