For those of you who listen to audiobooks, or can listen to them on your MP3 player (Ipod or otherwise), or on your computer…

Audible.com is offering Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” for free.

Here’s the publisher’s description:

What are the habits all successful people share? In this audio presentation, Stephen R. Covey answers that question and teaches you how to make the Seven Habits a part of your life. Each audio system is designed to help you create an empowering center of correct paradigms from which you can effectively solve problems, maximize opportunities, and continually learn and integrate principles of effectiveness in an upward spiral of growth.

I read the book back in the late 80s when it came out and I think I’ll listen again. As I remember, it was excellent and instructive.

By the way, while you’re on www.Audible.com, you can download President Obama’s (I love saying that!) inaugural speech for free as well.

(C) 2009 Susan Pruden.

I have a buyer in from out of town today and I've made appointments to show 12 properties. The listing agents I've spoken to have sounded like they're about to fall on the floor from shock that someone is actually showing their properties.

The hope and despair in their voices is almost painful to hear. And I know exactly how they feel.

(C) 2009 Susan Pruden.

Remodeling Magazine has released the 2008 Cost Vs. Value Report. If you head for the site to see what remodeling projects will give you the most oomph in resale value, we’re in the South Atlantic Region.

Of course, remodeling shouldn’t be just for resale. Your project should make the house more of a home for you and your family.

(C) 2009 Susan Pruden.

From at least one lender I know. Pretty amazing.

VA/FHA rates, as of 1/10/09

4.75% w/ 1 ½ points

5.00% with ½ point

(C) 2009 Susan Pruden.

While reading a blog post by Greg Swann, a real estate agent in Phoenix, I found myself musing about repairs, maintenance, remodeling and how the timing of those repairs relates to selling.  What I mean is this -- nothing screams louder to a buyer than a bunch of fix-up and repairs done right before a house goes on the market, particularly when it's obvious that up until these repairs, no maintenance was done.

If a house has been neglected for years, all the fix-up in the world can't mask that fact unless the seller can completely remodel the house. Even if the furnishings are old, if they've been well maintained, it shows. We agents refer to it as "pride of ownership".  Most of us recognize "pride of ownership" within moments of walking into a house.

I sold a house a couple of years ago that had the original wood cabinets in the kitchen (maybe 40 years old) and they had been so well maintained that they just gleamed. Another way to recognize "pride of ownership"? Check those places that visitors seldom see, like the garage or the basement.

Funny thing is, sellers who have neglected their property and end up doing lots of updating and repairs right before going on the market are often cheap about the repairs and disgruntled when buyers don't appreciate them enough. Sellers who maintain their houses throughout their ownership always seem to worry that the condition just isn't good enough for the market. And it's a given that the second owner will get an offer first and for a better price.

There are very few investments that improve with neglect. A house is definitely not one of them. Does your house reflect pride of ownership?

(C) 2009 Susan Pruden.