Remain Calm While Selling Your Black Hills Home

Selling your home often ranks right up there on the stress scale along with other major life changes, but it really doesn’t have to be like that. Listed below are a few simple tips that can help you minimize the stress of listing and selling your Black Hills home.

First, and maybe most importantly, let your Realtor® take the wheel. Jim & June at Integrity Realty are professionals trained to help you buy and sell property. Making sure your agent is qualified should be the deciding factor. A good agent will know your market, and they will have lots of ideas about how best to show your home’s advantages to just the right demographic.

It can be intrusive having people you don’t know come into your home with a critical eye. Before you let anyone in the door, do a little prep work to simplify the process. De-clutter your home, even if it means getting a temporary off-site storage space. Make checklists for the sale of your home, your move, and any other daily routines that are important to keep going during this process.

Include a quick list for a quick clean up in case a last minute showing comes calling. Keeping plenty of paper towels and cleaning wipes on hand can help to make a quick clean-up go more smoothly. You may also want to eat out more often during this time to help keep your kitchen clean.

Give yourself a break. We’re at a great advantage in the Black Hills with our beautiful sights, local parks, and great shops in Hill City. Take walks, go for a drive or do some sidewalk shopping. If you can manage it, get away for a long weekend. Sometimes just being physically away from your home can help you get things back into perspective.

If fishing is the best way to help take your mind off your worries, May 17-19 is free admission to South Dakota parks and fishing areas. Anglers can fish without a license anywhere in the state, and entrance fees are waived for all visitors to South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas. But camping fees, fishing regulations, and limits still apply.

Selling your Black Hills home doesn’t need to send you over the edge. We can help you keep your calm. At Integrity Realty, we determine the value of Black Hills area homes daily. I’d love to talk with you about giving you a Comparative Market Analysis of your home to determine the best course of action for you.

Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience. Contact me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email meto discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!

2014 Leadership Summit at BHSU

Those who live in the Black Hills enjoy a unique lifestyle. We take advantage of our beautiful surroundings by enjoying the mountains, the fishing, the wildlife and the slower pace of small town living. What many people may not realize is that we also have the advantage of larger cities within our reach and learning how we can become leaders not only in our community but around the world.

On Friday May 9, Black Hills State University is hosting a live simulcast of the 2014 Leadership Summit. This one-day leadership event will be broadcasted live from Atlanta to hundreds of locations around the world.

Leadercast was built on a belief that the world needs better leaders – leaders worth following. It exists to positively change the way the world thinks about leadership. This year’s theme of “Beyond You” challenges leaders to leverage their influence and focus outward rather than inward.

Dr. Mitch Hopewell, interim director of distance education graduate programs, supports BHSU hosting so that local faculty, staff, students and community members can access the knowledge and experience of world renowned leaders including former First Lady Laura Bush and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

“The internationally recognized speakers come from a wide spectrum of leadership perspectives; everyone will learn something,” Hopewell said.

Speakers include:

• Andy Stanley, Leadership author and communicator
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel laureate & human rights activist live from Cape Town, South Africa
• Malcolm Gladwell, Journalist and best-selling author of The Tipping Point and Outliers
• Randall Wallace, Screenwriter, director, producer & songwriter (Braveheart, Secretariat)
• Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP, the world’s largest provider of business software
• Laura Schroff, Former ad sale executive and best-selling author of An Invisible Thread
• Dr. Henry Cloud, Clinical psychologist and leadership consultant
• Simon Sinek, Best-selling author of Start with Why and leadership expert
• Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States (2001-2009) via exclusive video interview

Leaders from any organization (big or small) will benefit from these internationally recognized leaders sharing their leadership insights. Additionally there will be focus groups by local leaders to extend the discussion at your table and provide opportunities to collaborate on applying new insights.

If you are interested in attending, you can register HERE.

The cost of this Leadership Summit is $10 for students; $29 for educational, non-profit and veterans; and $39 for the general public. The registration fee includes lunch.
If you are ready to buy your new home in the Black Hills Area, I’d love to talk with you. Whether you are interested in homes in Hill City, Custer homes for sale, or Rapid City new homes, we can give you the most comprehensive listings that meet your criteria. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience. Contact me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!

Invest in a Black Hills Vacation Home

As the housing market is heating up, you may be considering buying a Black Hills home that can be used for vacations, rental income, investment, or as an eventual retirement residence. If it’s financially viable, the purchase of a second home can be a great investment opportunity.

Current tax laws offer several tax breaks that can help make owning a second home more affordable. Different tax rules apply depending on how you’ll be using the property so be sure to check with a tax specialist for details. They can also determine the most favorable ownership strategy.

The following are some basic guidelines for the difference between a rental investment and a second residence home.

Rental Income
Tax rules can be more complicated if you rent out the property. Rules are based on the number of days you rent out the home versus how much you use the home for personal use. There are three categories into which you may fall.

• Renting out the home for 14 days or less. If you rent out your home to another party for 14 nights or less per year, you do not have to report that income to the IRS no matter the rental fee. Since this is still considered a personal residence, you can also deduct mortgage interest and property taxes under the standard second-home rules.
• Using the property for personal use for more than 14 days or 10% of the total days the home is rented. If you use the property for more than 14 days, or more than 10% of rental nights, the property is considered a personal residence and the rental loss cannot be deducted. Family members staying in the home for an extended amount of time cannot be viewed as renters unless you are collecting a fair rental price.
• Renting the property for 15 days or more and using it less than 14 days or 10% of days for personal use. In this situation, this home is considered a true rental property and the activities to the home are viewed as a business. You must report all rental income to the IRS. You can deduct rental expenses including mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, fees to property managers, utilities and 50% of depreciation. You will want to consult a tax expert for all rules and deductions to ensure full disclosure.

Personal Use
If you are planning to use your second home purely for a vacation home, you can deduct mortgage interest the same way you would for your primary residence. You can also deduct property taxes on this second home as well as interest paid up to $1.1 million of debt secured by both homes. However, all costs associated with utilities, maintenance and insurance are treated the same as they are for your primary residence; that’s to say they cannot be used as write-off’s, with the exception of a home office.

Rapid City, Hill City, Black Hills and surrounding areas…all great places for vacation homes no matter the season. If you are ready to buy a vacation or investment property; or just have questions whether it’s the right choice for you – I’d love to talk with you.

Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience. Contact me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!

Sunset Creek ~ A Premier Development Within Hill City

Looking for a new Black Hills home with the small-town appeal of Hill City, backed against Forest Service Land, and an easy commute into the larger area of Rapid City? Sunset Creek Development by Black Hills Tradition is your ideal home.

Developer, Jim Peterson, has ensured custom country living while allowing you to bring in your own custom builder; with approval by the developer. Protective covenants have been put into place by Black Hills Traditions to allow orderly management and protect the integrity of the community.

This custom community features lots of 1/3 of an acre up to 7/10 of an acre that are already set with city water & sewer, underground electric, and communication services contained in a mountain meadow setting.

It is located within the city limits of Hill City where you will find shops, boutiques, restaurants, health services, museums and all the conveniences of everyday living.

The Michelson Trail runs right through the development and with an abundance of green space and walking paths, there is ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the land around you. You can also enjoy Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Pactola Reservoir, and Deerfield Lake, all within an easy drive.

For those looking to live within a green development, Sunset Creek definitely meets those standards. Environmentally friendly practices have been put into place to protect the land within the development such as an innovative drainage system to control runoff and protect the soil and the use of no street lights to protect that gorgeous night sky.

Sunset Creek is set for planned unit zoning with single-family residences, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. If it’s a vacation home you are looking for, this development also allows for vacation home rentals so that rental income is a possibility when you are not here to enjoy.

You will be impressed with the quality of life found in Sunset Creek Development. If you would like to experience the potential of what Sunset Creek has to offer, contact Jim Peterson today!

Jim can be reached at (605) 391-8373 or email him for more information. Jim or June Johnson can also be reached at the office of Integrity Realty Team at (605) 574-4444. We would love the opportunity to discuss the lots still available within Sunset Creek Development. Email us today and we’ll help you with all your real estate needs.

Don’t Let Odors Scare Off Black Hills Home Buyers

That season is upon us – tourist season where people are looking to buy great vacation homes in the Black Hills! If you have a home you’ll be listing this spring or summer, you may have some residual odors in the house from any renters that had been in there previously.

Odors are one of the many things home buyers notice as they walk into a home, especially a vacation home that may have been vacant off and on. As a seller, you need to identify and remediate those odors before prospective buyers even enter the property.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to identify familiar smells that may be problematic, especially if this is your main home.

Here are some tips to wipe out two common offenders before listing.

Remove Traces of Pet Odor
This is a common source of an offensive odor that is difficult to remove. If it’s from other visitors who have stayed at the house in the past, the pet will obviously be removed leaving you free to take on the task of getting rid of the smell. If you are the main occupier of the home, you may want to board your pet elsewhere for awhile until the home sells.

Cat urine, among the worst of all bad smells, can seep into carpet fibers, carpet padding and wood flooring. It can also be embedded in the furniture cushions, curtains and pillows. If budget allows, it may be of interest to remove the carpet and pad, seal the floor and install new carpet and padding.

A good, deep cleaning of the carpet and furniture by a professional carpet cleaner may remedy the situation based on the severity. Just keep in mind that any humidity will raise the odor from the padding and floor beneath.

Wiping Out Smoke
Cigarette smoke can cling to furnishings, curtains and other window coverings and even work its way inside the walls of your home. There are some good topically applied solutions to help alleviate the stench. However, more effective methods include an ozone generator, hydroxyl generator or air scrubber. All of these have been found to work well in absorbing the odor. When all else fails, replacing carpet and other fabric items after a good cleaning by a professional may be well worth the investment.

Recruit a Virgin Sniffer
One of the best ways to find out whether your home smells decent is to ask someone who doesn’t live there or visit often. A friend, a neighbor or even the agent selling your home are all good choices. Not everyone will be honest, even if they’re willing to offer to be helpful, so recruiting more than one may be useful.

I am a local expert in the Black Hills region and can help you sell your vacation home. Call me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience in selling your Black Hills Vacation Home. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!

Cheap Curb Appeal for Your Black Hills Home

They say first impressions are everything and this holds true when selling your Black Hills home as well. However, if you don’t have the budget or a lot of time, we have some great cheap tips for you to really spruce up the curb appeal of your home.

1. Add mulch: layer of mulch is the cheapest way to improve the look of your yard. The darker color the better. Some cities and counties recycle yard waste into free mulch, so check with the agencies in your area.
2. Focus on your front door: Making sure your walk way is accessible, your locks and doorknobs are updated and working correctly, can help make a good first impression. Also check your doorbell, light fixtures, kick plates and clear away cobwebs.
3. Don’t forget your fence: Check your fence for fading and damage. This could be one of the biggest structures of your home. Use a semi-transparent stain on the fence as well as other features in your yard to tie the look together.
4. Use some elbow grease: Stand at the front of your property and look at the house from a buyer’s point of view. Oil spots, dirt or mold may be something you are used to seeing but a good cleaning on the outside will give a fresh appeal.
5. Fill empty places in the yard: Buy some annuals and fill in flower beds and planters with seasonal fresh flowers and plants.
6. Use cool colors: Plants in shades of blue, white, pink and purples have a more soothing effect and make your home appear cooler in the summer.
7. Trim and mow: A well maintained lawn and flower beds give the appearance that the homeowner cares about the home and takes the time to take care of it.
8. Lighting: Use some outdoor lights for your pathways and highlight flower beds for those who are driving by at night.

“Keep it simple” is a good rule of thumb. People are busy these days and a lot of home buyer’s don’t have time to take care of what is considered high maintenance flower beds and landscaping. Keep it simple for yourself as well and try these simple, inexpensive tips that could make your home stand out.

We are local experts in the Black Hills region and can help you buy your first Black Hills home, Call us at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how we can help you with all your real estate needs. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress free experience selling your Black Hills Home. Our office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – ours are always open for your convenience!

Retire in South Dakota

Have you been thinking about where to retire? We may be partial, but the Black Hills region of South Dakota has so much to offer especially if you are looking for a more laid back way of life.

For 36 million Americans who will be turning 65 in this decade it’s not just about the hot spots but affordability, as the average married baby boomer will be facing a $30,000 retirement savings shortfall.

Reasons to retire here:

Affordability –South Dakota’s cost of living is nearly 11% lower than the national average on everything from Real Estate to food and there is also no state tax. Retirees, many of whom must live on a limited fixed income, will appreciate the reasonable tax policies of the state. Making this one of the more affordable options for retirees. The area is full on beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast such as hiking, fishing and skiing spots.

Retail Services – The larger cities including Rapid City and Sioux Falls provide plenty of places to dine and shop. There are all the national chains as well as many smaller, individual shops and boutiques. Restaurants range from fast food to fine dining.

Health Services – The large cities have a number of very good hospitals. Smaller cities may have clinics and if need be, patients can be transferred to hospitals in the larger cities. There are plenty of doctors and other health professionals available to meet the needs of the residents of South Dakota.

Lifestyle – The pace of life is relaxed, the people are friendly, our crime rate is relatively low and we have a nice, quiet way of life that is hard to beat.

The town of Hill City has a lot to offer art lovers. In August is the Rendevous of the August Moon Art Festival where artists not only display their art, they also demonstrate how they do it. For the film buff the Black Hills Film Festival features 6 days of screenings and seminars.

Hill City’s location in the Black Hill’s area is the reason for the name of “Heart of the Hills” and gives easy access to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Harney Peak, and the Michelson Trail.

We are local experts in the Black Hills region and can help you buy your first Black Hills home, Call us at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how we can help you with all your real estate needs. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress free experience selling your Black Hills Home. Our office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – ours are always open for your convenience!

Sturgis to Move Forward in Community Development

What do residents and business owners do the rest of the year when there is no rally? The answer is plan for progress.

In 2009, Sturgis residents went to city and officials and let them know about the need to make the area more business friendly. Sturgis has had the reputation of having a limited business economy due to a lot of downtown businesses only opening for the month of the rally.

Scott Peterson has purchased 22 acres along Vanocker Road to build a new Ford showroom to get things kick started. The land was annexed into the city in December. The anchor to the development of this area is the Belle Joli’ Winery production facility and tasting room.

The city has made an effort to secure land adjacent to exit 32 in an effort to attract a national retailer. The top 3 choices after a completed study by consultants Buxton Retail are Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Big Lots, and Cinemark.

The four main partners –the city of Sturgis, the Sturgis Economic Development Corporation, the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and Meade County have created a plan to guide progress in the development through 2030.

I am a local expert in the Black Hills region and can help you buy your first Black Hills home, Call me at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. Our expertise in the  Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress free experience selling your Black Hills Home. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!

Don’t Wait to List Your Black Hills House This Spring

If you’re thinking about selling your Black Hills home, now’s the time! Sellers who get their home on the market early in the season have a better chance of getting a higher price and selling faster since there’s less competition.

Home prices rose 11.3 percent last year and asking prices tend to peak in May, with inventory peaking in the summer. So, now is the time get your home ready and get it listed. You won’t want to wait until the last minute to start your preparations since this usually takes some time.

Here’s a couple tips to get your home ready.

De-clutter and Repair – You will want to store as much of your belongings as you can so buyers can really see the space and potential of your home for them. Also, do any minor repairs needed, give rooms a fresh coat of paint and take a look at any small upgrades such as fixtures or appliances.

Don’t Forget the Outside – Since so many people are using the internet now to shop, curb appeal is big. Clear away any debris, do any touch-ups or repairs and when weather permits, any yard work to increase your homes curb appeal.

Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor® – A Realtor® who knows the area well can help with any suggestions on getting your home ready and set a fair asking price so make sure to discuss any upgrades you’ve done. Your Realtor® can also help with getting plenty high resolution pictures of your home, inside and out, to show all the advantages and to help in marketing your home on all the sites that buyers are using.

I am a local expert in the Black Hills region and can help you sell your Black Hills home. Call me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience in selling your Black Hills Home. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!

Seven Great Tips to Keep Your Black Hills Home Tidy

When selling your Black Hills home, you may go into “panic mode” for having to have your house as tidy as possible at all times. Keeping a presentable facade and being flexible in showing your home doesn’t have to be time consuming or stressful. With a little planning and discipline, you can be show-ready when you get the call that a buyer wants to view your home.

Here are seven great tips to keeping your home organized and looking presentable at a moment’s notice:

1. Set up an area for your necessities. Set aside one section of your home as headquarters for your keys, cell phone chargers, lists, etc. If you have a niche on your kitchen counter area, set aside room there. However, a table in the entryway or office can work as well. Use drawers to store items out of sight and make sure everything has its own place.
2. Plan Ahead. More often than not, potential buyers want to see your home on their schedule, and many times that means after work and around dinner time. Planning ahead for easy-to-make and low-mess dinners will help to keep kitchen clean-up to a minimum. If you have a lot of foot traffic into your home, premade meals may help to alleviate stress and maximize the time you have to sit and enjoy dinner with your family.
3. Stick to a schedule. Dust on Monday, mop on Tuesday, deep clean the bathroom on Wednesday, etc. If you do these tasks a little at a time, you’ll end up only needing to de-clutter before potential buyer’s come into the home. Make sure to recruit the whole family in helping you clean the house; you’ll have more time for extracurricular activities if everyone pitches in.
4. Put everything in its place. Items such as backpacks, jackets, umbrellas, shoes and keys should all go in the same spot when you return home each night. Not only is this a good habit for the kids to get into, but it will also help to make the home look less cluttered when buyers come in.
5. Utilize shelving. It’s always a good idea to get rid of, or pack up, what you don’t need so that your house looks less cluttered. However, if you still run out of space to store items, start thinking vertically. Closet organizers can be a great benefit to your house and help to show off all the room you do have in the home.
6. Don’t procrastinate. Clean and organize as you go. If you have ten minutes until dinner is done, empty the dishwasher or throw in a load of laundry. Keep household cleansers within reach so you can sanitize the kitchen counter as soon as you finish cooking or quickly wipe down the bathroom sink or toilet in anticipation for guests.
7. Make technology work for you. If you’re a tech-savvy smartphone user, check out apps that can help you save time and stay organized. Using apps for grocery lists, reminders and to-do’s help to keep your house free from additional paper that can start to clutter areas in your home.

If you are thinking of selling your Black Hills home, you should know exactly what it’s worth before making such an important decision.  At Integrity Realty, we determine the value of Black Hills area homes daily. I’d love to talk with you about giving you a Comparative Market Analysis of your home to determine the best course of action for you.

Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience. Contact me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!