Steps to Take Before Going House Hunting

by admin on April 2, 2012

Steps to Take Before Going House HuntingSpring is traditionally the busiest time of the year for the residential housing market. As a real estate agent, I get excited about spring.

People seem to be looking to buy and to sell. People come back to life. I have noticed that most families prefer to look in the spring and move in the summer in order to avoid interrupting the school year. If you are thinking that this is the year to finally buy that house, you want to get a jump on the busy season. Here are some steps you should be taking now, in order to be fully prepared.

  • Think about what you are looking for.

Think about the features that you really need and want in a house. If you are house hunting with a spouse or partner, discuss what features you must have and which you can do without. Do not assume that you already know your partner’s preferences. I have seen thousands of arguments at showings over seemingly trivial features, so have that discussion before you begin looking. Also, consider your budget, the amount of space you will need, and the area where you would like to buy.

  • Interview real estate agents.

Start interviewing agents early. You want to find someone who has experience with selling homes in the areas where you will be looking. You also want someone who you feel comfortable with. Choosing a new home is a very personal process, so you want someone who “gets” you to help you through along the journey.

  • Check your credit report.

Please check your credit report for errors before applying for a loan. You are entitled to check your credit report free of charge through the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), so take a pass on all the “free credit report” websites out there and go straight to the source. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises and gives you a chance to clear up any errors before applying for your loan.

  • Get your loan pre-approved.

This gives you a leg up in more than one way.  First, it gets the process out of the way.  There is nothing more disappointing than finding the house of your dreams and losing it to someone else while you are in the process of getting approved.  Second, it lets you know exactly what your price range is, so you won’t be tempted to look at more expensive houses.  Third, it shows buyers that you are serious and ready to buy when you make an offer.

  • Figure out your down payment.

Ideally, your down payment should be about 15 – 20% of the total cost of the loan. If this is not possible, there are programs that accept down payments of 3 – 5%. Don’t forget to factor in the closing costs as well, otherwise you may be unpleasantly surprised at the very end.

  • Be ready to go.

When your realtor calls to tell you about a great house, go look at it as soon as possible. Spring is a busy time in the real estate market, and the early bird gets the worm. You don’t want to lose out on your dream home because someone else snapped it up before you got there.

  • Look for potential

Some houses may not have all the cosmetic features you are looking for, but they have great potential. Make sure that it has all of the things that you can’t change, like a good neighborhood, a good floor plan, and that it passes a home inspection.  Look past the ugly carpeting or avocado appliances – these are relatively easy and inexpensive to change.

If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to finding your dream house this spring. There are many great deals out there, so do your homework and you’ll be ready when you find your next home.

This article was provided by Allison Klein of http://allisonkleinhomes.com/. You can learn more about Allison by visiting her website where you can search all Fort Collins CO real estate here http://allisonkleinhomes.com/greater-fort-collins-area/fort-collins/ and Loveland CO real estate here http://allisonkleinhomes.com/greater-fort-collins-area/loveland/.

{ 0 comments }

Inexpensive Ways to Make a Great First Impression

by admin on March 5, 2012

Inexpensive Ways to Make a Great First ImpressionYou are selling your home and making a move. So, you’ve cleaned up the house, found a real estate agent, and put the for sale sign on the front lawn. Now your home is ready for potential buyers to see it–or is it?

First impressions are extremely important. We all have learned that over our years—that we only get one chance to make a first impression. I’ve actually seen potential buyers change their minds about even touring a house simply because they did not like the look of the front exterior.

Inexpensive Ways to Make a Great First Impression

When you go to an important meeting, like a job interview, you dress nicely and put your best foot forward. You want to do the same for your house, especially when it is on the market.

The good news is that there are easy, inexpensive upgrades you can make that will give your home that extra pizzazz and make a great first impression. If you want to sell your home, you must do what you can to attract people to walk through it.

Here are some sure-fire ways to make your house stand out above the rest.

  1. Lawn and yard maintenance

Keep your lawn well manicured, mowed, and trimmed; and make sure your landscaping is in good shape. This might be a good time to hire a lawn service if you are short on time. Maybe you’ve never hired such a service before, but selling a home can be a time consuming process for the seller. Spending money on help may be the best choice to assure that you attract potential buyers.

  1. Welcome mat

Invest in a colorful, inviting welcome mat for your front stoop. What a nice little touch that shows care and attention to visitors.

  1. Potted plants

A big potted plant in a colorful pot makes your front porch look homey and inviting.

  1. Door

Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, or even replace it with a shiny new door. Hang a seasonal wreath or arrangement on your door.

  1. Clear the clutter

Put away all the toys, bicycles, scooters, and lawn care items. If you are short on storage space to tidy all of this up, consider renting some extra storage space during this time of showing your home.

  1. Visible address

Make sure your address sign is polished and visible from the street. The last thing you want is for potential buyers to miss your house because they can’t find the address. You might also consider investing in a shiny new address sign.

  1. Roof

Replace any loose shingles. If the roof looks shabby, the buyer might assume that the house is not structurally sound.

  1. Gutters

Paint and repair your gutters. If they look good, the buyer will probably not even notice them, but if they look shabby, then the buyer will definitely notice.

  1. De-clutter

Your good first impression doesn’t end once the potential buyer is inside the house. Your first step is to de-clutter as much as possible. You want your home to look neat and spacious, and you want the buyer to be able to picture their things in your rooms. Keep your countertops as clear as possible.  Remove as many knickknacks and toys as you can, and keep personal photographs to a minimum.

  1. Walls

Touch up your paint if necessary. If you have any walls that are painted in bold or non-neutral colors, consider re-painting in a neutral taupe or off-white. These colors will appeal to the majority of potential buyers. At the very least, make sure that your walls are clean and the paint job looks fresh and neat.

  1. Floors

Keep your floors as clean as possible. Vacuum, sweep, and polish daily, if necessary.  Again, replace any broken tiles or cracks. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner prior to putting your house on the market.

  1. Light

Open your shades, clean your windows, and replace any burnt-out bulbs.  You want your home to look bright and cheery, not dark and shadowy.

  1. Bathrooms

Make sure all of your faucets are drip-free. Keep the counters uncluttered – no toiletries please.  Hang fresh clean towels and squeegee your shower door daily. The bathroom should look like no one uses it.

Guest Blogger Kimberley Kelly: Kim is a Realtor in Indian Wells, California. You can check out her website where you can search all real estate Indio and real estate La Quinta.

{ 0 comments }

The Cost of Being a Renter

by admin on February 26, 2012

The Cost of Being a RenterToday the housing market as well as the economy has left many individuals looking to rent property rather than looking to own it. They look to renting as the easier and more affordable option. One does not have to take out a loan or round up a large chunk of money for a down payment when renting a space.

However, along with the immediate benefits of renting versus owning a house, there are also a few costs to consider as well. Below is information regarding the current trends found in renting as well as the costs of choosing to rent instead of purchasing a home.

You can weigh for yourself if the “cost” of renting is too high; if your answer is yes, it is probably time to invest in a home.

  • The Current Trend of the Renting Market

As the economy continues to waiver, the real estate market continues to do so as well. In the past, a general rule of thumb many individuals chose to follow was if thirty percent or more of your income was going towards your home or rental, you were paying too much. However, this appears to no longer be the trend today.

Today, many of individuals who are currently renting property from someone else are easily spending fifty percent of their income on their home. Why? As people are being forced into foreclosure or can no longer afford the immediate expenses of purchasing a home, many are seeking the option of renting a space to call home.

Thus, as the market for housing drops, the market for renting actually increases. Although this is good business for landlords and home owners that are renting out their space to others, it is not good news for the countless of individuals who are looking for an affordable place to live.

  • Nothing Gained

Unlike owning a home, you do not gain anything by making your monthly payments when you are a renter. Essentially, you are simply giving money to a landlord or renting agency. If you choose to purchase a home instead of renting an apartment, you are then able to eventually own the property you are making payments for.

Thus, by purchasing a home, you are ultimately creating an asset for the future once it is paid off. However, with renting you are not creating any sort of asset but rather trading money for a temporary space to live in.

  •  Less Privacy

Another negative to renting property rather than owning one that many individuals often complain about is having less privacy. Essentially, what you do is monitored by not only your unit neighbors, but also by your landlord. Thus, you are expected to follow certain rules and regulations such as maintaining a respectable volume, possibly having no pets, and showing the home to other potential buyers if you decide to give up your lease at the end of the year.

No Personal Additions

Finally, the space is not yours to do with as you please. Although this may seem like a minor cost to sum, it is actually a major factor when deciding to rent for others. With a lease, you as a renter are usually not able to make any changes to the apartment you choose to rent. Any changes that are not allowed to be made may include painting the place, replacing the carpet or cabinets, burning candles, hanging items on the wall, or any other fixtures the landlord does not see as acceptable.

Too Many Costs?

Although owning a home may be an expensive investment, it provides you with some sort of foundation for the future. Renting a space has become more expensive in the last few years and the costs are climbing with the expense. Make sure you look into all of your options before deciding whether renting or owning is the best decision for you!

For more information please visit Linda Wise’s Palm Bay real estate website where you can find Patrick Air Force base real estate and Viera FL real estate.

{ 0 comments }

How to Stage your Home for a Quick Sale

by admin on February 24, 2012

How to Stage your Home for a Quick SaleStaging your home is a great way to “offer up” your home to potential buyers. It gives the illusion of your home being “ready” for its next owner. Home staging gives potential buyers an impression and an illusion rather than showing how you actually have lived in the home.

Staging your home well goes beyond just cleaning and de-cluttering. And, when it is done well, your home will appear bigger, more spacious, warmer, and it will make people want to buy it. In this article, I will go room by room, giving you tips on what to do to help your house feel like the buyers “home.”

How to Stage your Home for a Quick Sale

  • Kitchen - The kitchen or “the heart of the home” is a great place to start to make the buyer feel at home. You can pull out the orange oil to use on your cabinets to make them look new. Stage a big bowl of fresh and colorful fruit in the kitchen. Stage a few place settings with lovely place mats and napkins with napkin rings at the kitchen table.
  • Bathrooms - The bathroom should give your buyer a relaxed feeling. This is a private space, and you want it almost feel like a spa. Place a basket on the counter top or on the back of the toilet with spa-type items:  scented lotions, rolled-up towels, and other pampering items. Also, be sure that your bathrooms are spotlessly clean and smell fresh.
  • Living Room and Family Room - The living areas should look lightly furnished with plenty of space to fill. Pick a feature in the rooms that you would like to be the focal point—maybe a pretty window, built-in cabinets, or a fireplace. Then, you stage everything in that room to feature that focal point. This looks orderly and peaceful—kind of how we’d like out daily lives to be, but they so rarely are. Remember, you are offering up an illusion.
  • Personal Space and Items - Pack your personal belongings such as pictures, awards, trophies, books, or papers. You want the buyers to see your home, not you. That also means you need to “undecorate” your home. The neater and more uncluttered your house is, the more the buyer sees that your house has received great care.
  • Curb Appeal - And last, but not least, consider your home’s curb appeal. Drive up to your home and pretend that you are a potential buyer. Would you be attracted to your home, objectively? It’s not easy to look at your own home objectively, so I am there to help as your real estate agent. I suggest that you power-wash your driveway and walkways, your decks and patios, and that you add flowers if possible. You only get one opportunity to make a good impression.

A Few More Details, and You’re Set for Success! 

There are also several general tips on staging throughout your house when getting ready to sell. Let in as much natural light into your home as possible. You can do this several ways with very little effort or expense. Start by making sure that nothing is hanging in your windows (inside or out), cut back shrubbery and limbs or branches that block light coming in through the windows. Consider having your windows professionally cleaned. A layer of dirt or dust can block quite a bit of natural light.

With all of these tips on staging your home, you are armed with the knowledge of what to do. Now, it is simply a matter of putting wheels to your ideas, and you should be ready to sell your home and get a great turn out from any showing!

About the author: Jolenta Averill is a Madison WI real estate agent who services both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs. If you’re looking for a great place to purchase a new home, you may want to check out Jolenta’s Madison homes for sale website and don’t forget to get the latest updates on her Madison housing news blog.

{ 0 comments }

4 Reasons the US Housing Market Will Recover

by admin on February 9, 2012

4 Reasons the US Housing Market Will RecoverAs January comes to an end, many are looking back on some of the 2011 year predictions to see if they’re still on track. 2012 is expected to be a much better year for the San Ramon CA housing market than we’ve seen in about half a decade.

Here are just some of the predictions that were made last year that we can already see beginning to come true for 2012:

4 Reasons the US Housing Market Will Recover

  1. 1.      Builders Will Start Building Again

When the housing crisis was at its peak, property construction stopped immediately across the U.S. It only made sense. There was no need to continue to build new homes when so many existing ones were facing, in the middle of or already foreclosed upon. Plus, as the government began to examine the now infamous ARMs qualification processes, it became obvious that most couldn’t qualify for a reasonable mortgage.

To top it off, property values plummeted, making it impossible for investors to make a profit from the sale of newly constructed homes. Now, with interest rates being so low, it may be time for investors to take a deep breath. They can be more confident in the fact that potential buyers can actually afford to purchase homes they decide to construct.

  1. 2.      Unemployment Rates Will Effect Buyer Confidence

So many Americans joined the unemployment lines in the last five years, it’s actually scary. This didn’t help the foreclosure epidemic one bit, as the ARMs interest soared to unaffordable rates within the U.S. Although there are expert reports of expected recovery in our housing market, the confidence of potential buyers is still low.

This is guided by a financial economy that has far from recovered, as unemployment numbers continue to remain at record highs. Because many consumers have learned harsh lessons taught by the ARMs deals, caution will still be exercised when it comes to committing to home mortgage loans.

  1. 3.      Home Values Won’t Appreciate Much, If At All

To many current homeowners, this may not be great news, as they may be hoping to sell or refinance their homes. But, this is encouraging to the housing market as a whole, because it encourages new homebuyers to take the leap into homeownership.

With thousands of foreclosed homes sitting empty across the US, it’s detrimental to the economy that they become occupied as soon as possible. This is a blessing for first time homebuyers, as this buyer’s market allows the cost of homeownership to be more affordable than it has been in decades.

  1. 4.      Homebuyers’ Tools Will Go Even More Mobile

In 2012, almost everything we touch has a digital aspect to it, including shopping for homes. Consumers use digital media to search property listings, prices, real estate brokers and agents, and much more. When looking at homes, property addresses are found using GPS apps found in cell phones.

E-signatures are used to sign official documents online. Pleasanton CA Real estate consumers are reading newspapers, carrying fliers or searching telephone directories less and less everyday. All of these things are now being replaced by laptops, iPads, smart phones, netbooks, etc… Real estate agents are finding that their office phones are ringing less everyday as their clients choose to communicate with them using text messages and emails, versus the telephone.

2012 US Housing Market Recovery

Although it will take time for a full Danville CA housing market recovery to occur, positive changes will begin in 2012. Once the 2012 presidential elections are over, we can all step back and take a strong look at the state of our housing market. Hopefully, the political figures in charge won’t forget to make the job market a priority. If so, and they are smart enough the get valuable jobs back to the US, we can expect to see a rise in homeownership confidence levels. This will help to push harder for a housing market that’s predicted to make a full recovery in the upcoming years.

This guest blog was provided by Vickie Nagy. You can learn more about Vickie by visiting her website here: http://vickiesellshomes.com/.

{ 0 comments }

Why Isn’t My House Selling?

by admin on February 7, 2012

Why Isn’t My House Selling?The real estate market is facing some rough times, and many houses are staying on the market for several months or longer. While the state of the housing market as a whole is beyond your control, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of finding a buyer.

If your home has been on the market longer than a few months, it might be time to consider some of these strategies.

Why Isn’t My House Selling?

The biggest reason why houses do not sell is because the asking price is too high. Your house is worth whatever someone is willing to pay you for it, no more and no less. It’s a buyer’s market these days, and there are many houses on the market. If your asking price is too high, most buyers will simply move on to another house.

Another reason is that your home lacks curb appeal. Take some photographs of your home and look at them as if you were a stranger. How appealing is your house? Would you want to see the inside? Could you picture your family living there? If the outside is sloppy, potential buyers will assume that the inside is also sloppy, and they will move on to the next house. Fixing this could be as simple as mowing your lawn, clearing out the clutter, and adding some inexpensive landscaping that highlights your home.

Next, take a look at the interior of your house. If it looks cluttered and messy, potential buyers will be turned off. Yes, it is a hassle to keep your home spotless and neat, especially over many months, but you are competing with other sellers who are doing just that. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes:  would you want to purchase a home that is messy and cluttered? Messy homes give buyers the impression that the current owners are not taking good care of the house, and cosmetic issues may be a harbinger of bigger problems in the home. Hiring a cleaning service may be a good investment.

Remove Overbearing Personal Items

Once your house is clean, do your best to remove or hide as many personal items as possible. You want potential buyers to picture their families living there, not yours. Furniture showrooms and catalogs use pleasant, but impersonal decorations to make the room inviting to as many people as possible. Of course, you are proud of your bowling trophies and your children’s artwork, but now is not the time to display them, and hide away your bathroom toiletries. No one wants to be reminded that your family has been using the bathroom they are thinking of purchasing.

Another tip is to leave the house when potential buyers are looking. Your presence can make the buyer feel uncomfortable about expressing their true feeling towards your home. It is your agent’s job to showcase the qualities of your home and to answer any questions. If you are following a buyer around you might appear too eager, or you might inadvertently say something that turns the buyer off.

You Might Need A New Agent

It’s also possible that your real estate agent is not very good. Some agents may have so many listings that they can’t devote enough time to yours. Others are simply lazy or just not very talented. Stay on top of your agent and make sure they know what you expect from them. Go to their bosses if necessary. They are working for you so make sure they are doing their job.

If you take a good look at these factors, there is a good chance you will be able to sell your home sooner rather than later, even in a buyer’s market.

Guest Blogger: This article was written by Mitch Ribak a Melbourne real estate agent. You can learn more about Mitch by visiting his Indian Harbour Beach real estate website where you can also search all Grant FL real estate.

{ 0 comments }

Pros and Cons of Building a Custom Home

by admin on February 6, 2012

Pros and Cons of Building a Custom HomeDeciding to build a custom home is a major undertaking for anyone.  One reason that potential buyers make the decision to build is because they are unable to find everything they want in a home that is currently for sale.

Basically, they build a custom home that has all the amenities and the style that they desire.  Another reason for building a custom home is that they find a perfect piece of land and want to build a dream home.

Pros and Cons of Building a Custom Home

When making the decision to build a custom home, buyers must take into consideration what is involved.  Although homeowners end up with the home they have always wanted, it is a daunting task to get from the idea phase to the completion of the home.  Because of this, there are advantages and disadvantages that need deliberation.

Advantages of Building a Custom Home

It is a dream we all have — the ideal home.  Dream homes are a culmination of everything anyone ever wanted in a home.  Some of the advantages of building a custom home are:

Control of the Process - You have complete command over the process from layout and design through completion.  You decide everything – size of the home; number of bedrooms; layout of the rooms; what types of floors; fixtures; and, much, much more.

Budget -  When building a custom home, you establish the budget at the onset.  Knowing what you have to spend helps keep your ideas and designs in check.

The Home Contains the Your Wants and Needs - Custom-built homes are usually well thought out and incorporate the ideas and amenities that you want in your dream home.  From arches in a doorway to the knobs on a kitchen cabinet, everything comes from what the ideas you have loved in other homes buyers.

Disadvantages of Building a Custom Home

Although the advantages of building a custom home are enough to sway you past the obstacles, it is still very important to know the disadvantages that need to be considered before beginning the process.  These disadvantages are:

Difficulty in Financing - With some mortgage lenders, financing a custom home is more risky than buying a home currently on the market.  With custom homes, it is difficult to establish a true market value of the land and improvements based on plans.  There are many finishes and parts of a custom-built home that are items you want but will not necessarily increase the value of the home itself.

Very Expensive -  It is easy to get carried away with building a custom­-built home which causes costs to go up.  Unless you are very diligent about staying on top of expenses involved, you will easily increase the cost to the point that the entire project is very much over budget and ultimately upside down in terms of cost versus true market value.

Timing -  Building a custom home is a very time consuming project.  Depending on the size and layout of the home, the actual process of building the home can take months to complete.

An Alternative to Custom Homes

Semi-custom built homes are a good alternative to true blue custom-built homes.  These homes are already planned and designed.  Many times, semi-custom built homes are located in planned developments or neighborhoods.  You have the ability to choose from several models and elevations then pick the fixtures, paint colors, etc. so that the home still reflects your style.

Building a semi-custom built home has its pros and cons as well.  While you still have your style mixed in the home, you do not have the opportunity to design the home as you would ideally like to have it.  Budgets are easily maintained as builders of these types of homes provide allowances for fixtures, etc. The allowances are built into the list price so that you have a set amount for everything.  Because much of the materials that are used in building semi-custom homes are bought in bulk, the price tends to be significantly less than a custom-built home.

The Decision is Made

Once you decide that you want to build a home, the fun begins.  Make sure you weigh all the facts as this is not for the weary.  It is a long and arduous process that ultimately ends with your dream home.  The ride along the way is not always easy but once you get there, you will be glad you did it.  Just be careful and pay attention to detail!!

About the Author: Paula Henry of Sycamore Group Associates provides Fishers real estate services and information about Fishers Indiana Homes for Sale to those people
searching Fishers Neighborhoods to buy or sell their home.

{ 0 comments }