Attitudes about homeownership

 

Attitudes about homeownership

 

Ready to make the move?

Housing needs change as life goes on, you will need someone that can serve your home financing needs. So when you plan to buy a home, you should rely on someone you know can help you plan effectively, purchase confidently and own successfully.

 

Opportunity is knocking - LOUDLY!

While the Spring has been the best time to buy - the Fall historically has been a close second.

If your time has come for you to buy either your next home OR, your first home, your timing couldn't be better! Many areas of the country are experiencing lower home prices, or mortgage interest rates remain near historical low levels. You may be able to find an attractively priced property that is move in ready.

 

 

Attitudes about homeownership remain positive!*

• National survey results confirm owners and renters agree owning a home is a smart decision over the long term.
• 95% of owners surveyed believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home.
• 72% of renters surveyed agree.
• 93% of owners surveyed would buy again.
• 63% of renters surveyed said they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a home in the future. * National Association of Realtors

More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed, Savvy REALTOR who knows and understand this market.  

   - Contact me - (click below)                                                             

Theodore “Ted” Corbett when BUYING a Home or SELLING your Home! 

 

 

 



Top Home Buying Myths

 

 

Top Home Buying Myths

There are many misconceptions about the home-buying process.  To help set the record straight, here are some common myths; Many myths are created by "Haters", those that just hate your drive, your motivation and just your successful ways. THEN, it's those myths that have been around for years and are just plain false, not true, YET, often cause well intentioned, motivated and would-be HOMEOWNERS  enough caution to not move forward!

Myth #1:  You don’t need a Realtor.

Before you bravely take on one of the biggest purchases or sales of your life, remember this: it’s not as easy as it looks.  Realtors know all the ins and outs of the local area as well as the market in which you’re looking to buy or sell.  Picking up the phone and calling a Realtor may be one of the best decisions you’ll make.

Myth #2:  The bigger the down payment, the better off you’ll be.

Buyers’ immediate reflex is to put as much cash down as they can when buying a new home because they’ll borrow less, lower the monthly mortgage payments, and won’t need to buy mortgage insurance.  However, putting 20% down is not a requirement and it’s not for everyone.
Thanks to Federal Housing Administration Loans (FHA Loans), you can put as little as 3.5% down.  With this method, you’ll potentially have a lower interest rate, giving you more flexibility.  Your money is not all tied up in your house like in a traditional down payment that can leave you with little or no extra cash to spend on home care, improvements, or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Myth #3:  Appraisers set the value of a home.

The role of the appraiser is to produce a credible opinion of value that reflects the current market.  Appraisers are not responsible for setting the value of the home and they also do not confirm a home’s sale price.

Myth #4:  You need perfect credit.

Most people assume that you must have absolutely golden credit in order to get a loan, but that just simply isn’t the case.  If buyers have less than perfect credit, lenders are often willing to work with them to get the best possible loan.
Credit is not the only thing that lenders look at when deciding to approve a loan, but your score will have an effect on the interest rate on your mortgage.  Make sure you review your credit report and if any errors are found, they should be reported to the credit reporting bureaus before applying for a mortgage.

More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed, Savvy REALTOR who knows and understand this market.  

   - Contact me - (click below)                                                             

Theodore “Ted” Corbett when BUYING a Home or SELLING your Home! 

 

 

 

 

Is Foreclosure in Your Future, and what can be done about IT!

Is Foreclosure in Your Future, and what can be done about IT!

 

 

If you’re behind on your mortgage, or having a hard time making payments, you need to get you in touch with a HUD-approved housing counselor — they’ve been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Your counselor can develop a tailored plan of action for your situation and help you work with your mortgage company. They’re experienced in all of the available programs and a variety of financial situations. They can help you organize your finances, understand your mortgage options, and find a solution that works for you.

 

Please be advised, if anyone tries to charge you in advance for help or guarantees that they can stop your foreclosure, they’re not legitimate.

 

You can click on the link below to get a list of:

HUD-Approved Counseling Agencies in your area.

 

 

The above information was provided through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is part of our Federal Government and can and will be a tremendous help to you in times of possible foreclosure. CFPB’s “mission is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products.”

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) established the CFPB.

 

Contact me - (click below)                                  

Theodore “Ted” Corbett when you want a full service REALTOR!!!

 

Also Visit my website:

www.corbettmarketing.com

 

Is Foreclosure in Your Future, and what can be done about IT!

Is Foreclosure in Your Future, and what can be done about IT!

 

 

If you’re behind on your mortgage, or having a hard time making payments, you need to get you in touch with a HUD-approved housing counselor — they’ve been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Your counselor can develop a tailored plan of action for your situation and help you work with your mortgage company. They’re experienced in all of the available programs and a variety of financial situations. They can help you organize your finances, understand your mortgage options, and find a solution that works for you.

 

Please be advised, if anyone tries to charge you in advance for help or guarantees that they can stop your foreclosure, they’re not legitimate.

 

You can click on the link below to get a list of:

HUD-Approved Counseling Agencies in your area.

 

 

The above information was provided through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is part of our Federal Government and can and will be a tremendous help to you in times of possible foreclosure. CFPB’s “mission is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products.”

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) established the CFPB.

 

Contact me - (click below)                   

Theodore “Ted” Corbett when you want a full service REALTOR!!!

 

Also Visit my website @

 

www.corbettmarketing.com

SHORT SELLERS AND THOSE IN FORECLOSURE ARE NOT THE SAME!!

SHORT SELLERS AND THOSE IN FORECLOSURE ARE NOT THE SAME!!

For some time now, many short sellers were treated the same as homeowners that foreclosed when applying for a mortgage.  Due to a credit coding issue that lumped short sellers into the same category as a foreclosure, the waiting period for loan approval was extended substantially.  This forced millions to put their dream of participating in homeownership again off to the distant future.  With interest rates climbing, and the real estate market improving, the increased future cost for purchasing would seem more of an obstacle down the road. 

But new policy changes could bring more options starting in November.  After Sen. Bill Nelson focused on bringing this coding error to the FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Board, things started to change. 
"This is the nature of the evolution of this business," says Fannie Mae spokeswoman Keosha Burns. The agency will input the new software into its computer system on Nov. 16. After that, if a short sale is marked as a foreclosure, the new code will allow the loan servicers to bypass it, correct it and move forward with the loan. Short sellers should speak with their bankers about the new options for homeownership, what the qualifications will be, and whether the state of their credit needs improvement. 

More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed, Savvy REALTOR who knows and understand this market.  

   - Contact me - (click below)                                                             

Theodore “Ted” Corbett when BUYING a Home or SELLING your Home!

What Successful Buyers are doing!

What Successful Buyers are doing!

For most home buyers, the purchase of real estate is one of the largest financial transactions they will make. Buyers purchase a home not only for the desire to own a home of their own, but also because of changes in jobs, family situations, and the need for a smaller or larger living area.

NAR’s (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®) annual survey of recent home buyers and sellers provides insight into detailed information about experiences with this important transaction. Here are highlights from the latest report.

 

In today’s Housing market, buyers still as always look for location.

Location, Location, Location

The survey showed that while neighborhoods are important to buyers, neighborhood choices varied according to family composition. Homes that are close to work are a growing priority for many home buyers today.

Highlights from the latest report shows:

·                Sixty-six percent of recent home buyers were married couples—the highest share since 2001.

·                For 42 percent of home buyers, the first step in the home-buying process was looking online for properties and 14 percent of home buyers first looked online for information about the home buying process.

·                The use of the Internet in the home search rose slightly to 92 percent.

·                The typical home buyer searched for 12 weeks and viewed 10 homes.

·                Eighty-eight percent of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker—a share that has steadily increased from 69 percent in 2001.

·                Eighty-eight percent of sellers were assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home.

·                Two-thirds of home sellers only contacted one agent before selecting the one to assist with their home sale.

·                The share of home sellers who sold their home without the assistance of a real estate agent was nine percent. Forty percent knew the buyer prior to home purchase.

As you can see, in today’s housing market, the need to eliminate the competition
so you can find and get your “DREAM HOME” calls for you to have a qualified, savvy Realtor at your service:

 More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed, Savvy REALTOR who knows and understand this market.

   

                                - Contact me -                                                               

Theodore “Ted” Corbett when BUYING your Home

 

7 Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling and What To Do About It.

7 Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling and What To Do About It.

As a Realtor I often see listings that linger on the market for months or even years – while others sell in a matter of months or even days.

Price and local inventory play a big part in a home not selling in a timely manner, there are as many other reasons as there are homes that are sold daily and yes, homes are bought & sold everyday, and in all areas.

I will highlight 8 reasons a home don’t sell, as well as what you can do about it.

1 – Selling Price

The price of any home that is not getting showings or offers is usually the main factor. Whatever is wrong with the home, it can usually be overcomed by adjusting the price!

2 – Tacky or Dated Décor

Everyone’s taste is different, so less is more when it comes to décor at sale time. Loud patterns and bold colors can be big distractions. Do I need to say anymore?

3 – Poor Condition

If a home looks as if it’s going to cost half as much to repair or renovate as it does to purchase, it’s going to take a long time to move. Just think about it  - “why should I buy this house, when there are houses around that don’t need as much work”?

4 – Bad Location

A wonderful house can’t always overcome a bad location. Houses that are close to a power plant, waste-treatment facility or busy freeway will sit, unless the seller is willing to take a major hit on the price.

Also, when a neighborhood has disintegrated, pushing values down & crime up, it’s hard to find a buyer who wants to purchase there, and owners are forced to rent out the house.

5 – Bad Design

In some cases, it’s a matter of functional obsolescence, when a dated design no longer serves today’s population, such as older houses where you have to walk through one bedroom to get to a second bedroom.

6 – Over Improved House

While it certainly feels nice to have the largest most elegant home in the neighborhood, it won’t do you any favors when it comes time to sell. People are paying not only for the house, but also for everything around it. If the houses around yours don’t mirror yours in size or polish, you might have a hard time getting a luxury price.

7 – “Sloppy” House

If a seller don’t bother to spruce up the outside area, or cleanup, clutter, debris or simply make the house appealing to the eye – the house will be a challenge to sell – it will be hard to impossible to get the asking price, or sell, period.

4 Tips for Selling Your House Fast:

1 – Be realistic about the selling price. Experience shows that the main reason a property stay on the market without selling in a timely way is the price is too high.

As I mentioned earlier, “Price will overcome any objection”. Look at comparable sales, paying special attention to those in similar condition.

2 – Everybody’s taste is different, so don’t stage your home as a showcase of your own bold or traditional style. Buyers want a minimalist picture in which to see themselves in their “home”.

Hiring a Realtor to stage your home can achieve this!

3 – Post eye grabbing photos. Your Realtor can do this important task and more for you. Your Realtor can post photos on MLS and other Real Estate sources that promote and showcase your property’s features  that are true selling points.

4 – Your home should look as good as it can from the minute it hits the MLS.

More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed              

 REALTOR who knows and understand this market     

                                                                 - CALL -                                                                       

   Theodore “Ted” Corbett when SELLING your home!

Home Remodels Can Strain a Relationship

Remodeling a home can be stressful, and for some couples, it can lead to plenty of bickering back-and-forth. For some, it can even lead to heart-break.

Would you believe that 12 percent of couples admit to considering separation or divorce in the middle of a home remodel, according to a recent survey conducted by Houzz, a home remodeling and design social network.

The remodeling and redecorating process was found by 46 percent of those surveyed to be “frustrating” as a couple. The survey found the reason for all of the tension is they can’t agree on a design style, the survey finds.

A third of respondents say they don’t like their significant other’s design style. The household items irking them the most: Old furniture, posters and artwork, antlers and other hunting trophies, wood paneling, and old magazines.

While 42 percent say they’ve gotten stuck with items they hate in their home because of their significant other, other respondents say they aren’t as willing to sacrifice in a home remodel for the sake of their relationship. Twenty percent of those surveyed admitted to going ahead and removing a significant other’s item without telling them.

And when you can’t agree during a remodel, some say they’ll just proceed without telling the other person. Twenty percent of those surveyed say they’ve made a significant decision during the remodeling process without telling their partner — decisions like tearing down walls, choosing furniture, or picking out a paint color for the walls.

For couples who can’t see eye-to-eye on a home remodel, Houzz offers up some of the following tips to help keep the peace:

• Share ideas: Have a date night to share one another’s design ideas. See if you can find any commonalities in the styles. For inspiration, Houzz offers a large library of professional photos that can be sorted by style and room.
• Give and take. If she gets her way here, he gets his way there. If he isn’t willing to let something go there, she gets to keep something he’s not a fan of either.
• Set a budget. Research costs beforehand and commit to staying on a budget.
• Agree on when to agree. Before starting the remodel, agree to a list of items that each person will need to approve before proceeding, such as the wall color and appliances. Then, no one can ever say he or she was left out of an important decision in the process.

For couples who do embark on a home remodel, they can still have a happy ending. . Houzz notes, even if they don’t necessarily fall in love all over again afterwards, at least they’ll love their home more, some couples are happier afterward. The survey did show that 41 percent report more happiness with their significant other following a remodel. Eighty-four percent say they want to spend more time at home after a remodel.

More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed, REALTOR who knows and understand this market    - CALL -                                    Theodore "Ted" Corbett when SELLING your home!

Housing Bargains Can Still Be Found

 

 

Housing Bargains Can Still Be Found

Foreclosures have fallen by 35 percent nationwide in the last year, according to data from RealtyTrac. However, where such proceedings must first get approved by the courts—which are known for having a lengthy process—foreclosures have climbed 34 percent overall. In New Jersey foreclosures have soared 103 percent, followed by Florida (up 100 percent), Maryland (up 94 percent), New York (up 66 percent), and Illinois (up 65 percent), according to RealtyTrac.

In some states, foreclosures remain abundant, and foreclosures tend to sell at discounts. Many of these properties will likely enter the market in the next six to 12 months, says Daren Blomquist, vice president of RealtyTrac. 

“If you missed the bottom of the housing market, this might be the last chance to get a bargain on one of these foreclosure homes,” he says.

However, finding big housing bargains these days has become trickier “because there’s been such a recovery,” says Bradley Hunter, chief economist of Metro Study, a Houston-based housing market research firm. I say a tremendous recovery in New York. But he says those willing to choose developments that were built in the late part of the housing boom that are furthest from urban hubs and schools may find the biggest deals. “If you’re willing to make a bit of a commute, you may be able to save more money. In 2005, the motto for those looking for a new home was ‘drive 'til you qualify.’’

More then ever, in today’s market it is extremely important to have an informed, REALTOR who knows and understand this market - Theodore “Ted” Corbett help you realize the American Dream of HOMEOWNERSHIP!



Is it now a Buyers or Sellers’ Market? – It’s Win/Win

 

With the current shortage of inventory in the housing market across the country, many Buyers are facing the challenge they haven’t dealt with in a long time. It is fast becoming a market where getting Buyers to buy is not the challenge, but getting homes on the market for them to buy.

Nationally, the median age of inventory, i.e. how long a home is on the market, was 78 days in March 2013, down 20 percent from February 2013, and approximately 88 days on the market just a year earlier.

This shortage of housing inventory has sparked bidding wars, leading to Buyers paying more than otherwise. A managing broker at Coldwell Banker Danforth and the state director for Washington Association of Realtors, recently is “down to 1.7 months of inventory within the city limits, and there is no end to the shortage in sight.” He further stated that “recently a Buyer offered $520,000 on a $450,000 home that was just three days on the market.”  Further stating, “That Buyer lost out to one of 13 other offers.”

The problem for many would-be Sellers is that they just can’t afford it – many still owe more on their mortgage than they can sell their home for on the open market.

 

Today’s market can be a win - win for both Buyers as well as Sellers – the inventory shortage should be used to your advantage. NOW, is the perfect time to sell – before everyone else comes back into the market and the new flood of supply drives prices down.

Contact Ted Corbett NOW to take advantage of this market.

 

 

 

Can you afford to BUY a home?

Thinking that you can’t afford to BUY a home?

Are you unsure about becoming a HOMEOWNER?
Are you worried about whether home buying is a good INVESTMENT?
Buying a first home can be an intimidating process. But the first step is deciding asking if: I want to own a home; I can afford to own a home; owning a home makes sense for me financially and emotionally. If you are still struggling with those decisions, here are some facts that might help you take that first step towards becoming a homeowner.
You Can’t Afford NOT to Buy a Home!
Over the last ten years, the cost of rental housing in the U.S. has increased an average of 3.5% per year. If that trend continues, that means that an apartment renting for $1,000 to $1,600 per month will cost more than $1,300 to $1,900 a month in ten years. If you rent the same home for ten years, the total amount you would pay for rent will exceed $140,777 to $225,000.
Tax Advantages of Owning a Home Result in Savings –
None of that $140,777 to $225,000 is returned to you, either through savings or as an investment. Homeownership, on the other hand, has tax advantages over renting a home, and those advantages can help you save money. For many homeowners, part of the monthly mortgage payment “comes back to you” in tax savings. Here’s an example: You purchase a home that costs $200,000. Your down payment is $10,000 (plus closing costs – expenses incurred to actually process the transaction). You finance the balance with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 5.5 percent interest. Your monthly payments (not including utilities, maintenance, insurance, etc.) are:

Monthly Mortgage & Tax Payments

mortgage $1,079

property tax (@1.25% tax rate*) 208

Total Monthly Payment $1,287

tax savings per month (assuming a

25% income tax bracket)

mortgage interest tax deduction $216

tax deduction for property tax 52

Total Monthly Tax Savings $268

Total Monthly Cost After Tax Savings $1,019

*property tax rates vary by city and county.

Becoming a Homeowner definitely has advantages and may be for you. If you’re ready to make the move to being a Homeowner, call me, Theodore “Ted” Corbett, I have helped others realize the “American dream” – that of Homeownership.

Buying a Home? Finally, Times Are Good! YET, Buyers are hesitant!

Buying a Home? Finally, Times Are Good! YET, Buyers are hesitant ! Everyone knows that the housing market has been a little daunting for the last several years. Ups and downs, talk of good news and bad news, and a confusing amount of information about rising and falling mortgage rates has rendered the market all but inaccessible for a lot of prospective buyers. Good news! Times are changing. Whether you want to buy a home as your long-term residence or as an income property, things are looking up. Remarkably low mortgage rates are making houses more affordable than they have been in decades. Of course, lately, one of the greatest concerns facing you as a prospective homebuyer is whether you can secure that low rate mortgage in the first place. A recent monthly survey of buyers by NAR (National Association of Realtors) shows that lenders are taking too long in approving applications, and that the information lenders require from borrowers is excessive. Some respondents expressed frustration that lenders appear to be focusing only on loans to individuals with the highest credit scores. Lenders have tightened standards, requiring steeper down payments and stricter scrutiny of credit scores. But some economists think that might be changing as well. Do you have good credit? , A down payment? , A steady job? These are all factors that might play in favor of your ability to secure an attractive mortgage rate. While this hesitation is understandable – This is STILL a BUYERS market (where because of lower home prices due to high levels of homes for sale, etc.). Foreclosures and Short-sales are shrinking in availability. Seizing on great buying opportunities should be your focus; contacting a reputable Realtor should be your next action.

HOMEOWNERS AND HOMEBUYERS BENEFIT FROM SHORT SALES!

Homeowners and Homebuyers benefit from Short Sales!

On August 21,2012 the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that working with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac new guidelines were developed that expand eligibility criteria and streamline the short sale process which benefits Homeowners and Homebuyers alike.

These new guidelines offer a more streamlined short sale approach for troubled homeowners, as well as enable lenders to quickly and easily qualify certain homeowners for a short sale who are current on their mortgage payments,but must suffer from specific hardships such as job relocation, increase in housing expenses, unemployment and disability. The FHFA guidelines will also combine current short sales programs into one single uniform process and provide lenders and homeowners clarity on processing a short sale when a foreclosure sale is pending.

Moe Veissi, the president of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has commended the FHFA,  “As the leading advocate for homeownership, REALTORS® know that when a family is absolutely unable to keep their home, a short sale is often the best option for homeowners hoping to avoid foreclosure,”  “REALTORS® appreciate FHFA’s efforts to increase the number of short sale approvals, which limit the losses incurred by homeowners, lenders, the federal government and taxpayers.”, he recently stated. Short sales also help stabilize home values and neighborhoods by keeping homes occupied, which benefits the housing market and aids in the recovery. these guidelines are to be implemented by November 1, 2012.

Homebuyers definitely benefit from these guidelines, as they can purchase homes with a higher market value for much less than they’re worth, PERIOD.!

If you are selling your house or buying your dream home – I can make it happen!

               click above line to contact me!

Yahoo!

HOMES 4 sale CONTINUE to FALL!

Homes 4 sale continue to fall The housing market is in recovery mode as evidenced by plummeting inventory levels and rising median prices, Realtor.com as indicated in its National & Local Market Trends report. In July 2012, the total number of residential listings from single-family, townhouses, co-op and condos dropped almost 20%, slightly just below 2 million. In the Fall of 2007 the national inventory was over 3 millions units. According to the National Association of Realtor’s website Realtor.com, the average length of time that properties are on the market is about 85 days, down about 9% from 2011, this while the average national list price is $194,900, which is up 2.63%. Today, the overall list prices are well below the 2007 $250,000 national price at its peak. Now is a GREAT time to buy! Generally, rising or stable prices combined with lower levels of inventory are signs of a recovering housing market as noted in the Realtor.com report. It’s important to note that older industrialized parts of the U.S. economy continue to show signs of weakness when it comes to housing. On the other hand, for-sale inventories are definitely falling in most U.S. markets – New York being one of those markets. Now is a GREAT time to buy! List prices grew in 91 of the 146 surveyed markets and declined in only 22 markets. "This pattern is in stark contrast to trends observed in July 2011, when median list prices were down -1% or more on an annual basis in 58 of the 146 markets covered by Realtor.com," the report noted. Now is a GREAT time to by! As a full service Realtor, I will help you achieve Real Estate needs – from finding your “DREAM” property, helping you connect with consumer friendly mortgage lenders, Attorneys that specialize in Real Estate, as well as housing, and termite, etc. Subscribe to my blog - http://escapingthecellar.blogspot.com/

THE RIGHT WAY TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME

THE RIGHT WAY TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME

Many people buy homes every day, but unfortunately a lot of them are not really ready. Make sure that you are fully prepared before taking on such a large responsibility. Simply put, "DON'T GO IT ALONE", "hire" a 'Realtor' - a licensed professional. All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

While the final decision is in you the buyers hands, the Realtor you've chosen must be trusted to do what they do, i.e. bring the deal to a sucessful close. Your dream of home ownership involves many players, and your Realtor know the process from start to finish, and how to bring all interested parties together to achieve your goal to be called a "Homeowner". Theodore 'Ted' Corbett has saw buyers realized the American Dream - that of Home Ownership!

Do not hesitate to ask questions.

Know and understand how much you can logically afford. Be disciplined! Avoid the temptation of going beyond what you can afford. A handy tool - "How much home can I afford". This calculator computes the most expensive house you can buy based on the highest payment you can afford, but does not indicate whether you would qualify for the loan.

Get an inspector to check things out.

Do not buy a money pit.
While Foreclosures, Short Sales,etc. can allow great price deductions, remember there is "NO FREE LUNCH"! Avoid,Avoid Avoid the temptation to buy a property where you will be sinking tremendous amounts of money into it.

Be reasonable about expectations.

Be open about other areas.

Do not expect perfection.

REMEMBER! Hire the right people to help you along the way.A Realtor will see you through to your dream of Homeownership!

Having money is not the most important factor when buying a home. There are many more things that need to be taken into consideration. If done right you can end up with a real prize.

SELLING YOUR HOME IN A BUYERS MARKET

SELLING YOUR HOME IN A BUYERS' MARKET

In many parts of the country, selling a home IN A Buyer’s market, i.e. when there is a greater supply than demand, can be a challenge. The tremendous supply of both older homes and new construction often create a dilemma for the qualified buyer, causing a greater delay in the buyer making the decision to buy, causing your house to stay on the market longer than expected. Or, worst yet, not to sell at all.
However, there are a few things you can do to enhance “curb appeal”, so that your house stands out in the crowd. And when that happens, buyers will take notice.



For example, if your home has been on the market for more than six months, it’s probably time to change the sales approach. There are several factors that could be reviewed with your real estate agent to determine improvements that can be made. Ask for a reassessment of the sales price; it may be too high for the current market. Also, ask the agent for a new or updated marketing plan and ask for a specific explanation of each activity. Marketing your home goes beyond a few ads in the newspaper and a listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS); a good agent will do more to get your home sold.
If your current agent doesn’t respond to your satisfaction, you should contact the real estate broker (the owner of the office) and ask for a different sales agent – or, if you’re no longer under any contractual obligation to the firm, it might be time to change real estate offices entirely.

When setting the asking price through a comparative marketing analysis, compare similar homes sold in the winter months. Many owners set their asking price too high because of comparisons with sales prices during peak seasons. Always try to compare like properties sold at the same time of year.
Once you’ve settled on an asking price, its time to spruce up the interior and exterior of your home. Many real estate agents recommend opening as many curtains as possible to add light and color to rooms. Also, it’s suggested that you keep spring and summer pictures of your home out on tables and in clear view. Photos of your front yard flowers or the backyard shade tree in full summer bloom can help swing many buyers in favor of a purchase.
Staying on top of winter maintenance and chores is another sure-fire way of adding value to your home. A neatly shoveled driveway and cleared walkway can add a nice touch. Make sure the furnace is in good working condition and that the room temperature is kept at a comfortable level. Also, check to see that the basement if dry and sealed from any drafts.
Take yourself on a tour of your home. Start in the basement and work you way through the house. More than likely you’ll see many previously undiscovered cluttered spaces and needed repairs that can turn off potential buyers.
Don’t overload your home with a lot of pictures, either. Your house should be able to appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers.

Welcome to My Blog

Escaping the Cellar is my way of sharing knowledge and experiences in the hope that it will enhance the lives and circumstances of others. The basic theme of this blog is to provide how-to, ideas, advice and opinions for the improvement of ones life circumstances.

• Lost your job?
• Need to lose weight?
• Do you think you can't buy your dream HOME?
• Do your "poor" financial condition got you down?
• Is your love life depressing?
• Are you feeling that if it wasn't for bad luck, you wouldn't have any luck at all?

It's Time to Escape the Cellar!

First, before you read any further, make this promise and commitment to yourself:

"I am a winner,

I wanna be the best,

though life's circumstances

have presented me this circumstance,

it is only a stop on the road to my successful self,

I am better then this and deserve better,

Today, I begin to turn this circumstance around

towards being the successful ME!"

Now if you honestly are able to make this promise and commitment to yourself-

CONGRATULATIONS!

You've done the "hard part".

My next postings will provide self-improvement how-to s, ideas, advice and opinions.

I am also inviting you to post your ideas, advice and how-to s to share with our readers