Saturday, September 29, 2007

The Benefits of Using A Realtor To Help You Buy Your Home

Is it possible to go out and buy a home on your own without the assistance of a professional realtor? Sure. But it’s not a good idea. Using a realtor to help in buying your home will make the entire process easier and will help to make sure that you get the best deal on your own and that all of the legal issues involved in home buying are taken care. Still not convinced? Just take a look at some of the basic benefits of using a realtor to help you buy your home:

· A realtor can significantly narrow down the home buying process by helping you to determine exactly what your needs and desires are for the new home.

· A realtor is more capable than you are of negotiating on the price of the home.

· Home buyers rarely pay out-of-pocket fees for the help of a realtor. Therefore you’re getting professional advice and a better deal on your new home without any costs.

· If you are going to be purchasing a new home in a city that you are unfamiliar with or in a neighborhood that you don’t know a lot about, a realtor can provide you with important information about neighborhood demographics and things like schools in the area.

· Realtors are able to access the right people for making a good value assessment of your home so that you know if you’re paying a fair price.

· Realtors have access to online listings of homes that you yourself may not have ready access to, making it possible for the realtor to find a home for you to buy that you wouldn’t have found on your own.

· There are a lot of details to buying a home and you probably aren’t familiar with them, especially if this is your first time as a home buyer. The realtor can help you through every step of the process so that you understand what is going on and don’t get cheated anywhere along the way.

· You’ll know that the I’s have been dotted and the T’s have been crossed so legal concerns about the home buying transaction won’t have to worry you.

· Your realtor will remain calm even when you aren’t. Many good home deals have gotten bungled because of the heat of emotions that can rise up during this important purchase. Realtors help make sure that these emotions stay in their office and don’t cause problems with your buying deal.

The benefits to using a realtor are obvious. And what it really boils down to is that buying a home is not something that you’re trained to do, so it makes sense to work with a professional who is trained. While there are certainly many areas of life that can be quickly learned and approached with the do-it-yourself mentality, home buying isn’t one of them. There are just too many legal details involved and too much (like your money and your home) at stake. When it comes down to it, the choice about using a realtor is up to you. But since there’s little to no cost and a whole lot of benefits, it is definitely the smart thing to do.

Eric Bramlett is the Broker and co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin Texas. He has seen considerable success in real estate, and looks forward to many more years in the business. Eric currently invests, renovates, and develops real estate in the Greater Austin Texas Market. He spends his time working with select clients, helps his new agents get started in their real estate careers, helps his experienced agents progress their careers to the next level, & when he has time…he takes his dogs to the lake. Visit Eric’s Austin Texas Real Estate Guide & visit his Austin Texas Real Estate company’s website. Downtown Austin Condos & Lofts



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Selling a Home By Owner

Selling a home "By Owner" is just as much about how you present YOURSELF both in word and deed as it is about how your house is presented. Many homeowners believe to maximize their home sale profit they should sell it themselves. A recent survey revealed that approximately 30 percent of homeowners intend to sell their home without a real estate agent. The biggest barrier to selling a home by owner is often the fear of legal contract documents, real estate contracts can be a scary issue for most home buyers and sellers. One of the keys to selling is to have all the necessary information about the buying process including financing available to prospective buyers.

Nearly every residential real estate transaction now uses preprinted forms or you can retain a real estate attorney for a lot less than a realtor commission. Doesn't it just make sense that the better you understand the people who will be possibly interested in your house as to how they shop for a house, how they think about the home buying process, their fears and concerns about home buying in general as well as home buying from a "By Owner" seller that you will be better prepared to market your house to them. Another challenge of selling a home by owner is screening unqualified prospects who thing they can low ball you since your saving money on the real estate commission. One of the downsides to selling a home "by owner" is the potential to miss qualified buyers who are working directly with area real estate agents. Most real estate agents show their qualified buyers only properties listed on the MLS since the commission agreements are already negotiated up front and the agent is "guaranteed" a commission.

If you are going to try to sell by owner, you must devote a certain amount of time each day and it is not going to be according to your schedule all of the time. Many homes sit on the market much longer than necessary because the owner isn’t available to show the property. Most objections you receive will be, "we'll think about it", or "we never make up our mind without sleeping on it" and "well talk about it and call you back" I suppose the worst part about selling a home "by owner" is the same as Realtors are used to hearing all the time. One of the things you need to watch out for is that Buyers react very different to a For Sale By Owner Home than to a regular listing. Nothing is more disappointing to an owner than when these people never call back. When it comes to selling a property by owner the first time, many people tend to hesitate as well. In fact, thirty percent of homeowners tend to do so when it is time to move their property. In the case of selling a home by owner, overcoming this hesitation can save you a bundle of money. Using a real estate agent is still proven to be the most effective way to do so, and that's why the agent gets paid commission.

Selling a home by owner is getting easier all the time. At first glance homeowners feel selling a home is simple. Typically the ones who are out doing it By Owner thing think that THEY are going to be the ones who save the commission money. However, close to half of all FSBO’s were unhappy with the results they achieved by selling themselves. There are at any given point in time a certain number of buyers of residential real estate in the market and effectively marketing to these borrowers can be extremely difficult for the by owner seller.



http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Sewell

Buying or Selling a Home - Finding a Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a home is probably one of the largest financial transactions you will ever have. It can be a complicated and time-consuming endeavor. Enlisting help from a real estate agent can ensure the process will be less stressful and more enjoyable. Following are the benefits of using a real estate agent and tips for finding a seasoned, knowledgeable real estate professional.

Real Estate Agent Benefits

Following are the benefits of using a real estate agent:

* Preparing your home for sale. A full-service real estate agent can assist you with getting your home ready for sale by providing invaluable suggestions as well as pricing information for comparable properties to establish your asking price.

* Advertising your home. When the time comes to list your house, a real estate agent can advertise, market and show your home to prospective buyers.

* Negotiating the cost. Once you have an interested buyer, a real estate agent can help you negotiate with interested buyers as well as make arrangements for the closing.


What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

Following are tips for finding a seasoned, knowledgeable real estate professional who understands local market conditions and has the specific experience to best meet your needs:

* Interview several agents to determine which one best meets your needs. Don’t go with the first real estate agent you meet.

* Beware of hiring a family member or friend as a real estate agent. Although it would be nice to pass the real estate commission on to a loved one, it is ultimately best to go with a real estate agent with a proven track record in your marketplace.

* Hire a full-time agent as opposed to someone who practices real estate in their spare time. Real estate transactions are complex endeavors requiring agents who are committed to your transaction and understand the ins and outs of the process.

* Ask your selected real estate agent for a market analysis that compares your house to others on the market to ensure the agent you have chosen has done the proper homework and understands the nuances of your housing market.

* Inquire about past houses your real estate agent has sold, including the list price, the actual selling price, and the average length of time it took to sell the houses.

* Get references from their last three clients. Be wary if the real estate agent hesitates to give you this information.

* Ask your real estate agent how they plan to drive traffic to your home in order to generate multiple offers.

* Select a real estate agent you enjoy working with.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-or-Selling-a-Home---Finding-a-Real-Estate-Agent&id=735889

Buying A Home? Now's The Time

If you are the kind of person that watches the real estate market closely then this is no secret; now is the time to buy a home. As many of us have noticed, the real estate market has generally cooled off compared to what it was for the last decade. Over the last years America experienced a real estate boom the like of which had never been seen before. There were so many houses being constructed but that was just fine as there were just as many people in the market for a home so the whole thing worked out. However as with all such things, it never really lasts. For some time industry professionals have been fearing the "bubble bursting" and while this has indeed happened in some areas, the whole scale crash that was expected did not happen. What we have seen instead is the gradual cooling off of the market and its movement into a buyer's market. As you may have guessed this bodes well for home buyers.

For many years the sellers enjoyed their time in the sun and finally the time has come for the buyers to enjoy the same advantages. With this in mind, it's not time to go crazy buying up properties. As the move from a seller's to a buyer's market is a gradual one there are still sellers who will not understand that their homes have to compete more than they did before. Also, this does not change the actual process at all, buyers will still have to qualify for loans, plan their purchases and so on. They should also be ready to look at multiple homes. With fewer buyers in the market, sellers will be trying to create deals that are attractive to buyers so take some time and weigh your options. Remember that a buyer's market means that there are fewer buyers and a wealth of available homes. You should have no trouble finding a great deal an a nice home and sellers will soon realize that they have to make a few concessions on their sale to stay competitive in their market if they really want their home sold in quick and stress-free manner.

Nancy Gleason is a lifelong resident of the Chautauqua Lake area. Craig and his wife Nancy are realtors who specialize in Chautauqua Lake real estate and properties in the Chautauqua Lake area. For more information on this amazing areas homes, contact Craig & Nancy today or visit us online at http://www.chautauquarealestate.com


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Buying A Home In Cape Verde

Have you visited Cape Verde once or maybe twice in your life and you think that it is a beautiful place to be? You can probably even picture yourself living in a nice house in Cape Verde. Then perhaps you should thinking about buying a home in Cape Verde for yourself. Because you only live once, and if you can afford it then I see no reason why you shouldn't think of buying a home in Cape Verde.

If you are buying a home in Cape Verde you may want to start putting your home on the market as well, this will give you some money on purchasing your home in Cape Verde, but first make sure that you have a home already in Cape Verde, you can work something out if you really want to buy a home in Cape Verde.

If you do a bit of research for your home in Cape Verde you will find that it won't be that hard to do. But buying a home in Cape Verde will take some time and patience. Buying a home is never anything that you can up and do. You do not want to end up getting in debt so first you should try to budget yourself at a payment you can afford when buying a home in Cape Verde.

Another rule when you are buying a home in Cape Verde is you should be aware of their laws because Cape Verde's laws are more than likely different with the laws that you are familiar with.

If you like sun then Cape Verde would be the place for you to buy a home because in Cape Verde throughout the year they only get about 24 centimeters of rain. So the sun is basically always shining in Cape Verde.

Written by Ross Jonson. Find the latest information on IPC as well as Cape Verde holiday homes



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Home Buying: Resale vs. New Construction

It can be a testing result whether to purchase a resale home or a new home from a constructer

though new homes typically have a superior sales rate than comparable open homes, buyers are eager to exhaust more up-front with an understanding that part of what they are paying for is definite low maintenance overheads. A constructer's warranty, along with trademark-new roof, appliances, heater, and other effective systems that make chief repairs unnecessary, work together to counteract likely slower appreciation primarily.

Buying New Versus Resale

In nowadays's warmly competitive promote there is a infinite array of choices to be made when deciding on the font of lodging you hope to reside in. Below is a comparison of the gains and disgains of buying a new home versus a resale home.

Advantages of a New Home

One of the essential gains of buying a new home is the ability to embellish your home from the opening closely the way you want. You can select all the flag, which variety from paint to carpet. You can also make the tile and cabinetry range for the kitchen and bathrooms.

regularly, new homes will have more novel conveniences, better insulation and can be more energy effective.

Disgains of a New Home

Unfortunately, with a new home purchase you should be organized for the on-ready construction you will find around you. odds are that your prairie and lawn will not be in, your driveway will be irritate and your lane will roll into a sea of mud when it rains or snows. If gear are ready to go offend with a newly constructed house, they will emerge in the first one to two days.

As the house settles you may find cracks emergeing in the ramparts of the basement, especially near any windows in the basement, make definite you get them fixed right away. Also, you should not stop your basement in a new home for at slightest a fasten of days, just in basis cracks and leaks come.

There are additional expenses associated with new homes that you will not typically find in a resale home. For example, you may have to exhaust additional money for appliances, curtains, hangings, essential vacuum, humidifiers, decks, lattice, emotional garage door openers, stoping the basement, walkways, outside lighting, inside light furniture, foliage, bushes, gardens and landscaping, children's play sets, swimming puddle, air prepareing, etc.

ultimate overheads are typically superior for new homes. The consumer will pay for such additional overheads as the New Home Warranty Program, hierarchy planting, service hook ups and tarmac of the driveway.

commonly, when you buy a new home, you don't have an opportunity to see the actual exhibit. All that is provided is a drawing and in many basiss the end invention may be a disappointment to the consumer because of changes that the constructer or sub-contractor does not pursue or does themselves. Additionally, there is the uncertainty as to who will be your neighbours.

Advantages of a Resale Home

The chief gain of buying a resale home is that you are poignant into an established neighborhood. Your lawn is green, your bushes are rising, your driveway is smooth and your foliage are well enough established to give your lane a affection of permanence. regularly, most spares are already exhibit, such as appliances, curtains, hangings, essential vacuum, humidifiers, decks, lattice, emotional garage door openers, stoping the basement, walkways, outside lighting, inside light furniture, foliage, bushes, gardens and landscaping, children's play sets, swimming puddle, air prepareing, etc.

In provisos of investment, a resale home will regularly give you far more value than a trademark new home. Many owners put tens of thousands of dollars into home improvements ranging from small stuff, such as landscaping, to chief projects, such as a stoped basement or any of the stuff above. though these improvements will make the home more attractive to promise buyers, they may not boost the promote value of the home.

A $35,000 swimming puddle or a $15,000 stoped basement or even $5,000 worth of landscaping may make the home very attractive. However these additional overheads incurred may not necessarily boost the promote value of a home, especially if you have to wholesale it at a time of year where these chief stuff add little or no perceived value. The buyer gets the home at its real blond promote value, which is based on comparable homes for sale or sold in the neighborhood. All those expensely spares may be included in the home with promote to the buyer at little or no spare expense. This can be a substantial savings over buying a new home.

With a resale, the vendor's asking rate is almost forever negotiable downwards distinct the constructers file rate which is mostly concrete. Any spares or changes are added to the file rate of a new home and add up speedily.

Disgains of a Resale Home

A small percentage of homes in the promoteplace are not respected to be in move-in prepare. If both live-in partners ensue to be effective at rounded time jobs, a move-in prepare home is by far the best alternative. If the house is being under "influence of sale" or the house has been borrowed for many days the home may command a lot of work. If the buyer is not neat or does not have the additional up front wealth then the consumer would be better off buying a home in move-in prepare or a trademark new home. Additionally, as a home gets on in age certain systems such as heating, cooling, roofing, and/or windows must to be upgraded.

though some perceive the item above as a disgain, some respect it as an gain. A home that musts some fitting up can in truth exhibit some fine expense gain to a buyer. commonly, it can be purchased below the ready promote value, while at the same time providing an opportunity to have it embellishd to suite your aspect tastes.

Neighbourhood: Known or strange issue

When you buy a resale home, you can find out a lot more about the house and the neighbourhood before you buy than when you buy a new home. Land to defense new-home comements mostly is located on the border of township. latent buyers should ask the comeer about outlook access to community transit, entertainment activities, shopping centers, churches, and schools. district zoning ordinances also should be reviewed. A very faint subject can roll into a fast-food-shackle harbor inside a fasten of days. Try to endefinite that the neighbourhood, if not truly residential, will not launch rambling out of influence.

Buying into a new-home community may appear hazardier than purchasing a house in an established neighbourhood, but any boost in home value depends ahead the same truthors: condition of the neighbourhood, lump in the citizen housing promote and the condition of the global reduction. One study by the National Association of Realtors shows that resale homes do have an frame over new homes when it comes to appreciation.

More Questions and substance to deem

There is a chief result early in the method of purchasing a new home and that is whether to construct a new home or purchase a resale home already on the promote. The pursueing provides some respectations that may help you make an learned result.

place, spot, spot. Are new homes being built in the subject you appeal? Do you know the surrounding zoning and what will be constructed in the subject? How far away are services (schools, supplies, hospice, doctors, etc.) that you must? How long is the travel to work?

Investment. Typically, due to the continual addition of skin, rising toil and matter overheads, new homes expense more than related resale homes. Are you having to pay significant bearing or lot levies or taxes and fees that are forced on the constructer? Are the taxes on the new home greatly superior than a comparable resale home? Will you be in the new home pending the subject is built out so you will not be competing with the constructers should you must to wholesale the home? Is the home ready to be high rated compared to other homes built or ready to be built in the subject?

skin. Are the grace and skin that you appeal only open in a new home? Can you find a resale home with most of the skin and services you appeal? Can you add the skin you appeal to a resale home? Are newer resale homes open that greet your musts?

attempt. Is the new home constructer or comeer financially constant? Is the constructer a large well known company with a good reputation? Is the constructer asking for significant down payments or increase payments? Are there complaints stuck against the constructer for sloppy work or not making repairs? Has the constructer been delivering homes when promised? test with your Better Business dresser, the township or the city and speech to homeowners that have purchased a home from the constructer.

In rundown, a resale home can expense fewer, be more conveniently located, you know the subject and services and have fewer hazard intricate. A new home can be constructed to have the strict grace and skin you appeal, but mostly with greatly superior overheads, partial spots, and more hazard.

Ultimately, the result should be based on your musts and wishes, your family and/or children, your tolerance for hazard and the anonymous and ultimately your plan.

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant. Find more about Home Guide and review page cooking


http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/200673

New Interactive Real Estate Website Makes Home Buying Simpler

Effective this year homebuyers and sellers will have a new tool that will make home buying and selling more affordable than ever. I-Agent.com has launched a brand new interactive improved website in response to the growing popularity of their 2% rebate program.

The new website will be loaded with features such as:
• I-List, A free online classified section for homes
• A Free Home Valuation
• Free Foreclosure Information
• New Construction Search
• Free MLS search
.
“I-Agent.com’s innovative business model has quickly become a popular trend in the DC metropolitan area,” says I-Agent Realtor Khalil El-Ghoul. I-agent.com offers buyers 66% of the agent commission fee, (roughly 2% of the purchase price) which on average is a savings of up to $11,000 per I-agent transaction. El-Ghoul adds, “This is one of the most attractive benefits for many clients using the site.”

“The very best part was getting the $7000 refund at closing,” says Barbara Bauer, a site user who bought her home in Springfield, VA through I-agent.com. She also said the site made the home buying process “painless.” “I found my home on the first outing with my realtor! My realtor was very dependable and good about letting me know what to expect."

Other I-Agent benefits include a New Homes Database, access to the Multiple Listing Service, and a 24-hour customer service toll free line. "For the intelligent homebuyer, there is simply no better choice than I-agent.com,” says Scott Faircloth, who purchased a resale home in Loudoun County, “Not only did I receive exceptional customer service and an unparalleled commitment to excellence, I also received 2% back...a savings to me of nearly $8,000! Whether you are a first time or repeat buyer, I would not hesitate to recommend I-agent.com -- they really are revolutionizing the home buying experience."


http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/141821

Countrywide Home Loans Shares 6 Home Buying Secrets Most First Time Buyers Don't Know

Buying a home is perceived as one of the most complicated transactions a person can make. That is why Countrywide Home Loans, is offering six home buying secrets that most first time buyers don't know. These helpful home buying tips may reduce confusion about mortgage payments and the cost of buying a house.

Countrywide Home Loans understands that home buying can be a difficult and confusing process, from deciding whether homeownership is right for you to finally making the move into your new home. As a result, many people are hesitant to ever start the process, despite their desire to own a home. So, the company also offers personalized, no obligation, free home loan consultation. First time buyers can call 1-800-768-9382 or apply online.

"Consumers are becoming more educated and prepared when making major purchases," said Dan Hanson, managing director, Countrywide Home Loans. "However, buying a home is still an area that is confusing and intimidating to most people. Prospective buyers should take advantage of the wealth of information and programs out there and be aware of some common misperceptions that could deter them from becoming a homeowner."

Here are six home buying tips and facts that can help you decide to buy a house, negotiate your home purchase and determine which home loan is best for your personal situation:

1. Your mortgage payments might be the same or less than rent payments - The (principal and interest) monthly payment on a $200,000, 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of six percent (6.25%) is $1,231 -- less than what some people pay for rent (taxes, insurance and any other fees, including closing costs, are extra).

2. Buyers don't have to put 20 percent down to buy a home anymore - Many low down payment loans are available. For instance, three and five percent down payments are common, and can help buyers purchase a home without a hefty down payment. This all adds up to less money out-of-pocket to buy a home.

3. Buyers may ask sellers to pay for closing costs - As part of the negotiating process when buying a house, the buyer may ask the seller to pay for a percentage of the non-recurring closing costs, sometimes saving thousands of dollars for the buyer.

4. Buyers can receive gifts or grants from relatives or nonprofit organizations - Many loan programs will allow a portion of the downpayment to come from a relative. Buyers can also investigate downpayment assistance programs and grants available through various nonprofit organizations and employers, as well as from many federal, state, and local governments. Many of these programs are designed for low-, moderate- and middle-income borrowers.

5. You should always get preapproved before you begin house hunting - Buyers should get a written preapproval from a reputable mortgage lender before they start shopping for a home. Preapproved buyers will not only know in advance how much home they can afford, but their preapproved status gives them clout with sellers and real estate agents when the time comes to negotiate a sale price. Lastly, preapproval speeds up the loan process after a purchase contract is signed and can help avoid last minute heartbreaks after a home is found.

6. You can protect your interest rate while you shop for your home - Some lenders, like Countrywide, offer home buyers the ability to lock in a rate, at no cost, before they select a home.



http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/158796

Your Home Buying Plan - Part 1 ... Uncle Sam May Back You Up

How can you start an aggressive home buying plan? This is reality. The following information is no fairy tale. If you are serious about buying a home, just understand the situation you are currently in and ask yourself the following questions:

Do homes appreciate in value?

Can I persuade a bank or lending institution to provide a mortgage given my present credit situation?

Will the US Government give us the money to buy a home with our credit as it is?

How serious am I about buying a home?

Studies conducted by HUD and the FHA concluded that most Americans are deprived of home ownership because of credit issues and not due to not having enough money for a down payment. With that in mind, compare these two scenarios:

A. Why would I give an apartment house a couple thousand dollars for the privilege of moving into a building I do not own? I might have to pay a higher rent after one year; I don't have any place to plant my tomatoes; I don't have any place for my buddies to park for the Sunday football games. And what are my chances of getting the security deposit back?

B. Would I be interested in having control of a $200,000 investment where I would only have to put the closing costs down (which is less than the amount required to move into an apartment in most cases)? How about the fact that the US Government will provide me an opportunity to resolve our credit issues, and if we prove we're serious we can get a Federal Housing Administration guarantee that will provide for the lender the assurance that the loan will be paid back? It has never been easier to purchase a home than now.

In my next article I'll continue with your home buying plan and how you can take further advantage of the FHA's generosity.

Chuck Lunsford is the owner and developer of EasyFloridaHomeLoans.com. He offers advice on how to get your credit in order and working for you. Visit his website and learn more about how to choose the right florida home loan without the usual headaches



http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/160090

AP9 Privacy Matters Preaches Patience -- Pitfalls to Avoid in Home Buying

Norwalk, Conn. (PRWeb) March 8, 2007 -- AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, helps its members safeguard their credit and identity -- while also offering valuable tips on everything from making major purchases to getting low home mortgage rates.

AP9 PrivacyMatters understands that homebuyers -- especially first-timers -- often get so excited about a new home, they tend to forget about other financial responsibilities. AP9 Privacy Matters seeks to steer would-be buyers in the right direction, offering five helpful hints/friendly warnings -- a short list of what NOT to do when it comes time to buy a new home:

-- Don't overdo it. It's perfectly natural to get excited when it comes time to purchase a home. It's also perfectly natural to go on a spending spree at the same time. Avoid this at all costs. Don't make a major purchase (a car, boat, etc.) when it comes time to close on a new home. Being up to your eyes in debt is no fun.

-- Don't jump jobs. If possible, don't change jobs as closing day approaches. A sketchy job history tends to make lenders nervous. Sometimes a job change can't be avoided, but lenders and creditors crave stability.

-- Don't pay the seller directly. Even if a home is listed as "For sale by owner," take that with a grain of salt. Its better to have deposits go into a trust account, or to an attorney or another neutral party that can keep those good-faith dollars safe until closing.

-- Don't boil over. Getting a new home can be a prideful and fulfilling experience. It can also be both aggravating and frustrating beyond compare. During the inspection process, for example, be realistic. No home is without problems and needed fixes. If emotions do run high, take a deep breath. And if potential repairs seem extensive, make sure buying the house still makes sense.

-- Don't be a hero. When working with an agent, let him/her do their job. Make sure he/she keeps on top of things from a scheduling standpoint. And when it comes time to schedule the final walkthrough, make sure a firm date (plus a back-up) is secured.

Get excited about a new home. Just don't get too excited. The home buying preparation taken now will pay off in the long run. For these and all other credit-related issues, just call on AP9 PrivacyMatters.


http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/161316

Your Home Buying Plan - Part 2 ... Know The FHA Rules Beforehand.

The government, after being in the people business for decades, has taken a realistic attitude towards average people with credit issues. You are not the only one to have lost a job, gone through a divorce or had medical trauma in your life. When these things happen something has to give.

I can understand when average people take their paycheck home and try to figure out what bills to pay. Most people that have credit issues were in pretty good shape at one time in their lives. As I stated before things happen, bills accumulated and priorities such as putting food on the table came first. So after putting food on the table and paying the rent or mortgage, you became delinquent in other debts.

Remember when you buy a home; you have to pay the closing costs and down payment. This where the US Government in the form of the FHA can help. How does this happen? Well, the FHA has taken the position that a new home buyer can accept gift funds towards a down payment. The only catch is those funds must come from an approved source. Your family, for instance, can give you the money for the down payment. It CANNOT be a loan. That would impact your ability to make mortgage payments in the eyes of the FHA. The down payment can also come from an approved non-profit organization.

Approved non-profits must first be 501C organizations. Now that we know we can get down payment assistance, let's cover the requirements to get approved for a loan.

Under government guidelines you must have at least one (1) year of on time bill payments. This means paying every bill that is reported on your credit report. NO EXCEPTIONS! If you cannot do this, you most certainly are going to have a difficult time convincing an underwriter that you have the habit of paying your bills on time. The second requirement is evidence of paying your rent on time for two (2) years.

Unlike a conventional bank that won't even talk to consumers with credit issues, the government's program may be your only opportunity to purchase a home. Now analyze all of the things we've covered and decide if it's worth it. The Federal Government is aggressively making home ownership a reality. Do you want to be included? It's your decision.

This may not have been your idea of a home buying plan, but now that you've read this I hope it makes sense.

In my next article I'll discuss how a good rental is vitally important when it comes to qualifying for a home mortgage financing whether it's in California, Florida or Rhode Island.

Chuck Lunsford is the owner and developer of EasyFloridaHomeLoans.com. He offers advice on how to get your credit in order and working for you. Visit his website and learn more about how to obtain a florida home loan with bruised credit.




http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/161587

Home Buying: 1031 Exchange Jersey New Tax : Things to Keep in Mind

So you've decided you want to own a home and now you want to begin your search for one. Before jumping into a home search, there are a few things you should keep in mind when going about buying a home.First things first, you cannot buy a home if you can't afford it! Don't assume how much you can afford, find out your loan eligibility. If you're planning on purchasing a car or any other high-priced item on a loan, then please stall such purchase until after you get your home as your eligibility reduces with every other loan you hold at the time of a mortgage application.Next, when you go in to see a home, don't let an unkempt /untidy house put you off. Try and visualise the house in its best condition and see if it would suit you then. In fact, an unkempt house may put other buyers off and by some chance this may lead you into a better position when negotiating for the home, as the seller may find it difficult finding a buyer for his place.

For advises about Stock, Trading, Market Exchange, Investing Online, click the link.

Mikeal is a specialist in stock investing. After 15 years in looking magical solutions, he consider is no easy method : You need to read and follow your instinct and increase your self-esteem in your dreams...Trust you mind and see the results.


http://www.atlantahomebuyingarticles.com/article.cfm/id/169331

Friday, September 28, 2007

House price growth 'slowest in a year'

The annual house price inflation rate has dropped to its lowest level in nearly a year following slow growth this month, new figures show.

According to Nationwide building society, there was only a 0.7 per cent increase in house prices during September.

While this was an improvement on August's 0.6 per cent figure and overcame predictions that price growth would take a further dip to hit 0.4 per cent, statistics for the entire year fell to their slowest growth rate since last October.

The fact that inflation continued at all is testimony to the strength of the market which is still fuelled by buyer demand, however Nationwide suggested purchases are likely to drop due to the high cost of borrowing due to the recent interest rate rises.

In addition, Nationwide economist Fionnuala Earley warned that the credit crisis could see banks pass on the increased charges they are facing to customers by raising fees and interest on loans.

"The message from lenders is clearly that from now on, risk must have its price," she said.

"As a result, highly leveraged borrowing will remain less attractive and lending volumes in this segment may decline."

This may, however, be avoided if the Bank of England moves to reduce the base rate of interest in the future, which Nationwide said may be on the cards as it suggested the outlook on rates had "shifted from hawkish to dovish".


http://www.stride.co.uk/home-buying-and-hips/house-price-growth-slowest-in-a-year-18297075

What is an Exclusive Buyer's Agent?

he term "Exclusive Buyer Agent", often called "Buyer's Brokerage", came about in the mid-1980s from a lawsuit involving the Sunnyvale Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Real estate agents and state agency laws throughout the United States were affected.

Prior to the decision, SELLERS and their (listing) agents were stuck with the legal responsibility for any mistakes, half-truths or lies that were made by any one of hundreds of subagents who worked on seller listings which were acquired from the multiple listing service (mls). BUYERS were at the mercy of their own agents, who were really subagents of sellers. These subagents were getting paid by sellers and were legally working for sellers, even when "representing" a buyer. The law at the time mandated that they had to make every effort to get the HIGHEST possible price for their fiduciary, the seller. Any provable action to the contrary could involve them in a lawsuit and/or put their license at risk. Buyers were classified as customers. Sellers were classified as clients.

After the lawsuit ended in the mid-1980s, agents can choose to work as "buyers" agents regardless of who pays them, providing that certain prescribed paperwork is properly done. Buyers agents are now obligated to get the LOWEST possible price for THEIR fiduciary, the buyer.

Equally important, listing agents everywhere are now allowed to declare "No Subagency Offered", avoiding the consequences of any misrepresentations made by subagents.

But what happens when a buyer's agent shows their own listing to a buyer? Or, what if they show their office listing(s) to a buyer? Then, they have a legal and moral obligation to their other fiduciary, the seller. The question comes up, "Who are they really working for?" In this case they are working for the seller (when showing their own listings) or as a subagent (when showing company listings.) They can not also be agents of the buyer except when acting as a dual agent.

Although subagents or dual agents can work with buyers, they are not working exclusively FOR a buyer. To act as an Exclusive Buyers Agent, an agent must fill out certain disclosure forms for the buyer to understand and sign. Agents who are truly Exclusive Buyer Agents will guarantee exclusive representation and loyalty to the buyer, including best efforts to get the lowest possible price at the best possible terms.

It is estimated that only 1% of all agents in the Bay Area are Exclusive Buyer Agents. How does one know if an agent is an Exclusive Buyer Agent? Typically they will discuss the subject of agency up front, explain the laws, provide a copy of a state mandated agency disclosure form and put their commitment in writing with a "Buyer Broker Agreement", and guarantee that they do not take seller property listings. Any agent showing homes without doing these things is probably not an "Exclusive Buyer Agent".


http://www.buyers-advocate-realty.com/rprt1.htm#home

The Ins and Outs Of Home Offices

You have a desk, a computer, a phone and a personal trashcan. Does that qualify as a home office? If you watch TV while you work, can you deduct your cable bill? What are the rules -- and what are the consequences if you break them?

Lots of people work at home. A teacher may bring home a pile of papers to grade; a business executive may spend his weekend writing a report; a salesman may sit down at his home computer every night and log his miles and expenses. But even if you have a specific place in your home for activities such as these, you may not be able to claim a home office deduction on your taxes.

The IRS has very strict rules on home offices. If you're considering taking a home office deduction, ask yourself these questions first:

Do you have a room that you use exclusively for business?

Your kitchen table, the computer in your basement recreation room or a desk in the corner of your bedroom probably will not qualify. You must have a part of your home that is used only for business. Your kitchen table, for example, is obviously used for other purposes and therefore is disqualified as a home office location.

Do you have an office somewhere else?

If your employer provides an office and does not require you to work at home, you can’t claim a home office deduction. Sure, you might bring home projects to finish up, but your main place of work is elsewhere.

Do you use your home office on a regular basis?

If you only use your home office occasionally, you can't take a deduction for it -- even if you don't use the area for any other purpose.

Does your job require a home office?

In order to take the home office deduction, your home office must be your principal place of business or the place where you regularly meet with customers.

Because the rules are so stringent, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the ins and outs of the home office deduction. If you qualify, it can be a great tax break. You can deduct a percentage of your utility bills, mortgage payments, home repairs and other costs. However, if you bend the rules you could be subject to fines and penalties. Even if your claim is legitimate, the home office deduction can be a "red flag" to the IRS, triggering an audit.


http://www.homes101.net/home-buying-tips/bt81

Ready To Be A Landlord? - Finding A Great Rental Property

Think rental property might make a good investment? It can -- if you choose wisely!

Just as with any real estate purchase, location counts! Your best bet for a solid rental property will probably be in an established, high-demand rental area, with easy access to schools, universities, shopping, and other amenities. Avoid "white elephant" buildings with an unusual design or location, or isolated units stuck out in the boondocks. Look for a location that you would find attractive if you were renting.

Once you select a general area, you'll need to decide whether you prefer single-family homes or multi-unit apartments. Both can make good rental properties, though there are some important differences. Single-family houses are often in shorter supply as rentals. And because they're more desirable from a tenant's standpoint, they generally command a higher rent per square foot than apartments. A single-family home will also have a broader resale appeal when it comes time to sell. But it will be harder to buy a single-family residence at a price that allows you to break even or generate a positive cash flow unless you're prepared to invest a hefty amount down.

Multi-unit apartment buildings, by comparison, may experience a somewhat higher turnover rate than a single-family house. But they are often priced to allow you to generate a close-to-break-even cash flow with a smaller down payment.

Thinking seriously about a particular property? Run the numbers carefully before you decide to buy. Ask the seller for information about the building's vacancy rate over the last 2-3 years, and factor in anticipated vacancies when you estimate cash flow. Be sure to include a reasonable allowance for maintenance. Copies of recent maintenance records can tell you not only what has been done to the building lately but also what hasn't.

TIP: For multi-unit buildings, make sure you're given the opportunity to inspect all units personally before closing, not just a "representative" apartment.

TIP: During the walkthrough, ask current tenants if any repairs need to be done to their unit, and listen to any complaints about maintenance. Unless they're fixed before closing, these are things you can expect to hear about later!

TIP: Looking for a bargain? Chat with a REALTOR® whose office also handles rental property management. They may know of owners anxious to unload a rental at a discount price!



http://www.homes101.net/home-buying-tips/bt26

Buying vs. Renting

Is buying better than renting? It depends on whom you ask.

If you question your financial planner, she'll probably assert, "Yes!" and pull out a spreadsheet showing the investment and tax advantages.

If you ask a globetrotting couple you know, they'll probably disagree with her emphatically, arguing that a home will leave you little time or money for recreation.

The truth is, buying a home is a highly individual decision, dependent on a variety of lifestyle and financial factors. Ask yourself these questions to help determine if it's right for you:

How long do I plan to stay in my current community?

Homes take time to appreciate in value. If your employer's hinting around at relocation, or the walls of your small town are closing in on you, consider that you might only break even - or even take a loss - if you have to sell your home quickly.

If your job situation seems secure, however, and you enjoy the amenities your community offers, buying is a next logical step.

Do I have time to maintain a home?

Unless you're currently leasing a house and handling all the maintenance yourself, home ownership will generally require more of your time than renting. Of course, for some homeowners, the associated work - raking leaves, mowing the lawn and painting the family room - serves as recreation in itself.

Some buyers will purchase a condominium in order to avoid time-consuming outdoor chores. If you're looking at that option, be sure to factor in property management fees in your housing estimates.

Can I afford it?

Most renters assume that buying costs considerably more than renting, but you may be surprised. First, if you consider the monthly total on your rent, utilities and renter's insurance, you might be paying more for housing than you thought.

Second, even if you don't have tens of thousands saved for the standard 20 percent down, many lenders today offer lower down payment options. Some will even finance your closing costs. Remember though, the more you finance, the more your monthly payments will be.

Do I want to personalize my living quarters as I please?

Maybe you've grown tired of the eggshell white walls of your cookie-cutter apartment, or you can't convince your landlord to replace the brown shag carpeting in your rental. When you own your home, you can mostly do with it as you please - paint the kitchen in Green Bay Packers gold, cover your den in knotty pine paneling or wallpaper your bedroom ceilings in Laura Ashley florals. True, it all costs money - but when you buy your own place, it's a choice you get to make.



http://www.homes101.net/home-buying-tips/bt25

Buying A Second Home - Living The Dream

It used to be that most people didn't buy a second home until they sold their first one. But times have changed and more and more people are realizing that it might make more sense than they had originally thought. There are a couple main reasons why people buy a second home, to get away from the day-to-day stress now or in some cases later, by saving it for retirement. And the other reason is the investment opportunities. Whatever your priority, be it peace of mind, or financial gain, or both, for that matter. Owning a second home may be the right choice for you and your family.

There are so many tax advantages, you may not be aware of all of them. You can write off 100% of the mortgage interest, and you can write off property taxes. New IRS rules allow for a capital gain on the principal residence whenever people sell. Up to $250,000 for singles, and up to $500,000 for couples. Living in your second home for two years or more, entitles you for the same capitol gains break. If the return on your investment bears more than the bank interest will pay you, then you just made a smart investment.

Another thing to consider is that you have the option to rent in order to cover your second mortgage. You need to decide if you are going to declare it as a vacation home, or rental property though, because the IRS has different rules for both. Also remember that if you declare it as a rental your mortgage could be slightly higher. So the benefits include tax breaks, a getaway for the family on vacations or holidays, a future retirement home, renters making your mortgage payments for you, or just a smart investment. On the downside, there is a second house payment, potentially higher mortgage if declared as rental property, and some hassle in upkeep involved. Just make sure to look at all your options and every angle to see if this is the right move to make for you.



http://www.homes101.net/home-buying-tips/bt36

Buying Your First Home - Making The Right Move

There are few things as rewarding as buying your first home. The sense of pride you feel can be enormous. When you make the decision to go from renting to owning, you are taking a step in the right direction. Home ownership can offer tax benefits, freedom to make decisions about your home, and investment benefits.

Still renting?

There are some benefits to renting; such as, short-term obligation, no commitment to maintenance, and no responsibility to other financial costs associated with ownership. But renting should be viewed as a temporary lifestyle. There are no long-term financial gains to renting. In some cases, monthly mortgage payments can be as low as renting. And by owning, you have an investment you can use as collateral.

Homes appreciate in value, especially in steadily growing communities. And, you can actually reduce your house payment when interest rates fall, by refinancing. You can't say that about renting! In fact you can count on your rent increasing annually and in some cases semi-annually.

Owning a home

Home ownership is a highly leveraged investment that can yield substantial profit on a nominal front-end investment. However, there can be costs incurred in ownership versus renting. Such as the down payment, maintenance costs and yearly tax payments. But again, these costs are being applied to an investment. At the end of the day, if you rent, you pay until your lease ends with nothing to sell. In ownership, the money you spend goes towards your profits from appreciation in the value of your home.

Did you ever wonder how some people afford such expensive homes? Chances are that may be their second, third, or even fourth home! Don't be discouraged if you can't afford the house you want the first time you buy. Make sure the area is right and you buy a house that fits your needs and budget. Buying at or below your price range allows you to use the extra money to do home improvements. Then in a few years time you can put the house up for sale, sometimes at a ten to thirty percent profit. You can then take that profit and put it towards your next home - bigger, newer and so on.

As for evaluating the risk in buying a home, do your homework. Take some time to investigate the communities you are interested in, at least a few months in advance to buying. Make sure you look at the growth of residential and commercial building. Look into the school systems to make sure they are right for your children. By spending time in your desired communities before hand, you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not the community is right for you and your family. Don't make the mistake of buying in an area where the housing and property are more expensive in hopes of increasing your profit. More money spent on a property up front does not guarantee you an increase in property value over less expensive communities. Don't be in a hurry to just buy a house. Buy the right house; remember you may be there a very long time. By utilizing your real estate agent's expertise and experience, you can find the house that is perfect for you.




http://www.homes101.net/home-buying-tips/bt31

Why use a Fast House Buyer when Selling your Home?

There are many reasons why people are now selling their properties to companies which buy homes for cash.

Firstly if they decide to sell by this method they are in control of the sale of their home and therefore are not reliant on Estate Agents to make that all important sale for them.

Secondly, by using this method of selling their property they are provided with some privacy as there will being no “for sale” boards outside the house and not having to deal with the endless viewings that the Estate Agent sets up. Plus these companies provide them with complete confidentiality when buying the property.

Another advantage to selling a property by this method is that people are able to decide upon a moving date which is agreeable to them rather than to the purchaser and sometimes you will find that these companies will purchase a property because the seller has to sell (say due to a divorce, need to relocate quickly etc) and allow them some concession on the time period for when they leave the property.

Also many of these companies are willing to purchase all sorts of properties and will even consider a property that is in need of some renovation.

The next point people should consider when thinking of selling their home by this method is that they may well be in a situation where they wish to break a property chain rather than waiting to find the right purchaser for their home as they have already found the property that they want to buy. It has been found that being in a property chain can be quite stressful especially if people are having to do everything within a certain timescale (i.e., needing to relocate because of work commitments etc., or because they are likely to lose the property that they wish to buy).

These companies offer you the chance to sell your property in a quick and efficient timescale and will provide you with a competitive price for your property. Also by selling your property by this method you will find that you will save on having to pay Estate Agent, Survey and Legal Fees.

Finally, such companies will normally be able to provide you with a offer for you property within 24 hours of viewing it.


http://www.wirral-estate-agent.info/Why-use-a-Fast-House-Buyer-when-Selling-your-Home.php


Thursday, September 27, 2007

Home Buying Seminars - Powerful Marketing for Real Estate Agents

Why conduct a home buying seminar — (the benefits)
Seminars are a perfect complement to your personal marketing program. They're educational, popular and much more personal than any marketing piece. They can also position you as an authority, which can easily lead to future clients.

And who knows, you might even have some fun and meet some nice people along the way!

Where to conduct a home buying seminar — (the venue)
One of the first steps in conducting your seminar is to identify a location. When scouting out the location, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What will the venue cost?
Sometimes you can find an excellent location at no cost. If you happen to know the principal of your local high school, for example, you may be able to use the school's auditorium for an evening seminar. Otherwise you'll have to rent some space. But the potential gains far outweigh the small price you'll pay!

2. Can the venue support your presentation?
When you've identified a possible venue for your presentation, visit the site to see what it offers. Does it have adequate parking? Does it have a PowerPoint projector (if you need one)? How many people can it hold? Is it conveniently located? (Giving directions will be much easier if it is.)

3. Can the venue support “repeat performances”?
I recommend making your home buying seminar a regular event. Word spreads over time, and your audience will likely grow as well. Of course, you might have a “standing room only” situation on your first performance. It happens.

Following a regular schedule can also help with PR. Imagine the favorable exposure you would get if your local news did a spot on you for their real estate or home-buying segment! Conduct regular sessions and send press releases to the media, and that's exactly what could happen.

Some places you might look into as a possible venue:

* The meeting room at your local library

* Local YMCA or community center

* High school or college auditorium

* The meeting room of a nearby restaurant or hotel

How to conduct a home buying seminar — (logistics and delivery)

The Sequence
It's usually best to follow a logical timeline of the home-buying process. This makes the presentation easier to follow.

Also, if you have co-presenters (a mortgage professional, for instance, or maybe a home inspector), be sure to group all of their slides together. That way, each presenter can take his or her turn and be done. The overall presentation will be more organized that way.

The Delivery
Deliver your presentation consistently, using your slides as cue cards. Don't let questions throw you off track. Answer questions briefly and politely, and then remind everyone about the Q&A period that will follow the presentation.

I recommend having a opening and closing script that you follow pretty closely, and then improvising through the middle. The reasons for this are two-fold:

First, the opening and closing are important parts of your presentation. Memorizing a short script will help you remember everything you want to say.

Secondly, improvising the middle part will make your delivery more natural and keep you from having to memorize large amounts of information. Remember, your slides will serve as cue cards to help you stay on track for the bulk of the presentation.

Promoting Your Seminar
How do you get the word out about your seminar? In short — any way you can. Do you have a farming area that you send marketing mailers to? Well that's a great place to start.

Some other promotional ideas:

* Promote the seminar on your website.

* Add a blurb about it after your email signature block.

* Mention it to clients (they're likely to have friends or colleagues in the market to buy).

* If you have co-presenters, share the marketing. Multiple channels are better than one!

* Mention it to former clients still in the area (an excellent word-of-mouth channel).

* Announce it to the media in the form of a press release.

* Conduct direct mail campaigns to apartment complexes* in your area.

*Apartment complexes are a great place to market your seminar for two reasons:

First, you can select apartment complexes by their average monthly rent, meaning you can loosely qualify the recipients based on income.

Secondly, most people living in apartments would love nothing more than owning a house; but many of them falsely assume that home ownership is beyond their reach. Show them otherwise!

Final Tips
Paper clip a business card to each of the audience handouts. Place a handout (and business card) in every seat before people arrive.

Limit the attendance. This will help you strengthen your call to action when promoting the seminar: “Seating is limited, so sign up today!” It will also help you keep the Q&A session to a reasonable length, and will prevent scenarios where 40 people are vying for 20 seats.

Have an RSVP plan in place; accommodate as many people as you can, but don't overdo it. You can always put people on the list for your next seminar!

Arrive early. Having to rush is no way to start your seminar — it will set the pace for the rest of the presentation. Set up early and have everything in place ten minutes before the advertised start time. Also, if people show up early, it will give you a little chit-chat time with them (and clients can come from that).

That's all there is to it. Now get out there and wow them!


http://ezinearticles.com/?Home-Buying-Seminars---Powerful-Marketing-for-Real-Estate-Agents&id=107225

Home Buying - School District Issues

A good school district is a key factor in home buying if you have kids. It can also be a positive selling point when it comes time to sell your home.

School Districts

When considering the quality of school districts, keep in mind that everyone is looking for “good ones.” The question, of course, is what does “good” exactly mean? To a buyer with children, it means the best education on the planet. To your real estate agent, however, it may mean something much less.

You must look to facts, not opinions, when evaluating potential school districts as part of your home buying process. Asking for opinions is like a girlfriend asking a boyfriend if she looks good in a particular dress. Do you really think the answer is going to be anything other than positive?

The quality of a school district is found in the hard, cold facts. Issues you should consider include topics such as:

1. What is the student to teacher ratio?

2. What teaching style does the district use?

3. How much experience do the teachers have?

4. What is the turnover rate for teachers?

5. What is the drop out rate?

6. What percentages of graduates go to college?

7. Is there any history of violence on the schools?

8. Are there any reports of gangs?

9. What extra curricular activities are offered such as sports, music, etc.?

10. What are the average SAT scores for students?

While this list of question will help you determine if a school district is “good,” it isn’t an end all. Consideration must be given to your personal views on the education of your children. Develop questions based on your opinions and make sure to get them answered.

If you have children, evaluating potential school districts is a key factor in purchasing home. Make sure you get the facts, not the opinions of interested people such as the seller or a real estate agent.

Raynor James is with http://www.fsboamerica.org - providing FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our "sell my home" page at http://www.fsboamerica.org/seller.cfm to list and sell your home for free for one month. Visit http://www.fsboamerica.org/buyer.cfm to see homes for sale by owner.



http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raynor_James

Phoenix, Arizona Coldwell Banker Real Estate Home Buying

Have you decided you want to purchase a home in Arizona? This is this first place you will want to start. When purchasing a home, it is of supreme importance to find a Realtor that will be aggressive for you. An aggressive Real Estate agent will work hard for you to obtain the best price possible. Everything is negotiable in Real Estate, and that is why you hire a professional to negotiate with you. Ultimately, the buyer makes all final decisions. A Realtor is there to guide you and to help you with all of the paper work needed to complete a Real Estate transaction and to quarter back the entire process.

The first step when purchasing property in Phoenix, Arizona is to get qualified for a home loan unless you are planning on paying full price cash. It is extremely rare when someone pays full price cash. When you purchase a home, you must obtain a loan. If you do not know a lender, your Realtor may be able to suggest one or two.

There are several purposes for getting pre-qualified. When you obtain a loan, you will have a monthly mortgage payment. In order to find out your monthly mortgage payment, you need to tell your lender how much you can afford to apply towards a monthly mortgage payment. The lender wants to make sure you can afford the monthly mortgage payment you think you are comfortable with by analyzing your income, and all of your debt. There is no way to tell if you are pre-qualified for a home loan until you contact a lender, and this process is free to do. If you are interested in finding out if you are pre-qualified for a home loan, this article is a good place to start.

Obviously, the more you can afford towards a monthly mortgage payment, the higher the purchase price is going to be. It is much like purchasing a car. The higher the loan amount the higher the monthly mortgage payment will be. Once you have determined your price range with your lender, they will send your Realtor a loan status report. At this point, you are now ready to start looking for homes in your desired price range and area.

Tell your Realtor what you are looking for. If school district, style of the home, pool, square footage, or zip code is important to you, tell your Real Estate agent so that they may perform a search. The best way to do it is to sit down with your Realtor at a computer with internet access, and search all available homes for sale with your search criteria. At that point, you can see what is available, scroll through pictures, and obtain more information about each home than you will know what to do with. This will help narrow the search. After you have found ten or more homes may be a good time to physically look at the properties with your agent.

Once you have found the home you like, you simply ask you Realtor to write an offer to purchase the home. Depending on the market conditions will determine the aggressiveness of the contract. There are times where you may have to offer over list price, and there may be times where you want to offer substantially below list price. This is why it is important to make sure your Realtor is up to date with current events.

When selecting a Realtor, be sure to ask the right questions before using this agent. Would you rather have a brand new Realtor that has lived in the state for a year with hardly any experience, or a Realtor that has lived in the area all of their life with ample experience. Make sure you ask for some credentials such as diplomas, letters of appreciation from past clients, and awards earned. This way, you can make sure your Realtor is educated, has a fine knowledge of the area, and has experience. When you are dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars, this may possibly be the most important step. Make sure to interview your Realtor thoroughly.

A good Realtor will hold your hand through the entire contract regardless if this is the first home you buy, or the tenth. A good Realtor will always answer your phone calls, reply to your emails, and meet you in person during the course of the contract if you are uncomfortable sending paper work via fax. If you need an aggressive, educated, hard working Realtor with experience that has lived in the area all his life, please click on the link below.

Nick McConnell

Executive Sales Associate for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lived in Arizona all his life, Graduated from Northern Arizona State University and has been a Realtor ever since.

Arizona Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Scottsdale Real Estate, DC Ranch, Silver Leaf, Troon, McCormick Ranch, McDowell Mountain Ranch, Grayhawk, Legend Trail, Ancala, Desert Mountain, Desert Ridge, Kierland, Arizona




http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_McConnell

Buying an Unfinished Home Maybe Your Answer

For the first time “want-to-be” homeowner, purchasing an unfinished new home maybe just the answer. With mortgage interest rates still at record lows, there has not been a better time to purchase a home in decades. However, home prices have dramatically risen over the past several years, and even with low interest rates, for some the dream of owing one’s own home has still remained out of reach.

Purchasing an unfinished home can save tens of thousands of dollars, thus enabling some prospective homeowners the opportunity to buy a house that they may not have otherwise afforded. Unfinished homes are particularly attractive to young couples with no children and who have limited financial resources. The unfinished home concept allows the young couple to grow/finish the home as their family and financial resources do. In addition, if the new homeowners are willing to put in sweat equity they can save significantly on finishing the home.

Typically an unfinished home has a completed kitchen, living room, bath, and at least one bedroom. This is pretty much required by mortgage lenders and building inspectors as the home would otherwise be considered unacceptable for living standards. In many two story unfinished homes, the entire upstairs maybe left unfinished.

When purchasing an unfinished home there are a few items to consider first, such as; what is the expected timeline for finishing the house, what is the expected completed floor plan and who will complete it. All these questions should be answered prior to signing a Purchase and Sales agreement. For example, if more bedrooms will be required prior to when the homeowner anticipates finishing the home, then an unfinished home purchase may not be the right solution. Secondly, ask the builder/prior homeowner for a copy of the floor plan of the completed home. Usually a builder/prior homeowner has these, and it will help immensely when the time comes to complete the unfinished space. Changes to these floor plans are typically feasible, however, it is important to talk with the building inspector prior to beginning the project. Also, in the case of new construction, you may want to negotiate with the builder to complete a portion of the unfinished area, such as the rough framing, electric or plumbing. Finally, you need to determine who will complete the work and assess how much, if any, sweat equity you are willing to contribute. In either case, building permits will need to be pulled prior to any work.

Purchasing an unfinished home can be the means to fulfilling the American dream. For many, it is also a way to buy a larger home, once completed. For others, it enables them to not sacrifice quality in their initial home purchase. Whatever the reason, the purchase of an unfinished home has traditionally been an excellent investment.

Mark J. Donovan me_Donovan@comcast.net http://www.homeadditionplus.com http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years I have been involved with building homes and additions to homes. I have completed many projects that have included: building a vacation home, family room additions, and a garage. I have also finished the upstairs on unfinished homes. My formal education and profession has been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.



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How To Make The Home Buying Decision Easier

Purchasing a home can be a very big decision. There are many things that you need to consider when purchasing a home. Nothing about this process is easy. First you have to decide where you want to be located, and what you want your house to have. A few questions you need to think about are: do we want a garage, how many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want, do you want a basement, and how big of a yard do we want? You will also need to decide which of these items you are willing to compromise on.

If you are serious about purchasing a new house you may also want to start shopping around for a bank where you can get a mortgage that you like. Once you find your house you want to purchase you will not want to waste any time getting moved in.

Many banks offer you the option of pre qualification. With this you will know how much you can spend on a house based on how much your loan can be. Banks take into consideration your income and your debt to determine how much they think you can afford for a house payment. This may be something you want to know before you start getting too excited about a house. You may have a limit to how much you can spend, and this could save you time when looking at houses.

The bank will also run a credit check to see how your credit is. Your credit score is based on how good you are at paying your bills on time. It also allows the bank to see who else you are in debt to and how much you are in debt. This may also affect your loan amount. If you have good credit the bank may be more willing to work with you on a loan amount.

You will also want to check around to see which bank can get you a better interest rate. Some banks can offer better interest rates than others. Your interest rate may also depend on your credit score. You want to find the bank that will give you the lowest interest rate, as this will also affect your payment. Your interest affects how much you actually end up paying for your house by the time it is paid off. You will also need to decide if you want a fixed interest rate or not. Some banks offer you a lower interest rate to begin with, and then increase the rate later on. You will want to check if this type of interest rate has a limit to how high it can go.

Not all banks can offer you the same types of loans. If you would like a first time homebuyer's loan you will need to talk to the banks that offer this type of loan. They are loans that are backed by government. Loans that are not backed are called conventional loans.

You can also get loans that require no or low down payments. Closing costs are another expense you need to consider. Some banks charge more than others and some offer no closing costs.

You have many things to consider when choosing a bank for your loan. Make sure you do not limit yourself, shop around before you make your decision. Find a bank that is willing to work with you. You need to keep in mind what kind of loan you want, what kind of interest rate and payment works for you, and how much you have for down payment and closing costs.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Shop 4 Mortgage Rates at http://www.shop4mortgagerates.com


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Home Buying Checklist - Paint and Stucco

Buying a home is a big investment. You should use a checklist when sizing up potential homes. In this article, we cover a home buying checklist for paint and stucco.

Paint and Stucco

The exterior of a home typically makes the biggest impression when you first view a potential buying opportunity. Many homebuyers, however, often make the mistake of looking at color schemes as the principal issue. In truth, a close review of the exterior of the prospective home can tell you a lot about the quality of the structure.

A person selling a home is not stupid. Before putting a home on the market, they are going to take steps to spiff it out to raise buyer interest and the rate you are willing to pay. There is nothing devious about such conduct. It is natural to want to put your best foot forward and a person selling a home isn’t going to act differently. This is why you want to take a close look at the exterior paint and stucco on a home.

1. The first thing to look for is peeling or flaking of paint on the exterior walls. If you see this in an obvious place on a wall, run for the hills because the house needs a total repaint. Typically, you are not going to find such obvious problems. Instead, you need to poke around behind bushes, up under roof overhangs and in nooks and crannies. If you find problems of this sort, it tends to mean the paint job on the home was not applied correctly. Once these problems start occurring, you can count on them getting worse over time.

2. The second thing to look for is stains around perforations in the paint. For instance, look for an area where bolts or nails penetrate a painted surface. If you see rust around the hole, you may be seeing an indication of poor maintenance. Even worse, you may be seeing an indication of a water drainage problem. Investigate such occurrences very carefully.

3. With stucco homes, you are typically going to find some cracking do to earth movement and temperature changes. As long as these areas are relatively small, you shouldn’t have problems patching them for a nominal price. The bigger problem, however, is if you find stains or soft spots on the bottom section of a stucco wall. This can mean there are problems with the drainage screen behind the stucco wall and water isn’t getting out. If water isn’t getting out, the stucco will continue to degrade and you may have a mold problem at some point. Both situations can be very expensive to fix.

When checking out perspective home buying opportunities, the exterior of the home should be looked at very closely. In this case, the merits of the home all come down to the details.

Raynor James is with the FSBO site - http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our home buying page - http://www.fsboamerica.org/buyer.cfm - to view and buy homes, houses, condos, land and real estate.


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Best Florida Real Estate Home Buying Tips

Welcome to Florida real estate home buying market…Are you excited to find and see your dream home in Florida real estate?

Indeed, this is the exciting time to look for a home, knowing that there are arrays of homes in the market. So all it takes is to give your time and effort and finally found your dream home. But bear in mind that you should be a smart buyer. You see, you better to your homework, research and everything will flow smoothly. There are some people out there who will take advantage buyers who look so eager to buy a home, so be careful and do some research…

In buying a home in Florida real estate, the first thing you should do is settle your finances. You better find out your credit score and fix issues that can affect your credit. Then you have to secure your mortgage. You have to make sure that you will get pre-approved before looking for your dream home. It should be pre-approved not just pre-qualification. Pre-approved can secure you to have the amount of money you can afford to buy a home unlike pre-qualification, you are not yet secure, it is merely a judgment whether you are qualified or not for a mortgage.

If you have a pre-approved, now you can start by working with a realtor. Be sure that the realtor you will be working with is a professional one. Definitely this would be the best step you should undertake, from wanting a home, now to finding a home. You can talk to your realtor, you have to tell him the features you are looking for in a home, and then make a list about the things you are looking for in a home, and this would be the lists of things that you cannot live without. As soon as the list is ready, it is time to search for a home. The realtor will search the homes in Florida real estate. The realtor will find the homes that match your requirements. Then he will hand you the lists of homes that matches your criteria and that will suit the amount of your pre-approved mortgage.

As soon as you found the home or homes, let them be inspected. You can hire home inspectors in order to detect if there are problems in the home. You have to make sure that the home was inspected against mold as well. If the home passes the inspection then you can now continue and make an offer. But if case, you will find out some problems, let the seller do some repairs, but if the seller declined to do repairs, then you have to continue shopping and look for another home. Or you can do the repairs and deduct it from the cost of the home. You and the seller have to talk about it.

Certainly, buying a home is a huge process, it requires time and effort. You have to be extra careful with the buying process. Buying a home in Florida real estate is the best investment you can make, so you have to take time and be careful, definitely, you want the best home for you and your family. So pay attention, give some time and effort, soon you’ll be having the best home in Florida real estate.

Article Author Eliza Maledevic from Jump2top.com, a SEO Company.Know more about Florida Real Estate at http://tampa-realestate.xon.us & http://www.miamirealestateinc.org &


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Home Buying Tip: How to Evaluate the Seller's Asking Price

This home buying tip will help you evaluate the seller's asking price before making an offer on the home.

Why Is It Called an Asking Price?
The phrase "asking price" is very telling. Sellers will ask for a certain amount. They may get that amount, they may get more, they may get less -- it all depends on the market. So the first thing to understand is that price and terms are always negotiable. If an asking price wasn't negotiable, it would be called a fixed price.

What Makes Up the Asking Price?
A seller (and a seller's agent) will look at market conditions, comparable sales in the area, home improvements and other factors. Based on that information, they'll ask for a certain amount.

With that being said, there are some people who take a less analytical approach when setting the price. These people want a profit, and they're willing to ignore reality in hopes of getting it. These types of sellers price their home well above market conditions and comparable sales, in the hope of earning a big payday.

The lesson here is that some sellers set realistic prices, while others don't. So don't every think: "Well, gosh, that's the price they've set ... so it must be realistic." Always do your homework. Remember, if the home is priced high by the seller and gets appraised low by the lender, you could have trouble getting approved for the loan.

How Do I Research Comparable Prices?

1. Use the Internet
Over the past couple of years, a number of home-valuation websites have sprung up. These sites will give you the *estimated* value of a particular home, based on local sales data and other factors. Keep in mind, however, that the "freshness" of their data varies greatly. Check a home's value on three different sites, and you'll probably get three different price ranges. The key is to shoot for the averages.

Some websites to get you started:

* www.domania.com/homepricecheck
* www.homepricecheck.com
* www.homegain.com
* www.housevalues.com
* www.zillow.com

2. Know Your Market
Are you in a buyer's market, a seller's market, or somewhere in between? You should be able to answer this question without hesitation. If you don't know what kind of market you're in, you won't know your true bargaining power. For example, in a seller's market, you'll probably be less successful trying to negotiate price. But in a buyer's market, you'll have more leverage. Keep up with real estate news and trends in your area. Know your market!

3. Follow Your Agent's Advice
Real estate agents are tapped into the local real estate scene. A good agent will help you identify and evaluate comparable sales in the area. This kind of analysis will help you set a realistic offer amount based on actual data.

Conclusion
Don't accept the asking price at face value. Verify and validate it. Do some homework to see if it's realistic or out of left field. Keep up with the real estate market in your area. Choose a knowledgeable agent who can help you make sense of all the data. This home buying tip will help you become a smart shopper and a well-informed negotiator.

* Copyright 2006, Brandon Cornett. You may republish this article if you keep the byline and author's note, and also leave the hyperlinks active.

Learn more!
This home buying tip was brought to you by HomeBuyingInstitute.com, the Internet's largest library of home buying advice. Increase your home buying intelligence by visiting: http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com!


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The Psychology of Home Buying

In Real Estate price is not everything. It is important, of course, but not everything. Were price to be everything, then only low-priced products would sell and there would be no reasonable explanation as to why all those multi-million dollar mansions sell as well. When it comes to purchasing a house, other factors must be taken into consideration to understand the rationality – or lack thereof – of the Buyer’s decision-making process. Buyers are typically a nervous bunch, and understandably so. It is not easy to consider an investment that runs into the thousands of dollars, and any time you commit yourself to sixty months of $2,000 or so monthly payments your palms tend to perspire. Such factors as heritage, education level and risk-absorption and management play a pivotal role as well. More exotic relationships between money and nominal wealth in the minds of people – whether such relationships are clearly understood or merely hearsay - are even more important.

There is something impliedly strange in making decisions and humans, for a reason or another, tend to shy away from them. They like to stay in their comfort zones of blissful indecision. “Nothing ventured, nothing lost” is the way many people look at making any kind of move that might be to their benefit. And the purchase of a home or other real estate is one of the most beneficial decisions that can be made in our society, even at the wrong price. Making decisions is not easy, so people more often than not decide not to decide. This can be very frustrating, especially in retrospective. There is such a thing as Buyer’s remorse in reverse: how many times we real estate professionals hear comments the likes of ‘why didn’t I buy it myself’ or ‘why didn’t I think of it’ from prospective purchasers referring to properties that have already sold – and which they themselves could have bought instead of someone else.

I call it Buyer’s “alter ego”, which is a reflection proximately caused by the misinterpretation, whether effective or subjective, of what economists refer to as ‘the money illusion’. In Economics the term “money illusion” refers to a tendency to think in terms of nominal rather than real monetary values. Which tendency can be in part explained by the fact that the average consumer thinks and does things by reflection. A real estate purchaser will very well decide to buy a loft as opposed to an apartment not necessarily because he likes lofts more or because he thinks they are a better investment, but because his very close friend has just bought one or because his very dear girlfriend has stated that she likes them more, or merely because it is trendy to purchase lofts. And the fact that lofts are typically more expensive or that, ultimately, this particular consumer will end up living in a refurbished warehouse have little weight on his rationalization of the purchase.

Some colleagues in the industry are quick at resorting to statements the likes of “Buyers are Liars”. Personally I have never quite subscribed to such oversimplified, somewhat derogatory qualifications and, in fact, have found them to be untrue more often than not. Buyers are not liars to the extent that they normally tell up front which product they are looking for. Where, however, confusion lies is in the fact that economic transactions, particularly as large as real estate acquisitions, can be represented either in nominal or in real terms. The nominal representation is simpler, more salient, and often suffices for the short run, yet the representation in real terms is the one that captures the true value of the transaction. People are generally aware that there is a difference between real and nominal values, but because at a single point in time, or over a short period, money is a salient and natural unit of measurement, people often think of transactions in predominantly nominal terms. Consequently, the evaluation of transactions often represents a mixture of nominal and real assessments, which gives rise to money illusion.

As an example, consider a Buyer that purchases real estate in a downward market deflating at the rate of, say, five percent a year, and that he is able to purchase his real estate assets at a price eight percent off asking. This consumer will focus on the nominal discount of eight percent without, in fact, realizing that his real term savings consists only of three percent. Likewise a Seller, even if aware of the true value of comparable houses, may anchor on the historical price he paid for the house and will be reluctant to sell for a price less than the nominal anchor. Which, then, explains why so many listings are brandished as ‘overpriced’ in a downward trend: in times of shifting relative prices people’s reactions will be determined by the change between an item’s current price and its historical, nominal anchor. And which, in ultimate analysis, denotes a lack of experience and sophistication of many market participant and decision makers which affect their personal reactions to changes of price and market conditions.


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How to Make Your Home Buying Fun in Miami Beach Real Estate

In purchasing a home in Miami Beach real estate, you can put your buying process together with fun.

You certainly know that purchasing a home is the biggest investment that you can do, that is why to some people instead of making their home purchase with fun, they become so worried and stress. They thought that when purchasing a home, they can find themselves in trouble because of all the legal aspects, choosing a home mortgage, dealing with brokers and real estate agents, finding home insurance, and a lot of other buyer concerns.

Being prepared and adding a bit of wit and humor are ways to make your buying process in Miami Beach real estate with plenty of fun.

The first thing you should do is ask yourself if you really can afford the payments that should be done for the home you want. Be honest with yourself. You should settle you finances first, go to some lending companies, ask question, and ask for their home loan options. Compare each lending companies and their services, then decide wisely. Choose the lending company that can give you the best options.

Then weigh the options out, in order to come up with the right one, the one that will suit your needs. You have to make sure to have a pre-approved mortgage. Because if you have a pre-approved mortgage, you can determine that type of home you can afford and you also have to consider the monthly payments to be done for a home mortgage.

If you want to purchase a home in Miami Beach real estate, you have to take some of your time to know and learn about Miami Beach real estate. You have to gain valuable information about by the market. You can obtain information in a lot of ways such by newspapers, advertisements, referrals, brochures and internet.

If it is your first tie to purchase a home in Miami Beach real estate, you can gain information by talking to people who recently purchase a home in Miami Beach real estate, you can learn through their experiences.

You can also as your family and friends, who has purchased a home in Miami Beach real estate. You have to bear in mind that real estate evolve so fast, so having alt of information about the market can help you out in purchasing a home in Miami Beach real estate.

Hiring a real estate agent is another helpful factor that you have to consider. But you have to take time to choose the right real estate agent. You can ask for recommendation with your family and friends. Then call about 3 real estate agents, make some schedules for each of the real estate agent for them to be interviewed. As soon as the time comes to interview them, you can let them talk and let you know their expertise, after that you can start asking questions. Then tell them that you will call them as soon as you come up to a decision. Weigh each agent’s expertise and decide.

In choosing a real estate agent, you have to choose the one that can represent you and your interest and someone that you will be comfortable working with for few months.

As soon as you and your agent find the best home for you, a great deal of paperwork and discussion is involved in closing a deal. But if you and your agent done the process properly, this part will no longer be a stressful part but it is an exciting one. If everything goes well, you will end up enjoying your new home in Miami Beach real estate.



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