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
Thursday, September 27, 2007
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
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
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.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Donovan
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.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Donovan
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
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall
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
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall
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.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raynor_James
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 &
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic
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 &
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic
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!
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Cornett
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!
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Cornett
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.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luigi_Frascati
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.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luigi_Frascati
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliza_Maledevic
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