Definitely get a buyer's agent to assist you. You want to make sure you have an advocate who can represent your interests, without having an existing relationship to the seller (or builder).
Alexander H. Monticello, Esq.
Principal Broker &
Licensed Attorney
T: 518.227.0718
F: 518.223.8001
www.MonticelloNYS.com... more
Slate is too expensive to repair or replace unless your structure has major historical appeal (that will really be reflected in your selling price - get the opinion if at least three experienced agents if it is worth it), usually it does not make economic sense to do anything but remove the side that is leaking and replace with 30 year asphalt shingles that match the grey colour of the slate side...... more
Careful, Maribeth. Homestead Funding is not accredited with the better business bureau like some of the local mortgage branches of the regional banks and they give you this run around when you try obtain a rate from them online:
Because web rates can be misleading, Homestead Funding prefers to evaluate each customer based on their individual circumstances and profile.
Mortgage rates fluctuate constantly based on a variety of factors.
They include changes in prime interest rate or economy, a borrower's credit score, credit history, downpayment available, collateral and income. Also different loan programs may require rate adjustments based on term, type and qualifications.
It is important to understand how your particular situation affects your interest rate. To find out please contact us by finding a loan originator, pre-qualifying today, or calling one of our branch offices.... more
Hi Greisler,
I'm not sure where you are getting your information on REL and how to determine it, but that is something that is standard to all loans, not just VA loans. The person you should be asking about this is your agent or attorney. REL determination is usually an issue when there are too many major things to update, such as the roof, furnace, hot water heater, etc. The average "life-span" of a house is 65 years, but updating these projects can give a home "new life."
Again, I would be asking your agent or attorney if there is a way to challenge it but that clause is in there to protect the bank. In most cases, the REL needs to be at least 30 years, in order to cover the lifespan of the loan.
Good luck,
~Tori Romeo
NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Certified Buyer Representative
Bliss Properties of NY
tori@blisspropertiesofny.com
518-788-8865... more
Hi Myrtle,
To find where any of the catholic churches are in Albany, as well as any of the catholic schools, contact the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany @ www.rcda.org. You can get information on the locations of RC churches as well as links to their websites so you can find out more about the church and parish itself.
If you need information on a property you can find it on my website at www.BestCapitalDistrictHomes.com. You can look up a property and then click on a link to get area information. Choose other tabs to learn where and when open houses are being held, amd get general details about the buying and selling process. Click on Deb's News to get the latest on the housing market in the Capital District.
Hope you will take time to visit!
Debbie Fontes, Realtor
Certified Buyer Representative
Weichert, Realtors Northeast Group
518-596-2273... more
In the Upstate NY region, you have the right to cancel the contract during the attorney review period by having your attorney notify all parties in writing. You do not have to give a reason and can request the return of the initial deposit presented with the contract, unless some agreement was made contrary to the standard contract. You may or may not be liable to the real estate agent depending on what compensation agreement you made with the buyer's agent. Most agents in the Albany area are paid only when the sale is completed, but check the wording of the exclusive buyer's agency agreement you signed carefully to be sure before taking any actions.... more
Since no link is visible, consider working with an agent of your own; if and when you do have an accepted offer, schedule an inspection--that inspection will reveal any possible issues....... more
When it comes to any safety/crime related issues, it's always best to contact the local police department with all your questions, hear all there is to hear firsthand. If unfamiliar with the area(s) do revisit more than once and at different times of day, possibly chat with locals/neighbors. Real estate professionals are prohibited from steering, enticing a buyer to purchase/rent, or not, in specific neighborhoods.
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/
https://www.crimereports.com/
http://www.homefair.com/... more
Yes, these refer to pre-qualification letter and verification of funds. As mentioned earlier, these are valuable tools in determining what you can afford and getting your purchase offers taken seriously. It is always smart to have your funding in place prior to looking at properties. You would hate to lose your dream home to someone that has their funding in place and can move faster than you on the purchase.... more
Tania, Anna is right. Talk to your attorney from NC. They can best help you...but my quick observation is that you need that quick claim deed asap; there is no reason that if you are not on the mortgage you should also not be on the deed. Since there is not marital status, you might be okay, but simply ask your attorney (from NC) they can help.
Good Luck, I know this sucks for you and is a burden on your time and energy.... more
You can always approach a seller (resale or builder of new construction) and push for a lower price. Some builders will move on price. Others won't. I don't think an appraisal will have much effect though. Builders have a very good idea what their houses are worth, better than appraisers.... more
You have to put the cut off point in the contract. Normally I tell clients to give the seller 30 days max. I also try to include an escape clause in case my client finds another home that he likes better. If you have any other questions feel free to call me at 452-3450. Good luck. Wayne Newcomb... more
Signing is easy. It is the getting out of what you signed that is difficult. Both Phil and Joe have given you good advice. Make sure that you understand everything that you sign and that you are in total agreement. If not, don't sign. If it is too late. Get an attorney.... more
For an accurate picture of construction costs, consider contacting a few local contractors and ask for estimates based on your needs--check with the local Chamber of Commerce if you need contractor recommendations--also don't forget to check with your local building's department for any necessary permits.... more
You didn't provide the location of the house, or a link to it.
One tip: If it's a foreclosure listed on RealtyTrac, it's not real. The house probably isn't for sale and, if it is, not for the price listed.
Please post the link and we'll be glad to help.... more
Of the 44 SOLD listings in the last 12 months in the neighborhood. The average LIST price of the homes that sold was $189,951. The average price those homes SOLD at was $185,738. from those numbers the answer to your question would be about 98%.
That being said...those are raw number and do not take into account SELLER CONCESSIONS (closing costs rolled into a loan) which could make a real sales price appear higher. For instance my home is listed at $200K, we negotiate an offer to $198K but the buyers are using FHA and rolling in 6% closing costs on top of the purchase amount... the home now looks like it sold for $209,880. Really it sold for $198K.
An experienced real estate pro will be able to help you detremine on a per-case basis a homes true value and what is a realistic expectation when listing it (of buying said home).... more
Michael unfortanately it isnt as easy as picking up a phone and being able to reach someone at the bank who would have the sense to say hey there is an interested buyer, they had an offer and we should sell it to them. When the bank buys a property back at foreclosure, ithe property goes to their reo department who works with an asset management company to lsell their properties. Once the property is assigned to an asset management company, it is then assigned to the asset manager in that company who works in yoru area. They then will assign the listing to an approved and local real estate broker. The property is secured, cleaned out, appraised and then placed on the market. unfortanately the old offer is dead, the bank wont renew or take over it. You will need a new offer with teh specific forms the bank uses. The one pointer i can give to you is to check the property daily, once it is assigned the broker will post a notice on the door with a contact name and number who will be able to assist you with a time frams and putting in a new offer. good luck... more