Home Buying—blogs page 4

NJ First Time Home Buyer Loans Programs SOOO MANY!
Did you know that there are MANY first time home buyer programs NOT advertised? Why, because many are very complicated and time consuming for the average person.      &nb…
Affordable new homes in South Austin
There are several new home communities under construction in South Austin. These communities are very affordable ranging from $150K to the mid $200's.Newmark Homes has opened the Independence Austin community.…
New Centex development in south Austin
Centex Homes has broken ground on a new development in South Austin. The project is called Ashbrook and it is located at FM1626 and South First Street. The development will have 176 home sites once completed.…
Is Downpayment Assistance really gone?
It takes the government to take away things that assistance us in everyday life.  Now the buyers of today not only with less income, now less opportunities to purchase a home, or so it seems. …
Seller's Lose Thousands on Appraisal
 Beth and Bill fell in love with the trees in the yard. The green looked so cool against the Arizona desert heat. The mountain views were hypnotizing.  And Beth was excited by the ironing board…
Dover Pub Crawl Encourages Business
Last Last weekend Dover, WHEB and Samuel Adams hosted the first Oktoberfest (yes, spelled with a "k"). Over 15 Dover pubs were visited by 2 crowds. Each establishment offered free appetizers demonstrating…
The Sellers Market
How many people will raise their hand to agree that we are in the midst of a sellers market.Let's start by identifying the buyer. He or She has somehow dodged the bullet of the housing crash and has…
Why you need professional representation when buying or selling real estate!
When thinking about what duties Realtors perform in the sale of a home, many people assume our main job is marketing. And on the buying side, many assume our main duty is to set showing appointments. While…
Real Estate: Still the safest investment
Amid the bailout talks and economic ruin that is blasted on our wonderful media outlets (note the sarcasm) a glimmer of hope stands there in the wilderness.   Real Estate.  Hmmm, just a…
You may qualify for relocation benefits and not know it!
Are you a USAA member? Do you bank at Chase? Do you have an account at Navy Federal Credit Union? Do you have a Costco card?  Do you run a business?  Are you signed up for U-Promise?  Many…
Thank you buyers... You are still here
I have heard so much about the negative things going on in the financial world (it does sell papers)Everything is fine and while looking at things that are not working perfectly, we will change what needs…
Georgia Homes are Bargains, but What About the Down Payment?
You’ve heard it in the media.  Metro Atlanta homeowners and new home communities are so motivated to sell that many from both groups are now quite flexible on their sales prices, making now…
Waiting for the Bottom
Sounds quite simple, right? Wait for housing prices to bottom out and purchase a home at the lowest price and then sell at the top of the market. The problem is, due to market inefficiencies, one never…
Is the neighborhood safe? Safety tips for single women (and men too).
There are certain criteria that you look for in buying a home.  How close is it to my relatives?  How far do I have to travel to go to work?  How far is the local school for…
Everyone needs a place to live!
Today is Monday (Black monday) September 29th, 2008.The day the $700 billion dollar bail out plan was shut down by congress. Should we be afraid?I don't think so. The amount of money to be lost in the…
TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS!
The newly approved tax credit for first-time buyers is like having a 15 year, interest-free loan.  The down payment and closing costs may actually be less than the credit the buyer receives. The Housing…
Is Using a Buyer's Agent Worthwhile?
A recent question on Trulia is “blog-worthy” as it’s a continued topic of conversation in this business….   What are some benefits of a buyer's agent? For someone who's…
First Time Home Buyers Score Big With New Housing Bill
First time home buyers will receive a nice gift from the Federal Government when they prepare their tax returns for 2008 or 2009.  The new tax credit will provide first time home buyers a tax…
Affordable homes in Wilmington NC May Give First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
First Time Home Buyers Tax CreditFirst time home buyers can now receive a $7500 tax credit on homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. A tax credit is a direct reduction of taxes,…
Shopping for a NEW (new construction) Home?
It is very tempting, when you are out driving around town, to stop into a new home development, just to see what they are offering.  After all, you are right there and curious.   …
THE SILVER LINING IN THIS MARKET
If you believe that in every dark cloud there is a silver lining, and you're considering purchasing a home, don't miss out on the opportunities that this real estate market presents for those who are considering…
Agency
Okay, this is a topic that tends to make Realtors’® eyes glaze over, but it needs to be understood.  Not just by Realtors®, but by buyers and sellers.  Especially buyers. So this…
Buying a home in today's market
I think that with all that is going on in the financial market and the economy is really scary. But at the same time it is opening a world of opportunities for a real estate buyer or investor.I have been…
Down Payment Assistance Available in Dekalb County, GA
Did you know that there is Down Payment Assistance available for 1st Time Home Buyers in Dekalb County? Applications are now being accepted for the DeKalb County First-Time Homebuyer Program, funded by…
Top 3 Homes for Sale in San Francisco
I was checking out our new stats and trends pages for San Francisco today, and playing with the search filters when I thought it would be fun to take a peek at the most expensive homes in San Francisco. …
Down Payment Assistance Back in Fulton County
It's Baaaack.  Regular readers to this blog should already be aware now of how to borrow the money for their down payment for the purchase of their first home (or first home in three years)…
How to Help First-Time Home Buyers in this Market
Disclaimer: In no way does the following post represent anything that is Trulia corporate view.  In fact, my blog itself does not represent Trulia's views on anything, and they are solely my own opinions.So…
Buyers afraid of open houses?
I'll admit it - I'm one of those people that really likes to attend open houses.  Even before beginning the process as a (semi-) serious buyer, I'd stop by open houses in my neighborhood just to get…
Buy Ugly, Ugly, Ugly VS Location, Location, Location
We have all heard of the most three important things in real estate. That being "location, location, location". In uncertain marketplaces, and uncertain financial times, perhaps that mantra should be "ugly,…
Dave Ramsey's Thoughts
Like many, I spend some time in my vehicle listening mainly to talk radio these days.  Today I was listening to Bill O'Rielly as is customary.  He happened to have Dave Ramsey on the show today…
homes in the city vs homes in the suburbs
Having lived in the city my whole life, I've always wondered how it would feel like to live in the suburbs.  Although this may not have been the best way to experience it, I've visited my friends…
Down payment assistance still seems impossible to come back.
The House Financial Services Committee has approved a bill that would allow nonprofit housing groups to continue to arrange downpayment assistance on Federal Housing Administration loans and give the FHA…
Three places NOT to buy a house if you're afraid of sharks
If there were ever a time to use “OMG,” this is it. A Key West man punched a shark to save his dog’s life! Talk about love for man’s best friend! Exclamation point! http://ww…
Is it a Good Time to Buy?
Alot of people in the industry feel like a successful Realtor is a listing agent and he/she should concentrate only on getting listings because when you have a large inventory of homes you control the…
The Times They are A-Changin'
  ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES ARE HERE! Real estate contracts may now be signed electronically.  You don’t need any special equipment—you may sign with your mouse!  Even though your…
Now Is The TIme To Buy!
NOW is the time to Buy!!!  Westchester prices are holding and Putnam prices have gone up!  There is a lot of inventory we have to move so now is the ideal time to buy!  Remember, that all…
Top 3 Homes for Sale in NYC
Yesterday's post about the most expensive homes for sale in San Francisco was so fun, I decided to check out the high-end homes in the Big Apple.  Here are three stunning homes I found:Here a 2 BR,…
hosting a sheep in my SF home
I'd like to buy a home in San Francisco and start a farm, beginning with a sheep. What animal should I have next? Gimme some feedback! Lookin' for the next farm animal...
There is help for buyers
There is help out there for buyers, even in today's market.  The main reason why I went for, and achieved, the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) is because I wanted to have enough knowledge…
Saginaw, MI house sold for $1.75
Transaction history: April 1999: Purchased for $2,000 December 2006: Purchased for $400 January 2007: Purchased for $10 January 2008: Purchased for $26 September 2008: Purchased for $1.75 Joanne…
What does a Buyer's Agent Cost
The short answer is nothing.When a seller lists a home with a broker they agree at the time of listing on the amount of commission that the seller pays to the listng broker at closing.  Let’s say that…
Our Market- Buyer's Come on Out!
Oct 1, 2008   I watch the market and our economic times and find myself listening to everybody and everything as to gain some glimmer of vision as to where this will lead us. On the surface, things…
Have A Smooth Home Purchase
    Six Simple Things You Can Do to Ensure a Smooth Home Purchase Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process. There are a few things that you can do to help…
Now is the time to buy.
With interest rates still low and prices of homes being reduced, now is the time to buy.  I know most people say but I have a home to sell.   The seller may loose a little on their home…
Why should I buy now?
Everyday I see myself answering this question with people I meet. Almost everyone I meet on a daily basis has the need to buy or sell in this market. It's simple, I said this before and I say it again.…
Good News For Buyers in Greater Lansing Real Estate Market
The good news for buyers in the greater Lansing real estate market is that now is a great time to buy a house if you have a job, if you have a good credit rating (700 or above) and you have the motivation…
Houses for $1.75
I'm not sure I'd move to Saginaw, Michigan but the homes prices sure seem reasonable! Maybe events such as buying a house on Ebay for $1.75 in Saginaw provide a distraction from the stories of our economy…
Google’s “Street View” Saves Buyers Time (and gas money)!
Google’s Street View tool is an easy way for buyers to scope out a listings front yard, street, or neighborhood. Google Maps is commonly used by buyers to check out an aerial view surrounding a listing.…
Heron Harbour Isle - Bayfront Luxury in Ocean City Maryland
The magnificent bay front community of Heron Harbour Isle on 120th Street in Ocean City, Maryland offers many varieties of properties for a buyer to choose from. The community has three pools. Two pools…
Investors where can you buy real estate and still turn a profit????
I have been in the real estate business for over 10yrs now and I do not even remember our market ever being this bad.I work with over hundreds on investors world wide and they have been pleading me to…
Quicken loans Lender Scam beware!!!
I want to warn buyers of lender scams.  This actually happened to me. I shopped 4 lenders to get estimates when buying a home.  Quicken loans calls me as they are partnered up with Sallie Mae…
Why Buy When everyone Else is Selling?
  Yes, it's time to buy a home. One that you can afford and still love.Hey, here's a thought! Buy rentals for retirement income or for future college funds.(The Smart investors know there will be…
Questions from the vice presidential debate
I have questions about the vice presidential debate. Only the first is related to home buying but they’re all valid queries… 1. How do you feel about Biden saying home buyers should be able…
Is now really a good time to buy?
Every day lately it seems I have a new client who calls and is asking me what I think of the current market.   I also get many inquiries as to if banks are still lending and if it is truly a…
Leawood Kansas City Information and contact
Leawood Kansas Information  Incorporated as a municipality in 1948, Leawood quickly became known for its lovely residential neighborhoods, beautiful parks and excellent schools. Over the past several…
Real Estate Overland Park Kansas
Overland Park Kansas Info  Overland Park is the second most populous city in the U.S. state of Kansas. It is located in Johnson County, a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is near…
Invest in the Bay Area?
Some of my clients have been interested over the years in placing some money in a modest investment, in the Bay Area. The reasons may vary, but often it is to use the property later for themselves, or…
Now is a great time to buy!
In a recent television interview, Dave Ramsey best known a financial guru states that this is the best market to buy real estate in 40 years.  While I can’t go back as long, I agree that now…
Ease Your Real Estate Panic: Barbara Corcoran on the TODAY Show this morning
Every morning, I drink my coffee and check my email with the TODAY Show on in the background. What can I say? I like my news fluffy in the morning. Anyway, Barbara Corcoran has been on a lot lately.…
If My Mortgage Lender Fails, Are My Payments Still Due?
Thursday, federal regulators seized mortgage lender Washington Mutual.   The Seattle-based thrift became the third "big name" lender to close its doors since July, joining IndyMac and…
Buying luxury property with a gallon of milk.
Each time I sell a property I leave a gallon of milk in the refrigerator. The reason I do this is because, " the gallon of milk factor" is very important to me as a consumer.Luxury properties can be located…
Shouldn't there be a mandatory check box when inputting a short sale listing?
Seattle short sales&Foreclosures...I have been successful at both short sales and foreclosures as well as traditional Seattle real estate, but I think that in the interest of getting accurate information…
New Home to buy? Which Contract form to use?
Buyers wanting to buy a new home need to know that they may be giving up significant rights by agreeing to use the builder's contract form.  You, the buyer need to appreciate that this contract form…
Condo Maintenance. Who pays for what?
Everything built by man requires some maintenance at some point.  Even so-called maintenance-free homes require some attention. So when making the transition from renting to buying, one aspect of…
Today's market
In today's Poughkeepsie Journal there was an article about how now is truly the best time to buy.  I couldn't agree more.  Housing prices are at an all time low, inventory is great, banks are…
Using 'Keyword' search on Trulia.
Havn't we all heard it at one time or another or even said it ourselves? It's sad, but it's the truth.  Even with the housing prices going down in some areas, home ownership is still out of reach. …
First Time Buyers
This articles has some valuable information to assist the first time home buyerFinding the right first home starts with a price range and a short list of desirable neighborhoods. But there are many other…
How To: Prepare For Your First Home Purchase – Denver, Colorado
The 3 most important factors to be aware of before buying your First Home:1. Income2. Credit3. Assets 1.  Income. To borrow the amount of money needed to buy a home you will need to…
Fantastic Real Estate Agent!
We would like to comment on just how pleased we are to have found the most fantastic Real Estate Agent on Trulia's.Her name is Lucinda Tkach and she is from the Central Phoenix Windermere Office. She worked…
Chapel Hill Real Estate Opportunities!
Beautiful and charming, Chapel Hill is a thriving town that more than 52,000 residents are proud to call home. Located in the southeast corner of Orange County, Chapel Hill has municipal boundaries that…
Why buy now? Isn't the market down?
In hosting open houses over the weekend, these questions were posed to me repeatedly.  Why would anyone buy a house right now, the market is so unstable?  In reality, this is the best time to…
Is it better to wait until next year to buy or just buy a home now.
A question from a Morristown NJ Real Estate consumer.With our economy on the brink of a recession that may last anywhere from 6-12 months. Would it make sense to buy real estate in such a market?…
Real Estate Market, Loans, Economy
Regardless of what everyone with a negative outlook on buying Real Estate says.....My business is thriving! I am selling homes in all areas of Charlotte and homes in the Lake Norman area and Lake Wylie…
NJ Short Sales, Getting to Closing. First in a series on Short Sales in NJ
Short Sales are the growth segment in today's real estate market.  Every day I receive calls from potential clients interested in buying or selling Short Sales.  From speaking with the clients…
Still a Good Time to Buy!
It's still a good time to buy in Dunedin, Florida.  Despite what the news media is reporting, Dunedin has a fair share of lending insitutitons ready, willing and able to make loans on those below…
Many potential buyers are reluctanct to make a move today.
For the past 12 to 18 months I have been marketing to first time home buyers. This is what I have discovered. Depending on the buyers age they often do not have enough lines of trade on the credit…
Don't Sellers HAVE to Accept the Higest Offer?
I have recently been asked this question many, many times so I thought this would be a GOOD post.  The ANSWER is "NO". When an offer is presented to a seller, there are 3 things that may happen with…
Buyers...What happens after your contract is accepted by the seller
You found your "DREAM HOME", the offer was accepted by the seller, NOW WHAT? When the Seller accepts your contract to purchase, there is still more work to be done to assure a smooth closing on your…
Charleston, SC a place to live
If you like history then Charleston South Carolina it a great place to live and work.  Our diverse economy allows for people from all over, to find a home and put down roots.  The historic downtown…
Lancaster PA Mortgage Rate and Real Estate Environment
Separating truth from the myths: *You need perfect credit and a lot of cash to get a mortgage (Myth) The truth is Government mortgages through FHA, VA and USDA offer little to no down payments with credit…
Real Estate America
Indiana the 19th US state is setteled in the Midwest area of the United States of America. Indiana  ranked 15th in population with over 6-million residents and 38th in land area. Indiana is a diverse…
Homes at bargain prices waiting to be purchased...cash in now!
Let me explain...The Dow Jones lost a record 777 points recently. Behind every share that was sold was a buyer that thought this is a good time to buy. Warren Buffet's philosophy on making money in the…
$300 GAS rebates for every Pre-Approval until Dec. 31st.
To help ease everyones pain at the pumps, local mortgage advisor, John Topa of First Sunrise Mortgage is giving away $300 of gas rebates to everyone who gets pre approved before the end of the year. …
A Consortium of Builders and others Offer Down Payment Assistance to All
So you’ve been reading my blog entries about down payment assistance available to first time home buyers on homes priced up to $250,000 provided their household incomes did not exceed a certain limit…
Home crisis hits flickr
Here is a picture that someone posted on flickr. Sort of sad but true.
Short on cash? How to buy a house with friends
By Christopher SolomonFour years ago, Josh Tackitt of Portland, Ore., had grown weary of living in crowded rental houses and started looking for his own place. So did a very good friend of his.They did…
NOW IS THE TIME!!!
Take advantage of the turmoil going on in the Market! Now is the time for investors and all buyers to BUY!!!! If you are taking money out of the market, you need to invest in something else, and REAL ESTATE…
Why Buy a Home in Today’s Market?
Despite all the bad news, it really is a good time to buy a home.  This article from the California Association of Realtors explains why.Buying a home in today’s market may be challenging, particularly…
Now is a great time to buy your own piece of American pie!!
Now is a terrific time to invest in American real estate. With the American foreclosure market driving down home values, you can purchase a terrific home at deep discount prices.  Now is a great time…
10 Home Buying Tips for Uneasy Times
10 home-buying tips for uneasy times Mortgages are harder to obtain today, and deals require more money down, but it's still a good time for buyers. Here's how to get the home you want at the best pri…
On the Path to a Housing Rebound: The Importance of the First-time Buyer in this Market
On the path to a housing rebound The pain that homeowners and homebuilders are feeling now is a sign that things are going to get better. By Shawn Tully, editor at large LAST UPDATED: JUNE 24, 2008:…
Pierce county assistance for new buyers.
FHA loans have become the best tool we have to owning the proper home loans. Rates currently sit at approx. 5.5 interest and require 3% down payment. But there is a great advantage to owners around pierce…
Austin is still hot -- learn where, how and what to look for
Austin has one of the hottest real estate markets in the country.    Forbes sited Austin as one of America's top 10 recession-proof cities, but our market is changing. Learn where, how and what…
When is the Best Time to Buy a Home?
    It would be easy for someone to put out all kinds of special time frame analysis, stock market information and real estate market trends to try and explain when it's best to purchase a home. …
Short Sale Nightmare!
I've been looking for a house for my girlfriend and I since mid summer.  We have looked at over 60+ places.  The market in Minneapolis is not all that great it seems.  From my perspective…
HOA Payments with a Condo? What's That All About?
Why buy in a community that has a Home Owner’s Association? A HOA Board is a voluntary group of homeowners gathered together to protect their property values and to improve the neighborhood The…
Question about Mill Hill in Trenton NJ
Quick Question: I'm just curious about the typical prices in this neighborhood; what the neighborhood is like. Also, given the current state of the economy, how low are sellers willing to go? Quite a few…
First Home? Gotta read! - Denver, CO (First time homebuyer series)
Michael Shotnik First Home - Loan Specialist mshotnik@summit-mortgage.com denver1stmortgage.com   Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Banker Mortgage Broker Mortgage Broker is an intermediary between the…
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